Printing device

Abstract

To provide a printer which can easily perform replacement of a cutting part by effectively utilizing a wide space.SOLUTION: A printer (1) comprises: conveyance rollers (60, 66); an image recording part (3) which records an image on paper (P); a cutting part (10) which cuts the paper (P); and a control part. The control part moves the cutting part (10) to the outer side with respect to a platen (34) in the scan direction (right-left direction) to cut the paper (P). A replacement position (EX) for replacement of a cutter unit is provided on the outer side with respect to the platen (34) in the scan direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there is a printing device equipped with a cutting unit for cutting a recording medium. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a cutting device that cuts a recording medium by sliding a circular blade against a fixed blade. In the cutting device of Patent Document 1, a user can replace the circular blade to perform maintenance of the cutting device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

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

[0004] Here, for example, in a small printing device, the components are arranged by effectively utilizing a wide space near the center of the width of the printing device, above the position where the paper passes. In such a printing device, if a replacement position for replacing the cutting part is arranged in the wide space near the center of the width of the printing device, there is a problem that the wide space cannot be effectively used for component arrangement.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a printing device that can effectively utilize a large space and allows for easy replacement of the cutting part. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a printing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a transport unit that transports a recording medium along a transport direction, an image recording unit that supports the recording medium transported by the transport unit with a platen and records an image on the recording medium, a cutting unit that has a removable cutter unit and cuts the recording medium, and a control unit. The control unit cuts the recording medium by moving the cutting unit outward from the platen in a scanning direction that intersects with the transport direction. The printing device is characterized in that a replacement position for replacing the cutter unit is provided outward from the platen in the scanning direction.

[0007] According to the printing device configured as described above, the replacement position for replacing the cutter unit is provided outside the platen in the scanning direction, so that components such as the tube support plate and tubes can be arranged in a large space near the center of the width of the printing device. This makes it possible to effectively utilize the large space near the center of the width of the printing device, and to easily replace the cutting part at a position that avoids the center of the width of the printing device. Effect of the Invention

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE According to one aspect of the present invention, a printing device is provided that can effectively utilize a large space and can easily replace a cutting unit. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a printing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an internal structure of a printing device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 is a diagram showing the periphery of an image recording unit of a printing device according to a first embodiment as viewed from above. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a cartridge cover is open in the printing device of the first embodiment. [Diagram 5]2 is a schematic perspective view showing the top surface of the printer unit when the image reading unit is open in the printing device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a diagram showing the appearance of a cutting unit of the printing device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a sheet of paper before cutting and a first sheet of paper and a second sheet of paper resulting from cutting; [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of control during printing by a control unit of the printing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of control by a control unit when replacing a cutting unit of the printing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a top view of an image recording section and a cutting section according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] [Embodiment 1] [Printing device configuration] A printing device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figs. 1 to 10. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the printing device 1 according to the first embodiment. The printing device 1 shown in Fig. 1 is an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral) having a printer unit 11, an image reading unit 12, and the like. The printer unit 11 has an inkjet printing function of recording print data specified by a print job on paper P, which is an example of a recording medium, by ejecting ink L, which is an example of a liquid. The image reading unit 12 is rotatably provided above the image recording unit 3 in the printing device 1, and has a scanner function of reading an image recorded on the paper P.

[0011] The printing method is not limited to the inkjet method, but may be an electrophotographic method. The image printed on the paper P may be color printable or may be exclusively for monochrome printing. For ease of explanation, the up-down direction, left-right direction, and front-rear direction of the printing device 1 are defined below as shown by the arrows in FIG. 1, based on the position in which the printing device 1 is installed on a horizontal surface so that it can be used.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, an opening 20 is formed in the front of the printer unit 11 of the printing device 1. A feed tray 21 and a discharge tray 22 are arranged in the opening 20 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction. The feed tray 21 is a case for storing a plurality of sheets of paper P, and has an open top. The discharge tray 22 is arranged above the feed tray 21, and supports sheets of paper P on which images have been recorded, etc. The size of the sheets of paper P is, for example, A4 size. Note that the sheets of paper P are not limited to paper media, and may also be other resin media such as overhead projector sheets.

[0013] 1, a setting unit 123 having a display screen is provided on the front of the printing device 1. The setting unit 123 is, for example, a touch panel, and is configured to allow a user to perform touch operations to perform various settings related to printing by the printing device 1 and replacement of the cutting unit 10. When the size of the paper P, whether or not to perform cutting processing, replacement of the cutting unit 10, etc. are set by the setting unit 123, the set information is output to the control unit 100 (see FIG. 8).

[0014] 1, a cartridge cover 81 is rotatably provided on the right side of the front surface of the printing device 1. Inside the cartridge cover 81, an ink cartridge 8 attached to a cartridge case 80 is disposed as shown in FIG. 4. Here, the ink cartridge 8 is an example of a liquid storage section.

[0015] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the printing device 1 according to the embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the feeding roller 23, the first conveying path R1, the conveying rollers 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, the image recording unit 3, the cutting unit 10, and the second conveying path R2 are arranged inside the printing device 1. The feeding roller 23 and the conveying rollers 60, 62, 64, 66 are an example of a conveying unit that conveys the paper P in the first conveying direction D1 (conveying direction).

[0016] The feed roller 23 is a roller for feeding the paper P stored in the feed tray 21 to the first transport path R1. The feed roller 23 is rotatably supported at the tip of a feed arm 24. The feed arm 24 is rotatably supported on a shaft 25 supported on the frame of the printing device 1. The feed arm 24 is urged to rotate toward the feed tray 21 by its own weight or by elastic force due to a spring or the like.

[0017] The feed roller 23 rotates forward when the feed motor 107 (see FIG. 8) is driven. When the feed roller 23 rotates forward, the paper P stored in the feed tray 21 is fed one sheet at a time to the first transport path R1. The paper P fed to the first transport path R1 is transported in the first transport direction D1, that is, from the rear to the front of the printing device 1.

[0018] The first transport path R1 refers to a space formed by the guide members 41, 42, 43, and 44, the image recording unit 3, etc. The first transport path R1 extends upward from the rear end of the feed tray 21, curves in an area defined by the guide members 41 and 42, passes through the position of the image recording unit 3, extends linearly in an area defined by the guide members 43 and 44, and reaches the discharge tray 22.

[0019] A transport roller 60 is disposed upstream of the image recording unit 3 in the first transport direction D1 on the first transport path R1. A pinch roller 61 is disposed at a position facing the lower part of the transport roller 60. The transport roller 60 is driven by a transport motor 108 (see FIG. 8). The pinch roller 61 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the transport roller 60. As the transport roller 60 and the pinch roller 61 rotate in the forward direction, the paper P is sandwiched between the transport roller 60 and the pinch roller 61 and transported to the image recording unit 3.

[0020] 2, a transport roller 62 is disposed on the first transport path R1 downstream of the image recording unit 3 in the first transport direction D1. A spur roller 63 is disposed in a position facing an upper portion of the transport roller 62. The transport roller 62 is driven by a transport motor 108. The spur roller 63 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the transport roller 62. As the transport roller 62 and the spur roller 63 rotate in the forward direction, the paper P is sandwiched between the transport roller 62 and the spur roller 63 and transported downstream in the first transport direction D1.

[0021] Further, a conveying roller 64 is disposed downstream of the conveying roller 62 in the first conveying direction D1 in the first conveying path R1. A spur roller 65 is disposed at a position facing the upper part of the conveying roller 64. The conveying roller 64 is driven by a conveying motor 108. The spur roller 65 rotates with the rotation of the conveying roller 64. When the conveying roller 64 and the spur roller 65 rotate forward, the paper P is sandwiched between the conveying roller 64 and the spur roller 65 and conveyed to the cutting section 10 side. On the other hand, when the conveying roller 64 and the spur roller 65 rotate reversely, the paper P is sandwiched between the conveying roller 64 and the spur roller 65 and conveyed to the second conveying path R2 along the lower surface of the first flap 46.

[0022] A transport roller 66 is disposed downstream of the cutting section 10 in the first transport direction D1 on the first transport path R1. A spur roller 67 is disposed in a position facing the upper part of the transport roller 66. The transport roller 66 is driven by a transport motor 108. The spur roller 67 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the transport roller 66. As the transport roller 66 and the spur roller 67 rotate in the forward direction, the paper P, the first paper P1, and the second paper P2 are transported by the transport roller 66 and discharged to the discharge tray 22.

[0023] In the first conveying path R1, the cutting section 10 is disposed between the conveying roller 64 and the conveying roller 66. As shown in Fig. 6, the cutting section 10 has a cutter unit 10C, and cuts the paper P by moving a cutter carriage 10A in the scanning direction by the driving force of a cutter carriage motor 110 (see Fig. 8).

[0024] As shown in Fig. 2, a first flap 46 is disposed in the first transport path R1 between the transport roller 62 and the transport roller 64, near a branch position Y facing the guide member 43. The first flap 46 is supported by the platen 34 and is rotatable between a first state and a second state. In the first state shown by the solid line in Fig. 2, the first flap 46 abuts against the guide member 43 to block the first transport path R1. On the other hand, in the second state shown by the dotted line in Fig. 2, the first flap 46 is positioned lower than in the first state and is separated from the guide member 43 to allow the paper P transported in the first transport direction D1 to pass through.

[0025] The first flap 46 is biased upward by a coil spring 47. One end of the coil spring 47 is connected to the first flap 46, and the other end is connected to the platen 34. The first flap 46 is biased by the coil spring 47 to be in the first state, and its front end abuts against the guide member 43.

[0026] In addition, a second flap 48 is rotatably disposed at a joining position W of the first transport path R1 and the second transport path R2. Specifically, the second flap 48 is rotatable between a first state shown by a solid line in Fig. 2 and a second state shown by a dotted line in Fig. 2. When the second flap 48 is in the first state, the second flap 48 and the guide member 42 form a part of the second transport path R2. When the second flap 48 is in the second state, the second flap 48 and the guide member 41 form a part of the first transport path R1.

[0027] A registration sensor 120 is disposed upstream of the transport roller 60 in the first transport path R1. The registration sensor 120 is attached to the guide member 42, and is a sensor that detects when the front end or rear end of the paper P passes through the contact position with the transport roller 60. The registration sensor 120 may be a sensor having an actuator that swings when the paper P comes into contact with it, or an optical sensor. The registration sensor 120 outputs an ON signal when the paper P passes through the contact position with the transport roller 60, and outputs an OFF signal when the paper P does not pass through the contact position with the transport roller 60. The detection signal by the registration sensor 120 is output to the control unit 100.

[0028] The conveying roller 60 is provided with a rotary encoder 121 that detects the rotation of the conveying roller 60. The rotary encoder 121 outputs a pulse signal to the control unit 100 in response to the rotation of the conveying roller 60 (see FIG. 8). The rotary encoder 121 has an encoder disk and an optical sensor. The encoder disk rotates together with the rotation of the conveying roller 60. The optical sensor reads the rotating encoder disk to generate a pulse signal, and outputs the generated pulse signal to the control unit 100.

[0029] The second transport path R2 is a path defined by guide members 51, 52, and 53, a transport roller 68, a pinch roller 69, etc. The second transport path R2 branches off from a branching position Y on the upstream side of the transport roller 64 on the first transport path R1, and is connected to a joining position W on the upstream side of the image recording unit 3 on the first transport path R1 in the first transport direction D1.

[0030] Therefore, by controlling the control unit 100 to reversely rotate the transport roller 64 and rotate the transport roller 68, the paper P having an image recorded on one side can be transported in the second transport path R2 along the second transport direction D2, and then transported to the first transport path R1 in a state in which the paper P has been inverted once. This allows the image recording unit 3 to print on both sides of the paper P.

[0031] [Image recording section configuration] 3 is a top view of the periphery of the image recording unit 3 of the printing device 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the image recording unit 3 has a buffer tank 30, a head carriage 31, a recording head 32, a plurality of nozzles 33, and a platen 34, and is for recording an image on a paper P.

[0032] The buffer tank 30 contains the ink L supplied from the ink cartridges 8 via supply tubes 82. A tube joint 83 is also integrally provided with the buffer tank 30. One ends of the four supply tubes 82 are detachably connected to the tube joint 83. The other ends of the four supply tubes 82 are connected to the four ink cartridges 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K, respectively.

[0033] 2, the image recording unit 3 is disposed on the first transport path R1 between a transport roller 60 and a transport roller 62. The recording head 32 is mounted on a head carriage 31. The lower surface of the recording head 32 is a nozzle surface 330 on which a plurality of nozzles 33 are formed. The plurality of nozzles 33 communicate with the inside of the buffer tank 30.

[0034] The recording head 32 ejects the ink L contained in the buffer tank 30 from the nozzles 33 toward the paper P by vibrating a vibration element such as a piezoelectric element. The nozzles 33 eject the ink L of three colors, yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C), and black (K).

[0035] The platen 34 is a rectangular plate-shaped member on which the paper P is placed. During the process in which the head carriage 31 moves relative to the paper P supported by the platen 34, the recording head 32 selectively ejects ink droplets, thereby recording an image on the paper P.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 3, two guide rails 13, 14 extending parallel to the scanning direction (left-right direction in Fig. 3) are provided above the platen 34. The head carriage 31 is attached to the two guide rails 13, 14. The head carriage 31 is configured to be movable in the left-right direction along the two guide rails 15, 16 in an area facing the platen 34.

[0037] A drive belt 15 is also attached to the head carriage 31. The drive belt 15 is an endless belt wound around two pulleys 16 and 17. One of the pulleys, 16, is connected to a head carriage motor 109 (see FIG. 8). When the head carriage motor 109 is driven in the forward or reverse direction, the pulley 16 rotates and the drive belt 15 runs. This causes the head carriage 31 to reciprocate in the left and right directions. At this time, the image recording unit 3 mounted on the head carriage 31 also reciprocates in the left and right directions.

[0038] The head carriage 31 reciprocates in the scanning direction by the driving force of the head carriage motor 109 being transmitted thereto (see FIG. 3). When recording an image on the paper P, the control unit 100 repeats a recording process in which ink is ejected from the recording head 32 while moving the head carriage 31 in the scanning direction while the transport of the paper P is stopped, thereby recording one line of an image on the paper P, and a line feed process in which the transport rollers 60 and 62 are driven to transport the paper P by a predetermined line feed amount. In this way, a desired image or the like is recorded on the paper P.

[0039] [Configuration of the suction unit] The suction unit 7 performs suction purging of the nozzle 33 as a maintenance operation for recovering the discharge state of the nozzle 33. As shown in Fig. 3, the suction unit 7 has a cap unit 70, a suction pump 71, and a waste liquid tank 72. Note that the configuration of the suction unit 7 shown in Fig. 3 is an example, and is not limited thereto.

[0040] The cap unit 70 is disposed to the right of the platen 34 in the scanning direction. During standby when the image recording unit 3 is not recording an image on the paper P, the head carriage 31 shown in Fig. 3 moves to a standby position HP where the nozzle surface 330 of the recording head 32 and the cap unit 70 face each other vertically. At the standby position HP, the cap unit 70 is attached to the recording head 32 and covers the nozzle surface 330 to seal the nozzles 33. This prevents the nozzles 33 from drying out.

[0041] The cap portion 70 is made of, for example, a rubber material. The cap portion 70 is configured to be displaceable so as to come into contact with and separate from the recording head 32 when driven by a cap displacement portion (not shown) at the standby position HP.

[0042] At the standby position HP, for example, a suction purge is performed to forcibly discharge the ink L from the nozzles 33. The suction pump 71 is, for example, a tube pump. The driving of the suction pump 71 is controlled by the control unit 100. When the suction pump 71 is driven, the gas and liquid inside the cap unit 70 are sucked in. The suction pump 71 is connected to a waste liquid tank 72 via a tube 73. The waste liquid tank 72 stores the ink L discharged from the inside of the cap unit 70 by the suction pump 71.

[0043] [Ink cartridge configuration] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the cartridge cover 81 is open in the printing device 1 according to embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 4, a cartridge case 80 for mounting the ink cartridge 8 is disposed on the right side of the front surface of the printing device 1.

[0044] The ink cartridges 8 are generally rectangular parallelepiped containers for storing ink L, and four are provided. The four ink cartridges 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K store ink L of four colors, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), respectively. The ink L is a pigment ink in which pigment particles are dispersed in a solvent.

[0045] 3, the four ink cartridges 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K are each connected to the image recording unit 3 via four supply tubes 82. The supply tubes 82 are made of a flexible member, and communicate between the inside of the ink cartridges 8 and the inside of the buffer tank 30 of the image recording unit 3. Although not shown, a flexible flat cable extends from the head carriage 31. The flexible flat cable electrically connects the control unit 100 and the recording head 32.

[0046] Opening 5 is a schematic perspective view showing the top surface of the printer unit 11 when the image reading unit 12 is opened in the printing device 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, a cover member 111 made of, for example, resin is disposed on the top surface of the printer unit 11. An opening 112 is formed in the cover member 111. The opening 112 communicates with the replacement position EX and is of a size that allows the cutter unit 10C of the cutting unit 10 to pass through. A user can replace the cutter unit 10C of the cutting unit 10 shown in FIG. 6 through the opening 112.

[0047] [Cutting section configuration] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the appearance of the cutting section 10 of the printing device 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the cutting section 10 has a cutter unit 10C mounted on a cutter carriage 10A. The cutter unit 10C has a circular upper blade 10C1 and a lower blade 10C2. The cutter unit 10C is attached to the cutter carriage 10A by, for example, screws. A user can remove the cutter unit 10C from the cutter carriage 10A by loosening the screws with a tool or the like at the replacement position EX of the printing device 1, and perform maintenance on the cutter unit 10C.

[0048] The upper blade 10C1 is rotatably attached to the cutter carriage 10A via an O-ring or the like (not shown). The lower blade 10C2 is also rotatably attached to the cutter carriage 10A via an O-ring or the like, similar to the upper blade 10C1. The cutting unit 10 cuts the paper P at the cutting position X by rotating the upper blade 10C1 and the lower blade 10C2 and bringing them into contact with each other. The paper P cut by the cutting unit 10 is separated into a first paper P1 and a second paper P2, as shown in FIG. 7.

[0049] The upper blade 10C1 and the lower blade 10C2 may be fixed blades or a combination of a rotary blade and a fixed blade. The cutter unit 10C may include only one of the upper blade 10C1 and the lower blade 10C2. In this case, the cutting position X refers to the position where the upper blade 10C1 or the lower blade 10C2 contacts the paper P. The shape and size of the cutter unit 10C can be changed as appropriate.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 6, the cutting unit 10 is supported by a support rail 18 extending in the scanning direction so as to be movable in the scanning direction. An endless belt wound around a rotating shaft (not shown) is provided on the support rail 18. The endless belt is connected to a cutter carriage 10A. The rotating shaft is rotated by the driving force of a cutter carriage motor 110 (see Fig. 8) to rotate the endless belt, thereby moving the cutter carriage 10A in the scanning direction along the support rail 18.

[0051] [Relative position between standby position and exchange position] 3, in the first embodiment, a standby position SB for keeping the cutting unit 10 on standby is provided outside the platen 34 in the scanning direction. The standby position SB is a space for keeping the cutting unit 10 on standby when the cutting unit 10 is in a standby state where it is not cutting paper.

[0052] Further, an exchange position EX for exchanging the cutter unit 10C is provided on the outer right side of the standby position SB in the scanning direction. That is, the exchange position EX is disposed on the right side in the scanning direction, similar to the positions of the standby position SB and the cap part 70. This makes it possible to effectively utilize the wide space near the center of the printing device in the width direction.

[0053] Specifically, the replacement position EX is located behind the setting unit 123 and below the image reading unit 12 shown in Fig. 1, and is located at a position corresponding to the opening 112 formed in the cover member 111 shown in Fig. 5. The replacement position EX is also located behind the cartridge case 80 of the ink cartridge 8.

[0054] Furthermore, the replacement position EX is disposed on the right outer side in the scanning direction than the right end of the guide rails 13, 14 to which the head carriage 31 is attached. Also, the replacement position EX is disposed on the right outer side in the scanning direction (left-right direction in FIG. 5) than the feed tray 21 and the discharge tray 22 (see FIG. 1 and FIG. 5). Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the replacement position EX is disposed on the right outer side in the scanning direction (left-right direction in FIG. 3) than the transport rollers 60, 66. Also, the replacement position EX is disposed on the right side in the scanning direction than the position through which the paper P cut by the cutting unit 10 passes. In this way, in the printing device 1 of the first embodiment, by devising the position of the replacement position EX, it is possible to easily replace the cutter unit 10C of the cutting unit 10.

[0055] 3, a plate-shaped regulating member 90 is disposed at the right end of the exchange position EX. The regulating member 90 is a member that abuts against the cutting unit 10 to prevent the cutting unit 10 from moving outward to the right in the scanning direction from a predetermined position.

[0056] A spring 91, which is an example of a biasing member, is attached to the right end surface of the regulating member 90. The spring 91 is a member for biasing the regulating member 90 inward in the scanning direction.

[0057] 7 is a diagram showing the paper P before cutting and the first paper P1 and second paper P2 resulting from cutting. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the cutting unit 10 cuts the paper P having a length A in the transport direction, dividing the paper P into two equal pieces, a first paper P1 having a length A1 in the transport direction and a second paper P2 having a length A2 in the transport direction. For example, when the paper P is A4 size, the first paper P1 and second paper P2 having A5 size are generated. In addition, the first paper P1 is transported before the second paper P2 in the first transport path R1.

[0058] [Electrical configuration of the printing device] Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printing device 1 according to embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 8, the printing device 1 includes a control unit 100 and a communication interface (I / F) 122 in addition to the above-mentioned units.

[0059] The control unit 100 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, an EEPROM 104 (registered trademark), and an ASIC 105, which are connected via an internal bus 106. The ROM 102 stores programs and the like for the CPU 101 to control various operations.

[0060] The RAM 103 is used as a storage area for temporarily recording data, signals, etc. used when the CPU 101 executes the above programs, or as a working area for data processing. The EEPROM 104 stores setting information that should be retained even after the power is turned off. The control unit 100 controls the recording head 32, the suction pump 71, the feed motor 107, the transport motor 108, the head carriage motor 109, the cutter carriage motor 110, etc. based on the control program read from the ROM 102.

[0061] The ASIC 105 is connected to a feed motor 107, a transport motor 108, a head carriage motor 109, a recording head 32, a cutter carriage motor 110, a suction pump 71, a registration sensor 120, a rotary encoder 121, a communication interface (I / F) 122, and a setting unit 123.

[0062] The ASIC 105 supplies driving currents to the feed motor 107, the carry motor 108, the head carriage motor 109, and the cutter carriage motor 110. The control unit 100 controls the rotation of the feed motor 107, the carry motor 108, the head carriage motor 109, and the cutter carriage motor 110 by, for example, PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control.

[0063] The control unit 100 also applies a drive voltage to the vibration elements of the recording head 32, thereby causing ink droplets to be ejected from the nozzles. The control unit 100 detects the amount of rotation of the transport roller 60 based on a pulse signal output from the rotary encoder 121. The control unit 100 detects that the paper P has passed the contact position with the transport roller 60 based on a detection signal output from the registration sensor 120. Then, after an on signal is output from the registration sensor 120, the control unit 100 estimates the transport amount of the paper P on the first transport path R1 based on the pulse signal output from the rotary encoder 121.

[0064] The communication I / F 122 is connected to a network such as a LAN, and enables connection to an external device incorporating a driver for the printing device 1. The printing device 1 can receive a print job including identification information for identifying the type of paper P via the communication I / F 122.

[0065] [Control flow by the control unit when printing] Next, the flow of control during printing by the control unit 100 of the printing device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of control during printing by the printing device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0066] 9, first, when the control unit 100 receives a print job via the communication I / F 122, the control unit 100 drives the feed motor 107 to rotate the feed roller 23 in the forward direction, thereby removing the paper P from the feed tray 21 and starting the transport of the paper P (S1). Specifically, the paper P is transported from the feed tray 21 to the first transport path R1, and then the paper P is transported toward the image recording unit 3.

[0067] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the leading edge of the paper P has been detected by using the detection result of the registration sensor 120 (S2). If the control unit 100 has not detected the leading edge of the paper P (S2: NO), the process returns to S1. If the control unit 100 has detected the leading edge of the paper P (S2: YES), the control unit 100 controls the image recording unit 3 to start recording an image on the paper P (S3).

[0068] In S3, the control unit 100 executes an image recording process, which alternates between a line feed process and a recording process, described below, on the paper P transported to the image recording unit 3, thereby recording an image on the paper P. That is, in the line feed process, the control unit 100 rotates the transport motor 108 forward and drives the transport rollers 60, 62, and 64 to transport the paper P in the first transport direction D1 by a predetermined transport amount. Also, in the recording process, while the transport of the paper P is stopped, the control unit 100 drives the head carriage motor 109 to move the head carriage 31 in the width direction of the paper P, and ejects ink droplets from the nozzles 33 of the recording head 32 onto the paper P, thereby recording an image for one line.

[0069] After S3, the control unit 100 determines whether the registration sensor 120 has detected the rear end of the paper P (S4). If the registration sensor 120 has not detected the rear end of the paper P (S4: NO), the control unit 100 returns to S4, and if the registration sensor 120 has detected the rear end of the paper P (S4: YES), the control unit 100 calculates the length A of the paper P in the first transport direction D1 shown in FIG. 7 (S5).

[0070] Specifically, the control unit 100 calculates the length A of the paper P in the first transport direction D1 based on the transport amount of the paper P detected by the rotary encoder 121 from the time the registration sensor 120 detects the leading end of the paper P to the time the registration sensor 120 detects the trailing end of the paper P.

[0071] Then, the control unit 100 sets the cutting position CL of the paper P shown in Fig. 7 based on the length A of the paper P in the first transport direction D1 calculated in S5 (S6). After S6, the control unit 100 determines whether the cutting position CL of the paper P has reached the position X (see Fig. 2) where the cutting unit 10 is located based on the detection results of the registration sensor 120 and the rotary encoder 121 (S7).

[0072] If the paper P has not reached position X where the cutting unit 10 is located (S7: NO), the control unit 100 returns to S7. On the other hand, if the paper P has reached position X where the cutting unit 10 is located (S7: YES), the control unit 100 cuts the paper P at the cutting position CL by moving the cutting unit 10 in the scanning direction while the paper P is sandwiched between the upper blade 10C1 and the lower blade 10C2 (S8). As a result, a first paper P1 and a second paper P2 that are half the size of the paper P are generated, as shown in FIG. 7. It is assumed that the user sets whether or not to cut the paper P using the setting unit 123.

[0073] After S8, the control unit 100 determines whether or not there is a next page (S9). If there is no next page (S9: NO), the control unit 100 discharges the first sheet P1 and the second sheet P2 to the discharge tray 22 and ends image recording on the sheet P (S10).

[0074] On the other hand, if there is a next page (S9: YES), the control unit 100 ends printing on the second sheet P2 by the image recording unit 3, ejects the first sheet P1 and the second sheet P2 onto the ejection tray 22, and then returns to S1, and thereafter performs the same processes as those described above in S2 to S9.

[0075] [Control flow by the control unit when replacing the cut part] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a control flow when replacing the cutting unit 10 of the printing device 1 according to the embodiment 1. In the flowchart shown in Fig. 10, first, the control unit 100 determines whether or not an instruction to replace the cutting unit 10 has been received (S11).

[0076] If the printing device 1 does not accept an instruction to replace the cutting unit 10 (S11: NO), the process returns to S11. On the other hand, if the user operates the setting unit 123 to cause the printing device 1 to accept an instruction to replace the cutting unit 10 (S11: YES), the control unit 100 moves the cutting unit 10 from the standby position SB to the replacement position EX along the scanning direction (S12).

[0077] In S12, when the control unit 100 moves the cutting unit 10 from the standby position SB to the replacement position EX, the control unit 10 moves the cutting unit 10 at a speed slower than the movement speed of the cutting unit 10 when cutting the paper P in S8. This makes it possible to reduce the impact applied to the cutting unit 10 when the cutting unit 10 is moved to the replacement position EX.

[0078] [Effects of the First Embodiment] 3, according to the printing device 1 of the first embodiment described above, the replacement position EX for replacing the cutter unit 10C is provided outside the platen 34 in the scanning direction, so that a wide space near the center of the printing device 1 in the width direction can be effectively utilized and components such as the tube support plate 84 and the supply tube 82 can be arranged. In addition, because the replacement position EX is provided outside the platen 34 in the scanning direction, the cutting section 10 can be easily replaced while avoiding components near the center of the printing device 1 in the width direction.

[0079] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, by arranging the standby position SB and the exchange position EX on the same side in the scanning direction (the right side in FIG. 3), the printing device 1 can be made more compact.

[0080] Moreover, by providing the replacement position EX on the outer side in the scanning direction than the standby position SB, the cutting unit 10 can be easily replaced.

[0081] 1, the user can access the cutting unit 10 through an opening 112 formed in a cover member 111 of the printer unit 11, as shown in Fig. 5. This allows the user to easily replace the cutting unit 10 with a tool or the like.

[0082] 3, a regulating member 90 is provided at the right end of the exchange position EX, so that the cutting unit 10 is prevented from moving outward in the scanning direction from a predetermined position. This makes it possible to prevent the cutting unit 10 from moving outward in the scanning direction.

[0083] Furthermore, a spring 91, which is a biasing member for biasing the regulating member 90 inward in the scanning direction, i.e., toward the left of the printing device 1, is attached to the right side surface of the regulating member 90. This spring 91 can absorb the impact force applied to the cutting unit 10 when the cutting unit 10 moves to the replacement position EX. This makes it possible to prevent the cutting unit 10 from being damaged when it is moved to the replacement position EX.

[0084] Furthermore, when the cutting unit 10 is moved from the standby position SB to the replacement position EX, the cutting unit 10 is moved at a speed slower than the moving speed when cutting the paper P. This reduces the impact on the cutting unit 10 when it is moved to the replacement position EX, thereby preventing damage to the cutting unit 10.

[0085] Moreover, by rotating the image reading unit 12, the cutting unit 10 can be replaced.

[0086] Furthermore, the user can automatically move the cutting unit 10 to the replacement position EX by operating the setting unit 123. Then, the user can easily replace the cutting unit 10 by accessing the cutting unit 10 from the front of the printing device 1.

[0087] Also, by locating the replacement position EX in the empty space behind the ink cartridge 8, it is possible to reduce the size of the printing device 1. Also, by locating the cartridge case 80 in front of the printing device 1, the user can easily attach and detach the ink cartridge 8.

[0088] In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, the position of the cap section 70, which takes up space in the width direction, and the replacement position EX are positioned on the same side of the printing device 1 in the scanning direction (the right side in FIG. 3), thereby making it possible to reduce the size of the printing device 1.

[0089] [Embodiment 2] Next, a printing device 1A according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 11. For ease of explanation, the same reference numerals are given to members having the same functions as those described in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0090] Fig. 11 is a top view of the image recording unit 3 and the cutting unit 10 according to the embodiment 2. As shown in Fig. 11, the embodiment 2 differs from the embodiment 1 in that the standby position SB is disposed to the left of the platen 34 in the scanning direction.

[0091] The exchange position EX is disposed on the outer right side of the platen 34 in the scanning direction, similarly to the first embodiment. That is, in the second embodiment, the exchange position EX is disposed on the opposite side of the standby position SB with respect to the central position in the scanning direction.

[0092] The printer 1A of the second embodiment described above can also provide the same effects as the printer 1 of the first embodiment. That is, since the replacement position EX is provided outside the platen 34 in the scanning direction, the cutter unit 10C can be replaced while avoiding the center of the printer 1 in the width direction. This makes it easy to replace the cutting section 10.

[0093] Other embodiments In the above-described first embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3, the replacement position EX of the cutting section 10 is disposed on the outer side of the standby position SB in the scanning direction, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the replacement position EX of the cutter unit 10C of the cutting section 10 may be the same position as the standby position SB.

[0094] In the above-described first and second embodiments, the opening 112 is formed in the cover member 111 disposed above the image recording unit 3, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the opening 112 may be formed in the side surface of the printer unit 11.

[0095] The printing device 1 in the above-mentioned first and second embodiments is a cartridge-type printing device in which the ink cartridge 8 is attached to the cartridge case 80, but is not limited to this. For example, it may be a tank-type printing device in which a bottle-type ink cartridge is directly connected to the connection port of the supply tube 82 to supply ink.

[0096] In addition, in the above-described first and second embodiments, four ink cartridges 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K are arranged, but this is not limiting, and the number of ink cartridges 8 may be, for example, six or eight. In addition, in the case of a monochrome printer, it is sufficient to have one ink cartridge 8K corresponding to black.

[0097] In the above-described first and second embodiments, the cutting unit 10 cuts the paper P into halves, but this is not limiting, and the paper P may be cut into, for example, one-third. Furthermore, the cutting position X of the paper P can be changed as appropriate according to the size of the print data.

[0098] The flowchart shown in Fig. 9 is an example, and is not limited thereto. For example, after S4 in Fig. 9, the paper P may be conveyed in the second conveying direction D2 in the second conveying path R2, and then cut by the cutting unit 10 in S8. Also, after S4, the paper P may be conveyed in the second conveying direction D2 in the second conveying path R2, and then cut by the cutting unit 10 in S8.

[0099] In the above-described first and second embodiments, the registration sensor 120 detects the passage of the leading and trailing ends of the paper P, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the image recording unit 3 may be provided with a media sensor that is a sensor for detecting whether or not the paper P is present on the platen 34, and the passage of the leading or trailing end of the paper P may be detected by the media sensor.

[0100] In the above-described first and second embodiments, the paper P is transported by the roller members, namely the feed roller 23 and the transport rollers 60, 62, 64, 66, and 68, but this is not limiting. Alternatively, a belt member or a drum member may be used as the transport unit.

[0101] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 1,1A printing device 3. Image Recording Section 8, 8Y, 8M, 8C, 8K Cartridge (liquid storage section) 10 Cut section 10C Cutter unit 11 Printer section 12 Image reading unit 23 Feeding roller (transport section) 34 Platen 60, 62, 64, 66 Conveyor rollers (conveyor section) 80 Cartridge Case 90 Regulatory Materials 91 Spring (biasing member) 100 Control section 111 Cover member 112 Opening 123 Settings P Paper (recording medium) EX exchange position SB standby position

Claims

1. A conveying unit that conveys the recording medium along a conveying direction; an image recording unit that supports the recording medium conveyed by the conveying unit with a platen and records an image on the recording medium; a cutting section having a detachable cutter unit for cutting the recording medium; A control unit; Equipped with the control unit cuts the recording medium by moving the cutting unit outward from the platen in a scanning direction intersecting the transport direction; a replacement position for replacing the cutter unit is provided outside the platen in the scanning direction, a standby position for allowing the cutting unit to wait in a standby state in which the recording medium is not being cut, the standby position being provided outside the platen in the scanning direction, the standby position and the replacement position are disposed on the same side in the scanning direction, The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the replacement position is provided outside the standby position in the scanning direction.

2. A conveying unit that conveys the recording medium along a conveying direction; an image recording unit that supports the recording medium conveyed by the conveying unit with a platen and records an image on the recording medium; a cutting section having a detachable cutter unit for cutting the recording medium; A control unit; Equipped with the control unit cuts the recording medium by moving the cutting unit outward from the platen in a scanning direction intersecting the transport direction; a replacement position for replacing the cutter unit is provided outside the platen in the scanning direction, A printing apparatus comprising: a cover member provided above the image recording unit, the cover member having an opening for replacing the cutting unit.

3. A conveying unit that conveys the recording medium along a conveying direction; an image recording unit that supports the recording medium conveyed by the conveying unit with a platen and records an image on the recording medium; a cutting section having a detachable cutter unit for cutting the recording medium; A control unit; Equipped with the control unit cuts the recording medium by moving the cutting unit outward from the platen in a scanning direction intersecting the transport direction; a replacement position for replacing the cutter unit is provided outside the platen in the scanning direction, A printing device comprising: a regulating member provided at one end of the replacement position for abutting against the cutting portion to prevent the cutting portion from moving outward in the scanning direction.

4. 4. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a biasing member is attached to the regulating member for biasing the regulating member inward in the scanning direction.

5. A conveying unit that conveys the recording medium along a conveying direction; an image recording unit that supports the recording medium conveyed by the conveying unit with a platen and records an image on the recording medium; a cutting section having a detachable cutter unit for cutting the recording medium; A control unit; Equipped with the control unit cuts the recording medium by moving the cutting unit outward from the platen in a scanning direction intersecting the transport direction; a replacement position for replacing the cutter unit is provided outside the platen in the scanning direction, a standby position for allowing the cutting unit to wait in a standby state in which the recording medium is not being cut, the standby position being provided outside the platen in the scanning direction, The control unit is A printing device characterized in that, when the cutting unit is moved from the standby position to the replacement position, the cutting unit is moved at a speed slower than the moving speed of the cutting unit when cutting the recording medium.

6. A conveying unit that conveys the recording medium along a conveying direction; an image recording unit that supports the recording medium conveyed by the conveying unit with a platen and records an image on the recording medium; a cutting section having a detachable cutter unit for cutting the recording medium; A control unit; Equipped with the control unit cuts the recording medium by moving the cutting unit outward from the platen in a scanning direction intersecting the transport direction; a replacement position for replacing the cutter unit is provided outside the platen in the scanning direction, The image recording apparatus further includes an image reading unit that is rotatably provided above the image recording unit and that reads an image recorded on a recording medium, The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the replacement position is disposed below the image reading unit.

7. A printing device, comprising: A conveying unit that conveys the recording medium along a conveying direction; an image recording unit that supports the recording medium conveyed by the conveying unit with a platen and records an image on the recording medium; a cutting section having a detachable cutter unit for cutting the recording medium; A control unit; Equipped with the control unit cuts the recording medium by moving the cutting unit outward from the platen in a scanning direction intersecting the transport direction; a replacement position for replacing the cutter unit is provided outside the platen in the scanning direction, A setting unit is provided on a front surface of the printing device, the replacement position is disposed behind the setting unit of the printing device, The printing device, wherein the control unit, when an instruction to replace the cutting unit is accepted by the setting unit, moves the cutting unit to the replacement position along the scanning direction.

8. Further comprising a liquid storage section for storing liquid, 8. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the replacement position is disposed rearward of the liquid storage unit.

9. a recording head having a nozzle surface on which nozzles for ejecting the liquid stored in the liquid storage section are formed; a cap portion that covers the nozzle surface of the recording head during a standby state in which the image recording portion is not recording an image on a recording medium; Further comprising:

9. The printing device according to claim 8, wherein the replacement position is disposed on the same side in a scanning direction of the printing device as the position of the cap portion.

Images