Printing device

Abstract

To provide a printer which can cut a printing medium to which two-sided printing is applied.SOLUTION: A printer (1) comprises a printing unit 3, a cutting unit (10) which cuts a print sheet (P) into a first portion and a second portion and a control unit. The control unit executes processing including: first image printing processing of printing an image on one surface of the second portion; second image printing processing of printing an image on the other surface opposite to the one surface of the second portion; and cutting processing of cutting the print sheet (P) to divide into the first printing medium having the first portion and the second printing medium having the second portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to printing devices. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, some printing devices, such as image forming devices, have been equipped with a cutting unit that cuts print media. Patent Document 1 discloses a printing device that performs a printing process on a print medium, then cuts the print medium in a cutting unit to generate and discharge two print media that have each been printed on. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-186448 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the conventional printing apparatuses described above do not disclose double-sided printing, which performs printing on both the front and back surfaces of a print medium.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a printing device that is capable of cutting print media that has been printed on both sides. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a printing device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a transport unit that transports a print medium, a first transport path for transporting the print medium in a first transport direction, a printing unit that is provided on the first transport path and that prints an image on the print medium, a cutting unit that is provided on the first transport path downstream of the printing unit and that cuts the print medium into a first portion and a second portion that are arranged back and forth in the first transport direction, and a control unit, wherein the control unit controls the printing unit to perform a first image printing process for printing an image on one side of the second portion, and a second image printing process for printing an image on one side of the second portion. a first reverse conveying process in which, after the first reverse conveying process, the conveying unit switches back the printing medium from the first conveying path and moves it to a second conveying path different from the first conveying path, and conveys the printing medium in a second conveying direction; a second image printing process in which, after the first reverse conveying process, the printing unit prints an image on the other side of the second portion opposite to the one side; and a cutting process in which, after the second image printing process, the cutting unit cuts the printing medium and divides it into a first printing medium having the first portion and a second printing medium having the second portion. a second reverse transport process in which, after the cutting process, the transport unit switches back the first print medium from the first transport path to move it to the second transport path, and transports the first print medium in the second transport direction; a third image printing process in which, after the second reverse transport process, the printing unit prints an image on one side of the first print medium; a third reverse transport process in which, after the third image printing process, the transport unit switches back the first print medium from the first transport path to move it to the second transport path, and transports the first print medium in the second transport direction; and a fourth image printing process in which, after the third reverse transport process, the printing unit prints an image on the other side of the first print medium, opposite to the one side. The configuration is such that the processing including the above is executed.

[0007] According to the above configuration, after a first image printing process is performed to print an image on one side of the second portion, a second image printing process is performed to print an image on the other side of the second portion. Furthermore, a cutting process is performed to cut the print medium into a first print medium having a first portion and a second print medium having a second portion and having been printed on both sides. This allows for the configuration of a printing device that can cut print media that has been printed on both sides. Furthermore, with the above configuration, the third image printing process and the fourth image printing process are performed on the first print medium, so that double-sided printing can also be performed on the first print medium, thereby allowing the second print medium and the first print medium to be continuously printed on both sides.

[0010] The present disclosure 2 Aspects The printing device includes a transport unit that transports a print medium, a first transport path for transporting the print medium in a first transport direction, a printing unit that is provided on the first transport path and prints an image on the print medium, a cutting unit that is provided on the first transport path downstream of the printing unit and cuts the print medium into a first portion and a second portion that move back and forth in the first transport direction, and a control unit, The control unit a first image printing process in which the printing unit prints an image on one side of the second portion; a first reversal transport process in which, after the first image printing process, the transport unit switches back the print medium from the first transport path and moves it to a second transport path different from the first transport path, and transports the print medium in a second transport direction; a second image printing process in which, after the first reversal transport process, the printing unit prints an image on the other side of the second portion opposite to the one side; and a cutting process in which, after the second image printing process, the cutting unit cuts the print medium to separate it into a first print medium having the first portion and a second print medium having the second portion. a paper discharge process in which the transport unit discharges the second print medium to the outside after the cutting process; and a holding process in which the transport unit moves the first print medium to the second transport path and holds the first print medium on the second transport path after the paper discharge process. is .

[0011] According to the above configuration, after a first image printing process is executed to print an image on one side of the second portion, a second image printing process is executed to print an image on the other side of the second portion. Furthermore, a cutting process is executed on the print medium, whereby the print medium is cut into a first print medium having a first portion and a second print medium having a second portion and having been printed on both sides. This makes it possible to configure a printing device that can cut print media that has been printed on both sides. Also, According to the above configuration, the blank first print medium is held after cutting, so that printing can be performed on this first print medium, thereby reliably reducing waste of print medium.

[0012] The present disclosure 3 The aspect is 2 In the printing device of this aspect, the control unit may be configured to perform processes including: a third image printing process in which, after the holding process, the printing unit prints an image on one side of the first printing medium; a third reverse transport process in which, after the third image printing process, the transport unit switches back the first printing medium from the first transport path and moves it to the second transport path, thereby transporting the first printing medium in a second transport direction; and a fourth image printing process in which, after the third reverse transport process, the printing unit prints an image on the other side of the first printing medium opposite to the one side.

[0013] According to the above configuration, the image printing process is executed on the first print medium held by the holding process, and it is possible to reliably prevent the occurrence of wasted print medium.

[0014] The present disclosure 4 Aspects The printing device includes a transport unit that transports a print medium, a first transport path for transporting the print medium in a first transport direction, a printing unit that is provided on the first transport path and prints an image on the print medium, a cutting unit that is provided on the first transport path downstream of the printing unit and cuts the print medium into a first portion and a second portion that move back and forth in the first transport direction, and a control unit, The control unit a first image printing process in which the printing unit prints an image on one side of the second portion; a first reversal transport process in which, after the first image printing process, the transport unit switches back the print medium from the first transport path and moves it to a second transport path different from the first transport path, and transports the print medium in a second transport direction; a second image printing process in which, after the first reversal transport process, the printing unit prints an image on the other side of the second portion opposite to the one side; and a cutting process in which, after the second image printing process, the cutting unit cuts the print medium to separate it into a first print medium having the first portion and a second print medium having the second portion. A configuration that executes a process including a determination process that determines whether reverse order printing is specified or not, and, if it is determined in the determination process that reverse order printing is specified, a page-by-page image printing process by the printing unit in which the order in which image printing process is performed by the printing unit for print data of multiple pages is from the print data of the last page to the print data of the first page. is .

[0015] According to the above configuration, after a first image printing process is executed to print an image on one side of the second portion, a second image printing process is executed to print an image on the other side of the second portion. Furthermore, a cutting process is executed on the print medium, whereby the print medium is cut into a first print medium having a first portion and a second print medium having a second portion and having been printed on both sides. This makes it possible to configure a printing device that can cut print media that has been printed on both sides. Also, According to the above configuration, the reverse order printing is performed by the printing unit, so that the user can be provided with a print medium on which the image printing process has been performed in order from the print data of the first page to the print data of the last page, thereby improving user convenience.

[0016] The present disclosure 5 The aspect is 4 In a printing device of this aspect, the control unit may be configured to execute a process including: a page number determination process for determining whether the print data of the plurality of pages is print data of odd-numbered pages when it is determined in the determination process that reverse order printing has been specified; a blank area formation process for forming a blank area on one side of the second part without printing an image on one side of the second part in the first image printing process in the printing unit when it is determined in the page number determination process that the print data of the plurality of pages is print data of odd-numbered pages; and after the blank area formation process, the print data of the last page is used as print data for the second image printing process in the printing unit, and further, a page-by-page image printing process by the printing unit in accordance with the order from the print data of the last page to the print data of the first page.

[0017] According to the above configuration, when reverse order printing is specified for odd-numbered page print data, the last page of the print medium after image printing processing can be left blank, thereby reliably improving user convenience.

[0018] The present disclosure 6 The aspect is 4 condition Dear The printing device may be configured such that, when the control unit determines in the determination process that reverse order printing is not specified, it executes processing that includes page-by-page image printing processing by the printing unit, in which the order in which image printing processing is performed in the printing unit for multiple pages of print data is from the print data of the first page to the print data of the last page.

[0019] According to the above configuration, normal order printing, not reverse order printing, is performed by the printing unit, and image printing processing on a page-by-page basis in the printing unit can be easily simplified. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a printing device capable of cutting print media that has been printed on both sides. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view illustrating an external appearance of a printing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the printing device shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the printing device. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing a basic control flow by the control unit shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of an operation performed by the control unit. [Figure 6A] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of double-sided printing. [Figure 6B] 4 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a reconstruction process in the RAM shown in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 6C] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating memory saving in the RAM. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing another control flow by the control unit. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing another control flow by the control unit. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing another control flow by the control unit. [Figure 10A] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a specific operation of double-sided printing in normal order printing. [Figure 10B] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating specific print results of double-sided printing in normal order. [Figure 11A] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a specific operation of double-sided printing in reverse order printing. [Figure 11B] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating specific print results of double-sided printing in reverse order printing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] [One embodiment] A first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a printing device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the printing device 1 shown in FIG. 1. Note that in the following description, a monochrome printer that performs image printing processing for monochrome images is exemplified as the printing device 1, but the present embodiment is not limited to this, and may also be a color printer that performs image printing processing for full-color images, for example.

[0023] The printing device 1 is a multifunction printer (MFP) that has multiple functions, such as a scan function, a print function, a copy function, and a fax function. In the following description, the up / down, left / right, and front / rear directions of the printing device 1 are defined based on the state of the printing device 1 in FIG. 1, where the printing device 1 is installed and ready for use.

[0024] [Outline of Printing Device 1] As shown in FIG. 1, the printing device 1 has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped outer container. The printing device 1 is an inkjet printer that performs image printing processing by, for example, ejecting ink onto printing paper P, which is an example of the printing medium of the present disclosure, in accordance with print data specified by a print job. In addition to this description, the printing device 1 may also be, for example, a laser printer that records an image on the printing paper P using an electrophotographic method. The printing medium is not limited to paper media such as printing paper P, and may also be a resin medium made of plastic, such as an overhead projector sheet.

[0025] [Configuration of Printing Device 1] As shown in FIG. 1, an opening 20 is formed in the front of the printing device 1. A feed tray 21 and a discharge tray 22 are detachably arranged in this opening 20. The feed tray 21 is a tray for storing multiple sheets of printing paper P, and is open at the top. In the example shown in FIG. 1, two feed trays 21 are arranged vertically. The upper feed tray 21 stores, for example, A4-sized printing paper P. On the other hand, the lower feed tray 21 stores, for example, A3-sized printing paper P.

[0026] As also shown in Fig. 2, a discharge tray 22 is disposed above the upper feed tray 21. The discharge tray 22 is a tray for storing the print paper P discharged by the transport roller 66, the first print paper FP1 as the first print medium, and the second print paper FP2 as the second print medium, and has an open top. For ease of explanation, the lower feed tray 21 is not shown in the example shown in Fig. 2.

[0027] 1, a setting unit 122 having a display screen is provided on the front of the printing device 1. The setting unit 122 is, for example, a touch panel, and is configured so that the user can perform touch operations to make various settings related to printing on the printing device 1. The setting unit 122 accepts settings such as the size of the printing paper P and whether or not to perform cutting processing. The information set by the setting unit 122 is output to the control unit 100 (FIG. 3).

[0028] 2, the printing device 1 includes a feed roller 23, a first transport path R1, transport rollers 60, 62, 64, 66, and 68, a first flap 46, a second flap 48, a second transport path R2, and a cutting unit 10. The transport rollers 60, 62, 64, 66, and 68 are an example of a transport unit that transports the printing paper P. The number of rollers provided on the first transport path R1 and the second transport path R2 can be changed as appropriate; for example, the transport roller 66 may be omitted.

[0029] The feed roller 23 is a roller for feeding the printing paper P stored in the feed tray 21 to the transport start position V of the first transport path R1. The feed roller 23 is rotatably supported at the front end of the 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 roller 23 rotates forward when driven by the feed motor 107 (Figure 3). As the feed roller 23 rotates forward, the printing paper P stored in the feed tray 21 is fed one sheet at a time to the transport start position V of the first transport path R1.

[0030] The first transport path R1 extends upward from the rear end of the feed tray 21, curves in an area defined by guide members 41 and 42, passes through the position of the printing unit 3, extends linearly in an area defined by guide members 43, 44, and 45, and reaches the discharge tray 22. In the first embodiment, the first transport direction D1 refers to the direction in which the print paper P passes the cutting position X when an image is being recorded on the print paper P by the printing unit 3, i.e., the direction from the printing unit 3 toward the cutting position X. The second transport direction D2 refers to the transport direction of the print paper P opposite to the first transport direction D1.

[0031] In other words, the first conveying path R1 is a conveying path for conveying the printing paper P in the first conveying direction D1, and the second conveying path R2 is a conveying path for conveying the printing paper P switched back from the first conveying path R1 in the second conveying direction D2.

[0032] A transport roller 60 is disposed on the first transport path R1 upstream of the printing unit 3 in the first transport direction D1. A pinch roller 61 is disposed opposite the lower part of the transport roller 60. The transport roller 60 is driven by a transport motor 108 (FIG. 3). The pinch roller 61 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the transport roller 60. As the transport roller 60 and pinch roller 61 rotate forward, the printing paper P is pinched between the transport roller 60 and the pinch roller 61 and transported to the printing unit 3.

[0033] The printing unit 3 is provided on the first transport path R1, between the transport roller 60 and the transport roller 62, and prints an image on the print paper P. The printing unit 3 has a carriage 31, a recording head 32, nozzles 33, and a platen 34. The recording head 32 is mounted on the carriage 31. A plurality of nozzles 33 are provided on the underside of the recording head 32. The recording head 32 ejects ink droplets from the nozzles 33. The platen 34 is a rectangular plate-shaped member on which the print paper P is placed. As the carriage 31 moves relative to the print paper P supported by the platen 34, the nozzles 33 selectively eject ink droplets, thereby printing an image on the print paper P.

[0034] The driving force of carriage motor 109 (FIG. 3) is transmitted to carriage 31, which moves back and forth in a direction perpendicular to first transport direction D1, i.e., in the width direction of print paper P. Control unit 100 prints an image on print paper P by repeating an image printing process in which ink is ejected from nozzles 33 while moving carriage 31 in the width direction of print paper P while transport of print paper P is stopped, and a line feed process in which transport rollers 60, 62 are driven to transport print paper P by a predetermined line feed amount.

[0035] As shown in Figure 2, a transport roller 62 is disposed on the first transport path R1 downstream of the printing unit 3 in the first transport direction D1. A spur roller 63 is disposed in a position facing the upper part of the transport roller 62. The transport roller 62 is driven by a transport motor 108 (Figure 3). 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 forward, the printing paper P is sandwiched between the transport roller 62 and the spur roller 63 and transported downstream in the first transport direction D1.

[0036] Furthermore, a transport roller 64 is disposed downstream of the transport roller 62 on the first transport path R1 in the first transport direction D1. A spur roller 65 is disposed opposite the upper portion of the transport roller 64. The transport roller 64 is driven by a transport motor 108. The spur roller 65 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the transport roller 64. When the transport roller 64 and the spur roller 65 rotate forward, the printing paper P is sandwiched between the transport roller 64 and the spur roller 65 and transported toward the cutting unit 10. When the transport roller 64 and the spur roller 65 rotate reversely, the printing paper P is sandwiched between the transport roller 64 and the spur roller 65 and transported along the underside of the first flap 46 to the second transport path R2.

[0037] A first flap 46 is provided between the transport roller 62 and the transport roller 64 in the first transport path R1. The first flap 46 is located near a branch position Y facing the guide member 43. The first flap 46 is supported by the platen 34 so as to be 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 print paper P transported in the first transport direction D1 to pass through.

[0038] 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 enter the first state, and its front end abuts against the guide member 43.

[0039] The cutting unit 10 is disposed on the first transport path R1 between the transport rollers 64 and 66. The cutting unit 10 is a well-known cutter mechanism that has a pair of upper and lower blades and a cutter carriage, and cuts the printing paper P with the upper and lower blades. Specifically, the cutting unit 10 cuts the printing paper P in the width direction at a predetermined position in the width direction by moving the cutter carriage in the width direction of the printing paper P.

[0040] As will be described in detail later, the cutting unit 10 cuts the print paper P to separate it into a first portion P1 (FIG. 5) and a second portion (FIG. 5) that move back and forth in the first transport direction D1. The print paper P is further divided into the first print paper FP1 having the first portion P1 and the second print paper FP2 having the second portion P2. The cutting unit 10 may be configured to have only one of the upper and lower blades.

[0041] A transport roller 66 is disposed on the first transport path R1 downstream of the cutting section 10 in the first transport direction D1. A spur roller 67 is disposed opposite the upper part of the transport roller 66. The transport roller 66 is driven by a transport motor 108 (FIG. 3). 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 forward, the print paper P, the first print paper FP1, and the second print paper FP2 are transported by the transport roller 66 and discharged to the discharge tray 22.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 2, 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 indicated by a solid line in Fig. 2 and a second state indicated 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.

[0043] A registration sensor 120 is provided upstream of the transport rollers 60 on the first transport path R1. The registration sensor 120 is a sensor that detects when the leading edge or trailing edge of the printing paper P passes through the contact position with the transport rollers 60. The registration sensor 120 may be a sensor having an actuator that oscillates when the printing paper P comes into contact with it, or an optical sensor.

[0044] The registration sensor 120 outputs an ON signal when the paper P passes the position of the registration sensor 120, and outputs an OFF signal when the printing paper P has not passed the position of the registration sensor 120. In other words, the registration sensor 120 outputs an ON signal from the timing when the leading edge of the printing paper P reaches the position of the registration sensor 120 until the trailing edge of the paper P passes the position of the registration sensor 120, and outputs an OFF signal at other times. The detection signal from the registration sensor 120 is output to the control unit 100.

[0045] The conveying roller 60 is also provided with a rotary encoder 121 (FIG. 3) that detects the rotation of the conveying roller 60. The rotary encoder 121 outputs a pulse signal to the control unit 100 in accordance with the rotation of the conveying roller 60. 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.

[0046] The second transport path R2 is a path defined by guide members 71, 72, and 73, a transport roller 68, a pinch roller 69, etc. The second transport path R2 branches off from a branch position Y on the first transport path R1 upstream of the transport roller 64, and is connected to a junction position W on the first transport path R1 upstream of the printing unit 3 in the first transport direction D1. This enables double-sided printing, in which images are printed on both sides of the print paper P.

[0047] [Electrical configuration of printing device 1] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printing device 1. As shown in Fig. 3, in addition to the above-mentioned components, the printing device 1 includes a feed motor 107, a transport motor 108, a carriage motor 109, a control unit 100, and a communication unit 110.

[0048] 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 by an internal bus 106. The ROM 102 stores programs and the like used by the CPU 101 to control various operations. The RAM 103 is used as a storage area for temporarily recording data, signals, and the like used when the CPU 101 executes the 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 a feed motor 107, a conveyance motor 108, a carriage motor 109, the recording head 32, the cutting unit 10, and the like based on the control program read from the ROM 102.

[0049] The ASIC 105 is connected to a feed motor 107, a carry motor 108, a carriage motor 109, a recording head 32, a cutting unit 10, a communication unit 110, a registration sensor 120, a rotary encoder 121, and a setting unit 122. The ASIC 105 supplies drive currents to the feed motor 107, the carry motor 108, and the carriage motor 109. The control unit 100 controls the rotation of the feed motor 107, the carry motor 108, and the carriage motor 109, for example, by PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control.

[0050] The control unit 100 also applies a drive voltage to the vibration elements of the recording head 32, causing ink droplets to be ejected from the nozzles 33. A registration sensor 120 and a rotary encoder 121 are also connected to the ASIC 105. The control unit 100 then detects the state of the printing device 1 based on signals output from the registration sensor 120 and the rotary encoder 121.

[0051] Specifically, the control unit 100 detects that the printing paper P has passed the contact position with the transport roller 60 based on a detection signal output from the registration sensor 120. 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 also estimates the transport amount of the printing paper P on the first transport path R1 based on the pulse signal output from the rotary encoder 121 after the registration sensor 120 outputs an ON signal.

[0052] The communication unit 110 includes, for example, a USB interface, a LAN interface, and a communication interface. A USB memory, a USB cable, etc. is connected to the USB interface. An external device (e.g., a computer terminal) of the printing device 1 is connected to the LAN interface via a LAN cable. An external device such as a mobile information terminal is connected to the communication interface via a wireless network.

[0053] When the control unit 100 receives a print job via the communication unit 110, it controls each unit of the printing device 1 to execute an image printing process for printing data specified by the print job onto the print paper P. Furthermore, the control unit 100 executes a cutting process for the print paper P, an image printing process for realizing double-sided printing, an image printing process for realizing normal order printing, an image printing process for realizing reverse order printing, and the like, in accordance with the received print job (details will be described later).

[0054] [Example of operation of printing device 1] Next, a basic operation example of the printing device 1 of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the basic control flow by the control unit 100 shown in Figure 3. Figure 5 is a diagram explaining an operation example by the control unit 100. Note that the following explanation will mainly explain the image printing process that achieves double-sided printing on the printing paper P and the cutting process that cuts the printing paper P. Also, the following explanation will be given taking as an example a case where A4 size printing paper P is cut into A5 size printing paper P by the cutting process.

[0055] 4, the control unit 100 determines whether or not a print job has been received by the communication unit 110. If the control unit 100 determines that a print job has not been received (NO in step S1), the control unit 100 enters a standby state.

[0056] On the other hand, when the control unit 100 determines that a print job has been received (YES in step S1), the control unit 100 determines whether or not A5 size print paper P is specified by the received print job (step S2). If the control unit 100 determines that A5 size print paper P is not specified (NO in step S2), the control unit 100 executes image printing processing for the print data specified by the print job using the printing unit 3 on print paper P of the size specified by the print job, for example, A4 size print paper P (step S3).

[0057] On the other hand, if the control unit 100 determines that A5 size print paper P has been specified (YES in step S2), the control unit 100 determines whether cutting of the print paper P has been specified by the print job (step S4). If the control unit 100 determines that cutting has not been specified (NO in step S4), the control unit 100 proceeds to step S3.

[0058] On the other hand, when the control unit 100 determines that cutting has been specified (YES in step S4), the control unit 100 executes a first image printing process in which the printing unit 3 prints an image on one side of the second portion of the A4-sized printing paper P that is cut by the cutting unit 10 (step S5).

[0059] Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, on an A4-sized printing paper P having the first portion P1 and the second portion P2, an image G1 is printed on one side of the second portion P2 by executing the first image printing process.

[0060] Thereafter, the control unit 100 causes the conveying unit to switch back the print paper P from the first conveying path R1 to the second conveying path R2, and executes a first reverse conveying process to convey the print paper P in the second conveying direction D2 (step S6).

[0061] As a result, the print paper P is switched back by the conveying unit, as shown by S1 in Fig. 5. Furthermore, the print paper P is conveyed in the second conveying direction D2 by the conveying unit with the second portion P2 positioned forward in the conveying direction relative to the first portion P1 and with the other surface of the second portion P2 facing upward so that it is the target surface for image printing by the printing unit 3.

[0062] Next, the control unit 100 causes the printing unit 3 to execute a second image printing process to print an image on the other side of the second portion P2 (step S7). As a result, as shown in Fig. 5, the image G2 is printed on the other side of the second portion P2, and double-sided printing is performed on the second portion P2. In other words, the images G1 and G2 are printed on the front and back sides of the second portion P2, respectively.

[0063] Thereafter, the control unit 100 executes a cutting process in which the cutting unit 10 cuts the print paper P and divides it into a first print paper having a first portion P1 and a second print paper having a second portion P2 (step S8). As a result, the A4 size print medium P is divided into the first print paper FP1 and the second print paper FP2, both A5 size, as shown in C in Fig. 5.

[0064] Next, the control unit 100 executes a first paper ejection process in which the conveyance unit ejects the second print sheet FP2, which has been printed on both sides, onto the ejection tray 22 in order to eject the second print sheet FP2 to the outside (step S9).

[0065] Next, the control unit 100 executes a second reverse conveyance process in which the conveyance unit switches back the first print sheet FP1 from the first conveyance path R1 to the second conveyance path R2 and conveys the first print sheet FP1 in the second conveyance direction D2 (step S10). As a result, as shown in S2 in Fig. 5, the conveyance unit switches back the first print sheet FP1 and conveys it in the second conveyance direction D2.

[0066] Next, the control unit 100 executes a third image printing process in which the printing unit 3 prints an image on one side of the first printing paper FP1 (step S11). As a result, as shown in FIG. 5, an image G3 is printed on one side of the first printing paper FP1.

[0067] Thereafter, the control unit 100 executes a third reverse conveyance process in which the conveyance unit switches back the first print sheet FP1 from the first conveyance path R1 to the second conveyance path R2 and conveys the first print sheet FP1 in the second conveyance direction D2 (step S12). As a result, as shown in S3 in Fig. 5, the first print sheet FP1 is switched back by the conveyance unit and conveyed in the second conveyance direction D2. At this time, the first print sheet FP1 is positioned facing upward so that the other side on which an image is not printed becomes the surface on which an image will be printed by the printing unit 3.

[0068] Next, the control unit 100 executes a fourth image printing process in which the printing unit 3 prints an image on the other side of the first print paper FP1 (step S13). As a result, as shown in FIG. 5, an image G4 is printed on the other side of the first print paper FP1.

[0069] Thereafter, the control unit 100 executes a second paper ejection process in which the conveyance unit ejects the first print sheet FP1, which has been double-sided printed, onto the ejection tray 22 in order to eject the first print sheet FP1 to the outside (step S14).

[0070] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether or not there is remaining print data specified in the print job received in step S1 (step S15). If the control unit 100 determines that there is remaining print data (YES in step S15), the control unit 100 proceeds to step S5.

[0071] On the other hand, if the control unit 100 determines that there is no print data (NO in step S15), the control unit 100 determines that the print processing of the print job has been completed, and ends the print processing.

[0072] In the above explanation, the third image printing process and the fourth image printing process are performed on the first printing paper FP1, but this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, if the printing data for the above image G4 is not specified by the received printing job and does not exist, the control unit 100 may be configured to perform the second paper ejection process without performing the fourth image printing process.

[0073] [RAM103 memory saving] Next, with reference to Figures 6A to 6C, the effect of performing double-sided printing on the second portion P2, which is the rear portion in the transport direction of the first portion P1 and second portion P2 of the print paper P, in the printing device 1 of this embodiment will be specifically described. Figure 6A is a diagram explaining a specific example of double-sided printing, Figure 6B is a diagram explaining a specific example of the reconstruction process in the RAM shown in Figure 3, and Figure 6C is a diagram explaining memory saving in the RAM.

[0074] 6A, in the printing device 1 of this embodiment, images g1 and g2 are printed on the front surface P2H and back surface P2U of the second printing sheet, respectively. Also, images g3 and g4 are printed on the front surface P1H and back surface P1U of the first printing sheet, respectively.

[0075] Here, with reference to FIG. 6B, a comparative example will be described in which double-sided printing is performed on the printing paper starting from the first portion arranged on the front side in the transport direction.

[0076] As shown in Fig. 6B, in this comparative example, print data for images g1, g2, and g3 are sequentially sent from the outside to the RAM (main memory) via the communication unit 110. At this time, in the comparative example, image printing processing is performed on images g3 first among images g1, g2, and g3. For this reason, in the comparative example, it is necessary to store all received print data for images g1, g2, and g3 in the RAM, and perform a reconstruction process in the RAM to rearrange and reconstruct the images in the order in which they will be printed, that is, in the order of images g3, g1, and g2, as shown in Fig. 6B.

[0077] As a result, in the comparative example, it is not possible to reduce the storage capacity of the RAM, making it difficult to achieve memory savings.

[0078] On the other hand, in this embodiment, as described above, double-sided printing is performed starting from the second portion P2 on the rear side in the transport direction, which makes it easy to conserve memory in RAM 103. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 6C, when print data for image g1 is received, image g1 is printed on the front side P2H, and when print data for image g2 is received, image g2 is printed on the back side P2U. Thereafter, in this embodiment, after the second print sheet having the second portion and the first print sheet having the first portion are cut by the cutting process, the received image g3 is printed on the front side FP1H of the first print sheet.

[0079] As described above, in this embodiment, the control unit 100 simply performs image printing processing on the received print data for images g1, g2, and g3, and therefore, unlike the comparative example, there is no need to store the print data for all of images g1, g2, and g3 in RAM 103, and there is no need to reconstruct this print data. As a result, it is easy to conserve RAM 103 memory.

[0080] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 100 executes a cutting process between the second image printing process and the third image printing process, so that in the third image printing process and the fourth image printing process, images g3 and g4 can be printed on the front surface FP1H and back surface FP1U of the first printing paper, respectively, without causing any misalignment in the printing position.

[0081] That is, in this embodiment, the control unit 100 can also execute the cutting process while executing the third image printing process. However, if the cutting process is executed in this manner, there is a risk that the print start positions of images g3 and g4 on the front surface FP1H and back surface FP1U of the first printing paper (i.e., the respective cue positions of images g3 and g4) will be shifted. In contrast, in this embodiment, the cutting process is executed before the third image printing process, so it is possible to reliably prevent the print start positions of images g3 and g4 from being shifted, and it is possible to print images g3 and g4 with high precision and easily improve print quality.

[0082] [Holding process for first printing paper FP1] Next, the process of holding the first print paper FP1 in the printing device 1 of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of another control by the control unit 100.

[0083] 7, after the control unit 100 executes the first paper ejection process, the control unit 100 determines whether or not there is remaining print data specified in the print job received in step S1 (step S21). If the control unit 100 determines that there is print data (YES in step S21), the control unit 100 proceeds to step S10.

[0084] On the other hand, if the control unit 100 determines that there is no print data (NO in step S21), the control unit 100 causes the transport unit to move the first print sheet FP1 to the second transport path R2 and executes a holding process to hold the first print sheet FP1 on the second transport path R2 (step S22).The control unit 100 then determines that the printing process for the print job is complete and ends the printing process.

[0085] By performing the holding process in this manner, the printing device 1 of this embodiment can hold the blank first print sheet FP1 after the cutting process and perform printing on this first print sheet FP1. This makes it possible for the printing device 1 of this embodiment to reliably reduce the waste of print paper P.

[0086] [Image printing process after retention process] Next, the image printing process after the storage process in the printing device 1 of this embodiment will be specifically described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of another control by the control unit 100.

[0087] 8, when the control unit 100 determines in step S4 that cutting of the print paper P to A5 size is specified, it determines whether the first print paper FP1 is being held on the second transport path R2 by the above-mentioned holding process (step S31). When the control unit 100 determines that the first print paper FP1 is not being held on the second transport path R2 (NO in step S31), the control unit 100 proceeds to step S5.

[0088] On the other hand, when the control unit 100 determines that the first printing paper FP1 is not being held on the second conveying path R2 (NO in step S31), the control unit 100 executes a third image printing process in which the printing unit 3 prints an image on one side of the first printing paper FP1 that was being held (step S32).

[0089] Next, the control unit 100 causes the conveying unit to switch back the first printing paper FP1 from the first conveying path R1 to the second conveying path R2, and performs a third inversion conveying process to convey the first printing paper FP1 in the second conveying direction D2 (step S33).

[0090] Next, the control unit 100 executes a fourth image printing process in which the printing unit 3 prints an image on the other side of the first printing paper FP1 (step S34).

[0091] Thereafter, the control unit 100 executes a second paper ejection process in which the conveyance unit ejects the first print sheet FP1, which has been double-sided printed, onto the ejection tray 22 in order to eject the first print sheet FP1 to the outside (step S35).

[0092] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether or not there is remaining print data specified in the print job received in step S1 (step S36). If the control unit 100 determines that there is print data (YES in step S36), the control unit 100 proceeds to step S5.

[0093] On the other hand, if the control unit 100 determines that there is no print data (NO in step S36), the control unit 100 determines that the print processing of the print job has been completed, and ends the print processing.

[0094] By performing the third image printing process and the fourth image printing process after the holding process in this manner, the printing device 1 of this embodiment executes the third image printing process and the fourth image printing process on the first printing paper FP1 held by the holding process, thereby reliably reducing the waste of printing paper P.

[0095] In addition to the above description, the control unit 100 may perform the determination process shown in step S36 after the third image printing process shown in step S32, and when the control unit 100 determines that there is print data, the control unit 100 causes the conveying unit to perform the third reverse conveying process shown in step S33. On the other hand, when the control unit 100 determines that there is no print data, the control unit 100 may perform the second paper discharge process shown in step S35.

[0096] [Forward and reverse printing] Next, normal order printing and reverse order printing in the printing device 1 of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figures 9 to 11. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing another control flow by the control unit 100. Figure 10A is a diagram explaining the specific operation of double-sided printing in normal order printing, and Figure 10B is a diagram explaining the specific print result of double-sided printing in normal order printing. Figure 11A is a diagram explaining the specific operation of double-sided printing in reverse order printing, and Figure 11B is a diagram explaining the specific print result of double-sided printing in reverse order printing.

[0097] In normal order printing, a case will be described in which print data for multiple pages specified by a print job is sent to the printing device 1 of this embodiment in order from the print data for the first page to the print data for the last page. In reverse order printing, a case will be described in which print data for multiple pages specified by a print job is sent to the printing device 1 of this embodiment in order from the print data for the last page to the print data for the first page.

[0098] 9, when the control unit 100 determines in step S4 that cutting of the print paper P to A5 size is specified, the control unit 100 executes a determination process to determine whether reverse order printing is specified by the received print job (step S41). If the control unit 100 determines that reverse order printing is not specified (NO in step S41), the control unit 100 determines that normal order printing is specified, and proceeds to step S5.

[0099] Specifically, the control unit 100 executes image printing processing by the printing unit 3 on a page-by-page basis for the print data of multiple pages specified in the print job, with the order in which the image printing processing is performed in the printing unit 3 being from the print data of the first page to the print data of the last page.

[0100] 10A, the control unit 100 causes the printing unit 3 to print the image g1 of the first page and the image g2 of the second page on the front side FP2H and back side FP2U of the second printing paper FP2, respectively. After that, the control unit 100 causes the printing unit 3 to print the image g3 of the third page on the front side FP1H of the first printing paper FP1.

[0101] 10B, in the printing device 1 of this embodiment, the second print sheet FP2 and the first print sheet FP1 are discharged to the discharge tray 22 with the back side FP2U on which the image g2 is printed facing up. That is, the first print sheet FP1 and the second print sheet FP2 are discharged in this order onto the discharge tray 22 with the back side of the first print sheet FP1 on which no image is printed facing up. By performing normal printing in this way, the printing device 1 of this embodiment can easily simplify the image printing process on a page-by-page basis in the printing unit 3.

[0102] On the other hand, if the control unit 100 determines that reverse order printing is specified (YES in step S41), the control unit 100 executes a page number determination process to determine whether the print data for multiple pages is print data for odd-numbered pages (step S42).If the control unit 100 determines that the print data is not print data for odd-numbered pages (NO in step S42), the control unit 100 proceeds to step S5.

[0103] Specifically, the control unit 100 executes image printing processing on a page-by-page basis by the printing unit 3, with the order in which image printing processing is performed in the printing unit 3 for multiple pages of printing data being from the printing data of the last page to the printing data of the first page.

[0104] On the other hand, if the control unit 100 determines that the print data is for an odd-numbered page (YES in step S42), the control unit 100 executes a blank area forming process (step S43) to form a blank area on one side of the second portion P2 without printing an image on that side in the first image printing process in the printing unit 3. Thereafter, the control unit 100 proceeds to step S6.

[0105] Specifically, the control unit 100 executes a first reverse conveyance process in which the conveyance unit switches back the print paper P, which has a blank area formed on one side of the second portion P2, from the first conveyance path R1 to the second conveyance path R2, and conveys the print paper P in the second conveyance direction D2. Thereafter, the control unit 100 sets the print data of the last page as the print data for the second image printing process (step S7) in the printing unit 3, and further executes the image printing process in page units by the printing unit 3 in accordance with the order from the print data of the last page to the print data of the first page.

[0106] 11A, the control unit 100 causes the printing unit 3 to form a blank area on the front side FP2H of the second print sheet FP2, and prints the image g3 of the third page, which is the last page, on the back side FP2U of the second print sheet FP2. Thereafter, the control unit 100 causes the printing unit 3 to print the image g2 of the second page and the image g1 of the first page on the front side FP1H and back side FP1U of the first print sheet FP1, respectively.

[0107] 11B, in the printing device 1 of this embodiment, the first print sheet FP1 and the second print sheet FP2 are discharged onto the discharge tray 22 with the back side FP1U on which the image g1 is printed facing up. That is, the first print sheet FP1 and the second print sheet FP2 on which the image g1 of the first page to the image g3 of the last page are printed in order are discharged onto the discharge tray 22.

[0108] As described above, in the printing device 1 of this embodiment, the control unit 100 performs reverse order printing, thereby enabling the user to be provided with a print sheet P on which the print data for the first page through the print data for the last page have been subjected to image printing processing in that order, improving user convenience. Also, in this embodiment, the control unit 100 performs blank area formation processing when the print data for multiple pages is print data for odd-numbered pages, making it possible to leave the last page of the print sheet P, which is discharged after image printing processing, blank. This ensures that the printing device 1 of this embodiment improves user convenience.

[0109] As described above, the printing device 1 of this embodiment includes the printing unit 3, the cutting unit 10 that cuts the print paper P into a first portion P1 and a second portion P2, and the control unit 100. The control unit 100 executes processes including a first image printing process that prints an image on one side of the second portion P2, a second image printing process that prints an image on the other side of the second portion P2 opposite to the one side, and a cutting process that cuts the print paper P and separates it into a first print paper FP1 having the first portion P1 and a second print paper FP2 having the second portion P2. This makes it possible to configure the printing device 1 in this embodiment to cut print paper P that has been printed on both sides.

[0110] Furthermore, in the printing device 1 of this embodiment, the third image printing process and the fourth image printing process are performed on the first printing paper FP1, so that double-sided printing can also be performed on the first printing paper FP1. As a result, the printing device 1 of this embodiment can continuously form the second printing paper FP2 and the first printing paper FP1 that have been double-sided printed.

[0111] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Configurations obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in the embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 1 Printing device 3 Printing Department 10 Cut section 60, 62, 64, 66, 68 Conveyor rollers (conveyor section) P Printing paper (printing media) FP1 1st printing paper (1st printing medium) FP2 2nd printing paper (2nd printing medium) P1 Part 1 P2 2nd part R1 First transport path R2 Second transport path D1 First conveying direction D2 Second conveying direction

Claims

1. a conveying unit that conveys the print medium; a first transport path for transporting the print medium in a first transport direction; a printing unit provided in the first transport path and configured to print an image on the print medium; a cutting unit that is provided downstream of the printing unit in the first transport path and that cuts the print medium into a first portion and a second portion that move back and forth in the first transport direction; a control unit, The control unit a first image printing process in which the printing unit prints an image on one side of the second portion; a first reverse conveying process in which, after the first image printing process, the conveying unit switches back the print medium from the first conveying path to a second conveying path different from the first conveying path, and conveys the print medium in a second conveying direction; a second image printing process in which, after the first reversal conveying process, the printing unit prints an image on the other side of the second portion opposite to the one side; a cutting process in which, after the second image printing process, the cutting unit cuts the printing medium to separate it into a first printing medium having the first portion and a second printing medium having the second portion; a second reverse transport process in which, after the cutting process, the transport unit switches back the first print medium from the first transport path to the second transport path and transports the first print medium in the second transport direction; a third image printing process in which, after the second reverse conveying process, an image is printed on one side of the first printing medium by the printing unit; a third reverse transport process in which, after the third image printing process, the transport unit switches back the first print medium from the first transport path to the second transport path and transports the first print medium in a second transport direction; a fourth image printing process in which, after the third reverse conveying process, the printing unit prints an image on the other side of the first printing medium opposite to the one side; A printing device that executes a process including:

2. A conveying unit that conveys a print medium; a first transport path for transporting the print medium in a first transport direction; a printing unit provided in the first transport path and configured to print an image on the print medium; a cutting unit that is provided downstream of the printing unit in the first transport path and that cuts the print medium into a first portion and a second portion that move back and forth in the first transport direction; a control unit, The control unit a first image printing process in which the printing unit prints an image on one side of the second portion; a first reverse transport process in which, after the first image printing process, the transport unit switches back the print medium from the first transport path to a second transport path different from the first transport path, and transports the print medium in a second transport direction; a second image printing process in which, after the first reversal conveying process, the printing unit prints an image on the other side of the second portion opposite to the one side; a cutting process in which, after the second image printing process, the cutting unit cuts the printing medium to separate it into a first printing medium having the first portion and a second printing medium having the second portion; a paper discharge process in which the second print medium is discharged to the outside by the conveying unit after the cutting process; a holding process in which, after the paper ejection process, the transport unit moves the first print medium to the second transport path and holds the first print medium on the second transport path; A printing device that executes a process including:

3. The control unit a third image printing process in which, after the holding process, the printing unit prints an image on one side of the first print medium; a third reverse transport process in which, after the third image printing process, the transport unit switches back the first print medium from the first transport path to the second transport path and transports the first print medium in a second transport direction; a fourth image printing process in which, after the third reverse conveying process, the printing unit prints an image on the other side of the first print medium opposite to the one side; 3. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the printing apparatus executes a process including:

4. A conveying unit that conveys a print medium; a first transport path for transporting the print medium in a first transport direction; a printing unit provided in the first transport path and configured to print an image on the print medium; a cutting unit that is provided downstream of the printing unit in the first transport path and that cuts the print medium into a first portion and a second portion that move back and forth in the first transport direction; a control unit, The control unit a first image printing process in which the printing unit prints an image on one side of the second portion; a first reverse transport process in which, after the first image printing process, the transport unit switches back the print medium from the first transport path to a second transport path different from the first transport path, and transports the print medium in a second transport direction; a second image printing process in which, after the first reversal conveying process, the printing unit prints an image on the other side of the second portion opposite to the one side; a cutting process in which, after the second image printing process, the cutting unit cuts the printing medium to separate it into a first printing medium having the first portion and a second printing medium having the second portion; a determination process for determining whether reverse order printing is specified; When it is determined in the determination process that the reverse order printing is specified, an image printing process is performed on a page-by-page basis by the printing unit, in which the order in which the image printing process is performed in the printing unit for the print data of multiple pages is from the print data of the last page to the print data of the first page; A printing device that executes a process including:

5. The control unit a page number determination process for determining whether the print data of the plurality of pages is print data of odd-numbered pages when it is determined in the determination process that the reverse order printing is specified; a blank area forming process in which, when it is determined in the page number determination process that the print data of the plurality of pages is print data of an odd number of pages, no image is printed on one side of the second portion in the first image printing process in the printing unit, and a blank area is formed on one side of the second portion; After the blank area forming process, the print data of the last page is set as print data for the second image printing process in the printing unit, and further, image printing process is performed in page units by the printing unit in accordance with the order from the print data of the last page to the print data of the first page; 5. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the printing apparatus executes a process including:

6. The control unit When it is determined in the determination process that the reverse order printing is not specified, an image printing process on a page-by-page basis by the printing unit is performed in such a manner that the order in which the image printing process is performed in the printing unit for the print data of a plurality of pages is from the print data of the first page to the print data of the last page.

5. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the printing apparatus executes a process including:

Images