Printing device

Abstract

To provide a compact printer which enables cutter replacement work to be conducted even when a working space is secured.SOLUTION: A printer (1) includes: a paper supply tray (11); a cutting part (10) which has cutters (10A, 10B) for cutting a print sheet (16) and is configured to be movable in a cutting direction; and a control unit which moves the cutting part (10) to a cutter replacement position where the cutters (10A, 10B) may be replaced. The cutter replacement position is provided above the paper supply tray (11).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 equipped with a cutter that cuts print media. Patent Document 1 discloses a printing device that allows the cutting unit to be moved to a predetermined cutter replacement position, making it possible to replace a deteriorated cutter. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-88383 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional printing devices such as those described above, a dedicated work space is usually provided for the cutter replacement work. Specifically, in the conventional printing device described in Patent Document 1, a cutout portion into which the user can insert their hand is formed as a dedicated work space in the lower paper guide that supports the print medium from below in order to perform the cutter replacement work.

[0005] Incidentally, the conventional printing apparatus described above is a large printing apparatus that is installed on the floor, for example, and therefore it is easy to secure the dedicated work space described above.

[0006] In contrast, for example, in the case of a small printing device that is installed on a table, if the above-mentioned working space is secured, there is a problem that it is not possible to prevent the printing device from becoming larger.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a compact printing device that allows cutter replacement work to be performed even when a work space is secured. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, a printing device of a first aspect of the present disclosure comprises a housing, a paper feed tray that stores printing media, a transport unit that removes the printing media from the paper feed tray and transports it along a transport direction, a printing unit that prints on the printing media transported by the transport unit, a cutting unit that has a cutter that cuts the printing media transported by the transport unit and is configured to be movable in the cutting direction, and a control unit that moves the cutting unit to a cutter replacement position where the cutter can be replaced, the cutter replacement position being located above the paper feed tray.

[0009] With this configuration, the cutter replacement position is located above the paper feed tray, so the space above the paper feed tray can be used for replacing the cutter in the cutting unit. This makes it possible to create a compact printing device that can perform cutter replacement even when sufficient work space is available.

[0010] A second aspect of the present disclosure is the printing device of the first aspect, wherein the paper feed tray may be detachable from the housing.

[0011] According to the above configuration, by removing the paper feed tray from the housing, the working space can be easily secured, and the cutter replacement work can be easily carried out.

[0012] A third aspect of the present disclosure is a printing device of the first or second aspect, further comprising a tray removal sensor that detects the position of the paper feed tray, and the control unit may not move the cutting unit to the cutter replacement position when it determines, based on the detection result of the tray removal sensor, that the paper feed tray has been removed from the housing.

[0013] With this configuration, even if a user inserts their hand into the housing when the paper feed tray is removed from the housing, it is possible to reliably prevent scratches or other damage caused by the cutter, thereby making it possible to configure a printing device with excellent safety.

[0014] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a printing device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the transport unit has a main transport path which is a transport path for the printing medium from the paper feed tray to the cutting unit, and a reverse transport path which reverses the printing medium transported along the main transport path and returns it to the main transport path, and the reverse transport path may be provided with a spacing member configured to be able to be separated from the cutting unit located at the cutter replacement position.

[0015] According to the above configuration, by separating the separating member from the cutting portion, the working space for the cutter replacement work can be increased, and the cutter replacement work can be easily performed.

[0016] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is the printing device of the fourth aspect, wherein the spacing member may perform a spacing operation to separate from the cutting portion when the paper feed tray is removed from the housing.

[0017] According to the above configuration, the separating operation is performed in conjunction with the operation of the paper feed tray, so that the working space for the cutter replacement operation can be automatically enlarged, making the cutter replacement operation easier.

[0018] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is a printing device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, which is configured to be rotatable relative to the housing and further includes a reading unit that reads an image of a document and a reading position detection sensor that detects the position of the reading unit, and when the control unit determines, based on the detection result of the reading position detection sensor, that the reading unit has rotated relative to the housing and is in an exposed position that exposes the cutting unit, it is not necessary to move the cutting unit to the cutter replacement position.

[0019] With this configuration, when the reading unit rotates to expose the cutting unit, the cutting unit is not moved to the cutter replacement position, so even if a user inserts their hand into the housing, it is possible to reliably prevent scratches from being caused by the cutter. This makes it possible to configure a printing device with excellent safety.

[0020] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is a printing device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, further comprising an output tray configured to be able to protrude outside the housing and for storing printing media to be discharged outside the housing, and an output tray position detection sensor for detecting the position of the output tray, wherein the control unit may not move the cutting unit to the cutter replacement position when it determines, based on the detection result of the output tray position detection sensor, that the output tray is in a protruding position protruding outside the housing.

[0021] With this configuration, the cutting unit does not move to the cutter replacement position when the paper output tray is in the protruding position outside the housing, so even if a user puts their hand inside the housing, it is possible to reliably prevent scratches from being caused by the cutter. This makes it possible to configure a printing device with excellent safety.

[0022] A printing device according to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure includes a housing, a reading unit configured to be rotatable relative to the housing and configured to read an image of an original, and a conveying unit configured to convey a print medium along a conveying direction; The printer comprises a printing unit that prints on the printing medium transported by the transport unit, a cutting unit that has a cutter that cuts the printing medium transported by the transport unit and is configured to be movable in the cutting direction, and a control unit that moves the cutting unit to a cutter replacement position where the cutter can be replaced, the cutter replacement position being located below the reading unit.

[0023] With the above configuration, the cutter replacement position is located below the reading unit, so when the reading unit is rotated relative to the housing to expose the cutting unit, the space above the cutting unit can be used for replacing the cutter. This makes it possible to configure a compact printing device that allows cutter replacement even when work space is secured.

[0024] A ninth aspect of the present disclosure is a printing device of the eighth aspect, further comprising a reading position detection sensor that detects the position of the reading unit, and the control unit does not need to move the cutting unit to the cutter replacement position when it determines, based on the detection result of the reading position detection sensor, that the reading unit has rotated relative to the housing to be in an exposed position that exposes the cutting unit.

[0025] With this configuration, when the reading unit rotates to expose the cutting unit, the cutting unit is not moved to the cutter replacement position, so even if a user inserts their hand into the housing, it is possible to reliably prevent scratches from being caused by the cutter. This makes it possible to configure a printing device with excellent safety.

[0026] A printing device of a tenth aspect of the present disclosure comprises a housing, an output tray configured to be able to protrude outside the housing and to store printing media that is discharged outside the housing, a transport unit that transports the printing media along a transport direction, a printing unit that prints on the printing media transported by the transport unit, a cutting unit that has a cutter that cuts the printing medium transported by the transport unit and is configured to be able to move in the cutting direction, and a control unit that moves the cutting unit to a cutter replacement position where the cutter can be replaced, the cutter replacement position being located above the output tray.

[0027] With this configuration, the cutter replacement position is located above the paper output tray, so the space above the paper output tray can be used for replacing the cutter in the cutting unit. This makes it possible to create a compact printing device that can perform cutter replacement even when work space is secured.

[0028] An eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is a printing device of the tenth aspect, further comprising an output tray position detection sensor that detects the position of the output tray, and the control unit does not need to move the cutting unit to the cutter replacement position when it determines, based on the detection result of the output tray position detection sensor, that the output tray is in a protruding position that protrudes outside the housing.

[0029] With this configuration, the cutting unit does not move to the cutter replacement position when the paper output tray is in the protruding position outside the housing, so even if a user puts their hand inside the housing, it is possible to reliably prevent scratches from being caused by the cutter. This makes it possible to configure a printing device with excellent safety.

[0030] A twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is a printing device according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, further comprising an origin sensor provided at at least one end of the cutting direction and determining whether the cutting section is located at an origin position, and the control unit may determine whether the replacement work of the cutter of the cutting section has been completed based on the detection result of the origin sensor.

[0031] According to the above configuration, it is possible to immediately determine whether the cutter replacement work is complete, thereby enabling the cutting unit to perform the cutting operation appropriately.

[0032] A thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a printing device according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, further comprising a media position detection sensor that detects the position of the printing medium being transported by the transport unit, and the control unit may not move the cutting unit to the cutter replacement position when it determines, based on the detection result of the media position detection sensor, that the printing medium is being transported by the transport unit.

[0033] According to the above configuration, the cutting section is not moved to the cutter replacement position when the printing medium is being transported by the transport section, thereby minimizing the obstruction of the cutter replacement work by the printing medium being transported, thereby improving the workability of the replacement work.

[0034] A fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a printing device according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, further comprising an encoder for detecting the position of the cutting section, and the control unit may control the position of the cutting section based on the detection result of the encoder.

[0035] According to the above configuration, the control unit can control the position of the cutting unit with high precision, and it is possible to position the cutter at the cutter replacement position with high precision, making it easier to perform the cutter replacement work.

[0036] A fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a printing device according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, further comprising a lower cover disposed inside the housing downstream of the conveying unit in the conveying direction and having two ribs that guide the printing medium conveyed by the conveying unit to a predetermined position within the housing, and the cutter replacement position may be set at a position between the two ribs.

[0037] According to the above configuration, even when the print medium on which printing has been performed is appropriately guided to the predetermined position, the cutter replacement work can be easily carried out.

[0038] A sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure is the printing device of any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, wherein the cutter replacement position may be set at a center portion in the cutting direction.

[0039] According to the above configuration, the cutter replacement position is set at the center of one direction (width direction) of the housing, making it possible to easily perform the cutter replacement work. [Effects of the Invention]

[0040] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a compact printing device that allows cutter replacement work to be performed even when a work space is secured. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0041] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a printing device according to a first 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 plan view showing a main configuration of the printing device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control device provided in the printing device. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of a printing device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] [Embodiment 1] 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 the first 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. In the following description, a monochrome printer that performs print 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 print processing for full-color images, for example.

[0043] 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.

[0044] [Outline of Printing Device 1] 1, the printing device 1 has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped outer container and constitutes an inkjet printer that performs a printing process by, for example, ejecting ink onto printing paper 16, which is an example of a printing medium of the present disclosure. In addition to this description, the printing device 1 may also be, for example, a laser printer that records an image on printing paper 16 using an electrophotographic method. Furthermore, the printing medium is not limited to paper media such as printing paper 16, and may also be a resin medium made of plastic, such as an overhead projector sheet.

[0045] 1, the printing device 1 has a paper feed tray 11 at the bottom and a housing 12 that forms the outer container of the printing device 1. A paper output tray 13 is provided above the paper feed tray 11, and an opening 14 is formed above the paper output tray 13. A scanner unit 73 is also provided above the paper output tray 13.

[0046] [Internal configuration of printing device 1] 2, the printing device 1 includes, inside the housing main body 12A, the paper feed tray 11, the paper discharge tray 13, and a transport unit 15. The paper feed tray 11 is detachably attached to the housing main body 12A and stores printing paper 16. The transport unit 15 takes out the printing paper 16 from the paper feed tray 11 and transports it along the transport direction.

[0047] Specifically, the conveying unit 15 has a main conveying path 151, which is a conveying path for the printing paper 16 that runs from the paper feed tray 11 through the cutting unit 10 to the paper discharge tray 13, and a reverse conveying path 152 that branches off from the main conveying path 151. The conveying unit 15 conveys the printing paper 16 taken in from the paper feed tray 11 along the main conveying path 151 to the terminal position of the main conveying path 151, and discharges the printing paper 16 from the main conveying path 151 onto the paper discharge tray 13. Alternatively, the conveying unit 15 reverses the printing paper 16 being conveyed along the main conveying path 151 along the reverse conveying path 152, and then returns the printing paper 16 to the main conveying path 151, and similarly discharges the printing paper 16 from the main conveying path 151 onto the paper discharge tray 13.

[0048] Furthermore, the conveying unit 15 uses a feed roller 17 provided above the paper feed tray 11 to take the printing paper 16 from the paper feed tray 11 into the main conveying path 151. The main conveying path 151 curves forward in a semicircular arc shape from near the starting end on the paper feed tray 11 side.

[0049] The main conveying path 151 between the paper feed tray 11 and the paper output tray 13 is provided with, from the upstream side of the conveying direction of the printing paper 16 (hereinafter simply referred to as the upstream side) to the downstream side of the conveying direction of the printing paper 16 (hereinafter simply referred to as the downstream side), a trailing end sensor 18, a pair of first conveying rollers 19, a leading end sensor 20, a printing unit 21, a pair of second conveying rollers 22, a pair of third conveying rollers 23, a cutting unit 10, and a pair of fourth conveying rollers 25.

[0050] The first transport roller 19 is located upstream and immediately before the printing unit 21. The second transport roller 22 is located between the printing unit 21 and the upstream end of the reverse transport path 152. The third transport roller 23 is located between the upstream end of the reverse transport path 152 and the cutting unit 10. The fourth transport roller 25 is located between the cutting unit 10 and the downstream end of the main transport path 151, and functions as an ejection roller that ejects the print paper 16 onto the paper output tray 13.

[0051] The trailing edge sensor 18 detects the trailing edge of the printing paper 16 being transported on the main transport path 151. The leading edge sensor 20 detects the leading edge of the printing paper 16 being transported on the main transport path 151. These trailing edge sensor 18 and leading edge sensor 20 are provided on the main transport path 151 so as to sandwich the first transport roller 19 therebetween, and are configured to detect the presence or absence of printing paper 16 being transported by the transport unit 15 towards the printing unit 21. In other words, these trailing edge sensor 18 and leading edge sensor 20 can also function as medium position detection sensors, described below, that detect the position of the printing paper 16 being transported by the transport unit 15.

[0052] The printing unit 21 executes a printing process on the printing paper 16 transported by the transport unit 15. Specifically, the printing unit 21 has an inkjet recording head 211, and prints an image on the printing paper 16 using the recording head 211.

[0053] The cutting unit 10 has cutters (cutting blades) 10A and 10B that cut the printing paper 16 transported by the transport unit 15, and also includes a cutter carriage that can move in the cutting direction. Specifically, in the cutting unit 10, one of the cutters 10A and 10B moves in the cutting direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the transport unit 15 while being close to the other, thereby cutting the printing paper 16 so as to divide it into portions on the upstream side and downstream side in the transport direction.

[0054] Furthermore, in the cutting section 10, if at least one of the cutters 10A and 10B deteriorates, the deteriorated cutter 10A and / or 10B (hereinafter referred to as cutter 10K) can be replaced at a cutter replacement position located above the paper feed tray 11 (details will be described later).

[0055] The reverse conveyance path 152 has an upstream end located upstream of the pair of third conveyance rollers 23, and a downstream end located near the starting end of the main conveyance path 151. A first flap 26 is provided at the upstream end of the reverse conveyance path 152, and a second flap 27 is provided at the downstream end. The first flap 26 and the second flap 27 operate to switch the conveyance direction of the print paper 16. A pair of fifth conveyance rollers 28 is provided on the reverse conveyance path 152. The first to fifth conveyance rollers 19, 22, 23, 25, and 28 sandwich and convey the print paper 16.

[0056] As described above, by providing the reversing conveyance path 152, the printing device 1 is configured so that the printing unit 21 can perform double-sided printing on the printing paper 16.

[0057] The reverse conveying path 152 also includes a spacing member 152A configured to be able to move away from the cutting unit 10 located at the cutter replacement position. Specifically, in this embodiment, the spacing member 152A is supported by a rotating shaft (not shown) provided at the downstream end (left end in FIG. 2) of the reverse conveying path 152, and is configured to move away from the cutting unit 10 by rotating the upstream end (right end in FIG. 2) of the reverse conveying path 152 around the rotating shaft and moving to the lower side of the housing main body 12A.

[0058] The paper discharge tray 13 is configured to be able to protrude outside the housing 12, and stores the print paper 116 that is discharged outside the housing 12. A lower cover 131 is provided on the housing main body 12A above the paper discharge tray 13. In other words, the lower cover 131 is provided inside the housing 12 downstream of the conveyance unit 15 in the conveyance direction, and has two ribs 131A that guide the print paper 16 conveyed by the conveyance unit 15 to the paper discharge tray 13, which is a predetermined position within the housing 12.

[0059] In addition to the above description, the paper discharge tray 13 may be configured to be detachable from the housing 12, similar to the paper feed tray 11.

[0060] Scanner unit 73 is configured to be rotatable relative to housing 12, and is an example of a reading section that reads an image of a document. Specifically, scanner unit 73 includes scanner unit main body 73A and cover 73B provided on scanner unit main body 73A. Scanner unit main body 73A is attached to housing main body 12A via a rotating member 73D, and can rotate relative to housing 12 about rotating member 73D to expose the internal configuration of housing main body 12A.

[0061] Scanner unit main body 73A is provided with glass platen 73C, and a document to be read is placed on glass platen 73C for scanning. Cover 73B is configured to be rotatable relative to scanner unit main body 73A via pivoting member 73E, and by pivoting cover 73B from scanner unit main body 73A to open it relative to scanner unit 73A, a document can be placed on glass platen 73C. Cover 73B is also provided with an automatic document feeder (not shown), and when cover 73B is closed relative to scanner unit 73A, a document can be placed on glass platen 73C by the automatic document feeder.

[0062] [Main configuration of printing device 1] Next, the configuration of the main parts of the printing device 1 of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a plan view showing the configuration of the main parts of the printing device 1. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control device 4 provided in the printing device 1. Note that Figure 3 shows only the tip portions of the paper feed tray 11 and the paper discharge tray 13 that are taken out of the housing 12.

[0063] 3, in the printing device 1 of this embodiment, the cutting unit 10 is configured to be movable along guide rails 10C provided in the cutting direction inside the housing 12. Specifically, the cutting unit 10 cuts the printing paper 16 conveyed by the conveying unit 15 while moving in the cutting direction by being driven by a motor (not shown) in accordance with instructions from the control unit 71 (FIG. 4).

[0064] An encoder 42 that detects the position of the cutting unit 10 is provided at one end of the guide rail 10C. The encoder 42 detects the amount of rotation of the motor that drives the cutting unit 10 and outputs the detected amount to the control unit 71, thereby detecting the position of the cutting unit 10 in the cutting direction. In this way, in this embodiment, the detection result of the encoder 42 is used, so the control unit 71 can accurately control the position of the cutting unit 10. As a result, in this embodiment, it is possible to position the cutting unit 10 at a cutter replacement position (described later) with high accuracy, making it easier to replace the cutter K.

[0065] An origin sensor 65 is provided at the other end of the guide rail 10C. The origin sensor 65 determines whether the cutting unit 10 is located at an origin position, which is a predetermined initial position. The origin sensor 65 outputs the determination result to the control unit 71, thereby detecting whether the cutting unit 10 has returned to the origin position after completing the cutting operation or the replacement of the cutter K at the cutter replacement position, which will be described later.

[0066] As described above, in this embodiment, the detection result of the origin sensor 65 is used to determine whether or not the replacement work of the cutter K has been completed, making it possible to immediately determine whether or not the cutting operation by the cutting unit 10 can be performed. As a result, in this embodiment, the cutting operation by the cutting unit 10 can be performed appropriately.

[0067] In addition to the above description, the origin position may be set at both ends in the cutting direction (i.e., one end and the other end of the guide rail 10C). In this case, two origin sensors 65 are provided at both ends in the cutting direction.

[0068] [Cutter replacement position] Furthermore, the cutting unit 10 is moved to a cutter replacement position where the cutter 10K can be replaced in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 71. Specifically, in the printing device 1 of this embodiment, the cutter replacement position is set to a position above the paper feed tray 11, between two ribs 131A, and at a central position in the cutting direction, as shown in FIG.

[0069] [Configuration of control device 4] 4, the printing device 1 of the present embodiment is equipped with a control device 4, and each section of the printing device 1 is controlled by the control device 4. The control device 4 also has a control unit 71 as a controller that controls each section of the printing device 1. The control unit 71 is connected to the feed roller 17, the first to fifth conveyance rollers 19, 22, 23, 25, 28, the trailing edge sensor 18, the leading edge sensor 20, the printing unit 21, the cutting unit 10, the first and second flaps 26, 27, the encoder 42, and the operation unit 53.

[0070] In addition, the control unit 71 controls the operation of each of the feed roller 17, the first to fifth conveying rollers 19, 22, 23, 25, 28, and the first and second flaps 26, 27 by controlling one or more driving members (not shown) such as motors that drive them.

[0071] The first and second flaps 26, 27 are driven to a reverse guide position (position indicated by a solid line in FIG. 2) and a retracted position (position indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 2) under the control of the control unit 71. The reverse guide position is a position where the first flap 26 guides the printing paper 16, which is transported in the reverse direction by the reverse rotation of the third transport roller 23, from the main transport path 151 to the reverse transport path 152, and where the second flap 27 guides it from the reverse transport path 152 to the main transport path 151. The retracted position is a position where the first and second flaps 26, 27 do not interfere with the transport of the printing paper 16 on the main transport path 151 from the paper feed tray 11 to the paper output tray 13.

[0072] Furthermore, the first to fifth transport rollers 19, 22, 23, 25, and 28 are appropriately equipped with, for example, rotary encoders that detect the amount of rotation of the corresponding first to fifth transport rollers 19, 22, 23, 25, and 28 and output this to the control unit 71. The control unit 71 detects the amount of transport of the printing paper 16 by the corresponding first to fifth transport rollers 19, 22, 23, 25, and 28 based on the detection results from the rotary encoders, and further detects the position of the printing paper 16 on the main transport path 151. In other words, the rotary encoder can also function as a medium position detection sensor 64 that detects the position of the printing paper 16 being transported by the transport unit 15.

[0073] The control unit 71 is also configured to be able to accurately perform the cutting operation of the printing paper 16 in the cutting unit 10 based on the detection results of the trailing edge sensor 18, the leading edge sensor 20, and the rotary encoder. Specifically, the control unit 71 determines the length of the printing paper 16 based on the amount of transport of the printing paper 16 from when the leading edge sensor 20 detects the leading edge of the printing paper 16 until the trailing edge sensor 18 detects the trailing edge of the printing paper 16. The control unit 71 then causes the cutting unit 10 to perform the cutting operation based on the determined printing paper length, thereby enabling the printing paper 16 to be cut accurately at a predetermined position of the desired printing paper length.

[0074] Also connected to the control unit 71 are a tray attachment / detachment sensor 61, a paper ejection tray position detection sensor 62, a scanner position detection sensor 63, a medium position detection sensor 64, an origin sensor 65, a main unit 72, a scanner unit 73, and a memory unit 43. Also connected to the control unit 71 is a display unit (not shown) that displays predetermined information such as the status and operating conditions of the printing device 1 to the user. Also connected to the control unit 71 is a communication unit (not shown), and the control unit 71 is configured to perform two-way data communication with devices external to the printing device 1 (for example, a computer terminal) via a wired or wireless network via the communication unit.

[0075] The control unit 71 also has a microcomputer such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The control unit 71 executes various processes to cause the printing device 1 to perform printing processes and associated processes. The control unit 71 is also configured to properly cause the cutting unit 10 to cut the printing paper 16 and to properly perform maintenance work such as replacing the cutter K of the cutting unit 10 (details will be described later).

[0076] The control unit 71 may include a processor such as a CPU. In this case, a control program that realizes the print control method may be stored in the storage unit 43. The processor of the control unit 71 may then operate in accordance with the control program stored in the storage unit 43, thereby executing the print process in the printing device 1.

[0077] Furthermore, the control unit 71 itself may be provided with a computer-readable recording medium storing the control program. As the recording medium, a "non-transitory tangible medium" such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a magnetic disk, card, semiconductor memory, programmable logic circuit, etc. may be used. Alternatively, a RAM (Random Access Memory) into which the control program is deployed may be used.

[0078] The control program may also be supplied to the computer via any transmission medium (such as a communication network or broadcast waves) capable of transmitting the control program.

[0079] The storage unit 43 is a memory from which information can be read and written. The storage unit 43 is a RAM or NVM (non-volatile memory). The storage unit 43 stores predetermined information such as the number of printed sheets. Furthermore, the storage unit 43 stores the number of times the cutting operation has been performed by the cutting unit 10 as predetermined information.

[0080] The operation unit 53 is provided with predetermined operation members such as operation buttons, and when operated by a user, receives instructions from the user for the printing device 1 and notifies the control unit 71. In addition to this description, a touch panel may be used as the display unit, causing the touch panel to function as the operation unit 53.

[0081] The tray attachment / detachment sensor 61 is provided in the housing main body 12A and detects the position of the paper feed tray 11 and outputs the position to the control unit 71. Specifically, the tray attachment / detachment sensor 61 detects whether the paper feed tray 11 is removed from the housing 12.

[0082] The paper discharge tray position detection sensor 62 is provided in the housing main body 12A and detects the position of the paper discharge tray 13 and outputs the position to the control unit 71. Specifically, the paper discharge tray position detection sensor 62 detects whether the paper discharge tray 13 is in a protruding position where it protrudes outside the housing 12.

[0083] The scanner position detection sensor 63 is provided in the housing 12 and detects the position of the scanner unit (reading section) 73 and outputs the position to the control section 71. Specifically, the scanner position detection sensor 63 detects whether the scanner unit 73 is in an exposed position where it rotates relative to the housing 12 to open the inside of the housing main body 12A and expose the cutting section 10. The scanner position detection sensor 63 is an example of a reading position detection sensor.

[0084] The medium position detection sensor 64 is provided in the housing main body 12A, and is configured to detect the position of the printing paper 16 being transported by the transport unit 15 and output the position to the control unit 71. Specifically, the medium position detection sensor 64 is provided on at least one of the upstream and downstream sides of the cutting unit 10, and detects whether the printing paper 16 before cutting by the cutting unit 10 and the printing paper 16 after cutting are present on the main transport path 151.

[0085] The main unit 72 is a unit that executes the printing processes of the print function and copy function, which are the main functions of the printing device 1, and includes the essential components of the printing device 1 housed inside the housing main body 12A.

[0086] [Operation of Printing Device 1] The operation of the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment will be specifically described below. Note that in the following description, the operation relating to the replacement work of the cutter K will be mainly described.

[0087] When the control unit 71 determines by referring to the memory unit 43 that the number of times the cutting operation has been performed in the cutting unit 10 has exceeded a predetermined number of replacements, the control unit 71 requests the user's permission to replace the deteriorated cutter K, for example, by displaying a message on the display unit encouraging the user to replace the cutter K.

[0088] Thereafter, when the control unit 71 determines that an instruction to replace the cutter K has been issued by a user's operation on the operation unit 53, the control unit 71 determines whether or not to move the cutting unit 10 to the cutter replacement position shown in Fig. 3 based on the detection results from the tray attachment / detachment sensor 61, the paper output tray position detection sensor 62, the scanner position detection sensor 63, and the medium position detection sensor 64. In other words, the control unit 71 determines whether or not to perform the replacement work of the cutter K.

[0089] Specifically, the control unit 71 moves the cutting unit 10 to the cutter replacement position when it determines based on the detection result from the tray removal sensor 61 that the paper feed tray 11 has not been removed from the housing 12, determines based on the detection result from the paper discharge tray position detection sensor 62 that the paper discharge tray 13 is not in a protruding position where it protrudes outside the housing 12, determines based on the detection result from the scanner position detection sensor 63 that the scanner unit 73 has rotated relative to the housing 12 and is not in an exposed position where the cutting unit 10 is exposed, and determines based on the detection result from the medium position detection sensor 64 that the printing paper 16 is not being transported by the transport unit 15. Then, the control unit 71 enables the user to replace the cutter K.

[0090] Furthermore, when replacing the cutter K, the upstream end of the reversing conveyance path 152 (the right end in FIG. 2) of the separating member 152A moves to the lower side of the housing main body 12A and separates from the cutting unit 10. This makes it possible to increase the working space for replacing the cutter K in this embodiment, and thus makes it easier to replace the cutter K.

[0091] The spacing member 152A performs a spacing operation in conjunction with the removal of the paper feed tray 11 from the housing 12. That is, the housing main body 12A is provided with a locking portion (not shown) that enables the upstream end (free end) of the spacing member 152A to rotate from the locked state in response to the removal of the paper feed tray 11. In this embodiment, the spacing operation of the spacing member 152A is performed in conjunction with the operation of the paper feed tray 11, so that the working space for the replacement of the cutter K can be automatically enlarged, making the replacement of the cutter K easier.

[0092] In addition to the above description, the downstream end of the spacing member 152A (the left end in FIG. 2) of the reverse conveying path 152 may be moved below the housing main body 12A to be separated from the cutting unit 10.

[0093] On the other hand, when the control unit 71 determines that the paper feed tray 11 is removed from the housing 12 based on the detection result from the tray removal sensor 61, the control unit 71 does not move the cutting unit 10 to the cutter replacement position. As a result, in this embodiment, even if a user inserts their hand into the housing 12 when the paper feed tray 11 is removed from the housing 12, it is possible to reliably prevent scratches and the like caused by the cutter K. As a result, in this embodiment, it is possible to configure a printing device 1 that is highly safe.

[0094] However, in this embodiment, the paper feed tray 11 is configured to be detachable from the housing 12, so the user takes sufficient care with the cutter K. For example, when the operation unit 53 receives an instruction from the user to move the cutting unit 10 to the cutter replacement position, the control unit 71 moves the cutting unit 10 to the cutter replacement position. As a result, in this embodiment, by removing the paper feed tray 11 from the housing 12, a working space for replacing the cutter K can be easily secured, and the replacement of the cutter K can be easily performed.

[0095] Furthermore, when the control unit 71 determines, based on the detection result of the paper output tray position detection sensor 62, that the paper output tray 13 is in a protruding position protruding outside the housing 12, the control unit 71 does not move the cutting unit 10 to the cutter replacement position. As a result, in this embodiment, even when a user inserts their hand into the housing 12, it is possible to reliably prevent scratches and the like caused by the cutter K. As a result, in this embodiment, it is possible to configure a printing device 1 that is highly safe.

[0096] Furthermore, when the control unit 71 determines, based on the detection result of the scanner position detection sensor 63, that the scanner unit 73 has rotated relative to the housing 12 to be in the exposed position exposing the cutting unit 10, the control unit 71 does not move the cutting unit 10 to the cutter replacement position. As a result, in this embodiment, even when a user inserts their hand into the housing 12, it is possible to reliably prevent scratches or the like caused by the cutter K. As a result, in this embodiment, it is possible to configure a printing device 1 that is highly safe.

[0097] Furthermore, when the control unit 71 determines, based on the detection result of the medium position detection sensor 64, that the printing paper 16 is being transported by the transport unit 15, the control unit 71 does not move the cutting unit 10 to the cutter replacement position. This makes it possible to minimize the interference of the printing paper 16 being transported while replacing the cutter K, thereby improving the workability of the replacement work.

[0098] In addition to the above description, the configuration may also be such that, for example, the user operates the operation unit 53 to instruct the control unit 71 to perform the replacement work of the cutter K before the number of cutting operations performed reaches the above-mentioned replacement number.

[0099] Furthermore, after the control unit 71 has determined not to move the cutting unit 10 to the cutter replacement position as described above, if, for example, the operation unit 53 receives an instruction from the user to move the cutting unit 10 to the cutter replacement position, the control unit 71 moves the cutting unit 10 to the cutter replacement position in accordance with the user's instruction.

[0100] As described above, the printing device 1 of this embodiment includes the paper feed tray 11, the cutting unit 10 having cutters 10A and 10B for cutting the print paper 16 and configured to be movable in the cutting direction, and the control unit 71 for moving the cutting unit 10 to a cutter replacement position where the cutter 10A and / or 10B (cutter K) can be replaced. The cutter replacement position is located above the paper feed tray 11. This allows the space above the paper feed tray 11, located in the center of the width of the housing 12 through which the print paper 16 transported by the transport unit 15 passes, to be effectively used as space for replacing the cutter K of the cutting unit 10. As a result, this embodiment allows for the configuration of a compact printing device 1 that allows for the replacement of the cutter K even when sufficient work space is secured. Therefore, this embodiment allows for the easy replacement of the cutter K even in a compact printing device 1 that can be installed on a desktop, for example.

[0101] In the comparative example in which the cutter K is set at a position away from the paper feed tray 11 to provide space for replacement work, the width dimension of the comparative example may become large and the structure may become complicated.

[0102] In addition, in this embodiment, the cutter replacement position is set at a position between the two ribs 131A, so that the cutter K can be easily replaced even when the printed printing paper 16 is to be properly guided to the paper output tray 13.

[0103] In addition, in this embodiment, the cutter replacement position is set in the center of the cutting direction of the cutting section 10, so the cutter replacement position is set in the center of one direction (width direction) of the housing 12, making it possible to easily perform the replacement work of the cutter K.

[0104] [Modification] 2, the cutter replacement position is located below the scanner unit (reading unit) 73. That is, in this modification, when the scanner unit 73 is rotated relative to the housing 12 to expose the cutting unit 10 to the outside, the space above the cutting unit 10 can be used as space for replacing the cutter K of the cutting unit 10. As a result, in this modification, a compact printing device 1 can be configured in which the cutter K can be replaced even when sufficient work space is secured.

[0105] Furthermore, in this modification, when the control unit 71 determines based on the detection result of the scanner position detection sensor 63 that the scanner unit 73 has rotated relative to the housing 12 to be in the exposed position exposing the cutting unit 10, the control unit 71 does not move the cutting unit 10 to the cutter replacement position. As a result, in this modification, even when a user inserts their hand into the housing 12, it is possible to reliably prevent scratches or the like caused by the cutter K. As a result, in this modification, it is possible to configure a printing device 1 that is highly safe.

[0106] However, in this modified example, as in embodiment 1, the user takes sufficient consideration of the cutter K, and for example, when the operation unit 53 receives an instruction from the user to move the cutting unit 10 to the cutter replacement position, the control unit 71 moves the cutting unit 10 to the cutter replacement position.

[0107] [Embodiment 2] Other embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. For ease of explanation, the same reference numerals will be used to designate components having the same functions as those described in the above embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0108] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of a printing device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0109] In FIG. 5, the present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a cutter replacement position is provided above the paper discharge tray 13.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 5, in the printing device 1 of this embodiment, the cutting unit 10 is disposed downstream of the fourth conveyor roller 25. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, the replacement position of the cutter K of the cutting unit 10 is set above the paper discharge tray 13, between two ribs 131A, and in the center in the cutting direction. As a result, in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the space above the paper discharge tray 13 can be used as space for replacing the cutter K of the cutting unit 10. As a result, in this embodiment, a compact printing device 1 can be configured in which the cutter K replacement work can be performed even when work space is secured.

[0111] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the control unit 71 determines that the paper output tray 13 is in a protruding position protruding outside the housing 12 based on the detection result of the paper output tray position detection sensor 62, the control unit 71 does not move the cutting unit 10 to the cutter replacement position. As a result, in this embodiment, even when a user inserts their hand into the housing 12, it is possible to reliably prevent scratches and the like caused by the cutter K. As a result, in this embodiment, it is possible to configure a printing device 1 that is highly safe.

[0112] However, in this embodiment, as in embodiment 1, the user takes sufficient consideration of the cutter K, and for example, when the operation unit 53 receives an instruction from the user to move the cutting unit 10 to the cutter replacement position, the control unit 71 moves the cutting unit 10 to the cutter replacement position.

[0113] 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 each embodiment are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 1 Printing device 10 Cut section 10A, 10B cutter 11 Paper tray 12. Case 13 Paper output tray 15 Conveying section 16 Printing paper (printing media) 21 Printing Department 42 Encoder 61 Tray removal sensor 62 Paper output tray position detection sensor 63 Scanner position detection sensor 64 Media position detection sensor 65 Origin sensor 71 Control Unit 73 Scanner unit (reading unit) 131 Lower cover 131A Rib 151 Main transport route 152 Reversing conveying path 152A Spacer

Claims

1. The housing and a paper feed tray for accommodating print media; a conveying unit that takes out the print medium from the paper feed tray and conveys it along a conveying direction; a printing unit that prints on the print medium transported by the transport unit; a cutting unit having a cutter that cuts the print medium conveyed by the conveying unit and configured to be movable in a cutting direction; a tray attachment / detachment sensor for detecting the position of the paper feed tray; a control unit that moves the cutting unit to a cutter replacement position where the cutter can be replaced, the cutter replacement position is provided above the paper feed tray; the paper feed tray is detachable from the housing; A printing device in which the control unit does not move the cutting unit to the cutter replacement position when it determines, based on the detection result of the tray removal sensor, that the paper feed tray has been removed from the housing.

2. the conveying section has a main conveying path which is a conveying path of the print medium from the paper feed tray to the cutting section, and a reverse conveying path which reverses the print medium conveyed on the main conveying path and returns the print medium to the main conveying path, The printing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the reverse conveying path includes a spacing member configured to be able to be separated from the cutting unit located at the cutter replacement position.

3. The printing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the spacing member performs a spacing operation to separate from the cutting portion when the paper feed tray is removed from the housing.

4. A housing, a paper feed tray for accommodating print media; a conveying unit that takes out the print medium from the paper feed tray and conveys it along a conveying direction; a printing unit that prints on the print medium transported by the transport unit; a cutting unit having a cutter that cuts the print medium conveyed by the conveying unit and configured to be movable in a cutting direction; a reading unit configured to be rotatable relative to the housing and configured to read an image of a document; a reading position detection sensor that detects the position of the reading unit; a control unit that moves the cutting unit to a cutter replacement position where the cutter can be replaced, the cutter replacement position is provided above the paper feed tray; A printing device in which the control unit does not move the cutting unit to the cutter replacement position when it determines, based on the detection results of the reading position detection sensor, that the reading unit has rotated relative to the housing and is in an exposed position exposing the cutting unit.

5. A housing, a paper feed tray for accommodating print media; a conveying unit that takes out the print medium from the paper feed tray and conveys it along a conveying direction; a printing unit that prints on the print medium transported by the transport unit; a cutting unit having a cutter that cuts the print medium conveyed by the conveying unit and configured to be movable in a cutting direction; a paper output tray configured to be able to protrude outside the housing and configured to accommodate print media to be output outside the housing; a paper discharge tray position detection sensor for detecting the position of the paper discharge tray; a control unit that moves the cutting unit to a cutter replacement position where the cutter can be replaced, the cutter replacement position is provided above the paper feed tray; A printing device in which the control unit does not move the cutting unit to the cutter replacement position when it determines, based on the detection results of the output tray position detection sensor, that the output tray is in a protruding position protruding outside the housing.

6. The housing and a reading unit configured to be rotatable relative to the housing and configured to read an image of a document; a transport unit that transports the print medium along a transport direction; a printing unit that prints on the print medium transported by the transport unit; a cutting unit having a cutter that cuts the print medium conveyed by the conveying unit and configured to be movable in a cutting direction; a reading position detection sensor that detects the position of the reading unit; a control unit that moves the cutting unit to a cutter replacement position where the cutter can be replaced, the cutter replacement position is provided below the reading unit, A printing device in which the control unit does not move the cutting unit to the cutter replacement position when it determines, based on the detection results of the reading position detection sensor, that the reading unit has rotated relative to the housing and is in an exposed position exposing the cutting unit.

7. The housing and a paper output tray configured to be able to protrude outside the housing and configured to accommodate print media to be output outside the housing; a transport unit that transports the print medium along a transport direction; a printing unit that prints on the print medium transported by the transport unit; a cutting unit having a cutter that cuts the print medium conveyed by the conveying unit and configured to be movable in a cutting direction; a paper discharge tray position detection sensor for detecting the position of the paper discharge tray; a control unit that moves the cutting unit to a cutter replacement position where the cutter can be replaced, the cutter replacement position is provided above the paper discharge tray, A printing device in which the control unit does not move the cutting unit to the cutter replacement position when it determines, based on the detection results of the output tray position detection sensor, that the output tray is in a protruding position protruding outside the housing.

8. Further, an origin sensor is provided at at least one end in the cutting direction and determines whether the cutting portion is located at an origin position, The printing device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit determines whether or not the replacement work of the cutter of the cutting unit has been completed based on the detection result of the origin sensor.

9. A housing, a paper feed tray for accommodating print media; a conveying unit that takes out the print medium from the paper feed tray and conveys it along a conveying direction; a printing unit that prints on the print medium transported by the transport unit; a cutting unit having a cutter that cuts the print medium conveyed by the conveying unit and configured to be movable in a cutting direction; a medium position detection sensor that detects the position of the print medium being transported by the transport unit; a control unit that moves the cutting unit to a cutter replacement position where the cutter can be replaced, the cutter replacement position is provided above the paper feed tray; A printing device in which the control unit does not move the cutting unit to the cutter replacement position when it determines, based on the detection results of the media position detection sensor, that the printing medium is being transported by the transport unit.

10. A housing; a reading unit configured to be rotatable relative to the housing and configured to read an image of a document; a transport unit that transports the print medium along a transport direction; a printing unit that prints on the print medium transported by the transport unit; a cutting unit having a cutter that cuts the print medium conveyed by the conveying unit and configured to be movable in a cutting direction; a medium position detection sensor that detects the position of the print medium being transported by the transport unit; a control unit that moves the cutting unit to a cutter replacement position where the cutter can be replaced, the cutter replacement position is provided below the reading unit, A printing device in which the control unit does not move the cutting unit to the cutter replacement position when it determines, based on the detection results of the media position detection sensor, that the printing medium is being transported by the transport unit.

11. A housing; a paper output tray configured to be able to protrude outside the housing and configured to accommodate print media to be output outside the housing; a transport unit that transports the print medium along a transport direction; a printing unit that prints on the print medium transported by the transport unit; a cutting unit having a cutter that cuts the print medium conveyed by the conveying unit and configured to be movable in a cutting direction; a medium position detection sensor that detects the position of the print medium being transported by the transport unit; a control unit that moves the cutting unit to a cutter replacement position where the cutter can be replaced, the cutter replacement position is provided above the paper discharge tray, A printing device in which the control unit does not move the cutting unit to the cutter replacement position when it determines, based on the detection results of the media position detection sensor, that the printing medium is being transported by the transport unit.

12. Further, an encoder for detecting the position of the cutting portion is provided, The printing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls the position of the cutting unit based on a detection result of the encoder.

13. a lower cover provided inside the housing downstream of the transport unit in the transport direction, the lower cover having two ribs for guiding the print medium transported by the transport unit to a predetermined position inside the housing; The printing device according to claim 1 , wherein the cutter replacement position is set at a position between the two ribs.

14. The printing device according to claim 1 , wherein the cutter replacement position is set at a center portion in the cutting direction.

Images