Image forming system and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To perform image formation even when an abnormality occurs in a cutting unit or the periphery thereof.SOLUTION: A printer 1 executes image recording to a sheet P selected in a PC 90. When an abnormality occurs in a cutting unit 4, a roll sheet Rp stored in a first feeding tray 10 cannot be used. On the other hand, conveyance paths ρ2-ρ4 used in conveyance of short sheets like a cut sheet Kp can be used in any of the first state where the cutting unit 4 cannot be used and the second state where the sheet P cannot pass through the cutting unit 4. A requirement that enables both of the roll sheet Rp and the short sheet to be selected includes a situation where any of the first state and the second state is not detected. A requirement that disables the roll sheet Rp to be selected and enables the short sheet to be selected includes a situation where one of the first state and the second state is detected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming system and an image forming apparatus that form an image on a sheet-shaped medium. Background Art

[0002] As an example of an apparatus that forms an image on a long sheet-shaped medium, there is the printer apparatus described in Patent Document 1. In this printer apparatus, roll paper is conveyed toward a printing unit, the printing unit forms an image on the roll paper, and the roll paper is cut by a cutter unit. Prior Art Literature Patent Literature

[0003] Patent Document 1 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-71227 Summary of the Invention Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Conventionally, when an abnormality such as a malfunction of a cutting unit that cuts a sheet-shaped medium such as roll paper or a paper jam around the cutting unit occurs, the apparatus has been in a state where execution of image forming processing is not permitted. Therefore, conventional image forming apparatuses cannot perform any image formation until the abnormality is removed, resulting in a configuration with low convenience.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can perform image formation even when an abnormality occurs in the cutting unit or the periphery thereof. Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] The present invention provides an image forming system comprising an image forming apparatus and a computer capable of communicating with the image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus includes a first media storage section capable of accommodating a roll body in which a long sheet-like medium is wound into a roll, a second media storage section capable of accommodating a plurality of sheet-like mediums shorter than the long sheet-like medium in a stacked state, a media transport section that selectively transports the long sheet-like medium from the first media storage section and the short sheet-like medium from the second media storage section, and the media transport section for the sheet-like medium transported by the media transport section. The system comprises an image forming unit that forms an image, a cutting unit that cuts the long sheet-like medium in the middle of the first transport path, which is the transport path of the long sheet-like medium from the first media storage unit to the image forming unit by the media transport unit, a detection unit that detects a first situation in which the cutting unit cannot be used, and a second situation in which the sheet-like medium cannot pass the cutting position by the cutting unit, a transmission unit that transmits a notification to the computer according to the detection result of the detection unit, and the system that transports the sheet-like medium to the media transport unit in accordance with the command transmitted from the computer, The system includes a control unit that performs an image forming process to cause the image forming unit to form an image on a sheet-like medium, wherein the second transport path, which is the transport path from the second medium storage unit to the image forming unit by the medium transport unit, satisfies at least one of the following conditions: that the short sheet-like medium can be transported in the first situation and that the short sheet-like medium can be transported in the second situation, and the computer selects one of the long sheet-like medium and the short sheet-like medium that satisfies predetermined conditions according to the detection result of the detection unit based on user input, and generates a command indicating the use of the selected sheet-like medium and transmits it to the image forming apparatus, wherein the predetermined conditions include, as a necessary condition for both the long sheet-like medium and the short sheet-like medium to be selectable, that the detection unit does not detect either the first situation or the second situation, and as a necessary condition for the long sheet-like medium to be unselectable and the short sheet-like medium to be selectable, that the detection unit detects either the first situation or the second situation.

[0007] Furthermore, an image forming apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes: a first media storage unit capable of accommodating a roll body in which a long sheet-like medium is wound in a roll shape; a second media storage unit capable of accommodating a plurality of sheet-like mediums shorter than the long sheet-like medium in a stacked state; a media transport unit that selectively transports the long sheet-like medium from the first media storage unit and the short sheet-like medium from the second media storage unit; an image forming unit that forms an image on the sheet-like medium transported by the media transport unit; a cutting unit that cuts the long sheet-like medium in the middle of a first transport path, which is the transport path of the long sheet-like medium from the first media storage unit to the image forming unit; a detection unit that detects a first situation in which the cutting unit cannot be used and a second situation in which the sheet-like medium cannot pass through the cutting position by the cutting unit; and the long sheet-like medium and the short sheet-like medium that satisfy predetermined conditions according to the detection result of the detection unit. The system includes a control unit that transports a sheet-like medium selected based on user input to the medium transport unit, and performs an image forming process to form an image on the sheet-like medium in the image forming unit, wherein the second transport path, which is the transport path from the second medium storage unit to the image forming unit by the medium transport unit, satisfies at least one of the following conditions: that the short sheet-like medium can be transported in the first situation, and that the short sheet-like medium can be transported in the second situation, and the predetermined conditions include, as a necessary condition for both the long sheet-like medium and the short sheet-like medium to be selectable, the detection unit not detecting either the first situation or the second situation, and as a necessary condition for the long sheet-like medium to be unselectable and the short sheet-like medium to be selectable, the detection unit detecting either the first situation or the second situation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] If at least one of the following occurs: a first situation in which the cutting section cannot be used, or a second situation in which the sheet-like medium cannot pass through the cutting position made by the cutting section, the long sheet-like medium cannot be used. In contrast, according to the present invention, the second transport path for transporting the short sheet-like medium can be used even in the first situation or in the second situation. Based on this, the present invention is configured so that image formation on the short sheet-like medium can be selected even if either the first situation or the second situation is detected. Therefore, even if an abnormality is detected, it may be possible to perform the image formation process depending on the nature of the abnormality, thus improving convenience. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure shows the configuration of a printer system according to a first embodiment, which is one embodiment of the present invention, and includes a schematic side view showing the internal structure of the printer related to the paper roll transport process. [Figure 2] This figure shows the configuration of a printer system according to a first embodiment, which is one embodiment of the present invention, and includes a schematic side view showing the internal structure of the printer related to the transport of cut paper and the like. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printer shown in Figure 1. It is a schematic side view. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a flowchart showing the processing flow performed by the printer system. [Figure 5] This sequence diagram shows an example of the process that the printer system executes according to the processing flow shown in Figure 4. [Figure 6] This sequence diagram shows another example of the process that the printer system executes according to the processing flow in Figure 4. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the printer system 100 according to this embodiment (corresponding to the "image forming system" of the present invention) includes a printer 1 (corresponding to the "image forming apparatus" of the present invention) and a PC 90 (personal computer: corresponding to the "computer" of the present invention) connected to the control unit 80 (described later) of the printer 1 so as to be able to send and receive information. The up-down direction, front-back direction, and left-right direction shown in Figure 1 refer to the up-down direction, front-back direction, and left-right direction of the printer 1.

[0012] Printer 1 and PC90 are connected to each other via communication networks such as LAN (Local Area Network) and the Internet, or via cables such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), and communicate data. PC90 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read-Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and a hard disk drive. ROM and RAM store programs and data for the CPU to perform various controls. RAM temporarily stores data used by the CPU when executing programs. Input devices such as a keyboard and mouse, and output devices such as a display are connected to PC90. Driver software is installed on the PC90's hard disk drive to communicate data with Printer 1 and enable Printer 1 to record images. In addition to this driver software, various programs such as operating system software cause the CPU to execute predetermined processes, allowing PC90 to perform the various processes described later.

[0013] The printer 1 includes a housing 1a, a first feed tray 10 (corresponding to the "first media storage section" of the present invention), a second feed tray 20 (corresponding to the "second media storage section" of the present invention), a transport section 30, a multipurpose tray 40 (hereinafter referred to as "MP tray 40"), a cutting section 4, a head 5, an output tray 6, and a control section 80. The output tray 6 forms one side wall of the upper part of the housing 1a and is openable and closable relative to the housing 1a.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, the first feeding tray 10 is located at the bottom of the housing 1a. The first feeding tray 10 has a box-shaped main body 10a consisting of a bottom wall 11 and four side walls 12 erected on the edge of the bottom wall 11 (in Figures 1 and 2, only the two side walls 12 provided on the front and rear edges of the bottom wall 11 are shown). As shown in Figure 1, the first feeding tray 10 has a roll body storage section 15 capable of accommodating a roll body R. As shown in Figure 1, the roll body R is a roll of paper Rp (corresponding to the "long sheet-like medium" of the present invention) wound in a roll shape around a core member Rc. The roll paper Rp is pulled out from the roll body R and placed on the inner bottom surface 11a (upper surface of the bottom wall 11), preparing it for transport toward the head 5.

[0015] As shown in Figure 2, the first feeding tray 10 can also accommodate cut paper Kp (corresponding to the "short sheet-like medium" of the present invention) on its inner bottom surface 11a. Cut paper Kp is a short sheet of paper, such as A4 or B5 size paper. The first feeding tray 10 can accommodate cut paper Kp in multiple stacks on its inner bottom surface 11a. In the following description, when there is no distinction between roll paper Rp unwound from a roll body R and cut paper Kp or other papers, they may be referred to as "paper P". The first feeding tray 10 can be inserted into and removed from the housing 1a in the front-to-back direction through an opening formed in the front wall of the housing 1a.

[0016] The second feeding tray 20 is located within the housing 1a, above the first feeding tray 10 and below the head 5. The space within the housing 1a is divided vertically by a partition plate 1b into the space where the first feeding tray 10 is located and the space where the second feeding tray 20 is located. As shown in Figure 1, the second feeding tray 20 has a box-shaped main body 20a consisting of a bottom wall 21 and four side walls 22 erected on the edge of the bottom wall 21 (in Figures 1 and 2, only the two side walls 22 provided on the front and rear edges of the bottom wall 21 are shown). As shown in Figure 2, the second feeding tray 20 has a cut paper storage section 25 capable of accommodating multiple stacked cut paper sheets Kp. The second feeding tray 20 can be inserted into and removed from the housing 1a in the front-to-back direction through an opening formed in the front wall of the housing 1a.

[0017] The MP tray 40 is a tray that allows various types of short-length paper (corresponding to the "short-length sheet-like media" of the present invention), such as cut paper Kp and glossy paper, to be used for image recording. (This corresponds to the "second media storage section" of the present invention.) The MP tray 40 has a tray body 41 installed near the upper end of the rear end of the housing 1a. The tray body 41 is rotatably supported by a support shaft 41a. The support shaft 41a is slidably supported by the housing 1a in the vertical direction. The housing 1a can support the tray body 41 in a state of use that is tilted to the left and right, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. When a short piece of paper, such as cut paper Kp, is placed along the surface of the tray body 41 facing diagonally forward in this state, and its lower end is brought into contact with the feed roller 51 described later, the tray body 41 and the feed roller 51 support the short piece of paper. This allows the MP tray 40 to be set up in a state where it can be transported. When the MP tray 40 is not in use, the tray body 41 can be housed inside the housing 1a and put into a non-use state by rotating it around the support shaft 41a and sliding the support shaft 41a downward.

[0018] The conveying section 30 includes a first feeding section 31, a second feeding section 34, a feeding roller 51, an intermediate roller pair 37, a conveying roller pair 38, a paper discharge roller pair 39, and a guide section 60. The first feeding section 31 includes a feeding roller 32, an arm 33, and a first feeding motor 31M (see FIG. 3). The feeding roller 32 feeds roll paper Rp or cut paper Kp from the first feeding tray 10. The feeding roller 32 is disposed above the bottom wall 11. The feeding roller 32 is pivotally supported at the distal end of the arm 33, and rotates driven by the first feeding motor 31M. The arm 33 is rotatably supported by a support shaft 33a. The support shaft 33a is supported by the housing 1a. A force that urges the feeding roller 32 toward the bottom wall 11 is applied to the arm 33 from an elastic member such as a leaf spring or a coil spring. When the first feeding tray 10 is inserted into or removed from the housing 1a, the arm 33 is rotated by a rotation mechanism (not shown) such that the feeding roller 32 is positioned above the upper end of the rear side wall 12 of the first feeding tray 10.

[0019] When the roll paper Rp or the cut paper Kp is placed on the bottom wall 11, the feeding roller 32 contacts the roll paper Rp or the uppermost cut paper Kp. When the first feeding motor 31M is driven under the control of the control section 80 in this state, the feeding roller 32 rotates, and a conveying force in a direction from the front to the rear is applied to the roll paper Rp or the cut paper Kp. Accordingly, the roll paper Rp or the cut paper Kp is fed out from the first feeding tray 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the roll paper Rp is guided obliquely upward by the rear side wall 12, and travels along the conveying path ρ1 toward the upper intermediate roller pair 37 (described later). As shown in FIG. 2, the cut paper Kp is fed out from the first feeding tray 10 along a conveying path ρ2 (corresponding to the "2-1 conveying path" of the present invention). The conveying path ρ2 joins the conveying path ρ1 within the first feeding tray 10, and travels toward the upper intermediate roller pair 37 (described later).

[0020] The second feeding unit 34 includes a feeding roller 35, an arm 36, and a second feeding motor 34M (see FIG. 3). The feeding roller 35 feeds cut sheets Kp from the second feeding tray 20. The feeding roller 35 is disposed above the bottom wall 21. The feeding roller 35 is pivotally supported at the tip end of the arm 36, and rotates driven by the second feeding motor 34M. The arm 36 is rotatably supported by a support shaft 36a. The support shaft 36a is supported by the housing 1a. A force that biases the feeding roller 35 toward the bottom wall 21 is applied to the arm 36 by an elastic member such as a leaf spring or a coil spring. When the second feeding tray 20 is inserted into or removed from the housing 1a, the arm 36 is rotated by a rotation mechanism (not shown) such that the feeding roller 35 is positioned above the upper end of the rear side wall 22 of the second feeding tray 20.

[0021] When cut sheets Kp are placed on the bottom wall 21, the feeding roller 35 contacts the uppermost cut sheet Kp. When the second feeding motor 34M is driven under the control of the control unit 80 in this state, the feeding roller 35 rotates, and a conveying force directed from the front to the rear is applied to the cut sheet Kp in contact with the feeding roller 35. Thereby, the cut sheet Kp is fed out from the second feeding tray 20. While being guided upward by the rear side wall 22, the cut sheet Kp travels toward the upper guide portion 60 along the conveying path ρ3 (corresponding to the "second-second conveying path" of the present invention).

[0022] The feeding roller 51 feeds short-length sheets from the MP tray 40. The feeding roller 51 is pivotally supported by the housing 1a near the lower end of the tray main body 41 in the use state shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and rotates driven by a third feeding motor 51M (see FIG. 3). As described above, when the third feeding motor 51M is driven under the control of the control unit 80 in a state where short-length sheets are set on the tray main body 41, the feeding roller 51 rotates, and a conveying force directed obliquely downward and forward is applied to the short-length sheets. Thereby, the short-length sheets are fed out from the MP tray 40 toward the guide portion 60 along the conveying path ρ4.

[0023] The intermediate roller pair 37 has a drive roller that rotates when driven by an intermediate motor 37M (see Figure 3) and a driven roller that moves along with the drive roller. When the intermediate motor 37M is driven by the control unit 80, the intermediate roller pair 37 rotates while gripping the paper P and transports the paper P. The intermediate roller pair 37 is positioned above the rear side wall 12 of the first feed tray 10. A through-hole 1c is formed in the partition plate 1b at a position opposite the intermediate roller pair 37. The intermediate roller pair 37 grips the paper P sent from the first feed tray 10 and transports it upwards through the through-hole 1c to the partition plate 1b.

[0024] The guide section 60 is a wall member that guides the paper P forward and is fixed to the housing 1a behind the transport roller pair 38. Paper P transported from the intermediate roller pair 37 along the transport path ρ1, cut paper Kp transported from the feed roller 35 along the transport path ρ3, and short pieces of paper transported from the feed roller 51 along the transport path ρ4 all reach the guide section 60. Transport paths ρ1, ρ3, and ρ4 merge at a confluence point α near the guide section 60 and connect to a transport path ρk that extends forward from the guide section 60. Paper P that reaches the guide section 60 along transport paths ρ1, ρ3, and ρ4 is guided by the guide section 60 to change direction and is transported along the transport path ρk to the transport roller pair 38 in front. The series of paths connecting transport path ρ1 to transport path ρk corresponds to the first transport path of the present invention. Also, transport The series of paths connecting the transmission path ρ3 to the transport path ρk, and the series of paths connecting the transport path ρ4 to the transport path ρk, each correspond to the second transport path of the present invention. Furthermore, the series of paths connecting from transport path ρ2 through transport path ρ1 to transport path ρk corresponds to the third transport path of the present invention.

[0025] The transport roller pair 38 consists of a drive roller that rotates when driven by the transport motor 38M (see Figure 3) and a driven roller that moves along with the drive roller. The paper discharge roller pair 39 consists of a drive roller that rotates when driven by the paper discharge motor 39M (see Figure 3) and a driven roller that moves along with the drive roller. When the transport motor 38M and the paper discharge motor 39M are driven by the control unit 80, the transport roller pair 38 and the paper discharge roller pair 39 rotate while gripping the paper P to transport the paper P.

[0026] The transport roller pair 38 is located behind the head 5, and the paper discharge roller pair 39 is located in front of the head 5. The transport roller pair 38 grips the paper P that has been transported from the guide section 60 along the transport path ρk and transports it forward. The paper discharge roller pair 39 grips the paper P that has been transported forward by the transport roller pair 38 and transports it further forward.

[0027] The cutting unit 4 includes a cutter 4a detachably mounted on the housing 1a, a cutting motor 4M (see Figure 3), and a moving mechanism (not shown) for moving the cutter 4a. The cutter 4a is positioned between the intermediate roller pair 37 and the guide unit 60 in the middle of the transport path ρ1. More specifically, the cutter 4a is located above the rear end of the first feed tray 10 and below the intermediate roller pair 37. The cutter 4a consists of, for example, a disc-shaped rotating blade and a driven blade. Alternatively, the cutter 4a may consist of a rotating blade and a fixed blade. The cutting motor 4M drives the rotating blade of the cutter 4a. The moving mechanism has an endless belt fixed to the cutter 4a and a pulley on which this endless belt is attached. The cutting motor 4M is also connected to this pulley and rotates the pulley, causing the belt to reciprocate in the left-right direction. As a result, the cutter 4a, which is fixed to the belt, also reciprocates in the left-right direction.

[0028] The roll paper Rp, unwound from the roll body R and transported, is cut in the width direction by the cutter 4a when the cutting motor 4M is driven by the control unit 80. This creates a trailing end for the roll paper Rp that is sent to the output tray 6. Hereinafter, this operation in which the cutting unit 4 cuts the roll paper Rp will be referred to as the "cutting operation".

[0029] The head 5 (the "image forming unit" of the present invention) includes a plurality of nozzles (not shown) formed on its lower surface and a driver IC 8 (see Figure 3). The head 5 records an image on the paper P transported by the transport unit 30. When the driver IC 8 is driven by the control unit 80, ink is ejected from the nozzles, and an image is recorded on the paper P when the paper P transported by the transport unit 30 passes a position facing the head 5. The head 5 may be either a line type, which ejects ink from the nozzles while its position is fixed, or a serial type, which ejects ink from the nozzles while moving in the left-right direction.

[0030] The output tray 6 forms the front side wall of the upper part of the housing 1a and can be opened and closed relative to the housing 1a. The paper P on which the image has been recorded by the head 5 is transported forward by the transport unit 30 and received in the open output tray 6. As a result, the paper P is ejected from the printer 1 (inside the housing 1a).

[0031] A paper sensor 81 is installed slightly below the intermediate roller pair 37. The paper sensor 81 outputs a detection result to the control unit 80 indicating whether or not paper P is present at the position of the intermediate roller pair 37. The detection result of the paper sensor 81 is used, for example, to determine the state of a jam (paper jam). If the detection result of the paper sensor 81 indicates that paper P remains at the position of the intermediate roller pair 37 even though the paper P on which the image has been recorded by the head 5 has been ejected from the output tray 6, the control unit 80 determines that a jam has occurred at or around the intermediate roller pair 37. If a jam occurs at this position, it becomes impossible to transport paper P from upstream of the intermediate roller pair 37 in the transport direction, that is, to transport paper P from the first feed tray 10.

[0032] A paper sensor 82 is installed slightly behind the transport roller pair 38. The paper sensor 82 outputs a detection result to the control unit 80 indicating whether or not paper P is present at the position of the transport roller pair 38. The detection result of the paper sensor 82 is used, for example, to determine the state of jam occurrence. If the detection result of the paper sensor 82 indicates that paper P remains at the position of the transport roller pair 38 even though the paper P on which the image has been recorded by the head 5 has been ejected from the output tray 6, it is possible to determine that a jam has occurred at or around the transport roller pair 38. The transport roller pair 38 is located downstream in the transport direction from the confluence point α of transport paths ρ1, ρ3, and ρ4. Therefore, if a jam occurs at this position, paper P cannot be transported to the head 5 using any of the transport paths ρ1, ρ3, or ρ4.

[0033] A cutter sensor unit 83 is installed near the cutting section 4 to detect the state of the cutting section 4. The detection result from the cutter sensor unit 83 is output to the control unit 80. The state of the cutting section 4 detected by the cutter sensor unit 83 includes whether the cutting section 4 is in operation, its lifespan, whether the cutter 4a is installed, and whether or not a jam has occurred. Note that paper sensors 81 and 82 This corresponds to the "another detection unit" of the present invention. The cutter sensor unit 83 corresponds to the "detection unit" of the present invention.

[0034] The cutter sensor unit 83 has a switch and a rotary encoder for detecting various states. The switch is provided on the mounting part of the cutter 4a and switches on or off depending on whether the cutter 4a is mounted or not. The control unit 80 determines whether the cutter 4a is mounted or not based on the state of the switch.

[0035] The rotary encoder outputs a detection result indicating the number of rotations of the pulley provided in the cutter 4a's moving mechanism. The rotary encoder's detection result can be used to determine the lifespan. The control unit 80 calculates the total number of pulley rotations since the initial use of the device from the rotary encoder's detection result. Based on whether the calculated number of rotations exceeds a predetermined threshold, the control unit 80 determines whether the cutting unit 4 has reached the end of its lifespan. Furthermore, based on the rotary encoder's detection result, if the pulley does not rotate despite the cutting motor 4M being driven, the control unit 80 determines that there is some malfunction in the cutting unit 4 and the cutter 4a cannot move.

[0036] In the cutting section 4, if the cutter 4a is not installed, has reached the end of its lifespan, or fails to move due to a malfunction (corresponding to "removal," "aging deterioration," and "malfunction" in the present invention, respectively), the cutting section 4 becomes unusable. In other words, the roll paper Rp cannot be cut, and the roll paper Rp cannot be used. On the other hand, if only the cutting of the roll paper Rp cannot be performed, and there is no problem with the use of the transport paths ρ1 and ρ2 and ρk, the cut paper Kp in the first feed tray 10 can be used. Also, if there is no problem with the use of the transport paths ρ3 and ρ4 and ρk, the cut paper Kp in the second feed tray 20 and the short sheets of paper in the MP tray 40 can also be used.

[0037] Furthermore, based on the detection results of the rotary encoder, the control unit 80 determines that a cutter jam has occurred because, despite driving the cutting motor 4M, the number of pulley rotations per unit time does not exceed a predetermined value (i.e., even though the cutter 4a moves, its movement speed does not increase). A cutter jam is a phenomenon in which roll paper Rp remains in or around the cutting unit 4 even after the cutting operation by the cutting unit 4, hindering the cutting operation.

[0038] When a cutter jam occurs, roll paper Rp remains in or around the cutting section 4, preventing the paper P from passing through the cutting position of the roll paper Rp by the cutting section 4. In this case, the cutting section 4 cannot transport the paper P through the transport path ρ1 located in the middle of it. Therefore, when a cutter jam occurs, neither the roll paper Rp nor the cut paper Kp from the first feed tray 10, which are transported from upstream of the cutting section 4 through the transport path ρ1, can be used. On the other hand, transport paths ρ3 and ρ4 merge with transport path ρ1 at a confluence point α located downstream of the cutting section 4. Therefore, even when a cutter jam occurs, if there is no problem using transport paths ρ3 and ρ4, the cut paper Kp from the second feed tray 20 and the paper P from the MP tray 40, which are transported through transport paths ρ3 and ρ4, can be used.

[0039] The cutter sensor unit 83 may also have a sensor that detects the drive current of the cutting motor 4M in order to detect a cutter jam. Based on the detection result of this sensor, the control unit 80 determines whether or not the operation of the cutter 4a is being obstructed by a cutter jam, according to the magnitude of the drive current of the cutting motor 4M. Alternatively, the cutter sensor unit 83 may detect a cutter jam using an optical sensor that detects whether or not paper P is present in the cutting section 4.

[0040] The control unit 80 includes a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The ROM stores programs and data for the CPU to perform various controls. The RAM temporarily stores data used by the CPU when executing programs. The control unit 80 is connected via an internal bus (not shown) to the driver IC 8, cutting motor 4M, first feed motor 31M, second feed motor 34M, third feed motor 51M, intermediate motor 37M, transport motor 38M, paper discharge motor 39M, paper sensors 81 and 82, cutter sensor unit 83, etc., as shown in Figure 3.

[0041] The control unit 80 performs various determination processes as described above based on the detection results from the paper sensors 81 and 82 and the cutter sensor unit 83. The control unit 80 also controls the operation of the transport unit 30 and the head 5 by controlling the operation of each part, such as the first feed motor 31M. Furthermore, the control unit 80 performs processing based on inquiries and commands sent from the PC 90. For example, it sends the status of the printer 1 back to the PC 90 in response to an inquiry from the PC 90 (described later). The control unit 80 also transports the paper P according to the command to the transport unit 30 and causes the head 5 to perform image recording on the paper P.

[0042] Incidentally, in conventional image forming apparatuses such as printer 1, if an abnormality occurs, such as an operational malfunction of the cutting unit 4 or a cutter jam, the execution of image forming (image recording) processing is not permitted. In contrast, the printer system 100 according to this embodiment performs the process shown in Figure 4 so that image recording can continue even if an abnormality occurs in the cutting unit 4.

[0043] First, PC90 inquires about the device status of printer1 according to instructions received from user input via the input device (S1). In response, printer1 replies to PC90 with the device status. This device status has three states: "no abnormality" and three abnormal states: "roll paper unavailable," "upstream jam," and "downstream jam." Of these, the "no abnormality" state corresponds to a state in which none of the abnormal states of "roll paper unavailable," "upstream jam," and "downstream jam" occur are met. The control unit 80 determines the device status as follows based on the detection results of paper sensor 81, paper sensor 82, and cutter sensor unit 83.

[0044] The "Roll paper unavailable" state means that the cutting unit 4 is unusable, but there is no problem with the transport of paper P using any of the transport paths ρ1 to ρ4. This state is determined when all three of the following conditions are met. The first condition is that the detection result of the cutter sensor unit 83 indicates an abnormality in the cutting unit 4 itself. An abnormality in the cutting unit 4 itself corresponds to at least one of the following occurring: the cutter 4a does not move despite the cutting motor 4M being driven, the cutting unit 4 has reached the end of its lifespan, or the cutter 4a is not mounted in the housing 1a. The second condition is that the detection result of the cutter sensor unit 83 is 、 Cutter Jam The fact that it has not occurred The third condition is that the detection results from both paper sensors 81 and 82 indicate that no jam has occurred (no paper P). In other words, no jam has occurred at either position of the intermediate roller pair 37 or the transport roller pair 38.

[0045] The "upstream jam" condition is one in which transport path ρ1 is unusable due to a cutter jam, but the use of transport paths ρ3 and ρ4 is unaffected. This condition is determined when both of the following two conditions are met. The first condition is that the detection result of the cutter sensor unit 83 indicates the occurrence of a cutter jam. The second condition is that the detection result of the paper sensor 82 indicates that there is no jam at the position of the transport roller pair 38.

[0046] The "downstream jam" condition occurs when a jam occurs at the position of the transport roller pair 38, preventing the paper P from being transported to the head 5 regardless of which of the transport paths ρ1 to ρ4 is used. This condition is determined when the paper sensor 82 detects that a jam has occurred at the position of the transport roller pair 38.

[0047] Next, PC90 determines whether there is a problem with printer 1 based on the device status returned from printer 1 (S2). If the device status is "normal", PC90 determines that there is no problem (S2, No) and obtains the normal options as the print paper options available to the user (S4). The normal options include all roll paper Rp, cut paper Kp, and other papers stored in the first feed tray 10, the second feed tray 20, and the MP tray 40. Next, S8, described below, is executed.

[0048] The conditions for determining "no abnormality" include the fact that neither the cutting unit 4 itself is unable to cut the roll paper Rp, nor is a cutter jam detected. Of these two conditions, the former corresponds to the detection of the "first situation" in the present invention, and the latter corresponds to the detection of the "second situation" in the present invention. Furthermore, the fact that these two conditions are necessary for obtaining a selection under normal circumstances corresponds to the "condition in the present invention that the detection unit does not detect either the first situation or the second situation, which is a necessary condition for both the long sheet-like medium and the short sheet-like medium to be selectable."

[0049] On the other hand, PC90 determines that there is an abnormality if the device status is anything other than "normal" (S2, Yes), and determines which of the three above categories the abnormality indicated by the device status corresponds to (S3). If it determines that the device status is "roll paper unavailable" (S3, when roll paper unavailable), PC90 obtains the options for when roll paper is unavailable as print paper options that the user can select (S5). From the options when roll paper is unavailable, the roll paper Rp stored in the first feed tray 10 is excluded. In other words, the options become cut paper Kp and other short-length papers stored in the first feed tray 10, the second feed tray 20, and the MP tray 40. Next, S8, described below, is executed.

[0050] Furthermore, the conditions for determining "roll paper unavailable" include the inability to cut the roll paper Rp due to an abnormality in the cutting unit 4 itself. The fact that this condition is necessary for obtaining an option when roll paper is unavailable corresponds to the present invention's requirement that "the detection unit detects either the first situation or the second situation as a necessary condition for the long sheet-like medium to be unselectable and the short sheet-like medium to be selectable." Additionally, the conditions for determining "roll paper unavailable" include the absence of a cutter jam. The fact that this condition is necessary for obtaining an option when roll paper is unavailable corresponds to the present invention's requirement that "the detection unit does not detect the second situation as a necessary condition for the short sheet-like medium transported through the 2-1 transport path to be selectable."

[0051] When the device status is determined to be "upstream jam" (S3, upstream jam), the PC90 obtains the upstream jam options as the print paper options available to the user (S6). Both roll paper Rp and cut paper Kp stored in the first feed tray 10 are excluded from the upstream jam options. In other words, the cut paper Kp and other papers stored in the second feed tray 20 and MP tray 40 become the options. Next, S8, described below, is executed.

[0052] Furthermore, the conditions for determining an "upstream jam" include the detection of cutter jam. The fact that this condition is necessary for obtaining a selection option during an upstream jam corresponds to the following in the present invention: "As a necessary condition for the long sheet-like medium to become unselectable and the short sheet-like medium to become selectable, the detection unit detects either the first situation or the second situation" and "As a necessary condition for the short sheet-like medium being transported through the 2-1 transport path to become unselectable and the short sheet-like medium being transported through the 2-2 transport path to become selectable, the detection unit detects the second situation."

[0053] If the device is determined to be in a "downstream jam" state (S3, downstream jam), the PC90 notifies the user that it cannot use any paper P and therefore printing is impossible (S7). This notification to the user is carried out, for example, by displaying a comment indicating the above on the display. Then, the series of processes ends.

[0054] Furthermore, the conditions for determining a "downstream jam" include the detection of a jam at the position of the transport roller pair 38. This condition corresponds to the detection of the "third situation" in the present invention. Also, when this condition is met, the inability to select any of the paper P corresponds to the "sufficient condition for making it impossible to select either the long sheet-like medium or the short sheet-like medium, which includes the detection of the third situation by the detection unit" in the present invention.

[0055] In S8, PC90 displays the options acquired in S4-S6 on the display and prompts the user to select one of the options via an input device. Next, PC90 sends a command to printer1 instructing it to print according to the selection made in S8 (S9). In response, printer1 controls the transport unit 30 and the head 5 to record the image using the paper P indicated by the command from PC90. Once image recording is complete, printer1 notifies PC90 of this. The series of processes then ends.

[0056] The following describes an example of control execution according to the flowchart in Figure 4, with reference to Figures 5 and 6. First, the case where the device status is "Roll paper unavailable" will be explained based on Figure 5. PC90 queries printer1 for the device status (T1). Printer1 responds by sending back "Roll paper unavailable" to PC90 as the device status (T1.1). Next, PC90 displays the options excluding roll paper Rp on the display and prompts the user to select one of these options (T2). Next, PC90 sends a command to printer1 to execute printing using the selected paper P (T3). Printer1 responds by transporting the selected paper P to the transport unit 30 and causing the head 5 to perform image recording on the paper P (T4). When all image recording is complete, printer1 notifies PC90 that printing is complete (T5).

[0057] The case where the device status is "upstream jam" will be explained with reference to Figure 6. PC90 queries printer1 for the device status (U1). Printer1 responds by sending back "upstream jam" to PC90 as the device status (U1.1). Next, PC90 displays the options excluding roll paper Rp and cut paper Kp in the first feed tray 10 on the display and prompts the user to select one of these options (U2). Next, PC90 sends a command to printer1 to execute printing using the selected paper P (U3). Printer1 responds by transporting the selected paper P to the transport unit 30 and causing the head 5 to perform image recording on that paper P (U4). When all image recording is complete, printer1 notifies PC90 that printing is complete (U5).

[0058] According to the embodiment described above, if at least one of the following occurs: the cutting unit 4 becomes unusable, or the paper P cannot pass the cutting position of the roll paper Rp by the cutting unit 4, then at least the roll paper Rp cannot be used. On the other hand, in either situation, it is possible to transport cut paper Kp and other short sheets of paper using at least one of the transport paths ρ2 to ρ4. Based on this, the printer 1 can select to form an image on cut paper Kp and other short sheets of paper even if either of the above situations is detected. Therefore, even if an abnormality is detected in the cutting unit 4, it may still be possible to perform the image formation process depending on the nature of the abnormality, thus improving convenience.

[0059] Furthermore, if no situation is detected where the paper P cannot pass through the cutting position of the roll paper Rp by the cutting unit 4, the cut paper Kp in the first feed tray 10 is included as an option. Therefore, a selection of paper P is ensured, improving convenience.

[0060] Furthermore, even if a situation is detected where the paper P cannot pass through the cutting position of the roll paper Rp by the cutting unit 4, it may still be possible to select cut paper Kp or other short-length paper using the transport path ρ3 or ρ4. Therefore, even if the cut paper Kp of the first feed tray 10 becomes unavailable due to the above situation, the option of paper P is still available, thus improving convenience.

[0061] Furthermore, if a jam is detected at the transport roller pair 38, which is closer to the head 5 than the cutter jam, the user will be notified that none of the paper types P can be used. This makes it clear to the user that neither roll paper Rp, cut paper Kp, nor any other short-length paper types can be used.

[0062] <Variation> Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, it should be understood that the specific configurations are not limited to these embodiments. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the above description of embodiments, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are included.

[0063] For example, in the printer system 100 according to the above embodiment, the user selects a paper type P in the PC 90 based on the device status detected in the printer 1. However, a configuration may be adopted in which the paper type P options are displayed on a display provided in the printer 1, and the user can select from these options using an input unit provided in the printer 1. In other words, the PC 90 may not be used to select the paper type P, and the paper type P may be selectable by the printer 1 alone.

[0064] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, as paper P other than roll paper Rp, cut paper Kp is stored in the first feed tray 10, cut paper Kp is stored in the second feed tray 20, and cut paper Kp and other short-length paper are stored in the MP tray 40. In addition, transport paths ρ1 to ρ4 corresponding to these paper P other than roll paper Rp are provided. However, it is not necessary to provide all of these configurations for storing cut paper Kp and other short-length paper; it is sufficient to employ a configuration in which cut paper Kp or other short-length paper is stored in at least one of the trays. In that case, only the transport paths ρ2 to ρ4 necessary for transporting cut paper Kp or other short-length paper are provided.

[0065] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a cutter sensor unit 83 is installed as a sensor for detecting the occurrence of a cutter jam. Alternatively, a paper sensor 81 may be used as a sensor for detecting the occurrence of a cutter jam. The paper sensor 81 detects whether or not a jam has occurred at the position of the intermediate roller pair 37. Since the intermediate roller pair 37 is close to the cutting section 4, if the intermediate roller pair 37 detects the occurrence of a jam, it is presumed that a cutter jam, which is a jam at the cutting section 4, has occurred. Therefore, if the detection result of the paper sensor 81 indicates the occurrence of a jam, it may be determined that a cutter jam has occurred.

[0066] In addition, although the above embodiments described the application of the present invention to printer 1, it is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to any image forming apparatus that ejects ink from a head, including inkjet, laser, and thermal image forming apparatuses, such as multifunction printers and copiers. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0067] 1. Printer 4 Cut section 4M Cutting Motor 4a Cutter 5 heads 10. First feeding tray 20 Second feeding tray 30 Conveying section 31 1st feeding section 34 2nd feeding section 37 Intermediate Roller vs. 37M Intermediate Motor 38 Conveyor roller pair 39 Paper output roller pair 40 Multipurpose (MP) Trays 51 Feeding roller 60 Guide section 80 Control Unit 81 Paper Sensor 82 Paper Sensor 83 Cutter Sensor Unit 100 Printer Systems ρ1~ρ4, ρk transport path P paper Kp cut paper Rp roll paper α Confluence point

Claims

1. A system comprising an image forming apparatus and a computer capable of communicating with the image forming apparatus, The aforementioned image forming apparatus A first media storage section capable of accommodating a roll body in which a long sheet-like medium is wound into a roll, A second media storage section capable of accommodating multiple sheet-like media shorter than the aforementioned long sheet-like media in a stacked state, A media transport unit that selectively transports the long sheet-like media in the first media storage unit and the short sheet-like media in the second media storage unit, An image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet-like medium transported by the aforementioned medium transport unit, A cutting unit is provided for cutting the long sheet-like medium in the middle of the first transport path, which is the transport path of the long sheet-like medium from the first media storage unit to the image forming unit by the media transport unit. A detection unit that detects a first situation in which the cutting unit cannot be used, and a second situation in which the sheet-like medium cannot pass through the cutting position made by the cutting unit, A transmission unit that transmits a notification to the computer according to the detection result of the detection unit, The system includes a control unit that, in accordance with commands transmitted from the computer, transports a sheet-like medium to the medium transport unit, and simultaneously performs an image forming process to form an image on the sheet-like medium in the image forming unit. The second transport path, which is the transport path from the second media storage unit to the image forming unit by the media transport unit, merges with the first transport path at a position closer to the image forming unit than the cutting position, thereby enabling the transport of the short sheet-like medium in both the first and second situations. The aforementioned computer, The long sheet-like medium and the short sheet-like medium are selected based on user input from among those that satisfy predetermined conditions according to the detection result of the detection unit, and a command indicating the use of the selected sheet-like medium is generated and transmitted to the image forming apparatus. The aforementioned predetermined conditions A necessary condition for both the long sheet-like medium and the short sheet-like medium to be selectable is that the detection unit does not detect either the first or second situation. An image forming system characterized in that, as a necessary condition for the long sheet-like medium to be unselectable and the short sheet-like medium to be selectable, the detection unit detects either the first situation or the second situation.

2. A system comprising an image forming apparatus and a computer capable of communicating with the image forming apparatus, The aforementioned image forming apparatus A roll body in which a long sheet-like medium is wound into a roll, and a first medium storage section capable of selectively accommodating sheet-like medium shorter than the long sheet-like medium, A media transport unit for transporting the long sheet-like medium or the short sheet-like medium from the first media storage unit, An image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet-like medium transported by the aforementioned medium transport unit, When the long sheet-like medium is contained in the first medium storage unit, a cutting unit cuts the long sheet-like medium in the middle of the first transport path, which is the transport path of the long sheet-like medium from the first medium storage unit to the image forming unit by the medium transport unit, A detection unit that detects a first situation in which the cutting unit cannot be used, and a second situation in which the sheet-like medium cannot pass through the cutting position made by the cutting unit, A transmission unit that transmits a notification to the computer according to the detection result of the detection unit, The system includes a control unit that, in accordance with commands transmitted from the computer, transports a sheet-like medium to the medium transport unit, and simultaneously performs an image forming process to form an image on the sheet-like medium in the image forming unit. When the short sheet-like medium is contained in the first medium storage unit, the third transport path, which is the transport path from the first medium storage unit to the image forming unit by the medium transport unit, is capable of transporting the short sheet-like medium even in the first situation. The third transport path includes a second-first transport path that merges with the first transport path at a position further from the image forming unit than the cutting position of the sheet-like medium by the cutting unit, The aforementioned computer, The long sheet-like medium and the short sheet-like medium are selected based on user input from among those that satisfy predetermined conditions according to the detection result of the detection unit, and a command indicating the use of the selected sheet-like medium is generated and transmitted to the image forming apparatus. The aforementioned predetermined conditions If the long sheet-like medium is stored in the first medium storage unit, the long sheet-like medium becomes selectable, and if the short sheet-like medium is stored in the first medium storage unit, the short sheet-like medium becomes selectable. A necessary condition for this is that the detection unit does not detect either the first or second situation. An image forming system characterized in that, when the long sheet-like medium is stored in the first medium storage section, the long sheet-like medium becomes unselectable, and when the short sheet-like medium is stored in the first medium storage section, the short sheet-like medium becomes selectable, and the detection unit detects the first situation and does not detect the second situation as necessary conditions for this to be met.

3. The system further includes a second media storage section capable of accommodating multiple stacks of the aforementioned short sheet-like media, The media transport unit transports the short sheet-like media from the second media storage unit. When the short sheet-like medium is contained in the second medium storage section, the second transport path, which is the transport path from the second medium storage section to the image forming section by the medium transport section, includes a second-second transport path that merges with the first transport path at a position closer to the image forming section than the cutting position. The aforementioned predetermined conditions The image forming system according to claim 2, characterized in that the detection unit detects the second situation as a necessary condition for the short sheet-like medium being transported through the second-1 transport path to become unselectable and the short sheet-like medium being transported through the second-2 transport path to become selectable.

4. The system further includes another detection unit capable of detecting a third situation in which both the first and second transport paths become unusable. The aforementioned predetermined conditions The image forming system according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that the other detection unit detects the third situation as a sufficient condition for neither the long sheet-like medium nor the short sheet-like medium to be selectable.

5. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first condition is due to at least one of malfunction, deterioration over time, and removal of the cutting portion.

6. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the second condition is due to the residue of a sheet-like medium in or around the cut portion.

7. The image forming system according to claim 4, characterized in that the third situation is due to the retention of the sheet-like medium at a position closer to the image forming unit in the first transport path than the retention position of the sheet-like medium in the second situation.

8. A first media storage section capable of accommodating a roll body in which a long sheet-like medium is wound into a roll, A second media storage section capable of accommodating multiple sheet-like media shorter than the aforementioned long sheet-like media in a stacked state, A media transport unit that selectively transports the long sheet-like media in the first media storage unit and the short sheet-like media in the second media storage unit, An image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet-like medium transported by the aforementioned medium transport unit, A cutting section for cutting the long sheet-like medium is located in the middle of the first transport path, which is the transport path for the long sheet-like medium from the first medium storage section to the image forming section. A detection unit that detects a first situation in which the cutting unit cannot be used, and a second situation in which the sheet-like medium cannot pass through the cutting position made by the cutting unit, The system includes a control unit that transports a sheet-like medium selected from the long and short sheet-like media that satisfy predetermined conditions according to the detection results of the detection unit, based on user input, to the media transport unit, and performs an image forming process to form an image on the sheet-like medium in the image forming unit. The second transport path, which is the transport path from the second media storage unit to the image forming unit by the media transport unit, merges with the first transport path at a position closer to the image forming unit than the cutting position, thereby enabling the transport of the short sheet-like medium in both the first and second situations. The aforementioned predetermined conditions A necessary condition for both the long sheet-like medium and the short sheet-like medium to be selectable is that the detection unit does not detect either the first or second situation. An image forming apparatus characterized in that, as a necessary condition for the long sheet-like medium to be unselectable and the short sheet-like medium to be selectable, the detection unit detects either the first situation or the second situation.

9. A roll body in which a long sheet-like medium is wound into a roll, and a first medium storage section capable of selectively accommodating sheet-like medium shorter than the long sheet-like medium, A media transport unit for transporting the long sheet-like medium or the short sheet-like medium from the first media storage unit, An image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet-like medium transported by the aforementioned medium transport unit, When the long sheet-like medium is contained in the first medium storage unit, a cutting unit is provided in the middle of the first transport path, which is the transport path for the long sheet-like medium from the first medium storage unit to the image forming unit, A detection unit that detects a first situation in which the cutting unit cannot be used, and a second situation in which the sheet-like medium cannot pass through the cutting position made by the cutting unit, The system includes a control unit that transports a sheet-like medium selected from the long and short sheet-like media that satisfy predetermined conditions according to the detection results of the detection unit, based on user input, to the media transport unit, and performs an image forming process to form an image on the sheet-like medium in the image forming unit. When the short sheet-like medium is contained in the first medium storage unit, the third transport path, which is the transport path from the first medium storage unit to the image forming unit by the medium transport unit, is capable of transporting the short sheet-like medium even in the first situation. The third transport path includes a second-first transport path that merges with the first transport path at a position further from the image forming unit than the cutting position of the sheet-like medium by the cutting unit, The aforementioned predetermined conditions If the long sheet-like medium is stored in the first medium storage unit, the long sheet-like medium becomes selectable, and if the short sheet-like medium is stored in the first medium storage unit, both the short sheet-like medium and the long sheet-like medium become selectable. A necessary condition for this is that the detection unit does not detect either the first or second situation. An image forming apparatus characterized in that, when the long sheet-like medium is stored in the first medium storage section, the long sheet-like medium becomes unselectable, and when the short sheet-like medium is stored in the first medium storage section, the short sheet-like medium becomes selectable, and the detection unit detects the first situation and does not detect the second situation as necessary conditions for this to be met.

Images