Image recorder

Abstract

This image recorder efficiently performs recording of an image on and cutting of a recording medium by performing cutting of the recording medium and recording of an image on another recording medium simultaneously. A recording sheet on which an image has been recorded by a recording unit 2 is conveyed to a cutting unit 6 through a conveyance path and cut into an arbitrary shape by the cutting unit 6. When the recording sheet reaches a switchback position of a switchback path 55b along the conveyance path, a recording sheet on which an image is to be recorded next is supplied to the recording unit 2. By performing control in this way, an image can be recorded on another recording sheet Si at the recording unit 2 simultaneously with cutting of a recording sheet Sh at the cutting unit 6.

Description

Image recording apparatus

[0001] The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus that records an image.

[0002] As an example of an image recording apparatus that records an image, Patent Document 1 describes a recording and cutting combined apparatus that records an image on a medium and cuts the medium on which the image has been recorded. In the recording and cutting combined apparatus described in Patent Document 1, a cutting section is arranged below a recording section. The medium on which an image has been recorded by the recording section is conveyed by a reversing guide roller to a medium support belt of the cutting section such that the recording surface of the medium on which the image has been recorded faces downward. The cutting section includes a cutting section carriage, a cutter head, and a cutter. The cutting section carriage is movable in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the medium. The cutter head is attached to the carriage so as to be capable of moving up and down and rotating around a vertical axis. The cutter is held by the cutter head. Then, in a state where the lower end of the cutter penetrates the medium, the cutting section carriage is moved, and the medium support belt is driven to move the medium, thereby cutting the medium.

[0003] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-55038

[0004] Here, the recording and cutting combined apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is configured such that the leading end of the medium being recorded is gripped by the medium support belt. Further, it is considered that the apparatus is configured such that the trailing end of the medium being cut is gripped by the medium support belt. In such a configuration, it is difficult to cause the medium support belt to simultaneously perform a conveyance operation corresponding to recording and a conveyance operation corresponding to cutting. In an apparatus that cannot simultaneously perform image recording and medium cutting, such as the recording and cutting combined apparatus described in Patent Document 1, when continuously performing image recording and medium cutting on a plurality of media, the efficiency of image recording and medium cutting deteriorates.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an image recording apparatus capable of efficiently performing image recording and cutting on a recording medium.

[0006] The image recording device of the present invention comprises a recording unit that records an image on a recording medium, a cutting unit that cuts the recording medium on which the image has been recorded by the recording unit into a desired shape, and a control unit. The control unit controls the cutting unit to cut the first recording medium and, at the same time, controls the recording unit to record an image on a second recording medium separate from the first recording medium.

[0007] In this invention, the first recording medium is cut in the cutting section, and at the same time, an image is recorded on the second recording medium in the recording section. Therefore, the recording and cutting of images on multiple recording media can be performed efficiently.

[0008] This is a schematic diagram of the printer according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front. This is a cross-sectional view of the printer according to an embodiment of the present invention, perpendicular to the left-right direction. This is a schematic diagram of the recording section, etc., viewed from above. This is a schematic diagram of the cutting section viewed from above. (a) is a diagram showing the external appearance of the cutter cartridge. (b) is a cross-sectional view of the lower end of the cutter cartridge parallel to the axial direction when the entire cutter blade is covered by the holder. (c) is a cross-sectional view of the lower end of the cutter cartridge parallel to the axial direction when a part of the cutter blade is exposed from the holder. This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printer. (a) is a flowchart showing the processing flow when normal single-sided recording is performed. (b) is a flowchart showing the processing flow when normal double-sided recording is performed. (c) is a flowchart showing the processing flow when cut single-sided recording is performed. (d) is a flowchart showing the processing flow when cut double-sided recording is performed. (a) is a diagram for explaining the supply of recording paper from the manual feed tray. (b) is a diagram for explaining the supply of recording paper from the paper cassette. (a) is a diagram for explaining the state in which the rear end of the recording paper has been transported to a point in front of the branching point of the reverse transport path of the paper output path. (b) is a diagram illustrating the transport of recording paper in the reverse transport path. (a) is a diagram illustrating images recorded in normal single-sided recording and normal double-sided recording. (b) is a diagram illustrating images and marks recorded in cut single-sided recording and cut double-sided recording. Figures 7(c) and (d) are flowcharts illustrating the transport process flow. (a) is a diagram illustrating the transport of recording paper to the switchback path. (b) is a diagram illustrating the transport of recording paper from the switchback path to the cutting section. This diagram shows a state in which cutting of the recording paper at the cutting section and recording on the recording paper at the recording section are performed simultaneously. This is a flowchart illustrating the transport process flow in an example in which processing for the next recording paper is started based on the start of a switchback. This is a flowchart illustrating the transport process flow in an example in which processing for the next recording paper is started based on the recording paper reaching a predetermined part of the cutting section. (a) is a flowchart illustrating the process flow when performing cut single-sided recording in an example in which processing for the next recording paper is started in response to the detection of a mark.(b) is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow when performing double-sided cutting recording in an example where processing for the next sheet of recording paper is started in response to mark detection. (c) is a flowchart illustrating the transport processing flow in (a) and (b). This diagram illustrates an example where the cutting section is located above the recording section. (a) is a diagram illustrating the transport of recording paper to the switchback path in the printer of Figure 17. (b) is a diagram illustrating the transport of recording paper from the switchback path to the cutting section in the printer of Figure 17. This diagram illustrates an example where the switchback path is located in a position that overlaps with the recording section below the recording section. (a) is a diagram illustrating the transport of recording paper to the switchback path in the printer of Figure 19. (b) is a diagram illustrating the transport of recording paper from the switchback path to the cutting section in the printer of Figure 19.

[0009] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

[0010] <Overall Configuration of the Printer> As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the printer 1 of this embodiment comprises a housing 1A, a recording unit 2, an output tray 3, a manual feed tray 4, a paper cassette 5, a cutting unit 6, and a transport unit 7. In this embodiment, the printer 1 corresponds to the "image recording device" of the present invention.

[0011] In the following, we will define and explain the upward, downward, forward, backward, left, and right directions as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The downward direction is the opposite direction to the upward direction. The backward direction is the opposite direction to the forward direction. The right direction is the opposite direction to the left direction. Furthermore, the direction parallel to the upward and downward directions is collectively referred to as the up-down direction. Furthermore, the direction parallel to the forward and backward directions is collectively referred to as the forward-backward direction. Furthermore, the direction parallel to the left and right directions is collectively referred to as the left-right direction. The up-down direction is perpendicular to the forward-backward direction and the left-right direction. The forward-backward direction is perpendicular to the left-right direction.

[0012] The housing 1A is configured in a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape. In the housing 1A, the front surface 1A1, which is the end face in the front direction, and the rear surface 1A2, which is the end face in the rear direction, face each other in the front-to-rear direction. The recording unit 2, paper output tray 3, manual feed tray 4, paper cassette 5, cutting unit 6, etc. are provided in the housing 1A.

[0013] The recording unit 2 is the part for recording images onto the recording paper S. In this embodiment, the recording paper S is a sheet of paper or a single sheet cut to a predetermined size. In this embodiment, the recording paper S corresponds to the "recording medium" of the present invention.

[0014] As shown in Figure 2, the recording unit 2 is located on the upper part of the housing 1A. The recording unit 2 is also located between the front surface 1A1 and the rear surface 1A2 in the front-to-rear direction. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the recording unit 2 includes a head carriage 11, a sub-tank 12, a head 13, a platen 14, and transport rollers 15 and 16.

[0015] The head carriage 11 mounts the sub-tank 12 and the head 13. The head carriage 11 is supported by two guide rails 19A and 19B that extend in the left-right direction, allowing it to move to the left and to the right. The head carriage 11 is connected to the head carriage motor 106 shown in Figure 6 via a belt or the like (not shown). The head carriage 11 moves to the left and to the right along the guide rails 19A and 19B as the head carriage motor 106 is driven.

[0016] Here, the printer 1 is equipped with four cartridge mounting sections 21. The four cartridge mounting sections 21 are located at the front of the upper part of the housing 1A and are positioned to the right of the paper output tray 3. The four cartridge mounting sections 21 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction.

[0017] Each cartridge mounting section 21 has an opening at the front, through which the ink cartridge 22 can be inserted and removed. In other words, the printer 1 can insert ink cartridges 22 through the openings on the front 1A1 of the housing 1A and the openings on the cartridge mounting sections 21. The ink cartridge 22 that stores black ink is removablely mounted in the leftmost cartridge mounting section 21. The ink cartridge 22 that stores yellow ink is removablely mounted in the second cartridge mounting section 21 from the left. The ink cartridge 22 that stores cyan ink is removablely mounted in the second cartridge mounting section 21 from the right. The ink cartridge 22 that stores magenta ink is removablely mounted in the rightmost cartridge mounting section 21.

[0018] Although a detailed explanation is omitted here, one or more covers may be provided over the opening on the front surface 1A1 of the housing 1A and the opening of the cartridge mounting section 21.

[0019] The ink cartridges 22 installed in each cartridge mounting section 21 are connected to the sub-tank 12 via tubes 23. The ink in the ink cartridges 22 is supplied to the sub-tank 12 via tubes 23.

[0020] The print head 13 is connected to the lower surface of the sub-tank 12. The print head 13 has a nozzle surface 13A with a plurality of nozzles 10 on its lower side. The print head 13 ejects ink supplied from the sub-tank 12 from the plurality of nozzles 10. More specifically, the plurality of nozzles 10 are arranged in the front-to-back direction to form a nozzle row 9. Four rows of nozzle rows 9 are arranged side by side on the nozzle surface 13A in the left-to-right direction. The print head 13 ejects black ink from the plurality of nozzles 10 that form the rightmost nozzle row 9. The print head 13 ejects yellow ink from the plurality of nozzles 10 that form the second nozzle row 9 from the right. The print head 13 ejects cyan ink from the plurality of nozzles 10 that form the second nozzle row 9 from the left. The print head 13 ejects magenta ink from the plurality of nozzles 10 that form the leftmost nozzle row 9.

[0021] The platen 14 is located below the head 13. The platen 14 supports the recording paper S from below.

[0022] The transport rollers 15 and 16 are rollers whose axial direction is in the left-right direction. Transport roller 15 is positioned behind the head 13 and platen 14. Transport roller 16 is positioned in front of the head 13 and platen 14. The transport rollers 15 and 16 are driven and rotated by the roller drive device 107 shown in Figure 6, and transport the recording paper S forward.

[0023] The output tray 3 is the part that ejects the recording paper S on which an image has been recorded by the recording unit 2 when the recording paper S on which an image has been recorded by the recording unit 2 is not cut by the cutting unit 6. The output tray 3 is located at the top of the housing 1A and is positioned in front of the recording unit 2 and the transport rollers 16.

[0024] The manual feed tray 4 is a tray on which recording paper S supplied to the recording unit 2 is placed. The manual feed tray 4 is a so-called MPF or multi-purpose tray. The manual feed tray 4 can hold one sheet of recording paper S or multiple sheets stacked vertically. The manual feed tray 4 is located at the top of the housing 1A, behind the recording unit 2 and the transport rollers 15. The manual feed tray 4 is also located above the paper cassette 5 and behind the paper cassette 5. The manual feed tray 4 is connected to the housing 1A at its front. The surface on which the recording paper S is placed on the manual feed tray 4 extends downwards towards the front. In other words, the surface on which the manual feed tray 4 is placed is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane so that it slopes downwards towards the front. The recording paper S placed on the manual feed tray 4 is supplied into the housing 1A from the front of the manual feed tray.

[0025] The printer 1 also includes a tray feed path 51 and a tray feed roller 61 for supplying recording paper S from the manual feed tray 4 to the recording unit 2. The tray feed path 51 extends from the paper feed opening at the front of the manual feed tray 4 to a position below the head 13. The tray feed roller 61 is a roller whose axis is oriented in the left-right direction. The tray feed roller 61 is located above the mounting surface on the manual feed tray 4 where the recording paper S is placed. The tray feed roller 61 is driven and rotated by the roller drive device 107 shown in Figure 6 to transport the recording paper S. The recording paper S placed on the manual feed tray 4 is transported to the tray feed path 51 by the tray feed roller 61, and then transported to the recording unit 2 by the transport roller 15. When multiple sheets of recording paper S are stacked on the manual feed tray 4, the uppermost sheet of recording paper S is transported by the tray feed roller 61.

[0026] The paper cassette 5 is a tray on which recording paper S supplied to the recording unit 2 is placed. The paper cassette 5 is located in the center of the housing 1A in the vertical direction. The paper cassette 5 is removablely mounted in the cassette mounting section 1B. Specifically, the paper cassette 5 can be inserted into and removed from the cassette mounting section 1B from the front. The cassette mounting section 1B is located below the transport rollers 15, 16 and the manual feed tray 4. One sheet of recording paper S, or multiple sheets stacked vertically, are placed in the paper cassette 5.

[0027] The printer 1 also includes a cassette paper feed path 52, a pickup roller 62, and a cassette paper feed roller 63 for supplying recording paper S from the paper cassette 5 to the recording unit 2. The cassette paper feed path 52 extends upward from a position behind the paper cassette 5, merges with the tray paper feed path 51 at the merging section 51A, and extends to a position below the head 13 of the recording unit 2.

[0028] The pickup roller 62 is a roller whose axis is oriented in the left-right direction. The pickup roller 62 is located above the mounting surface of the paper cassette 5 on which the recording paper S is placed. The pickup roller 62 is driven and rotated by the roller drive device 107 shown in Figure 6, and transports the recording paper S. The recording paper S placed in the paper cassette 5 is transported to the cassette paper feed path 52 by the pickup roller 62. When multiple sheets of recording paper S are stacked vertically in the paper cassette 5, the uppermost sheet of recording paper S is transported to the cassette paper feed path 52 by the pickup roller 62.

[0029] The cassette paper feed roller 63 is a roller whose axis is oriented in the left-right direction. The cassette paper feed roller 63 is provided in the cassette paper feed path 52. The cassette paper feed roller 63 is driven and rotated by the roller drive device 107 shown in Figure 6, and transports the recording paper S. The recording paper S is transported to the cassette paper feed path 52 by the pickup roller 62, and then transported to the recording unit 2 by the cassette paper feed roller 63.

[0030] As described above, the recording paper S is supplied to the recording unit 2 from the manual feed tray 4 and the paper cassette 5. In this embodiment, the manual feed tray 4, the paper cassette 5, the paper feed paths 51 and 52, and the rollers 61 to 63 together constitute the "supply unit" of the present invention. However, the printer 1 may be equipped with only one of the manual feed tray 4 and the paper cassette 5. In other words, the printer 1 may be supplied with recording paper S to the recording unit 2 from only one of the manual feed tray 4 and the paper cassette 5.

[0031] <Cutting Section> The cutting section 6 is a part for cutting the recording paper S on which the image is recorded into any shape. The free shape can be any shape other than a straight line, for example, a circle, a square, a star, or other predetermined shapes. The cutting section 6 is also capable of cutting the paper into a predetermined shape along the contour of the recorded image. The cutting section 6 can also cut the recording paper S in a straight line. The cutting section 6 is located at the bottom of the housing 1A and is situated between the front 1A1 and the rear 1A2 of the housing 1A. The cutting section 6 is also positioned below the recording section 2, the output tray 3, the manual feed tray 4, and the paper cassette 5. As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the cutting section 6 includes a cutter cartridge 31, a cutter carriage 32, a sensor 33, and a cutting section roller 34.

[0032] As shown in Figures 4 and 5(a) to (c), the cutter cartridge 31 comprises a housing 41, a cutter 42, and a holder 43. The housing 41 is cylindrical in shape.

[0033] The cutter 42 has a base portion 42A and a cutter blade 42B. The base portion 42A is cylindrical in shape. The base portion 42A is attached to the lower end of the housing 41 via a bearing 44. The bearing 44 has its axial direction in the vertical direction. The cutter 42 is rotatably supported on the housing 41 around the axis of the cylindrical base portion 42A, which is parallel to the vertical direction. The cutter blade 42B is connected to the lower end of the base portion 42A. The cutter blade 42B is thin and plate-like in shape. The lower end of the cutter blade 42B is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0034] The holder 43 is cylindrical in shape. The holder 43 is held at the lower end of the housing 41 so as to be movable upward and downward. The entire or a part of the cutter blade 42B is located inside the cylindrical holder 43. A spring 45 is also positioned between the housing 41 and the upper end of the holder 43. The holder 43 is biased downward by the spring 45.

[0035] The cutter carriage 32 is supported by two guide rails 39A and 39B that extend in the left-right direction, allowing it to move to the left and to the right. The cutter carriage 32 is connected to the cutter carriage motor 108 shown in Figure 6. As the cutter carriage motor 108 is driven, the cutter carriage 32 moves to the left and to the right along the guide rails 39A and 39B.

[0036] Furthermore, the cutter carriage 32 is provided with a cutter mounting section 46. The cutter cartridge 31 is mounted on the cutter mounting section 46 by fixing the housing 41 to the cutter mounting section 46.

[0037] Furthermore, the cutter mounting section 46 is connected to the lifting device 47 shown in Figure 6. The lifting device 47 moves the cutter mounting section 46 upward and downward. The cutter cartridge 31 moves upward and downward in conjunction with the upward and downward movement of the cutter mounting section 46.

[0038] The sensor 33 is mounted on the cutter carriage 32. The sensor 33 is for detecting the mark M, which will be described later.

[0039] The cutting roller 34 is a roller whose axis is oriented in the left-right direction and is located behind the cutter cartridge 31 and cutter carriage 32. The cutting roller 34 is driven and rotated by the roller drive device 107 shown in Figure 6, and transports the recording paper S in the forward and backward directions. A paper sensor 73 is also located behind the cutting roller 34. The paper sensor 73 is for detecting when the recording paper S reaches the cutting section 6.

[0040] Furthermore, a support member 35 is positioned at the bottom of the housing 1A. The support member 35 is a roughly rectangular plate-shaped member. The support member 35 is located below the cutting section 6. The support member 35 extends from a position that overlaps with the cutting section 6 when viewed from above, to a position behind the position that overlaps with the cutting section 6 when viewed from above. The support member 35 supports the recording paper S from below when the recording paper S is cut at the cutting section 6.

[0041] When cutting the recording sheet S at the cutting section 6, the lifting device 47 lowers the cutter mounting section 46, thereby lowering the cutter cartridge 31. More specifically, the cutter cartridge 31 is lowered until the cutter blade 42B of the cutter 42 penetrates the recording sheet S in accordance with the thickness of the recording sheet S to be cut.

[0042] In the state before the cutter cartridge 31 is lowered, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the entire cutter blade 42B is positioned inside the holder 43. When the cutter cartridge 31 is lowered, the lower end of the holder 43 comes into contact with the recording sheet S. Then, an upward force is applied to the holder 43, and the holder 43 moves upward against the biasing force of the spring 45. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5(c), the tip end portion of the cutter blade 42B is exposed from the holder 43 and penetrates the recording sheet S.

[0043] Then, in a state where the tip end portion of the cutter blade 42B penetrates the recording sheet S, the cutter carriage 32 is moved leftward or rightward in accordance with the shape for cutting the recording sheet S. Further, in a state where the tip end portion of the cutter blade 42B penetrates the recording sheet S, the recording sheet S is moved forward or backward by the cutter roller 34 in accordance with the shape for cutting the recording sheet S. This enables cutting the recording sheet S into a free shape.

[0044] Further, when the recording sheet S is cut by the cutter blade 42B, the cutter blade 42B and the recording sheet S move relatively in the forward direction, backward direction, left direction and right direction. The cutter 42 is rotatably supported with respect to the housing 41 as described above. Therefore, when the cutter blade 42B and the recording sheet S move relatively, the cutter 42 rotates in accordance with the direction of the relative movement.

[0045] <Conveying Section> The conveying section 7 is a section for conveying the recording sheet S on which an image has been recorded by the recording section 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the conveying section 7 includes a conveying path 50 through which the recording sheet S is conveyed. The conveying path 50 includes a paper discharge path 53, a reverse conveying path 54, and a transition path 55.

[0046] Further, the conveying unit 7 includes a first switchback roller 64, an upstream path roller 65, a second switchback roller 66, and a downstream path roller 67. The rollers 64 to 67 are rollers for conveying the recording sheet S along the conveying path 50. Further, the conveying rollers 15 and 16 constituting the recording unit 2 and the cutting unit roller 34 constituting the cutting unit 6 also serve as rollers constituting the conveying unit 7.

[0047] All of the rollers 64 to 67 are rollers whose axial direction is the left-right direction. Further, the rollers 64 to 67 are driven to rotate by the roller driving device 107 shown in FIG. 6, and convey the recording sheet S. Further, the roller driving device 107 includes one or more motors for driving the aforementioned rollers 61 to 63 and each roller constituting the conveying unit 7. Further, the roller driving device 107 includes gears and the like that connect the one or more motors and each roller. Further, each motor of the roller driving device 107 may be provided for one roller, or may be provided commonly for two or more rollers.

[0048] <Paper Discharge Path, Reverse Conveying Path, First Switchback Roller> The paper discharge path 53 is a path for discharging the recording sheet S having an image recorded thereon by the recording unit 2 to the paper discharge tray 3. The paper discharge path 53 extends forward from the recording unit 2 to the paper discharge tray 3. The reverse conveying path 54 is a path for reversing the front and back sides of the recording sheet S having an image recorded thereon by the recording unit 2 and conveying it back to the recording unit 2 again.

[0049] The reverse conveying path 54 includes a path branched from a branch portion 53A located between the recording unit 2 and the paper discharge tray 3 of the paper discharge path 53. The reverse conveying path 54 extends rearward from the branch portion 53A through the lower part of the recording unit 2, and merges with the cassette paper feeding path 52 at a merging portion 52A. Then, the merged reverse conveying path 54 and cassette paper feeding path 52 merge with the tray paper feeding path 51 at a merging portion 51A. Then, the merged reverse conveying path 54, cassette paper feeding path 52 and tray paper feeding path 51 extend to the recording unit 2.

[0050] Furthermore, a guide member 71 is provided at the branching section 53A. The guide member 71 is movable between a reversal guide position shown by a solid line in Figure 2 and a paper discharge guide position shown by a dashed line in Figure 2. The reversal guide position is the position when guiding the recording paper S from the paper discharge path 53 to the reversal transport path 54. The paper discharge guide position is the position when guiding the recording paper S along the paper discharge path 53. The guide member 71 is also biased from the paper discharge guide position toward the reversal guide position by a spring (not shown).

[0051] The first switchback roller 64 is located downstream of the branching point 53A of the paper discharge path 53. In other words, the first switchback roller 64 is located forward of the branching point 53A of the paper discharge path 53. The transport rollers 15, 16 and the first switchback roller 64 enable the transport of the recording paper S on which images have been recorded in the recording unit 2, along the paper discharge path 53.

[0052] When the recording paper S is transported forward along the paper discharge path 53, the guide member 71 is pushed by the recording paper S and moves from the reverse guide position towards the paper discharge guide position against the biasing force of a spring (not shown). Therefore, the recording paper S can be transported ahead of the guide member 71. In addition, the recording paper S on which an image has been recorded in the recording unit 2 can be transported to the paper discharge tray 3. Furthermore, a paper sensor 74 for detecting the recording paper S is positioned behind the first switchback roller 64.

[0053] Furthermore, when the recording paper S on which an image has been recorded in the recording unit 2 is transported by the first switchback roller 64 until the rear end of the recording paper S reaches in front of the guide member 71, the guide member 71 is no longer pressed by the recording paper S. Then, the guide member 71 returns to the reverse guide position due to the biasing force of a spring (not shown). After that, the roller drive device 107 rotates the first switchback roller 64 in the opposite direction to transport the recording paper S backward. In other words, a switchback can be performed to swap the front and rear ends of the recording paper S heading from the recording unit 2 to the cutting unit 6. When the recording paper S is transported backward, it is guided by the guide member 71 located in the reverse guide position and transported to the reverse transport path 54. Here, additional rollers for transporting the recording paper S may be arranged in the reverse transport path 54.

[0054] <Transition Route> The transition route 55 includes an upstream route 55A, a switchback route 55B, and a downstream route 55C.

[0055] <Upstream Route> The upstream route 55A is a transport route for transporting the recording paper S to the switchback route 55B. The upstream route 55A is located upstream of the switchback route 55B in the transition route 55. The upstream route 55A branches off from the branching section 54A of the reversing transport route 54. The branching section 54A is located between the junction 52A with the cassette paper feed route 52 and the junction 51A with the tray paper feed route 51 in the reversing transport route 54. In other words, the branching section 54A is located above the junction 52A and below the junction 51A. The upstream route 55A extends rearward from the branching section 54A. The upstream route 55A is also located below the tray paper feed route 51. The upstream route 55A extends downward toward the manual feed tray 4.

[0056] Furthermore, a guide member 81 is positioned in the upstream path 55A. The guide member 81 is movable in the front-rear direction between a first position and a second position by a moving mechanism (not shown). The first position is the position shown by the solid line in Figure 2. The second position is the position forward of the first position, shown by the dashed line in Figure 2.

[0057] The guide member 81 has a guide surface at its front that guides the transported recording paper S. The guide surface extends in the vertical direction. When the guide member 81 is in the first position, the recording paper S that has been transported along the reversal transport path 54 is guided by the guide surface of the guide member 81. Also, when the guide member 81 is in the first position, the guide surface of the guide member 81 forms part of the rear wall surface of the path that transports the recording paper S toward the recording unit 2. Therefore, the recording paper S is transported along the reversal transport path 54. When the guide member 81 is in the second position, the recording paper S that has been transported along the reversal transport path 54 passes below the guide member 81. Therefore, the recording paper S is transported to the upstream path 55A.

[0058] <Switchback Route> The switchback route 55B is a transport route that performs a switchback on the record paper S that has been transported from the upstream route 55A and transports it toward the downstream route 55C.

[0059] The switchback path 55B is formed by the portion of the tray forming member 8 that is below the manual feed tray 4. Therefore, the switchback path 55B is located behind the upstream path 55A and below the manual feed tray 4. The switchback path 55B extends inclined with respect to the front-to-back direction, sloping downwards as it moves forward. In other words, the transport path for transporting the recording paper S in the switchback path 55B extends inclined with respect to the horizontal plane, sloping downwards towards the front. It can also be said that the switchback path 55B extends along the surface on which the recording paper S is placed in the manual feed tray 4.

[0060] Furthermore, a portion of the switchback path 55B is defined by the media support surface 8A and the opposing surface 8B of the tray forming member 8. The media support surface 8A is formed by the lower portion of the tray forming member 8 and is a surface that supports the recording paper S from below. The opposing surface 8B is formed by the upper portion of the tray forming member 8. In other words, the opposing surface 8B is formed by the portion of the tray forming member 8 that acts as a partition separating the manual feed tray 4 from the switchback path 55B. The opposing surface 8B faces the media support surface 8A. A portion of the front of the recording paper S located in the switchback path 55B is covered by the media support surface 8A and the opposing surface 8B.

[0061] Furthermore, a portion of the rear of the recording paper S located in the switchback path 55B is exposed. In other words, a portion of the recording paper S is configured to protrude behind the rear end of the manual feed tray 4 in the switchback path 55B. It can also be said that a portion of the recording paper S is configured to protrude above the upper end of the manual feed tray 4 in the switchback path 55B. In short, the switchback path 55B is provided with an opening that allows a portion of the recording paper S to protrude to the outside. A paper sensor 75 for detecting the recording paper S is also positioned in front of the switchback path 55B.

[0062] <Downstream Route> The downstream route 55C is a transport path for transporting the recording paper S transported from the switchback route 55B to the cutting section 6. The downstream route 55C is located downstream of the switchback route 55B in the transition route 55. The downstream route 55C has a route section 55C1 and a route section 55C2.

[0063] The path section 55C1 is located in front of and below the switchback path 55B. Furthermore, the path section 55C1 is located below the upstream path 55A. The path section 55C1 extends from a position in front of the switchback path 55B to the upper surface of the support member 35. Additionally, the path section 55C1 extends in a direction inclined with respect to the front-to-back direction, becoming downward as it approaches the front. In other words, the path section 55C1 extends inclined with respect to the horizontal plane, becoming downward as it approaches the front.

[0064] The path portion 55C2 is formed by the portion of the upper surface of the support member 35 that is located in front of the path portion 55C1 and behind the cut portion 6. The path portion 55C2 extends from the front and lower end of the path portion 55C1 to the cut portion 6, substantially parallel to the front-to-back direction.

[0065] Furthermore, a guide member 72 is positioned between the upstream path 55A and path section 55C1 and the switchback path 55B in the front-rear direction. The guide member 72 is configured to be movable between a downstream guide position shown by a solid line in Figure 2 and an upstream guide position shown by a dashed line in Figure 2. The downstream guide position is the position when guiding the recording paper S from the switchback path 55B to the path section 55C1. The upstream guide position is the position when guiding the recording paper S from the upstream path 55A to the switchback path 55B. The guide member 72 is also biased from the upstream guide position toward the downstream guide position by a spring or the like (not shown).

[0066] <Upstream path roller, second switchback roller, downstream path roller> The upstream path roller 65 is provided in the upstream path 55A. The second switchback roller 66 is provided in the switchback path 55B. The downstream path roller 67 is provided in the path portion 55C1 of the downstream path 55C.

[0067] The roller drive device 107 drives the upstream path roller 65 and the second switchback roller 66, which are rotated in one direction. As a result, the recording paper S is transported from the upstream path 55A to the switchback path 55B. The guide member 72 is pushed by the recording paper S being transported from the upstream path 55A to the switchback path 55B. Therefore, the guide member 72 moves from the downstream guide position to the upstream guide position against the biasing force of a spring (not shown). When the rear end of the recording paper S being transported from the upstream path 55A to the switchback path 55B passes the guide member 72, the guide member 72 is no longer pushed by the recording paper S. Then, the guide member 72 returns to the downstream guide position due to the biasing force of a spring (not shown).

[0068] Furthermore, the roller drive device 107 drives the second switchback roller 66, causing it to rotate in the opposite direction to the one described above. As a result, the recording paper S on the switchback path 55B is fed forward and downward. The recording paper S fed out from the switchback path 55B is guided by the guide member 72 located at the downstream guide position. Consequently, the recording paper S is transported from the switchback path 55B to the path portion 55C1 of the downstream path 55C.

[0069] As explained above, the second switchback roller 66 can perform a switchback to swap the front and rear ends of the recording paper S being transported toward the cutting section 6 in the upstream path 55A. In other words, the second switchback roller 66 can perform a switchback so that the rear end of the recording paper S being transported toward the cutting section 6 in the upstream path 55A becomes the front end of the recording paper S being transported toward the cutting section 6 in the downstream path 55C.

[0070] When the downstream path roller 67 is driven by the roller drive device 107, the recording paper S that has been transported to the path section 55C1 is transported through the path sections 55C1 and 55C2 to the cutting section 6.

[0071] <Electrical Configuration of the Printer> Next, the electrical configuration of printer 1 will be described. As shown in Figure 6, printer 1 is equipped with a control unit 100. The control unit 100 includes a CPU 101, ROM 102, RAM 103, memory 104, ASIC 105, etc. CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit. ROM is an abbreviation for Read Only Memory. RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory. ASIC is an abbreviation for Application Specific Integrated Circuit.

[0072] The control unit 100 controls the motors of the head carriage motor 106, head 13, roller drive unit 107, cutter carriage motor 108, lifting device 47, switching motor 83, etc. The control unit 100 also receives signals from sensor 33 and paper sensors 73-75.

[0073] In addition to the configuration described above, the printer 1 is also equipped with an operation panel 99. The operation panel 99 has a display unit and an operation unit. The display unit is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The operation unit is, for example, hard keys, a touch panel provided on the display unit, etc. Under the control of the control unit 100, various screens are displayed on the display unit of the operation panel 99. Signals corresponding to user operations on the operation unit of the operation panel 99 are transmitted from the operation panel 99 to the control unit 100.

[0074] Furthermore, the control unit 100 may perform various processing using only the CPU 101. Alternatively, the control unit 100 may perform various processing using only the ASIC 105. Alternatively, the control unit 100 may perform various processing using both the CPU 101 and the ASIC 105 in cooperation. Alternatively, the control unit 100 may be performed by a single CPU 101 alone. Alternatively, the control unit 100 may be performed by multiple CPUs 101 sharing the processing. Alternatively, the control unit 100 may be performed by a single ASIC 105 alone. Alternatively, the control unit 100 may be performed by multiple ASICs 105 sharing the processing.

[0075] <Control during recording> Next, we will explain the control by the control unit 100 when the printer 1 records an image onto the recording paper S and cuts the recording paper S on which the image has been recorded.

[0076] Printer 1 can perform normal single-sided recording, normal double-sided recording, cut single-sided recording, and cut double-sided recording. Normal single-sided recording is an operation in which an image is recorded on only one side of the recording paper S, and the recording paper S is not cut by the cutting unit 6. Normal double-sided recording is an operation in which an image is recorded on both sides of the recording paper S, and the recording paper S is not cut by the cutting unit 6. Cut single-sided recording is an operation in which an image is recorded on only one side of the recording paper S, and the recording paper S is cut by the cutting unit 6. Cut double-sided recording is an operation in which an image is recorded on both sides of the recording paper S, and the recording paper S is cut by the cutting unit 6.

[0077] <Control during normal single-sided recording> When performing normal single-sided recording, the control unit 100 processes according to the flowchart in Figure 7(a). The printer 1 can perform normal single-sided recording on one sheet of recording paper S. When performing normal single-sided recording on one sheet of recording paper S, the process according to the flowchart in Figure 7(a) is started by inputting a recording instruction signal that instructs normal single-sided recording. Inputting a recording instruction signal that instructs normal single-sided recording can be done, for example, by operating the operation panel 99, a PC connected to the printer 1, etc.

[0078] Furthermore, the printer 1 can perform normal single-sided recording on multiple sheets of recording paper S in succession. When the control unit 100 performs normal single-sided recording on multiple sheets of recording paper S in succession, it processes each of the multiple sheets of recording paper S according to the flowchart in Figure 7(a). The processing according to the flowchart in Figure 7(a) for the first sheet of recording paper S on which an image is recorded begins when a recording instruction signal indicating normal single-sided recording is input. The processing according to the flowchart in Figure 7(a) for the second and subsequent sheets of recording paper S on which images are recorded begins at timings that will be explained later.

[0079] To explain the flowchart in Figure 7(a) in detail, the control unit 100 first performs the paper feeding process (S101). In the S101 paper feeding process, the control unit 100 controls the roller drive device 107 to supply recording paper S from the manual feed tray 4 to the recording unit 2. Specifically, as shown in Figure 8(a), the control unit 100 causes the tray paper feed roller 61 to supply recording paper S from the manual feed tray 4 to the recording unit 2 through the tray paper feed path 51.

[0080] Alternatively, in the S101 paper feeding process, the control unit 100 controls the roller drive device 107 to supply recording paper S from the paper cassette 5 to the recording unit 2. Specifically, as shown in Figure 8(b), the control unit 100 causes the pickup roller 62 and the cassette paper feed roller 63 to supply recording paper S from the paper cassette 5 to the recording unit 2 through the cassette paper feed path 52.

[0081] Whether to supply the recording paper S from the manual feed tray 4 or the paper cassette 5 is determined, for example, based on a recording instruction, setting information pre-stored in the memory 104, etc.

[0082] Next, the control unit 100 performs a recording process (S102). In the recording process of S102, the control unit 100 repeatedly performs a recording path process and a recording transport process to record an image on the recording paper S.

[0083] The recording path processing is a process in which ink is ejected from multiple nozzles 10 toward the recording paper S while moving the head carriage 11 to the left or to the right. The control unit 100 controls the head carriage motor 106 to move the head carriage 11 to the left or to the right during the recording path processing. The control unit 100 also controls the head 13 to eject ink from multiple nozzles 10 toward the recording paper S during the recording path processing.

[0084] The recording and transport process involves controlling the roller drive device 107 to transport the recording paper S forward a predetermined distance on the transport rollers 15 and 16.

[0085] During recording in the recording unit 2, the recording paper S is transported along the tray feeding path 51, the upper surface of the platen 14, and the paper discharge path 53. In this embodiment, the combined path of the tray feeding path 51, the upper surface of the platen 14, and the paper discharge path 53 corresponds to the "recording transport path" of the present invention. The transport path 50 includes the paper discharge path 53, which is part of the recording transport path.

[0086] Next, the control unit 100 performs the recording paper ejection process (S103). In the recording paper ejection process of S103, the control unit 100 controls the roller drive device 107 to transport the recording paper S on which the image is recorded to the paper ejection tray 3. Specifically, the control unit 100 causes the transport rollers 15, 16 and the first switchback roller 64 to transport the recording paper S forward to the paper ejection tray 3.

[0087] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether or not it is necessary to record an image on the next recording sheet S (S104). If it is necessary to record an image on the next recording sheet S (S104: YES), the control unit 100 starts processing for the next recording sheet S (S105). The processing started in S105 is the processing for the next recording sheet S according to the flowchart in Figure 7(a). Then, the control unit 100 finishes processing for the current recording sheet S according to the flowchart in Figure 7(a). If it is not necessary to record an image on the next recording sheet S (S104: NO), the control unit 100 finishes processing for the current recording sheet S according to the flowchart in Figure 7(a) without executing the process in S105.

[0088] <Control during normal double-sided recording> When performing normal double-sided recording, the control unit 100 processes according to the flowchart in Figure 7(b). The printer 1 can perform normal double-sided recording on a single sheet of recording paper S. When performing normal double-sided recording on a single sheet of recording paper S, the process according to the flowchart in Figure 7(b) is started by inputting a recording instruction signal that instructs normal double-sided recording. Inputting a recording instruction signal that instructs normal double-sided recording can be done, for example, by operating the operation panel 99, a PC connected to the printer 1, etc.

[0089] Furthermore, the printer 1 can perform normal double-sided recording on multiple sheets of recording paper S in succession. When the control unit 100 performs normal double-sided recording on multiple sheets of recording paper S in succession, it processes each of the multiple sheets of recording paper S according to the flowchart in Figure 7(b). The processing according to the flowchart in Figure 7(b) for the first sheet of recording paper S on which an image is recorded begins when a recording instruction signal indicating normal double-sided recording is input. The processing according to the flowchart in Figure 7(b) for the second and subsequent sheets of recording paper S on which images are recorded begins at timings that will be explained later.

[0090] To explain the flowchart in Figure 7(b) in detail, the control unit 100 performs the same paper feeding process as in S101 (S201). Next, the control unit 100 performs the first recording process (S202). The first recording process in S202 is the same process as the recording process in S102. The first recording process records an image on one side of the recording paper S.

[0091] Next, the control unit 100 performs a paper inversion process (S203). In the paper inversion process in S203, the control unit 100 controls the roller drive device 107 to invert the recording paper S, on which an image is recorded on one side, so that it is fed back to the recording unit 2. Specifically, the control unit 100 causes the transport rollers 15, 16 and the first switchback roller 64 to transport the recording paper S forward.

[0092] Then, as shown in Figure 9(a), the control unit 100 transports the recording paper S until the rear end Eb of the recording paper S is in front of the branching section 53A. At this point, when the first recording process in S202 is completed, the recording paper S is detected by the paper sensor 74. The control unit 100 transports the recording paper S forward until the recording paper S is no longer detected by the paper sensor 74. This allows the recording paper S to be transported until the end Eb of the recording paper S is in front of the branching section 53A.

[0093] The control unit 100 then rotates the first switchback roller 64 in the reverse direction to transport the recording paper S backward. That is, it performs a switchback on the recording paper S. As a result, the recording paper S is guided by the guide member 71 located at the inversion guide position, as shown by Sa in Figure 9(b), and transported from the paper discharge path 53 to the inversion transport path 54. The guide member 81 is also located at the first position. Therefore, the recording paper S transported along the inversion transport path 54 is supplied back to the recording unit 2 with its front and back sides reversed, as shown by Sb in Figure 9(b).

[0094] Next, the control unit 100 performs a second recording process (S204). The second recording process in S204 is the same as the recording process in S102. The second recording process records an image on the other side of the recording paper S. The control unit 100 then performs a recording paper ejection process similar to that in S103 (S205).

[0095] The control unit 100 then determines whether or not it is necessary to record an image on the next recording sheet S (S206). If it is necessary to record an image on the next recording sheet S (S206: YES), the control unit 100 starts processing for the next recording sheet S (S207). The processing started in S207 is the processing for the next recording sheet S according to the flowchart in Figure 7(b). The control unit 100 then finishes processing for the current recording sheet S according to the flowchart in Figure 7(b). If it is not necessary to record an image on the next recording sheet S (S206: NO), the control unit 100 finishes processing for the current recording sheet S according to the flowchart in Figure 7(b) without executing the process in S207.

[0096] <Control during single-sided recording after cutting> When performing single-sided recording after cutting, the control unit 100 processes according to the flowchart in Figure 7(c). The printer 1 can perform single-sided recording after cutting on one sheet of recording paper S. When performing single-sided recording after cutting on one sheet of recording paper S, the process according to the flowchart in Figure 7(c) is started by inputting a recording instruction signal that instructs single-sided recording after cutting. Inputting a recording instruction signal that instructs single-sided recording after cutting can be done, for example, by operating the operation panel 99, a PC connected to the printer 1, etc.

[0097] Furthermore, the printer 1 can perform continuous single-sided cutting recording on multiple sheets of recording paper S. When the control unit 100 performs continuous single-sided cutting recording on multiple sheets of recording paper S, it processes each of the multiple sheets of recording paper S according to the flowchart in Figure 7(c). The processing according to the flowchart in Figure 7(c) for the first sheet of recording paper S on which an image is recorded and then cut begins when a recording instruction signal indicating single-sided cutting is input. The processing according to the flowchart in Figure 7(c) for the second and subsequent sheets of recording paper S on which images are recorded and then cut begins at timings that will be explained later.

[0098] To explain the flowchart in Figure 7(c) in detail, the control unit 100 executes the same processes as S101 and S102, as in S301 and S302.

[0099] In the recording process for normal single-sided recording and the first and second recording processes for normal double-sided recording described above, the control unit 100 causes image P to be recorded on the recording paper S, for example, as shown in Figure 10(a). Image P is an image corresponding to the image data input along with the recording instruction. In contrast, in the recording process of S302, the control unit 100 causes mark M to be recorded on the recording paper S in addition to image P, for example, as shown in Figure 10(b).

[0100] Mark M is used to adjust the cutting position when cutting the recording paper S. In Figure 10(b), four marks M are recorded at the four corners of the recording paper S. However, the number of marks M may be 1 to 3 or 5 or more. Also, the position where the marks M are recorded does not have to be at the four corners of the recording paper S. Furthermore, although the marks M are L-shaped in Figure 10(b), the marks M may have a different shape.

[0101] Next, the control unit 100 executes the transport process (S303). In the transport process in S303, the control unit 100 performs the process according to the flowchart in Figure 11. To explain in detail, the control unit 100 first determines whether or not there are any waiting record sheets S (S501).

[0102] In this embodiment, the waiting recording paper S in S501 is the recording paper S waiting at the switchback position of the switchback path 55B. The control unit 100 determines that there is a waiting recording paper S in S501 if, for example, the second transport process in S506, described later, for the previous recording paper S has not been started. On the other hand, the control unit 100 determines that there is no waiting recording paper S in S501 if, for example, the second transport process in S506, described later, for the previous recording paper S has been started.

[0103] The control unit 100 waits if there is any waiting recording paper S (S501: YES). If there is no waiting recording paper S (S501: NO), the control unit 100 then performs the first transport process (S502). In the first transport process of S502, the control unit 100 transports the recording paper S to the switchback position of the switchback path 55B.

[0104] Specifically, the control unit 100 controls the roller drive unit 107 to transport the recording paper S forward on the transport rollers 15, 16 and the first switchback roller 64. At this time, as shown in Figure 9(a), the control unit 100 transports the recording paper S until the rear end Eb of the recording paper S is in front of the branching section 53A. That is, the control unit 100 transports the recording paper S forward until the recording paper S is no longer detected by the paper sensor 74. In this embodiment, the position of the recording paper S when it is no longer detected by the paper sensor 74 corresponds to the "switchback position" and the "first switchback position" of the present invention.

[0105] The control unit 100 then controls the switching motor 83 to move the guide member 81 to the second position. The control unit 100 then controls the roller drive device 107 to transport the recording paper S backward to the first switchback roller 64. That is, it causes a switchback to be performed on the recording paper S. As a result, the recording paper S is guided by the guide member 71 located in the reverse guidance position and transported from the paper discharge path 53 to the reverse transport path 54. Sc in Figure 12(a) shows the recording paper S being transported from the paper discharge path 53 to the reverse transport path 54. Also, the guide member 81 is in the second position. Therefore, the recording paper S being transported along the reverse transport path 54 is transported from the reverse transport path 54 to the upstream path 55A. Here, Sd in Figure 12(a) shows the recording paper S being transported from the reverse transport path 54 to the upstream path 55A.

[0106] Furthermore, when the recording paper S is transported forward to the position shown in Figure 9(a), the edge Ea of the recording paper S is the front end of the recording paper S facing from the recording unit 2 to the cutting unit 6. The opposite edge Eb of the recording paper S is the rear end of the recording paper S facing from the recording unit 2 to the cutting unit 6. On the other hand, when the recording paper S is transported backward from the position shown in Figure 9(a), the edge Eb is the front end of the recording paper S facing from the recording unit 2 to the cutting unit 6. The edge Ea is the rear end of the recording paper S facing from the recording unit 2 to the cutting unit 6. In other words, the front and rear ends of the recording paper S facing from the recording unit 2 to the cutting unit 6 are swapped when transporting to the position shown in Figure 9(a) and when transporting from the position shown in Figure 9(a). In this embodiment, the combined paper discharge path 53 and the first switchback roller 64 correspond to the "switchback section" and "first switchback section" of the present invention.

[0107] The control unit 100 then causes the upstream path roller 65 and the second switchback roller 66 to transport the recording paper S to the switchback position of the switchback path 55B. At this point, just before the edge Eb of the recording paper S reaches the switchback path 55B, the paper sensor 75 begins to detect the recording paper S. Then, just before the edge Ea of the recording paper S reaches the switchback path 55B, the edge Ea passes below the paper sensor 75, and the paper sensor 75 no longer detects the recording paper S. The position of the recording paper S when the paper sensor 75 no longer detects the recording paper S is the switchback position of the switchback path 55B. After the recording paper S is detected by the paper sensor 75, the control unit 100 causes the upstream path roller 65 and the second switchback roller 66 to transport the recording paper S until a certain amount of time has elapsed since the recording paper S was no longer detected. This allows the recording paper S to be transported to the switchback position of the switchback path 55B. In Figure 12(a), Se represents the recording paper S being transported to the switchback position of the switchback path 55B.

[0108] In this embodiment, the switchback position on the switchback path 55B corresponds to the "switchback position" and the "second switchback position" of the present invention. The recording sheet S shown by the dashed line in Figure 2 represents the recording sheet S located at the second switchback position.

[0109] Returning to Figure 11, the control unit 100 then determines whether or not it is necessary to record and cut an image on the next recording sheet S (S503). If it is necessary to record and cut an image on the next recording sheet S (S503: YES), the control unit 100 starts processing for the next recording sheet S (S504). Then, the control unit 100 proceeds to S505. The processing started in S504 is the processing for the next recording sheet S according to the flowchart in Figure 7(c). If it is not necessary to record and cut an image on the next recording sheet S (S505: NO), the control unit 100 proceeds to S505 without executing the processing in S504.

[0110] In S505, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the recording paper S is being cut at the cutting unit 6. If the cutting unit 6 is cutting the recording paper S (S505: YES), the control unit 100 waits. That is, the control unit 100 has the recording paper S wait at the switchback position of the switchback path 55B. If the cutting unit 6 is not cutting the recording paper S (S505: NO), the control unit 100 executes the second transport process (S506). After the second transport process in S506, the control unit 100 returns to the flowchart in Figure 7(c).

[0111] In the second transport process in S506, the control unit 100 controls the roller drive unit 107 to transport the recording paper S to the cutting unit 6. Specifically, the control unit 100 rotates the second switchback roller 66 in the opposite direction to that used in the first transport process. As a result, the recording paper S is guided by the guide member 72 located at the downstream guide position and transported from the switchback path 55B to the path portion 55C1 of the downstream path 55C. In other words, a switchback is performed for the recording paper S. Sf in Figure 12(b) shows the recording paper S being transported from the switchback path 55B to the path portion 55C1.

[0112] The control unit 100 then causes the downstream path roller 67 and the cutting section roller 34 to transport the recording paper S to the cutting section 6. More specifically, the control unit 100 transports the recording paper S to the cutting section 6 through the path sections 55C1 and 55C2. Sg in Figure 12(b) shows the recording paper S in transit to the cutting section 6. By being transported as described above, the recording paper S is transported to the cutting section 6 with the image recording surface from the recording process in S302 facing upwards.

[0113] Furthermore, when transporting the recording paper S to the switchback path 55B, end Eb is the front end of the recording paper S facing from the recording section 2 to the cutting section 6. End Ea is the rear end of the recording paper S facing from the recording section 2 to the cutting section 6. On the other hand, when transporting the recording paper S from the switchback path 55B to the cutting section 6, end Ea is the front end of the recording paper S facing from the recording section 2 to the cutting section 6. End Eb is the rear end of the recording paper S facing from the recording section 2 to the cutting section 6. In other words, the front and rear ends of the recording paper S facing from the recording section 2 to the cutting section 6 are swapped when transporting to the switchback path 55B and when transporting from the switchback path 55B. In this embodiment, the switchback path 55B and the second switchback roller 66 together correspond to the "switchback section" and "second switchback section" of the present invention.

[0114] Returning to Figure 7(c), the control unit 100 then performs mark detection processing (S304). In the mark detection processing of S304, the control unit 100 causes the sensor 33 to sequentially detect the four marks M on the recording paper S. Specifically, the control unit 100 controls the cutter carriage motor 108 to move the cutter carriage 32 to the left and right so that each mark M can be detected by the sensor 33. The control unit 100 also controls the roller drive device 107 to move the recording paper S forward and backward on the cutting roller 34 so that each mark M can be detected by the sensor 33. The control unit 100 then acquires information on the left-right position of the cutter carriage 32 and the front-rear position of the recording paper S when each mark M is detected by the sensor 33.

[0115] The control unit 100 then performs the cutting process (S305). In the cutting process of S305, the control unit 100 controls the lifting device 47 to lower the cutter cartridge 31. Specifically, the control unit 100 lowers the cutter cartridge 31 until the cutter blade 42B of the cutter 42 penetrates the recording paper S. Then, the control unit 100 moves the cutter carriage 32 and moves the recording paper S to the cutting roller 34, causing the cutter 42 to cut the recording paper S. At this time, the control unit 100 moves the cutter carriage 32 and the recording paper S according to the position of the image recording area on the recording paper S. Also, when cutting the recording paper S, the control unit 100 adjusts the cutting position of the recording paper S based on the information acquired in S304. Then, with the above control, the control unit 100 causes the cutter 42 to cut the recording paper S along the outline of the recorded image P, for example, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 10(b).

[0116] When the recording paper S is cut at the cutting section 6, it is transported along the upper surface of the support member 35. In this embodiment, the path of the recording paper S formed by the upper surface of the support member 35 corresponds to the "cutting transport path" of the present invention. As described above, the path formed by the upper surface of the support member 35 includes the path portion 55C2 of the downstream path 55C. That is, the transport path 50 includes the path portion 55C2, which is part of the cutting transport path. Furthermore, the portion of the paper discharge path 53 in which the recording paper S is transported when recording at the recording section 2 and the path formed by the upper surface of the support member 35 in which the recording paper S is transported when cutting at the cutting section 6 overlap when viewed from above. In addition, in this embodiment, there is no portion shared between the recording transport path and the cutting transport path. That is, the recording transport path is configured so that a portion of it does not become the cutting transport path.

[0117] After the cutting process in S305, the control unit 100 performs the cut and paper discharge process (S306). In the cut and paper discharge process in S306, the control unit 100 controls the roller drive device 107 to discharge the record paper S, which has been cut in the cutting unit 6, forward to the cutting unit roller 34. With the completion of the cut and paper discharge process in S306, the process according to the flowchart in Figure 7(c) is completed.

[0118] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 100 performs the processing as described above to cut and record on one side of multiple recording sheets S. Therefore, as shown in Figure 13, at the same time that the cutting unit 6 cuts one recording sheet Sh, the recording unit 2 may simultaneously record an image onto another recording sheet Si. In addition, the transport path 50 is configured so that the recording sheet Si being recorded on by the recording unit 2 and the recording sheet Sh being cut by the cutting unit 6 do not come into contact. In the example of Figure 13, the recording sheet Sh corresponds to the "first recording medium" of the present invention. Also, in the example of Figure 13, the recording sheet Si corresponds to the "second recording medium" of the present invention.

[0119] <Control during double-sided cutting recording> When performing double-sided cutting recording, the control unit 100 processes according to the flowchart in Figure 7(d). The printer 1 can perform double-sided cutting recording on a single sheet of recording paper S. When performing double-sided cutting recording on a single sheet of recording paper S, the process according to the flowchart in Figure 7(d) is started by inputting a recording instruction signal that instructs double-sided cutting recording. Inputting a recording instruction signal that instructs double-sided cutting recording can be done, for example, by operating the operation panel 99, a PC connected to the printer 1, etc.

[0120] Furthermore, the printer 1 can perform continuous double-sided recording on multiple sheets of recording paper S. When the control unit 100 performs continuous single-sided recording on multiple sheets of recording paper S, it processes each of the multiple sheets of recording paper S according to the flowchart in Figure 7(d). The processing according to the flowchart in Figure 7(d) for the first sheet of recording paper S on which an image is recorded and then cut begins when a recording instruction signal indicating double-sided recording is input. The processing according to the flowchart in Figure 7(d) for the second and subsequent sheets of recording paper S on which images are recorded and then cut begins at timings that will be explained later.

[0121] To explain the flowchart in Figure 7(d) in detail, the control unit 100 executes the same processes as S201 to S204, specifically S401 to S404. However, in the first recording process of S402, the control unit 100 records the image P on one side of the recording paper S, for example, as shown in Figure 10(a). Furthermore, in the second recording process of S404, the control unit 100 records the image P and the mark M on the other side of the recording paper S, for example, as shown in Figure 10(b).

[0122] Next, the control unit 100 executes the same processes as S303 to S306, from S405 to S408, and completes the process according to the flowchart in Figure 7(d). The recording paper S is transported as described above by the transport process in S405, and is transported to the cutting unit 6 with the image recording surface from the second recording process in S404 facing upwards.

[0123] Even when performing double-sided recording on multiple recording sheets S, the recording unit 2 may record an image on another recording sheet S at the same time that one recording sheet S is cut in the cutting unit 6. This recording on the other recording sheet S may be on one side of the recording sheet S by the first recording process, or on the other side of the recording sheet S by the second recording process. Furthermore, which side of the recording sheet S the recording on the other recording sheet S is on may vary depending on the image to be recorded and the cutting shape of the recording sheet S. Alternatively, the recording on the other recording sheet S may be on one side of the recording sheet S by the first recording process, regardless of the image to be recorded and the cutting shape of the recording sheet S. Alternatively, the recording on the other recording sheet S may be on the other side of the recording sheet S by the second recording process, regardless of the image to be recorded and the cutting shape of the recording sheet S. Alternatively, if the time required to cut the recording paper S at the cutting section 6 is long, the recording on the other recording paper S may be done on both one side and the other side of the recording paper S.

[0124] <Effects> In this embodiment, the cutting unit 6 cuts one sheet of recording paper S, and at the same time, the recording unit 2 records an image onto another sheet of recording paper S. Therefore, the recording and cutting of images onto multiple sheets of recording paper S can be performed efficiently.

[0125] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the recording paper S being cut by the cutting unit 6 and the recording paper S on which an image is being recorded by the recording unit 2 do not come into contact. Therefore, when cutting one recording paper S and recording an image onto another recording paper S simultaneously, problems are less likely to occur in cutting the recording paper S and recording the image onto the recording paper S.

[0126] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a portion of the recording transport path does not become the cutting transport path. More specifically, the transport path through which the medium being recorded is transported is separate from the transport path through which the medium being cut is transported. Therefore, when cutting one recording sheet S and recording an image onto another recording sheet S simultaneously, problems are less likely to occur in cutting the recording sheet S and recording the image onto the recording sheet S.

[0127] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cutting transport path is located below the recording transport path and overlaps with the recording transport path when viewed from above. Therefore, when cutting one recording sheet S and recording an image onto another recording sheet S simultaneously, it is possible to miniaturize the printer 1 while minimizing problems with cutting the recording sheets S and recording the image onto the recording sheets S.

[0128] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the transport path 50 has a first switchback position where the recording paper S after the switchback is transported toward the reversing transport path 54. The transport path 50 also has a second switchback position where the recording paper S after the switchback is transported toward the cutting section 6 without being transported toward the reversing transport path 54. The second switchback position is located downstream of the first switchback position in the transport of the recording paper S from the recording section 2 toward the cutting section 6. In this embodiment, the recording paper S to be next recorded is supplied to the recording section 2 only after it has reached the second switchback position. Therefore, the recording paper S supplied to the recording section 2 to be recorded does not come into contact with the recording paper S that is transported toward the cutting section 6 and cut toward the cutting section 6.

[0129] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the recording unit 2 completes recording an image onto another recording sheet S while the cutting unit 6 is cutting one recording sheet S, the other recording sheet S is made to wait at the second switchback position. Then, after the cutting of the recording sheet S is completed in the cutting unit 6, the other recording sheet S is transported to the cutting unit 6. Therefore, the operating rate of the cutting unit 6 is improved. The operating rate of the recording unit 2 is also improved. In addition, the cutting unit 6 can complete the cutting of multiple recording sheets S that have been recorded on them more quickly.

[0130] Furthermore, in double-sided recording by cutting, an image is recorded on one side of the recording paper S, and then on the other side of the recording paper S. Therefore, double-sided recording by cutting takes longer to record images compared to single-sided recording by cutting, where an image is recorded on only one side of the recording paper S. In this embodiment, when performing double-sided recording by cutting, the cutting unit 6 can cut one recording paper S at the same time as recording on the other side of another recording paper S in the recording unit 2. This allows for efficient recording of images on the recording paper S and cutting of the recording paper S when performing double-sided recording on multiple sheets of recording paper S. Consequently, the operating rate of the cutting unit 6 is improved. The operating rate of the recording unit 2 is also improved. In addition, the cutting unit 6 can complete the cutting of multiple double-sided recorded recording papers S more quickly.

[0131] <Modifications> Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible as long as they are within the scope of the claims.

[0132] For example, in the case of single-sided cutting and double-sided cutting, processing of the next recording sheet S may be started at a different timing than that of the embodiments described above.

[0133] <Modification 1> In Modification 1, during the transport process in S303 and S405, the control unit 100 performs the process according to the flowchart in Figure 14. To explain in detail, the control unit 100 determines whether or not there are any waiting recording sheets S, similar to S501 in the above embodiment (S601). If there are waiting recording sheets S, the control unit 100 waits.

[0134] If there are no waiting recording sheets S (S601: NO), the control unit 100 then performs the same first transport process as in S301 of the above embodiment (S602). The control unit 100 then determines whether or not the recording sheets S are being cut at the cutting unit 6 (S603). If the recording sheets S are being cut at the cutting unit 6 (S603: YES), the control unit 100 waits. That is, the control unit 100 has the recording sheets S wait at the switchback position of the switchback path 55B. If the recording sheets S are not being cut at the cutting unit 6 (S603: NO), the control unit 100 starts the same second transport process as in S506 of the above embodiment (S604).

[0135] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether or not it is necessary to record and cut an image on the next sheet of paper S (S605). If it is not necessary to record and cut an image on the next sheet of paper S (S605: NO), the control unit 100 proceeds to S608.

[0136] If it is necessary to record on the next recording sheet S (S605: YES), the control unit 100 then determines whether or not a switchback has been started (S606). In S606, the control unit 100 determines that a switchback has been started when the second switchback roller 66 begins to rotate in the opposite direction to that during the first transport process.

[0137] The control unit 100 waits if a switchback has not been initiated (S606: NO). When a switchback is initiated (S606: YES), the control unit 100 starts processing for the next record sheet S (S607). The processing started in S607 is the processing for the next record sheet S according to the flowchart in Figure 7(c) or Figure 7(d). The control unit 100 then proceeds to S608.

[0138] In S608, the control unit 100 determines whether the second transport process has been completed. If the second transport process has not been completed (S608: NO), the control unit 100 continues the second transport process. When the second transport process is completed (S608: YES), the control unit 100 returns the process to the flowchart in Figure 7(c) or Figure 7(d).

[0139] In the modified example 1, after the switchback of the recording paper S is initiated at the second switchback position, the next recording paper S to be recorded and cut is supplied to the recording unit 2. Therefore, the recording paper S supplied to the recording unit 2 to be recorded does not come into contact with the recording paper S that is transported toward the cutting unit 6 and cut in the cutting unit 6.

[0140] <Modification 2> In Modification 2, during the transport process in S303 and S405, the control unit 100 performs the process according to the flowchart in Figure 15. More specifically, the control unit 100 performs the processes S701 to S705, which are the same as S601 to S605 in Modification 1. If it is not necessary to record and cut the image on the next recording sheet S (S705: NO), the control unit 100 proceeds to S708, which is the same as S608 in Modification 1.

[0141] If it is necessary to record an image on the next sheet of paper S and cut it (S705: YES), the control unit 100 then determines whether the sheet of paper S has reached a predetermined portion of the cutting section 6 (S706). For example, in S706, the control unit 100 may determine that the sheet of paper S has reached a predetermined portion of the cutting section 6 when a certain amount of time has elapsed since the sheet of paper S was first detected by the paper sensor 73. Alternatively, for example, in S706, the control unit 100 may determine that the sheet of paper S has reached a predetermined portion of the cutting section 6 when the sheet of paper S is no longer detected after the sheet of paper S was first detected by the paper sensor 73.

[0142] In other words, when the recording paper S reaches a predetermined portion of the cutting section 6, it may mean that only the front end, only the rear end, or both the front and rear ends of the recording paper S reach the predetermined portion of the cutting section 6. Furthermore, the position reached by the recording paper S should be any position in the cutting section 6 where the position of the recording paper S can be detected by the paper sensor 73, the cutting section roller 34, the sensor 33, etc.

[0143] The control unit 100 waits if the recording paper S has not reached a predetermined portion of the cutting section 6 (S706: NO). When the recording paper S reaches a predetermined portion of the cutting section 6 (S706: YES), the control unit 100 starts processing for the next recording paper S (S707). The processing started in S707 is the processing for the next recording paper S according to the flowchart in Figure 7(c) or Figure 7(d). The control unit 100 then proceeds to S708, which is the same as S608 in Modification 1.

[0144] In the modified example 2, after the recording paper S reaches a predetermined portion of the cutting section 6, the next recording paper S on which an image will be recorded is supplied to the recording section 2. Therefore, the recording paper S supplied to the recording section 2 on which an image will be recorded can be prevented from coming into contact with the recording paper S that is transported toward the cutting section 6 and cut in the cutting section 6.

[0145] <Modification 3> In Modification 3, when performing single-sided cutting recording, the control unit 100 processes according to the flowchart in Figure 16(a). More specifically, the control unit 100 executes the same processes S801 to S804 as in S301 to S304 of the above embodiment.

[0146] Then, after the mark detection process in S804, the control unit 100 determines whether or not it is necessary to record and cut an image on the next recording sheet S (S805). If it is necessary to record and cut an image on the next recording sheet S (S805: YES), the control unit 100 starts processing for the next recording sheet S (S806). Then, the control unit 100 executes the processes in S807 and S808, which are the same as those in S305 and S306 of the above embodiment. The process started in S806 is the process for the next recording sheet S according to the flowchart in Figure 16(a). Subsequently, the control unit 100 executes the processes in S807 and S808, which are the same as those in S305 and S306 of the above embodiment.

[0147] If the control unit 100 does not need to record and cut an image on the next recording sheet S (S805: NO), it will execute processes S807 and S808 without executing process S806.

[0148] Furthermore, in the third modified example, when performing double-sided cutting recording, the control unit 100 processes according to the flowchart in Figure 16(b). More specifically, the control unit 100 executes the processes S901 to S906, which are the same as those in S401 to S406 of the above-described embodiment. Then, after the mark detection process in S906, the control unit 100 executes the processes S907 to S910, which are the same as those in S805 to S808.

[0149] In other words, in Modification 3, in both single-sided and double-sided cutting, processing for the next recording sheet S is initiated when the sensor 33 detects a mark M. In Modification 3, the sensor 33 corresponds to the "mark detection unit" of the present invention.

[0150] In the modified example 3, the control unit 100 does not start processing for the next record sheet S during the transport process in S803 and S905. Specifically, the control unit 100 processes according to the flowchart in Figure 16(c) during the transport process in S803 and S905. To explain in detail, the control unit 100 determines whether or not there are any waiting record sheets S, similar to S501 in the above embodiment (S1001). If there are waiting record sheets S (S1001: YES), the control unit 100 waits.

[0151] If there are no recording sheets S waiting (S1001: NO), the control unit 100 then performs the first transport process similar to S502 in the above-described embodiment (S1002). The control unit 100 then determines whether or not the recording sheets S are being cut at the cutting unit 6 (S1003). If the recording sheets S are being cut at the cutting unit 6 (S1003: YES), the control unit 100 waits. That is, the control unit 100 has the recording sheets S wait at the switchback position of the switchback path 55B. If the recording sheets S are not being cut at the cutting unit 6 (S1003: NO), the control unit 100 then performs the second transport process similar to S506 in the above-described embodiment (S1004).

[0152] In Modified Example 3, after the recording paper S is transported to the cutting unit 6, the mark M recorded on the recording paper S is detected. Based on the detection result of the mark M, the recording paper S is cut in the cutting unit 6. In Modified Example 3, in response to the detection of the mark M recorded on the recording paper S, the next recording paper S on which an image will be recorded is supplied to the recording unit 2. Therefore, the recording paper S supplied to the recording unit 2 on which an image will be recorded can be prevented from coming into contact with the recording paper S that is transported to the cutting unit 6 and cut in the cutting unit 6.

[0153] Furthermore, in the third modified example, processing for the next recording sheet S begins after the mark detection process. That is, processing for the next recording sheet S begins only after all four marks M have been detected. However, this is not the only option. For example, processing for the next recording sheet S may begin after one, two, or three of the four marks M have been detected, but before all marks M have been detected.

[0154] <Modification 4> Furthermore, the cutting section 6 is not limited to being located below the recording section 2. In other words, the cutting transport path is not limited to being located below the recording transport path. For example, in Modification 4, as shown in Figure 17, in the printer 150, the cutting section 6 and the support member 35 are located above the recording section 2 and the output tray 3.

[0155] In the modified example 4, the transition path 151 has an upstream path 151A, a switchback path 151B, and a downstream path 151C. The upstream path 151A is located above the tray paper feed path 51 and extends in the front-rear direction. A connecting passage 152 is formed between the tray paper feed path 51 and the upstream path 151A. A guide member 153 is provided in the connecting passage 152. The guide member 153 is movable between a cutting guide position shown by a solid line in Figure 17 and a tray paper feed guide position shown by a dashed line in Figure 17. The cutting guide position is the position when guiding the recording paper S from the tray paper feed path 51 to the upstream path 151A. The tray paper feed guide position is the position when guiding the recording paper S along the tray paper feed path 51. The guide member 153 is biased from the tray paper feed guide position toward the cutting guide position by a spring (not shown).

[0156] In the modified example 4, the manual feed tray 4 is formed by the lower part of the tray forming member 8. The switchback path 151B is formed by the upper part of the tray forming member 8. Therefore, the switchback path 151B is located behind the upstream path 151A and above the manual feed tray 4. The switchback path 151B extends inclined with respect to the front-rear direction, so as it moves towards the rear it moves upward. In other words, the switchback path 151B extends inclined with respect to the horizontal plane so as it moves downward towards the front. A second switchback roller 156 is provided with respect to the switchback path 151B. A paper sensor 159 is positioned in front of and below the second switchback roller 156.

[0157] The downstream path 151C is located in front of the switchback path 151B and above the upstream path 151A. The downstream path 151C extends from the position in front of the switchback path 151B to the upper surface of the support member 35, inclined with respect to the front-to-back direction so that it rises as it moves forward. In other words, the downstream path 151C extends inclined with respect to the horizontal plane so that the front is higher. A downstream path roller 157 is also provided for the downstream path 151C.

[0158] Furthermore, guide members 154 are positioned between the upstream path 151A and the downstream path 151C and the switchback path 151B in the front-rear direction. The guide members 154 are movable between the downstream guide position, shown by a solid line in Figure 17, and the upstream guide position, shown by a dashed line in Figure 17. The downstream guide position is the position when guiding the recording paper S from the switchback path 151B to the downstream path 151C. The upstream guide position is the position when guiding the recording paper S from the upstream path 151A to the switchback path 151B. The guide members 154 are also biased from the upstream guide position toward the downstream guide position by a spring or the like (not shown).

[0159] In the modified example 4, the control unit 100 can perform normal single-sided recording, normal double-sided recording, cut single-sided recording, and cut double-sided recording by processing according to the flowcharts in Figures 7(a) to 7(d), similar to the embodiment described above.

[0160] However, in Modification 4, when the recording paper S is supplied from the manual feed tray 4 to the recording unit 2 by the paper feeding process S101, S201, S301, and S401, the guide member 153 is pressed by the recording paper S. As a result, the recording paper S moves from the cutting guide position to the tray paper feed guide position against the biasing force of the spring.

[0161] In the modified example 4, the control unit 100 also performs the transport process in S303 and S405 according to the flowchart in Figure 11. However, in the modified example 4, in the first transport process in S502, the control unit 107 is controlled to transport the recording paper S to the switchback path 151B. Specifically, the control unit 100 drives the transport rollers 15 and 16 to transport the recording paper S backward along the tray paper feed path 51.

[0162] As shown in Figure 18(a), the recording paper S is then guided by the guide member 153 located at the cutting guide position and transported through the connecting passage 152 to the upstream path 151A. In addition, the guide member 154 is pushed by the recording paper S being transported along the upstream path 151A and moves from the downstream guide position towards the upstream guide position. Therefore, the recording paper S is transported from the upstream path 151A to the switchback path 151B.

[0163] Furthermore, the control unit 100 drives the second switchback roller 156 to transport the recording paper S along the switchback path 151B. The control unit 100 then causes the second switchback roller 156 to transport the recording paper S to the switchback position on the switchback path 151B. Specifically, the control unit 100 transports the recording paper S after the recording paper S is detected by the paper sensor 159 until the recording paper S is no longer detected by the paper sensor 159.

[0164] In the modified example 4, the position of the recording paper S when the paper sensor 159 does not detect the recording paper S corresponds to the "switchback position" of the present invention. Furthermore, the combination of the switchback path 151B and the second switchback roller 156 corresponds to the "switchback section" of the present invention.

[0165] In the modified example 4, the control unit 100 controls the roller drive device 107 in the second transport process at S506 to transport the recording paper S to the cutting section 6. Specifically, the control unit 100 rotates the second switchback roller 156 in the opposite direction to that of the first transport process. That is, it switches back the recording paper S. The control unit 100 further drives the downstream path roller 157. As shown in Figure 18(b), the recording paper S on the switchback path 151B is then guided and transported by the guide member 154 located at the downstream guide position. The recording paper S is then guided through the downstream path 151C and the upper surface of the support member 35 to the cutting section 6.

[0166] <Modification 5> The switchback position may also be a different position from that described in the above embodiment. For example, in Modification 5, as shown in Figure 19, the transition path 161 in the printer 160 has an upstream path 161A, a switchback path 161B, and a downstream path 161C.

[0167] The upstream path 161A branches off from the reversal transport path 54 at the branching section 54A. The upstream path 161A extends backward from the branching section 54A. Furthermore, the upstream path 161A curves downward midway and then curves forward. In other words, the upstream path 161A is a path that extends backward, curves in a U shape, and extends forward. An upstream path roller 162 is also provided for the upstream path 161A.

[0168] Furthermore, in the printer 160, the path member 166 is positioned below the paper cassette 5 and above the cutting section 6. Also, when viewed from above, the paper cassette 5 and the path member 166 overlap.

[0169] The switchback path 161B is formed between the paper cassette 5 and the path member 166 in the vertical direction. The lower surface of the paper cassette 5 is the upper wall surface of the switchback path 161B. The upper surface of the path member 166 is the lower wall surface of the switchback path 161B.

[0170] Therefore, the switchback path 161B is located below the paper cassette 5 and above the cutting section 6. The switchback path 161B extends forward from the front end opposite the branching section 54A of the upstream path 161A. Furthermore, the switchback path 161B extends at an angle with respect to the front-to-back direction, so that it rises as it extends forward. In other words, the switchback path 161B extends at an angle with respect to the horizontal plane so that the front is higher. In addition, a second switchback roller 163 is provided with respect to the switchback path 161B.

[0171] Furthermore, when the paper cassette 5 is pulled forward from the housing 1A and removed from the housing 1A, the switchback path 161B and the second switchback roller 163 are exposed. In other words, the second switchback roller 163 and the switchback path 161B become visible from the opening into which the paper cassette 5 is installed. Also, the second switchback roller 163 and the switchback path 161B become accessible from the opening into which the paper cassette 5 is installed. In addition, any jammed recording paper S in the switchback path 161B becomes visible and accessible from the opening into which the paper cassette 5 is installed. A paper sensor 169 is located behind the second switchback roller 163.

[0172] The downstream path 161C is located behind the switchback path 161B and below the upstream path 161A. The downstream path 161C extends backward and downward from its position behind the switchback path 161B, and then curves downward. The downstream path 161C further curves downward and forward, extending to the upper surface of the support member 35. In other words, the downstream path 161C is a path that extends backward, curves in a U shape, and extends forward. A downstream path roller 164 is also provided on the downstream path 161C.

[0173] Furthermore, guide members 165 are positioned between the upstream path 161A and the downstream path 161C and the switchback path 161B in the front-rear direction. The guide members 165 are configured to be movable between a downstream guide position shown by a solid line in Figure 19 and an upstream guide position shown by a dashed line in Figure 19. The downstream guide position is the position when guiding the recording paper S from the switchback path 161B to the downstream path 161C. The upstream guide position is the position when guiding the recording paper S from the upstream path 161A to the switchback path 161B. The guide members 165 are also biased from the upstream guide position toward the downstream guide position by a spring or the like (not shown).

[0174] In the modified example 5, the control unit 100 can perform normal single-sided recording, normal double-sided recording, cut single-sided recording, and cut double-sided recording by processing according to the flowcharts in Figures 7(a) to 7(d), similar to the embodiment described above.

[0175] In modification 5, the control unit 100 also performs the transport process in S303 and S405 according to the flowchart in Figure 11. However, in modification 5, in the first transport process in S502, the control unit 100 controls the roller drive device 107, etc., to transport the recording paper S to the switchback path 161B.

[0176] Specifically, the control unit 100 causes the first switchback roller 64 to transport the recording paper S until the rear end of the recording paper S is in front of the branching section 53A. The control unit 100 then moves the guide member 81 to the second position. The control unit 100 then causes the first switchback roller 64 to transport the recording paper S backward. As shown in Figure 20(a), the recording paper S is then transported from the paper discharge path 53 to the reversal transport path 54, and further transported from the reversal transport path 54 to the upstream path 161A.

[0177] The control unit 100 further drives the upstream path roller 162 and the second switchback roller 163 to transport the recording paper S to the switchback path 161B. Specifically, after the recording paper S is detected by the paper sensor 169, the control unit 100 transports the recording paper S until the recording paper S is no longer detected by the paper sensor 169.

[0178] In Modification 5, the position of the recording paper S when the paper sensor 169 no longer detects the recording paper S corresponds to the "switchback position" and "second switchback position" of the present invention. Furthermore, the combination of the switchback path 161B and the second switchback roller 163 corresponds to the "switchback section" and "second switchback section" of the present invention.

[0179] Furthermore, when the recording paper S is transported to the switchback path 161B, the guide member 165 is pushed by the recording paper S and moves toward the upstream guide position against the biasing force of the spring. Therefore, the recording paper S is guided to the switchback path 161B by the guide member 165 located in the upstream guide position. When the transport of the recording paper S to the switchback path 161B is complete, the guide member 165 returns to the downstream guide position due to the biasing force of the spring.

[0180] In the second transport process in S506, the control unit 100 controls the roller drive unit 107 to transport the recording paper S to the cutting unit 6. Specifically, the control unit 100 rotates the second switchback roller 163 in the opposite direction to that used in the first transport process.

[0181] Then, as shown in Figure 20(b), the recording paper S is fed backward from the switchback path 161B. In other words, a switchback is performed for the recording paper S. Furthermore, the recording paper S is guided to the guide member 165 located at the downstream guide position. Therefore, the recording paper S is transported from the switchback path 161B to the downstream path 161C.

[0182] Furthermore, the control unit 100 drives the downstream path roller 67 and the cutting section roller 34 to transport the recording paper S through the downstream path 161C and the upper surface of the support member 35 to the cutting section 6.

[0183] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the first switchback position is the position where the recording paper S after the switchback is transported toward the reversal transport path 54. On the other hand, the second switchback position is the position where the recording paper S after the switchback is transported toward the cutting section 6 without being transported toward the reversal transport path 54. The second switchback position is located downstream of the first switchback position in the transition path 55. However, it is not limited to this. The second switchback position may be located upstream of the first switchback position in the transition path 55.

[0184] Furthermore, although the transport path 50 had two switchback positions in the above-described embodiment, it is not limited to this. The transport path of the transport unit may have only one switchback position. The recording paper S may then be kept waiting at this single switchback position.

[0185] Alternatively, the transport path of the transport unit may have three or more switchback positions. The recording paper S may then be kept waiting at one of these three or more switchback positions.

[0186] Furthermore, in a printer where the transport path of the transport unit has two or more switchback positions, the recording paper S may be kept waiting at any of the switchback positions.

[0187] Furthermore, although the recording paper S was placed in standby position at the switchback location in the above example, this is not the only option. The recording paper S may also be placed in standby position other than the switchback location on the transport path of the transport unit.

[0188] Furthermore, the transport path of the transport unit is not limited to having a switchback position. For example, in modified examples 2 and 3, the transport path of the transport unit does not need to have a switchback position.

[0189] Furthermore, in the above example, depending on the situation, the recording paper S on which the image was recorded in the recording unit 2 was made to wait on the transport path of the transport unit before being transported to the cutting unit 6, but this is not limited to this. For example, if the length of the transport path is sufficiently long, the recording paper S on which the image was recorded in the recording unit 2 may always be transported to the cutting unit 6 without being made to wait on the transport path of the transport unit.

[0190] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the transport path in the transport unit 7 includes a part of the recording transport path and a part of the cutting transport path. The part of the recording transport path is not the cutting transport path. Also, the recording transport path and the cutting transport path overlap when viewed from above. However, it is not limited to this. The part of the recording transport path is not the cutting transport path, and the recording transport path and the cutting transport path do not have to overlap when viewed from above. Alternatively, for example, the length of the transport path for transporting the recording paper S from the recording unit 2 to the cutting unit 6 is short, and a part of the recording transport path is the cutting transport path.

[0191] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a portion of the recording paper S being recorded in the recording unit 2 and a portion of the recording paper S being cut in the cutting unit 6 do not come into contact. However, this is not the only option. For example, if the impact on recording in the recording unit 2 and cutting in the cutting unit 6 is minimal, a portion of the recording paper S being recorded in the recording unit 2 and a portion of the recording paper S being cut in the cutting unit 6 may come into contact.

[0192] Furthermore, although the sensor 33 was provided on the cutter carriage 32 in the above-described embodiment, it is not limited to this. For example, the sensor 33 may be attached to the portion of the housing 1A where the cutting portion 6 is located.

[0193] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the sensor 33 detected a mark M recorded on the recording paper S along with the image P, but it is not limited to this. The sensor 33 may also detect the image P recorded on the recording paper S.

[0194] Furthermore, the sensor 33 is not even necessary. For example, if the variation in the position of the recording paper S when it is transported to the cutting unit 6 is sufficiently small, the cutting unit 6 can appropriately cut the image based on the image data of the image being recorded.

[0195] Furthermore, while the above examples involved printers capable of normal single-sided recording, normal double-sided recording, cut single-sided recording, and cut double-sided recording, they are not limited to these. A printer may not be capable of one or both of normal single-sided and normal double-sided recording. Similarly, a printer may not be capable of one of either cut single-sided or cut double-sided recording.

[0196] Furthermore, in the above examples, the recording unit was equipped with a so-called serial head that ejects ink from nozzles while moving together with the carriage, but it is not limited to this. For example, the recording unit may be equipped with a so-called line head that extends along the entire length of the recording paper S in the left-right direction.

[0197] Furthermore, in the above examples, the recording unit recorded an image by adhering ink to the recording paper by ejecting ink from a nozzle. In other words, the recording unit was a so-called inkjet type. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the recording unit may record an image on the recording paper by adhering toner to the recording paper. In other words, the recording unit may be a so-called laser type.

[0198] 1, 150, 160: Printer 2: Recording unit 6: Cutting unit 7: Transport unit 14: Platen 33: Sensor 35: Support member 50: Transport path 51: Tray paper feed path 52: Cassette paper feed path 53: Paper discharge path 54: Reversal transport path 55: Transition path 55B, 151B, 161B: Switchback path 61: Tray paper feed roller 62: Pickup roller 63: Cassette paper feed roller 64: First switchback roller 65, 162: Upstream path rollers 66, 156, 163: Second switchback rollers 67, 157, 164: Downstream path rollers 100: Control unit

Claims

1. An image recording device comprising: a recording unit for recording an image on a recording medium; a cutting unit for cutting the recording medium on which the image has been recorded by the recording unit into a free shape; and a control unit, wherein the control unit controls the cutting unit to cut the first recording medium and, at the same time, controls the recording unit to record an image on a second recording medium separate from the first recording medium.

2. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a transport section having a transport path for transporting a recording medium on which an image has been recorded in the recording section to the cutting section, and a transport section for transporting the recording medium along the transport path, wherein the transport path is configured such that the second recording medium on which an image is being recorded in the recording section and the first recording medium on which an image is being cut in the cutting section do not come into contact.

3. An image recording apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a transport unit having a transport path for transporting a recording medium on which an image has been recorded in the recording unit to the cutting unit, wherein the transport path includes a part of the recording transport path on which a recording medium on which an image is being recorded in the recording unit is transported, and a part of the cutting transport path on which a recording medium on which a recording medium being cut in the cutting unit is transported, and the part of the recording transport path is configured not to become the cutting transport path.

4. The image recording apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the cutting transport path is located above or below the recording transport path and overlaps with at least a portion of the recording transport path when viewed from above.

5. An image recording apparatus according to claim 1, comprising: a transport path for transporting a recording medium on which an image has been recorded in the recording unit to the cutting unit, a transport unit for transporting the recording medium along the transport path, and a supply unit for supplying the recording medium to the recording unit, wherein the transport unit has a switchback unit for performing a switchback on the recording medium transported to a switchback position on the transport path, which swaps the front end and rear end of the recording medium toward the cutting unit from the recording unit, and the control unit controls the transport unit to transport the recording medium on which an image has been recorded toward the switchback position, and after the recording medium has been transported to the switchback position, controls the supply unit to supply the recording medium to the recording unit.

6. An image recording apparatus according to claim 1, comprising: a transport path for transporting a recording medium on which an image has been recorded in the recording unit to the cutting unit, a transport unit for transporting the recording medium along the transport path, and a supply unit for supplying the recording medium to the recording unit, wherein the transport unit has a switchback unit for performing a switchback on the recording medium transported to a switchback position on the transport path, which swaps the front end and rear end of the recording medium toward the cutting unit from the recording unit, and the control unit controls the transport unit to transport the recording medium on which an image has been recorded toward the switchback position toward the switchback position, controls the switchback unit to perform the switchback on the recording medium transported to the switchback position, thereby transporting the recording medium toward the cutting unit from the switchback position, and after starting the switchback on the first recording medium, controls the supply unit to supply the recording medium to the recording unit.

7. The image recording apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the transport path has a reversal transport path for re-supplying the recording medium on which an image has been recorded in the recording unit to the recording unit after reversing its front and back sides, and the switchback unit has a first switchback unit having a first switchback position to which the recording medium after the switchback is transported toward the reversal transport path, and a second switchback unit having a second switchback position to which the recording medium after the switchback is transported toward the cutting unit without being transported toward the reversal transport path.

8. The image recording device according to claim 7, characterized in that the second switchback position is located downstream of the first switchback position in the transport path.

9. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, comprising: a transport path for transporting a recording medium on which an image has been recorded in the recording unit to the cutting unit, a transport unit for transporting the recording medium along the transport path, and a supply unit for supplying a recording medium to the recording unit, wherein the control unit controls the transport unit to transport the first recording medium along the transport path, and after the first recording medium has been transported to a predetermined portion of the cutting unit, controls the supply unit to supply a second recording medium to the recording unit.

10. An image recording apparatus according to claim 1, comprising: a supply unit for supplying a recording medium to the recording unit; the recording unit records a mark on the recording medium along with an image for adjusting the cutting position of the recording medium by the cutting unit; the cutting unit has a mark detection unit for detecting the mark; and the control unit controls the supply unit to supply the second recording medium to the recording unit in response to the detection of the mark recorded on the first recording medium by the mark detection unit.

11. An image recording apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a transport unit having a transport path for transporting a recording medium on which an image has been recorded in the recording unit to the cutting unit, and transporting the recording medium along the transport path, wherein the control unit, when the recording of an image to the second recording medium in the recording unit is completed while the first recording medium is being cut in the cutting unit, has the second recording medium with the completed recording placed on the transport path until the cutting of the first recording medium in the cutting unit is completed, and after the cutting of the first recording medium in the cutting unit is completed, controls the transport unit to transport the second recording medium to the cutting unit.

12. An image recording apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a transport unit having a transport path for transporting a recording medium on which an image has been recorded in the recording unit to the cutting unit, and transporting the recording medium along the transport path, wherein the transport path has a reversal transport path for re-supplying the recording medium on which an image has been recorded in the recording unit to the recording unit after reversing its front and back sides, and the control unit controls the recording unit to record an image on one side of the second recording medium, to re-transport it to the recording unit after reversing its front and back sides through the reversal transport path, and to cut the first recording medium while simultaneously recording an image on the other side of the second recording medium.

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