Image recording device

Abstract

The present invention causes one of a recording unit for recording an image on a recording medium and a cutting unit for cutting the recording medium on which the image has been recorded, even when an abnormality occurs in the other of the recording unit and the cutting unit. In a printer, a control unit executes a recording process of controlling the recording unit to record an image on recording paper. The control unit also executes a cutting process of controlling the cutting unit to cut the recording paper on which the image has been recorded. The control unit executes the recording process even when a non-cutting condition indicating that the cutting unit is unable to cut the recording paper is satisfied. The control unit executes the cutting process even when a non-recording condition indicating that the recording unit is unable to record the image on the recording paper is satisfied.

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 combined recording and cutting apparatus that records an image on a medium and cuts the medium on which an image has been recorded. In the combined recording and cutting apparatus described in Patent Document 1, a cutting section is disposed 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 supporting belt of the cutting section. The cutting section includes a cutting carriage, a cutter head, and a cutter. The cutting carriage is movable horizontally in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the medium. The cutter head is mounted to the cutting 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, with the lower end of the cutter penetrating into the medium, the cutting carriage is moved, the medium supporting belt is driven to move the medium, and thereby the medium is cut.

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2007-55038

[0004] Here, in the combined recording and cutting apparatus of Patent Document 1, part of the medium may be positioned on the reversing guide roller during image recording by the recording section. Also, in the combined recording and cutting apparatus of Patent Document 1, part of the medium may be positioned on the reversing guide roller during cutting by the cutting section. Therefore, in the combined recording and cutting apparatus of Patent Document 1, when image recording is stopped in the recording section due to some abnormality, cutting of the medium by the cutting section is also stopped. Also, in the combined recording and cutting apparatus of Patent Document 1, when cutting of the medium is stopped in the cutting section due to some abnormality, recording by the recording section is also stopped.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an image recording apparatus which, even when an abnormality occurs in one of a recording section that records an image on a recording medium and a cutting section that cuts the recording medium on which an image has been recorded, can operate the other.

[0006] The image recording apparatus of the present invention comprises 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, a transport unit for transporting the recording medium on which the image has been recorded by the recording unit to the cutting unit, and a control unit. The control unit controls the recording unit to perform a recording process to record an image on the recording medium, even when a condition indicating that the recording medium cannot be cut by the cutting unit is met.

[0007] Furthermore, the image recording apparatus of the present invention comprises 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, a transport unit for transporting the recording medium on which the image has been recorded by the recording unit to the cutting unit, and a control unit. The control unit controls the cutting unit to perform a cutting process to cut the recording medium, even when the recording unit has met a condition indicating that it is impossible to record an image on the recording medium.

[0008] According to the present invention, even when the recording medium cannot be cut by the cutting unit, an image can be recorded by the recording unit. Furthermore, according to the present invention, even when the recording unit cannot record an image, the recording medium on which an image has already been recorded can be cut by the cutting unit.

[0009] 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 unit, etc., viewed from above. This is a schematic diagram of the cutting unit 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. This is a flowchart showing the processing flow when recording an image and cutting the recording paper. (a) is a flowchart showing the recording processing flow in Figure 7. (b) is a flowchart showing the transport processing flow in Figure 7. (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 image recorded in the recording process. (b) is a diagram for explaining the image and marks recorded in the recording process. (a) is a diagram illustrating the state in which the trailing edge of the recording paper has been transported to a point ahead of the branching point of the reverse path of the paper output path. (b) is a diagram illustrating the transport of the recording paper in the reverse path. (a) is a diagram illustrating the transport of the recording paper to the switchback path. (b) is a diagram illustrating the transport of the recording paper from the switchback path to the cutting section. This diagram illustrates the relationship between the conditions that are met and the processes that are executed when processing is carried out according to the flowchart in Figure 7. (a) is a diagram illustrating the processing when the conditions for impossible cutting are met during and before the execution of the recording and cutting processes. (b) is a diagram illustrating the processing when the conditions for impossible recording are met during and before the execution of the recording and cutting processes. (c) is a diagram illustrating the processing when the conditions for impossible transport are met during and before the execution of the recording and cutting processes. This diagram illustrates a printer having a switchback path located between the recording section and the cutting section in the vertical direction.

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

[0011] <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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] Although a detailed explanation is omitted here, covers may be provided over one or more openings, such as the opening on the front surface 1A1 of the housing 1A and the opening of the cartridge mounting section 21.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] The platen 14 is located below the head 13. The platen 14 supports the recording paper S from below.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] The manual feed tray 4 is formed by a tray forming member 8. 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 and 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 interior of the housing 1A from the front of the manual feed tray 4.

[0026] 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.

[0027] The paper cassette 5 is a tray on which recording paper S supplied to the recording unit 2 is placed. In this embodiment, the paper cassette 5 corresponds to the "tray" of the present invention. The paper cassette 5 is located in the center of the housing 1A in the vertical direction. The paper cassette 5 is removably 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 manual feed tray 4. One sheet of recording paper S, or multiple sheets stacked vertically, are placed on the paper cassette 5.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] As described above, in printer 1, recording paper S is supplied to the recording unit 2 from the manual feed tray 4 and the paper cassette 5.

[0032] <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 predetermined shape such as a circle, square, or star. 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 provided at the bottom of the housing 1A and is located between the front surface 1A1 and the rear surface 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. Therefore, in this embodiment, the paper cassette 5 is located between the recording section 2 and the cutting section 6 in the vertical direction.

[0033] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the cutting section 6 includes a cutter cartridge 31, a cutter carriage 32, a sensor 33, and cutting section rollers 34 and 35.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] The sensor 33 is mounted on the cutter carriage 32. The sensor 33 is for detecting the mark M, which will be described later.

[0041] The cutting section roller 34 is a roller whose axial direction is the left-right direction, and is located rearward of the cutter cartridge 31 and the cutter carriage 32. The cutting section roller 35 is a roller whose axial direction is the left-right direction, and is located forward of the cutter cartridge 31 and the cutter carriage 32. The cutting section rollers 34 and 35 are driven to rotate by the roller driving device 107 shown in Fig. 6, and convey the recording sheet S in the forward direction and the rearward direction. Further, a sheet sensor 73 is disposed rearward of the cutting section roller 34. The sheet sensor 73 is for detecting that the recording sheet S has reached the cutting section 6.

[0042] Further, a support member 36 is disposed at a lower portion of the housing 1A. The support member 36 is a substantially rectangular plate-shaped member. The support member 36 is located below the cutting section 6. The support member 36 extends over a position overlapping the cutting section 6 when viewed from above and a position rearward of the position overlapping the cutting section 6 when viewed from above. The support member 36 supports the recording sheet S from below when cutting the recording sheet S in the cutting section 6.

[0043] When cutting the recording sheet S in the cutting section 6, the lifting device 47 lowers the cutter mounting portion 46, thereby lowering the cutter cartridge 31. More specifically, in accordance with the thickness of the recording sheet S to be cut, the cutter cartridge 31 is lowered until the cutter blade 42B of the cutter 42 penetrates the recording sheet S.

[0044] In a state before lowering the cutter cartridge 31, as shown in Fig. 5(b), the entire cutter blade 42B is located 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.

[0045] Then, in a state where the tip of the cutter blade 42B penetrates the recording sheet S, the cutter carriage 32 is moved leftward or rightward in accordance with the shape to cut the recording sheet S. Further, in a state where the tip of the cutter blade 42B penetrates the recording sheet S, the recording sheet S is moved forward or backward by the cutting unit rollers 34 and 35 in accordance with the shape to cut the recording sheet S. This enables the recording sheet S to be cut into any shape.

[0046] Further, when the recording sheet S is cut by the cutter blade 42B, the cutter blade 42B and the recording sheet S relatively move in the forward direction, the backward direction, the left direction, and the right direction. The cutter 42 is rotatably supported relative to the housing 41 as described above. Therefore, when the cutter blade 42B and the recording sheet S relatively move, the cutter 42 rotates in accordance with the direction of the relative movement.

[0047] <Conveying Unit> The conveying unit 7 is a part for conveying the recording sheet S on which an image has been recorded by the recording unit 2 toward the cutting unit 6. As shown in Fig. 2, the conveying unit 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 reversing path 54, and a transition path 55.

[0048] 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. In addition, the conveying rollers 15 and 16 constituting the recording unit 2 and the cutting unit rollers 34 and 35 constituting the cutting unit 6 also serve as rollers constituting the conveying unit 7.

[0049] Rollers 64 to 67 are all rollers whose axial direction is in the left-right direction. Rollers 64 to 67 are driven and rotated by the roller drive device 107 shown in Figure 6 to transport the recording paper S. The roller drive device 107 has one or more motors for driving the rollers 61 to 63 and each roller that constitutes the transport section 7. The roller drive device 107 also includes gears, etc., that connect the one or more motors to each roller. Each motor of the roller drive device 107 may be provided for one roller, or it may be provided in common for two or more rollers.

[0050] <Paper discharge path, reversal path, first switchback roller> The paper discharge path 53 is a path for discharging the recording paper S on which an image has been recorded in 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. In this embodiment, the paper discharge path 53 serves as both a part of the transport path for transporting the recording paper S from the recording unit 2 to the cutting unit 6 and the "recording discharge path" of the present invention.

[0051] The inversion path 54 is a path for transporting the recording paper S, on which an image has been recorded in the recording unit 2, back to the recording unit 2 after inverting it. The inversion path 54 includes a path that branches off from the branching section 53A located between the recording unit 2 and the output tray 3 of the output paper path 53. From the branching section 53A, the inversion path 54 extends backward, passing below the recording unit 2, and merges with the cassette paper feed path 52 at the merging section 52A. The merged inversion path 54 and the cassette paper feed path 52 then merge with the tray paper feed path 51 at the merging section 51A. The merged inversion path 54, cassette paper feed path 52, and tray paper feed path 51 then extend to the recording unit 2.

[0052] 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 path 54. The paper discharge guide position is the position when guiding the recording paper S to the paper discharge tray 3. The guide member 71 is also biased from the paper discharge guide position toward the reversal guide position by a spring (not shown).

[0053] 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.

[0054] When the recording paper S is transported forward along the paper output path 53, the guide member 71 is pushed by the recording paper S. As a result, the guide member 71 moves from the reverse guide position towards the paper output 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. It is also possible to transport the recording paper S on which an image has been recorded in the recording unit 2 to the paper output tray 3. In addition, a paper sensor 74 for detecting the recording paper S is positioned behind the first switchback roller 64.

[0055] 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 path 54. Here, additional rollers for transporting the recording paper S may be arranged in the reverse path 54.

[0056] <Transition Route> The transition route 55 includes an upstream route 55A, a switchback route 55B, and a downstream route 55C.

[0057] <Upstream Route> The upstream route 55A is a transport path 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 point 54A of the reversal route 54. The branching point 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 reversal route 54. In other words, the branching point 54A is located above the junction 52A and below the junction 51A. The upstream route 55A extends rearward from the branching point 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.

[0058] Furthermore, a guide member 81 is positioned in the upstream path 55A. The guide member 81 is connected to the switching motor 83 shown in Figure 6 via a gear (not shown). The guide member 81 is movable in the front-rear direction between a first position and a second position by the drive of the switching motor 83. 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.

[0059] 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 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 of the path that transports the recording paper S toward the recording unit 2. Therefore, the recording paper S is transported along the reversal path 54. When the guide member 81 is in the second position, the recording paper S that has been transported along the reversal path 54 passes below the guide member 81. Therefore, the recording paper S is transported along the upstream path 55A.

[0060] <Switchback Route> The switchback route 55B is a transport route for transporting the recording paper S that has been transported from the upstream route 55A back towards the downstream route 55C.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] <Downstream Route> The downstream route 55C is a transport path for transporting the recording paper S 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.

[0065] The downstream path 55C is located in front of and below the switchback path 55B. Furthermore, the downstream path 55C is located below the upstream path 55A. The downstream path 55C extends from a position in front of the switchback path 55B to the upper surface of the support member 36. Additionally, the downstream path 55C extends in a direction inclined with respect to the front-to-back direction, becoming downward as it approaches the front. In other words, the downstream path 55C extends inclined with respect to the horizontal plane, becoming downward as it approaches the front.

[0066] Furthermore, guide members 72 are positioned between the upstream path 55A and the downstream path 55C and the switchback path 55B in the front-rear direction. The guide members 72 are 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 downstream path 55C. 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 members 72 are also biased from the upstream guide position toward the downstream guide position by a spring or the like (not shown).

[0067] <Upstream path roller, second switchback roller, downstream path roller> The upstream path roller 65 is located in the upstream path 55A. The second switchback roller 66 is located in the switchback path 55B. The downstream path roller 67 is located in the downstream path 55C.

[0068] 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).

[0069] 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 downstream path 55C.

[0070] As described 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.

[0071] When the downstream path roller 67 is driven by the roller drive device 107, the recording paper S that has been transported along the downstream path 55C is transported through the downstream path 55C to the cutting section 6.

[0072] <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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] <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.

[0077] Printer 1 can perform uncut single-sided recording, uncut double-sided recording, cut single-sided recording, and cut double-sided recording.

[0078] Non-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 not cut at the cutting section 6.

[0079] Non-cut double-sided recording is an operation in which images are recorded on both sides of the recording paper S, and the recording paper S is not cut at the cutting section 6.

[0080] Cut-side 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 at the cutting unit 6.

[0081] Double-sided recording involves recording images on both sides of a recording sheet S, and cutting the recording sheet S at the cutting unit 6.

[0082] The control unit 100 performs the following processing according to the flowchart in Figure 7: recording an image onto the recording paper S and cutting the recording paper S on which the image has been recorded. The processing according to the flowchart in Figure 7 is started by inputting a recording job. Inputting a recording job can be done, for example, by operating the operation panel 99 or a PC connected to the printer 1.

[0083] Here, the recording job is one of the following: uncut single-sided recording, uncut double-sided recording, cut single-sided recording, or cut double-sided recording. An uncut single-sided recording job instructs uncut single-sided recording. An uncut double-sided recording job instructs uncut double-sided recording. A cut single-sided recording job instructs cut single-sided recording. A cut double-sided recording job instructs cut double-sided recording.

[0084] Furthermore, the recording job includes image data of the image to be recorded. Additionally, the single-sided cutting recording job and the double-sided cutting recording job include information on the cutting position of the recording paper S.

[0085] In this embodiment, the cut single-sided recording job and the cut double-sided recording job correspond to the "cut recording job" of the present invention. Furthermore, the non-cut single-sided recording job and the non-cut double-sided recording job correspond to the "non-cut recording job" of the present invention.

[0086] Furthermore, the printer 1 can continuously record images onto multiple sheets of recording paper S, and cut the recording paper S on which the images have been recorded. When the control unit 100 continuously records images onto and cuts multiple sheets of recording paper S, it processes each of the multiple sheets of recording paper S according to the flowchart in Figure 7.

[0087] The process for the first recording sheet S on which an image is recorded, according to the flowchart in Figure 7, begins when the recording job described above is entered. The process for subsequent recording sheets S on which images are recorded, according to the flowchart in Figure 7, begins at an appropriate time after the recording of the image for the previous recording sheet S is completed.

[0088] To explain the flowchart in Figure 7 in detail, the control unit 100 first determines whether the conditions for impossible cutting are met (S101). The conditions for impossible cutting are conditions that indicate that the recording paper S cannot be cut at the cutting unit 6. The conditions for impossible cutting may include, for example, one or more of the following conditions (A1) to (A4). In addition, the conditions for impossible cutting may include conditions other than the following conditions (A1) to (A4). (A1) There is a possibility that the recording paper S cannot be transported normally when cutting at the cutting unit 6. (A2) There is a possibility that the user will suffer a disadvantage if cutting is performed. (A3) There is a possibility that the recording paper S cannot be cut normally. (A4) Either the cutting unit 6, the cutting unit roller 34, or the cutting unit roller 35 has reached the end of its lifespan.

[0089] The above condition (A1) is met when the cutting rollers 34 and 35 are in an abnormal state that prevents them from operating normally. More specifically, an abnormal state occurs when a jam occurs in the cutting rollers 34 and 35, such as when the recording paper S gets stuck in them. Furthermore, an abnormal state also includes when the cutting rollers 34 and 35 can no longer be driven normally due to factors such as damage to the gears that drive the cutting rollers 34 and 35 or a motor malfunction.

[0090] The above condition (A2) is met when the user suffers a disadvantage when the cutting unit 6 is operated. A disadvantage includes damage to the device and exposure of the user to danger. For example, when the user suffers a disadvantage when the cutting unit 6 is operated, it includes when the cover of the cutting unit 6 or a part close to the cutting unit rollers 34, 35 is open. Operating the cutting unit 6 in such a state can cause the recording paper S to jam or cause a part of the user's body to be unintentionally caught in the operation. Furthermore, a high probability of suffering the above disadvantage also includes when the device's parts are not properly installed and are likely to be damaged by continuing to operate the cutting unit 6.

[0091] The above condition (A3) is met, for example, when it is determined that the cutter blade 42B is in an abnormal state. Specifically, an abnormal state of the cutter blade 42B means that an abnormality has occurred in the past, such as the cutting not being completed normally, and that the abnormality is continuing. Furthermore, an abnormal state of the cutter blade 42B also includes the cutter cartridge 31 coming out of the cutter mounting section 46. An abnormal state of the cutter blade 42B also includes the cutter blade 42B getting caught in the recording paper S or the member that receives the recording paper S. An abnormal state of the cutter blade 42B also includes the determination that the cutter blade 42B is damaged. An abnormal state of the cutter blade 42B also includes the cutter carriage 32 being unable to move the guide rails 39A and 39B normally.

[0092] The above condition (A4) is satisfied, for example, when the torque of the cutter carriage motor 108 exceeds a threshold due to rattling of the cutter carriage 32 due to aging deterioration. Alternatively, the above condition (A4) is satisfied, for example, when the total cutting distance of the recording paper S since the start of use of the printer 1 reaches a predetermined distance. Alternatively, the above condition (A4) is satisfied, for example, when the number of cutting sheets of recording paper S since the start of use of the printer 1 reaches a predetermined number.

[0093] If the conditions for not being able to cut are not met (S101: NO), the control unit 100 proceeds to S103. If the conditions for not being able to cut are met (S101: YES), the control unit 100 determines whether the input recording job requires cutting recording (S102). Here, cutting recording refers to single-sided cutting recording or double-sided cutting recording.

[0094] The control unit 100 terminates the process according to the flowchart in Figure 7 when the operation to be performed is a cut recording (S102: YES). In other words, it does not execute the input recording job. The control unit 100 proceeds to S103 when the input recording job does not require a cut recording (S102: NO), that is, when the input recording job is a non-cut single-sided recording or a non-cut double-sided recording.

[0095] In S103, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the conditions for impossible recording are met. The conditions for impossible recording are conditions that indicate that the recording unit 2 cannot record an image on the recording paper S. The conditions for impossible recording may include one or more of the following conditions (B1) to (B4). In addition, the conditions for impossible recording may include conditions other than the following conditions (B1) to (B4). (B1) The recording paper S cannot be transported normally when recording in the recording unit 2. (B2) The user may suffer disadvantages when recording. (B3) Recording to the recording paper S cannot be performed normally. (B4) The recording unit 2 has reached the end of its lifespan. (B5) Ink cannot be supplied normally.

[0096] The above condition (B1) is met when there is an abnormal condition that prevents the transport rollers 15 and 16 from operating normally. More specifically, the above abnormal condition refers to a jam that occurs in the transport rollers 15 and 16, such as when the recording paper S gets stuck in them. The above abnormal condition also includes when the transport rollers 15 and 16 can no longer be driven normally due to factors such as damage to the gears that drive the transport rollers 15 and 16 or a motor malfunction.

[0097] The above condition (B2) is met, for example, when the user suffers a disadvantage when the recording unit 2 is operated. A disadvantage includes damage to the device or exposure of the user to danger. When the user suffers a disadvantage when the recording unit 2 is operated, for example, the cover of the recording unit 2 or a part close to the transport rollers 15, 16 is open. Furthermore, when the user suffers a disadvantage when the recording unit 2 is operated, it also includes when parts other than the recording unit 2 or the transport rollers 15, 16 are not properly installed and there is a high possibility that they will be damaged if the operation of the recording unit 2 continues.

[0098] The above condition (B3) may be met, for example, when the recording unit 2 is determined to be in an abnormal state. Specifically, the recording unit 2 being in an abnormal state means that an abnormality has occurred in the past, such as recording not completing normally, and that the abnormality is still continuing. Furthermore, the recording unit 2 being in an abnormal state also includes an ejection abnormality, such as the inability to eject ink normally from the nozzle 10.

[0099] The above condition (B4) is satisfied, for example, when the number of images recorded in the recording unit 2 since the start of use of the printer 1 has reached a predetermined number. Alternatively, the above condition (B4) is satisfied, for example, when the torque of the head carriage motor 106 exceeds a threshold due to rattling of the head carriage 11 due to aging deterioration.

[0100] The above condition (B5) is met, for example, when the amount of ink remaining in any of the ink cartridges 22 is less than a predetermined amount. Alternatively, the above condition (B5) is met, for example, when the print head 13 is unable to eject ink properly from the nozzle 10. Alternatively, the above condition (B5) is met when the ink cartridge 22 has been removed from the cartridge mounting section 21.

[0101] When the condition for inability to record is met (S103: YES), the control unit 100 terminates the process according to the flowchart in Figure 7.

[0102] However, depending on the nature of the conditions for unrecordable data, the control unit 100 may remain in standby mode when the conditions for unrecordable data are met. Alternatively, the control unit 100 may choose to terminate the process according to the flowchart in Figure 7 or remain in standby mode depending on the nature of the conditions for unrecordable data being met. Furthermore, the control unit 100 may terminate the process according to the flowchart in Figure 7 when a predetermined operation is performed on the operation panel 99 while in standby mode when the conditions for unrecordable data are met.

[0103] The control unit 100 starts the recording process (S104) when the conditions for non-recording are not met (S103: NO). In the recording process started in S104, the control unit 100 performs the process according to the flowchart in Figure 8(a).

[0104] To explain in detail, the control unit 100 first performs the paper feeding process (S201). In the paper feeding process of S201, 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 9(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.

[0105] Alternatively, in the S201 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 9(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.

[0106] Whether to supply the recording paper S from the manual feed tray 4 or the paper cassette 5 is determined based on, for example, the recording job, setting information pre-stored in the memory 104, etc.

[0107] Next, the control unit 100 executes the first recording process (S202). In the first recording process in S202, the control unit 100 repeatedly executes the recording path process and the recording transport process to record an image on one side of the recording paper S.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] Here, when the control unit 100 performs non-cut single-sided recording, non-cut double-sided recording, and cut double-sided recording, in the first recording process, for example, as shown in Figure 10(a), it causes image P to be recorded on the recording paper S. Image P is an image corresponding to the image data included in the recording job. In contrast, when the control unit 100 performs cut single-sided recording, in the first recording process, for example, as shown in Figure 10(b), it causes mark M to be recorded on the recording paper S in addition to image P.

[0111] 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.

[0112] The control unit 100 then determines whether the operation to be performed is double-sided recording (S203). Here, double-sided recording refers to either uncut double-sided recording or cut double-sided recording. If the operation to be performed is not double-sided recording (S203: NO), the control unit 100 terminates the process according to the flowchart in Figure 8. If the operation to be performed is double-sided recording (S203: YES), the control unit 100 then performs the inversion process (S204).

[0113] In the inversion process of S204, 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, and supply it to the recording unit 2 again. Specifically, the control unit 100 causes the transport rollers 15, 16 and the first switchback roller 64 to transport the recording paper S forward.

[0114] Then, as shown in Figure 11(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. 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 11(b), and transported from the paper discharge path 53 to the inversion path 54. The guide member 81 is also located at the first position. Therefore, the recording paper S transported along the inversion path 54 is supplied back to the recording unit 2 with its front and back sides reversed, as shown by Sb in Figure 11(b).

[0115] Next, the control unit 100 executes the second recording process (S205). After the second recording process is completed, the control unit 100 terminates the process according to the flowchart in Figure 8. In the second recording process in S205, the control unit 100 records an image on the other side of the recording paper S by performing the same process as the first recording process in S102.

[0116] In non-cut double-sided recording, the control unit 100, in the second recording process, causes the image P to be recorded on the recording paper S, for example, as shown in Figure 10(a). In contrast, in cut double-sided recording, the control unit 100, in the second recording process, causes the mark M to be recorded on the recording paper S in addition to the image P, for example, as shown in Figure 10(b).

[0117] Returning to Figure 7, the control unit 100 starts the recording process in S104 and continues the recording process until the recording is complete (S106: NO) and the conditions for impossible recording are not met (S105: NO). If the control unit 100 meets the conditions for impossible recording during the recording process (S105: YES), it stops the recording process (S107) and terminates the process according to the flowchart in Figure 7.

[0118] However, depending on the nature of the conditions that make recording impossible, the control unit 100 may wait after stopping the recording process in S107. Alternatively, the control unit 100 may, depending on the nature of the conditions that make recording impossible, either terminate the process according to the flowchart in Figure 7 or wait after stopping the recording process in S107. Then, while the control unit 100 is in a waiting state with the recording process stopped, it may resume the recording process and return to S105 when the conditions that make recording impossible are no longer met. Furthermore, while the control unit 100 is in a waiting state with the recording process stopped, it may terminate the process according to the flowchart in Figure 7 when a predetermined operation is performed on the operation panel 99.

[0119] When the recording process is complete (S106: YES), the control unit 100 determines whether or not it is necessary to cut the recording paper S (S108). If it is not necessary to cut the recording paper S (S108: NO), the control unit 100 performs the recording paper ejection process (S109). After the recording paper ejection process in S109 is completed, the control unit 100 terminates the process according to the flowchart in Figure 7.

[0120] In the recording and paper ejection process of S109, the control unit 100 controls the roller drive device 107 to transport the recording paper S on which the image is recorded along the paper ejection path 53 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. In this embodiment, the recording and paper ejection process corresponds to the "discharge process" of the present invention.

[0121] The control unit 100 determines whether the transportability condition is met (S110) when it is necessary to cut the recording paper S (S108: YES). The transportability condition is a condition that indicates that the transport unit 7 cannot record an image on the recording paper S. The transportability condition may include, for example, the condition that the recording paper S is jammed in the transport path 50 of the transport unit 7.

[0122] When the transportability condition is met (S110: NO), the control unit 100 terminates the process according to the flowchart in Figure 7.

[0123] However, depending on the nature of the transportability conditions, the control unit 100 may remain in standby mode when the transportability conditions are met. Alternatively, the control unit 100 may choose to terminate the process according to the flowchart in Figure 7 or remain in standby mode depending on the nature of the transportability conditions that are met. Furthermore, the control unit 100 may terminate the process according to the flowchart in Figure 7 when a predetermined operation is performed on the operation panel 99 while in standby mode due to the transportability conditions being met.

[0124] The control unit 100 determines whether there are any waiting recording sheets S when the transport impossibility conditions are not met (S110: NO) (S111). The waiting recording sheets S in S111 are the recording sheets S waiting at the switchback position of the switchback path 55B, which will be described later. If there are waiting recording sheets S (S111: YES), the control unit 100 returns to processing S110.

[0125] If there are no waiting recording sheets S (S111: NO), the control unit 100 starts the transport process (S112). In the transport process started in S112, the control unit 100 performs the process according to the flowchart in Figure 8(b).

[0126] To explain in detail, the control unit 100 first performs the first transport process (S301). In the first transport process of S301, the control unit 100 transports the recording paper S to the switchback position of the switchback path 55B.

[0127] Specifically, the control unit 100 controls the roller drive unit 107 to transport the recording paper S forward using the transport rollers 15, 16 and the first switchback roller 64. At this time, as shown in Figure 11(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" of the present invention.

[0128] 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 path 54. Sc in Figure 12(a) shows the recording paper S being transported from the paper discharge path 53 to the reverse path 54. Also, the guide member 81 is in the second position. Therefore, the recording paper S being transported in the reverse path 54 is transported from the reverse path 54 to the upstream path 55A. Here, Sd in Figure 12(a) shows the recording paper S being transported from the reverse path 54 to the upstream path 55A.

[0129] Furthermore, when the recording paper S is transported forward to the position shown in Figure 11(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 end 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 11(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 11(a) and when transporting from the position shown in Figure 11(a). In this embodiment, the combined paper discharge path 53 and the first switchback roller 64 correspond to the "switchback section" of the present invention.

[0130] 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, the edge Ea of the recording paper S passes below the paper sensor 75, and the paper sensor 75 stops detecting the recording paper S. The position of the recording paper S when the paper sensor 75 stops detecting 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 the recording paper S is no longer detected. This allows the recording paper S to be transported to the switchback position of the switchback path 55B. Se in Figure 12(a) shows the recording paper S in the process of being transported to the switchback position of the switchback path 55B.

[0131] In this embodiment, the switchback position on the switchback path 55B corresponds to the "switchback position" and "standby 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 switchback position on the switchback path 55B.

[0132] After the completion of the first transport process, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the recording paper S is being cut at the cutting unit 6 (S302). If the cutting unit 6 is cutting the recording paper S (S302: 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 (S302: NO), the control unit 100 executes the second transport process (S303). After the completion of the second transport process in S303, the control unit 100 terminates the process according to the flowchart in Figure 8(b).

[0133] In the second transport process in S303, 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 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 downstream path 55C.

[0134] The control unit 100 then causes the downstream path roller 67 and the cutting section rollers 34 and 35 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 via the downstream path 55C. Sg in Figure 12(b) shows the recording paper S in transit to the cutting section 6. In single-sided cutting recording, the recording paper S is transported as described above so that the side on which the image was recorded in the first recording process is facing upwards to the cutting section 6. In double-sided cutting recording, the recording paper S is transported as described above so that the side on which the image was recorded in the second recording process is facing upwards to the cutting section 6.

[0135] Furthermore, when transporting the recording paper S to the switchback position of the switchback path 55B, end Eb is the front end of the recording paper S heading from the recording section 2 to the cutting section 6. End Ea is the rear end of the recording paper S heading from the recording section 2 to the cutting section 6. On the other hand, when transporting the recording paper S from the switchback position of the switchback path 55B to the cutting section 6, end Ea is the front end of the recording paper S heading from the recording section 2 to the cutting section 6. End Eb is the rear end of the recording paper S heading from the recording section 2 to the cutting section 6. In other words, the front and rear ends of the recording paper S heading from the recording section 2 to the cutting section 6 are swapped when transporting to the switchback position of the switchback path 55B and when transporting from the switchback position of the switchback path 55B. In this embodiment, the switchback path 55B and the second switchback roller 66 together correspond to the "switchback section" of the present invention.

[0136] Returning to Figure 7, the control unit 100 starts the transport process in S112 and continues the transport process until the transport is complete (S114: NO) and the transport is not deemed impossible (S113: NO). The control unit 100 stops the transport process (S115) when the transport is deemed impossible (S112: YES). The control unit 100 then terminates the process according to the flowchart in Figure 7.

[0137] However, depending on the nature of the transportability conditions, the control unit 100 may wait after stopping the recording process in S115. Alternatively, depending on the nature of the transportability conditions that are being met, the control unit 100 may either terminate the process according to the flowchart in Figure 7 or wait after stopping the transport process in S115. Then, while the control unit 100 is in a state of waiting with the transport process stopped, it may resume the transport process and return to S113 when the transportability conditions are no longer met. Furthermore, while the control unit 100 is in a state of waiting with the transport process stopped, it may terminate the process according to the flowchart in Figure 7 when a predetermined operation is performed on the operation panel 99.

[0138] When the transport process is completed (S114: YES), the control unit 100 determines whether the conditions for non-cutting are met (S116). If the conditions for non-cutting are met (S116: YES), the control unit 100 terminates the process according to the flowchart in Figure 7.

[0139] However, depending on the content of the conditions for non-disconnection, the control unit 100 may remain in standby mode when the conditions for non-disconnection are met. Alternatively, the control unit 100 may choose to terminate the process according to the flowchart in Figure 7 or remain in standby mode depending on the content of the conditions for non-disconnection that are met. Furthermore, the control unit 100 may terminate the process according to the flowchart in Figure 7 when a predetermined operation is performed on the operation panel 99 while it is in standby mode because the conditions for non-disconnection are met.

[0140] The control unit 100 starts the cutting process (S117) when the conditions for not being able to cut are not met (S116: NO).

[0141] In the cutting process of S117, the control unit 100 first 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 rollers 34 and 35 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.

[0142] The control unit 100 then 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 rollers 34 and 35, causing the cutter 42 to cut the recording paper S.

[0143] 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, through 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).

[0144] After starting the cutting process in S117, the control unit 100 continues the cutting process until the cutting is complete (S119: NO) and the cutting is no longer possible (S118: NO). If the cutting is no longer possible during the cutting process (S118: YES), the control unit 100 stops the cutting process (S120). The control unit 100 then terminates the process according to the flowchart in Figure 7.

[0145] However, depending on the content of the conditions that make cutting impossible, the control unit 100 may wait after stopping the cutting process in S120. Alternatively, depending on the content of the conditions that make cutting impossible, the control unit 100 may either terminate the process according to the flowchart in Figure 7 or wait after stopping the recording process in S120. Then, while the control unit 100 is in a waiting state with the cutting process stopped, it may resume the cutting process and return to S118 when the conditions that make cutting impossible are no longer met. Furthermore, while the control unit 100 is in a waiting state with the cutting process stopped, it may terminate the process according to the flowchart in Figure 7 when a predetermined operation is performed on the operation panel 99.

[0146] When the cutting process is completed (S119: YES), the control unit 100 executes the cut and discharge process (S121). In the cut and discharge process of S121, the control unit 100 controls the roller drive device 107 to cause the cutting rollers 34 and 35 to discharge the record paper S, which has been cut in the cutting unit 6, forward. Then, the control unit 100 completes the process according to the flowchart in Figure 7.

[0147] <Printer operation when each condition is met> In this embodiment, as described above, three conditions are set: a condition that prevents cutting, a condition that prevents recording, and a condition that prevents transport. The control unit 100 processes each of the multiple recording sheets S according to the flowchart in Figure 7. As a result, in this embodiment, the control unit 100 performs recording, cutting, and transport processing depending on which of the three conditions is met.

[0148] To explain in detail, as shown in Figure 13, the control unit 100 will perform the recording and transporting processes even if only the condition of not being able to cut the paper is met among the three conditions mentioned above. However, depending on the position of each recording sheet S in the printer 1, the control unit 100 may not be able to perform one or both of the recording and transporting processes.

[0149] Furthermore, the control unit 100 will perform the cutting and transporting processes even if only the condition for non-recording among the three conditions described above is met. However, depending on the position of each recording sheet S in the printer 1, the control unit 100 may not be able to perform one or both of the cutting and transporting processes.

[0150] Furthermore, the control unit 100 will perform the recording and cutting processes even if only the transportability condition among the three conditions described above is met. However, depending on the position of each recording sheet S in the printer 1, the control unit 100 may not be able to perform one or both of the recording and cutting processes.

[0151] Furthermore, the control unit 100 will perform the recording process even if two of the three conditions above, the condition of being unable to cut and the condition of being unable to transport, are met. However, the control unit 100 may not be able to perform the recording process depending on the position of each recording sheet S in the printer 1.

[0152] Furthermore, the control unit 100 will perform the cutting process even if two of the three conditions above, the recording impossibility condition and the transport impossibility condition, are met. However, the control unit 100 may not be able to perform the cutting process depending on the position of each recording sheet S in the printer 1.

[0153] Furthermore, the control unit 100 will execute the transport process even if the conditions for non-cutting and non-recording among the three conditions described above are met. However, the control unit 100 may not be able to execute the transport process depending on the position of each recording sheet S in the printer 1.

[0154] Furthermore, the control unit 100 does not perform any of the recording, cutting, or transporting processes when all three of the above conditions are met.

[0155] Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is possible to go from a state where the three conditions described above are not met to a state where only the condition of being unable to cut is met. In the following, "going from a state where the three conditions described above are not met to a state where only the condition of being unable to cut is met" may be referred to as "going to a state where only the condition of being unable to cut is met." The control unit 100 processes each of the multiple recording sheets S according to the flowchart in Figure 7. As a result, when the control unit 100 reaches a state where only the condition of being unable to cut is met, it processes as shown in Figure 14(a).

[0156] Specifically, when the control unit 100 reaches a state where only the condition for impossible cutting is met, and if both the recording process and the cutting process are in progress, it will continue the recording process and stop the cutting process. In other words, if the condition for impossible cutting is met while both the recording process and the cutting process are in progress, it will continue the recording process and stop the cutting process. Note that "while the recording process is in progress and the cutting process is in progress" means that the recording process is in progress for one recording sheet S and the cutting process is in progress for another recording sheet S. In the following explanation, the recording sheet S that is undergoing or has not yet started the recording process and the recording sheet S that is undergoing or has not yet started the cutting process are different recording sheets S.

[0157] Furthermore, when the control unit 100 finds a state where only the condition for non-cutting is met, and it is before the start of the recording process and during the execution of the cutting process, it will start the recording process and stop the cutting process. In other words, it will start the recording process and stop the cutting process when the condition for non-cutting is met before the start of the recording process and during the execution of the cutting process. However, the control unit 100 may not be able to start the recording process depending on the position of each recording sheet S in the printer 1. Here, "before the start of the recording process" means a state where there is no recording sheet S currently being recorded and there are recording sheets S before the start of the recording process. "Before the start of the recording process" may be immediately before the start of the recording process, or it may be when a new job is received and the recording process for that job is started. The definitions of "before start" and "during execution" are the same in the following explanation.

[0158] Furthermore, when the control unit 100 finds a state where only the condition of being unable to cut is met, and if the recording process is in progress but the cutting process has not yet started, it will continue the recording process and will not start the cutting process. In other words, if the condition of being unable to cut is met while the recording process is in progress and before the cutting process has started, it will continue the recording process and will not start the cutting process. The condition of being unable to cut is not necessarily met while the recording paper S is being cut by the cutting unit 6. The condition of being unable to cut may also be met when the recording paper S is not being cut by the cutting unit 6.

[0159] Furthermore, when the control unit 100 finds that only the conditions for not being able to cut are met, and this occurs before the start of the recording process and before the start of the cutting process, it will start the recording process and not start the cutting process. In other words, if the conditions for not being able to cut are met before the start of the recording process and before the start of the cutting process, it will start the recording process and not start the cutting process. However, the control unit 100 may not be able to start the recording process depending on the position of each recording sheet S in the printer 1, etc.

[0160] Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is possible to go from a state where the three conditions described above are not met to a state where only the condition of being unable to record is met. In the following, "going from a state where the three conditions described above are not met to a state where only the condition of being unable to record is met" may be referred to as "going to a state where only the condition of being unable to record is met." The control unit 100 processes each of the multiple recording sheets S according to the flowchart in Figure 7. As a result, when the control unit 100 reaches a state where only the condition of being unable to record is met, it processes as shown in Figure 14(b).

[0161] Specifically, when the control unit 100 finds a state where only the conditions for impossible recording are met, and if both the recording process and the disconnection process are in progress, it stops the recording process and continues the disconnection process. In other words, if the conditions for impossible recording are met while both the recording process and the disconnection process are in progress, it stops the recording process and continues the disconnection process.

[0162] Furthermore, if the control unit 100 finds a state where only the conditions for impossible recording are met, and this occurs before the start of the recording process and while the disconnection process is in progress, it will not start the recording process and will continue the disconnection process. In other words, if the conditions for impossible recording occur before the start of the recording process and while the disconnection process is in progress, it will not start the recording process and will continue the disconnection process.

[0163] Furthermore, when the control unit 100 finds a state where only the conditions for impossible recording are met, and if the recording process is in progress but the disconnection process has not yet started, it will stop the recording process and start the disconnection process.

[0164] Furthermore, when the control unit 100 finds a state where only the conditions for not being able to cut are met, and it is before the start of the recording process and before the start of the cutting process, it will not start the recording process and will start the cutting process.

[0165] Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is possible to go from a state where none of the three conditions above are met to a state where only the transportability condition is met. In the following, "going from a state where none of the three conditions above are met to a state where only the transportability condition is met" may be referred to as "going to a state where only the transportability condition is met." The control unit 100 processes each of the multiple recording sheets S according to the flowchart in Figure 7. As a result, when the control unit 100 reaches a state where only the transportability condition is met, it processes as shown in Figure 14(c).

[0166] Specifically, when the control unit 100 finds that only the transportability condition is met, if it is performing both the recording process and the cutting process, it will continue the recording process and the cutting process.

[0167] Furthermore, when the control unit 100 finds that only the conditions for impossibility of transport are met, and if it is before the start of the recording process and during the cutting process, it will start the recording process and continue the cutting process. However, the control unit 100 may not be able to start the recording process depending on the position of each recording sheet S in the printer 1.

[0168] Furthermore, when the control unit 100 finds that only the transportability condition is met, and if the recording process is in progress but the cutting process has not yet started, it will continue the recording process and start the cutting process.

[0169] Furthermore, when the conditions for transportability are met, the control unit 100 will start the recording process and then the cutting process if it is before the recording process and before the cutting process has started. However, the control unit 100 may not be able to start the recording process depending on the position of each recording sheet S in the printer 1.

[0170] <Effects> In this embodiment, the recording process is performed even when the conditions for not being able to cut are met. Therefore, even when the cutting unit 6 cannot cut the recording paper S, the recording unit 2 can record an image on the recording paper S.

[0171] More specifically, if the cutting impossibility condition is met while both the recording process and the cutting process are in progress, the cutting process is stopped and the recording process continues. Therefore, even if the cutting unit 6 becomes unable to cut the recording paper S during image recording, the recording of the image being recorded can still be completed.

[0172] Furthermore, if the condition for impossible cutting is met before the recording process has started and while the cutting process is in progress, the recording process will start and the cutting process will stop. Therefore, even if the cutting unit 6 is unable to cut the recording paper S before the image is recorded, the recording unit 2 can still record the image.

[0173] Furthermore, if the condition for impossibility of cutting is met while the recording process is in progress and the cutting process has not yet begun, the recording process will continue and the cutting process will not start. Therefore, even if the cutting unit 6 is unable to cut the recording paper S during image recording, the recording of the image being recorded can be completed.

[0174] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cutting process is performed even when the conditions for non-recording are met. Therefore, even when the recording unit 2 is unable to record an image on the recording paper S, the cutting unit 6 can cut the recording paper S on which an image has already been recorded.

[0175] More specifically, if the recording failure condition is met while both the recording process and the cutting process are in progress, the recording process is stopped and the cutting process continues. Therefore, even if the recording unit 2 becomes unable to record an image while the recording paper S is being cut, the cutting of the recording paper S can still be completed.

[0176] Furthermore, if the conditions for recording being impossible are met before the recording process has started and while the cutting process is in progress, the recording process will not start and the cutting process will continue. Therefore, even if the recording unit 2 becomes unable to record an image while the recording paper S is being cut, the cutting of the recording paper S can still be completed.

[0177] Furthermore, if the recording failure condition is met while the recording process is in progress but before the cutting process has started, the recording process is stopped and the cutting process begins. This ensures that even if the recording unit 2 is unable to record an image before the recording paper S is cut, the cutting unit 6 can still cut the recording paper S.

[0178] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cutting section 6 is located below the recording section 2. Therefore, the recording section 2 and the cutting section 6 are positioned apart in the vertical direction. By positioning the cutting section 6 and the recording section 2 apart in the vertical direction in this way, recording can be performed even when cutting is not possible. Also, cutting can be performed even when recording is not possible. For example, even if a jam occurs in the cutting section 6, if the recording section 2 is located away from the cutting section 6, the recording paper S recorded in the recording section 2 will not come into contact with the recording paper S jammed in the cutting section 6. Also, even if a jam occurs in the recording section 2, if the cutting section 6 is located away from the recording section 2, the recording paper S cut in the cutting section 6 will not come into contact with the recording paper S jammed in the recording section 2.

[0179] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cutting rollers 34 and 35 that transport the recording paper S during the cutting process and the transport rollers 15 and 16 that transport the recording paper S during the recording process are separate. This allows the cutting process to be performed even when the recording process is not possible. For example, even if a jam occurs in the cutting section 6, the recording paper S to be recorded in the recording section 2 can be transported if the cutting rollers 34 and 35 that transport the recording paper S during the cutting process and the transport rollers 15 and 16 that transport the recording paper S during the recording process are separate.

[0180] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a paper cassette 5 containing recording paper S to be supplied to the recording unit 2 is arranged between the recording unit 2 and the cutting unit 6 in the vertical direction. Also in this embodiment, an inversion path 54 is arranged between the recording unit 2 and the cutting unit 6 in the vertical direction. In this configuration, the recording unit 2 and the cutting unit 6 are arranged further apart in the vertical direction. By arranging the cutting unit 6 and the recording unit 2 apart in the vertical direction in this way, recording can be performed even when cutting is not possible. Also, cutting can be performed even when recording is not possible. The advantages of arranging the recording unit 2 and the cutting unit 6 apart in the vertical direction are as described above.

[0181] Therefore, it is easy to configure the printer 1 so that even when the cutting unit 6 cannot cut the recording paper S, the recording unit 2 can still record an image on the recording paper S. Alternatively, it is easy to configure the printer 1 so that even when the recording unit 2 cannot record an image on the recording paper S, the cutting unit 6 can still cut the recording paper S.

[0182] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the transport path 50 has a switchback path 55B. The switchback path 55B can hold the recording paper S before the cutting process. Therefore, while the cutting unit 6 is cutting the recording paper S, the recording unit 2 transports the recording paper S on which image recording has been completed to the switchback path 55B and has it wait there. This allows the recording unit 2 to start recording on another recording paper S. Also, after the cutting process of the recording paper S is completed in the cutting unit 6, the recording paper S in the waiting position can be immediately transported to the cutting unit 6 and the cutting process can be started.

[0183] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, when the condition for non-cutting is met while the recording process is in progress, the recording process is continued. When the recording paper S is at the switchback position where the recording paper S is to wait, the recording paper S is made to wait at the position where the recording process is completed or before the switchback position. When the recording paper S is not at the switchback position where the recording paper S is to wait, the recording paper S for which the recording process has been completed is transported to the switchback position on the transport path 50 and made to wait at the switchback position. Therefore, when the recording paper S is not at the switchback position, which is the waiting position, the recording process for the next recording paper S can be started. In other words, the recording process that was in progress can be continued, and a new recording process can be started. Furthermore, when the condition for non-cutting is no longer met, the recording paper S can be transported from the switchback position to the cutting unit 6, allowing the cutting of the recording paper S at the cutting unit 6 to be resumed more quickly.

[0184] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the recording process is started when the condition for non-cutting is met before the recording process begins. When the recording paper S is at the switchback position where the recording paper S is to wait, the recording paper S is made to wait at the position where the recording process is completed or before the switchback position. When the recording paper S is not at the switchback position where the recording paper S is to wait, the recording paper S for which the recording process has been completed is transported to the switchback position on the transport path 50 and made to wait at the switchback position. Therefore, when the recording paper S is not at the switchback position which is the waiting position, the recording process for the next recording paper S can be started. In other words, the recording process can be started twice. Furthermore, when the condition for non-cutting is no longer met, the cutting process can be restarted more quickly by transporting the recording paper S waiting at the switchback position to the cutting unit 6.

[0185] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 100 proceeds to S103 when it determines in S101 that the non-cutting condition is met and in S102 that it is not a cut record. On the other hand, when the control unit 100 determines in 101 that the non-cutting condition is met and in S102 that it is a cut record, it terminates the process according to the flowchart in Figure 7. In other words, the control unit 100 accepts non-cut single-sided recording jobs and non-cut double-sided recording jobs when the non-cutting condition is met. Also, the control unit 100 does not accept cut single-sided recording jobs and cut double-sided recording jobs when the non-cutting condition is met. Therefore, even when the cutting unit 6 cannot cut the recording paper S, the cutting unit 6 can record an image without cutting the recording paper S.

[0186] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the recording process is performed even if the transportability condition is met. Also, the cutting process is performed even if the transportability condition is met. Therefore, even when the transport unit 7 cannot transport the recording paper S, the recording unit 2 can record an image on the recording paper S, and the cutting unit 6 can cut the recording paper S.

[0187] <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.

[0188] In the above-described embodiment, the transport unit 7 has two switchback positions: a switchback position in the paper discharge path 53 and a switchback position in the switchback path 55B. In addition, the recording paper S on which the image has been recorded by the recording unit 2 is kept waiting at the switchback position in the switchback path 55B. However, this is not the only embodiment.

[0189] For example, as shown in the printer 160 in Figure 15, the transport unit 161 may have a switchback path 162 located between the recording unit 2 and the cutting unit 6 in the vertical direction. The switching back of the recording paper S may be performed in this switchback path 162. Alternatively, the recording paper S on which an image has been recorded in the recording unit 2 may be kept waiting in the switchback path 162. Here, the switchback path 162 in Figure 15 does not necessarily have to be between the recording unit 2 and the cutting unit 6. The switchback path may be located above both the recording unit 2 and the cutting unit 6. Also, the switchback path may be located below both the recording unit 2 and the cutting unit 6.

[0190] Furthermore, the transport unit may have only one switchback position. The recording sheet S on which the image has been recorded by the recording unit 2 may be kept waiting at this single switchback position.

[0191] Alternatively, the transport unit may have three or more switchback positions. The recording sheet S on which the image has been recorded by the recording unit 2 may be kept waiting at one of the three or more switchback positions.

[0192] Furthermore, in a printer where the transport unit has two or more switchback positions, the recording paper S may be kept waiting at any of the switchback positions.

[0193] Furthermore, although the recording paper S was placed in standby position at the switchback position in the above example, this is not the only option. The recording paper S may be placed in standby position other than the switchback position on the transport path of the transport unit. In a configuration in which the recording paper S is placed in standby position other than the switchback position on the transport path of the transport unit, the transport path of the transport unit does not necessarily have a switchback position.

[0194] For example, similar to the embodiment described above, if the cutting is in progress and the cutting impossibility condition is met, the recording process may be continued if it is also in progress. A waiting position other than the switchback path 55B may be provided on the transport path 50. When there is a recording sheet S at the waiting position, the recording sheet S may be kept waiting at the position where the continuous recording process is completed or before the waiting position. If there is no recording sheet S at the waiting position, the recording sheet S, whose recording has been completed in the continuous recording process, may be transported to the waiting position and kept waiting there. Alternatively, the recording sheet S, whose recording process has been completed in the continuous recording process, may always be kept waiting at the position where the recording process was completed.

[0195] Furthermore, for example, similar to the embodiment described above, if the cutting is impossible condition is met while the cutting process is in progress, the recording process may be started before it begins. Additionally, a waiting position other than the switchback path 55B may be provided on the transport path 50. When a recording sheet S is present at the waiting position, the recording sheet S may be kept waiting at the position where the started recording process is completed or before the waiting position. If there is no recording sheet S at the waiting position, the recording sheet S, after the started recording process is completed, may be transported to the waiting position and kept waiting there. Alternatively, the recording sheet S, after the started recording process is completed, may always be kept waiting at the position where the recording process is completed.

[0196] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the control unit 100 stops the cutting process when the condition for impossible cutting is met while the cutting process is in progress. In addition, if the recording process is in progress, the control unit 100 continues the recording process. Also, if the recording process has not yet started, the control unit 100 starts the recording process. However, it is not limited to this.

[0197] If the control unit 100 finds that the cutting is impossible condition while the cutting process is in progress, it may continue the recording process if it is in the process of recording. On the other hand, the control unit 100 does not have to start the recording process if it has not yet started it.

[0198] Alternatively, the control unit 100 may start the recording process if the condition for impossible cutting is met while the cutting process is in progress, provided that the recording process has not yet started. On the other hand, the control unit 100 may stop the recording process if it is already in progress.

[0199] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the control unit 100 stops the recording process when the condition for impossible recording is met while the recording process is in progress. In addition, if the cutting process is in progress, the control unit 100 continues the cutting process. Also, if the cutting process has not yet started, the control unit 100 starts the cutting process. However, it is not limited to this.

[0200] If the control unit 100 finds that recording is impossible while recording is in progress, it may continue the disconnection process if it is in the process of disconnecting. On the other hand, the control unit 100 does not have to start the disconnection process if it has not yet started it.

[0201] Alternatively, if the recording failure condition is met while the recording process is in progress, the control unit 100 may start the cutting process if it has not yet started. On the other hand, the control unit 100 may stop the cutting process if it is already in progress.

[0202] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the control unit 100 does not start the recording process if the condition for inability to record is met before the recording process has started. In addition, if the cutting process is in progress, the control unit 100 continues the cutting process. Also, if the cutting process has not yet started, the control unit 100 starts the cutting process. However, it is not limited to this.

[0203] If the control unit 100 finds that the recording is impossible condition before the recording process has started, it may continue the cutting process if it is in the process of cutting. On the other hand, the control unit 100 does not have to start the cutting process if it has not yet started it.

[0204] Alternatively, the control unit 100 may start the cutting process if the conditions for making recording impossible are met before the start of the recording process, provided that the cutting process has not yet started. On the other hand, the control unit 100 may stop the cutting process if it is already in the process of executing it.

[0205] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the control unit 100 does not start the cutting process if the conditions for impossible cutting are met before the cutting process begins. In addition, if the recording process is in progress, the control unit 100 continues the recording process. Also, if the recording process has not yet begun, the control unit 100 starts the recording process. However, it is not limited to this.

[0206] If the control unit 100 finds that the cutting is impossible condition is met before the cutting process begins, it may continue the recording process if it is in the process of recording. On the other hand, the control unit 100 does not have to start the recording process if it has not yet begun.

[0207] Alternatively, the control unit 100 may start the recording process if the conditions for impossible cutting are met before the start of the cutting process, provided that the recording process has not yet started. On the other hand, the control unit 100 may stop the recording process if it is already in progress.

[0208] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the control unit 100 accepts non-cutting recording jobs and does not accept cutting recording jobs when the non-cutting condition is met. Also, when the non-cutting condition is met, the control unit 100 accepts either non-cutting single-sided recording jobs or non-cutting double-sided recording jobs as non-cutting recording jobs. However, it is not limited to this.

[0209] The control unit 100 may accept non-cut single-sided recording jobs when the conditions for non-cutting are met, but may not accept non-cut double-sided recording jobs or cut recording jobs. Alternatively, the control unit 100 may accept non-cut double-sided recording jobs when the conditions for non-cutting are met, but may not accept non-cut single-sided recording jobs or cut recording jobs.

[0210] Alternatively, the control unit 100 may accept both non-disconnection recording jobs and disconnection recording jobs while the conditions for non-disconnection are met. When the control unit 100 accepts a disconnection recording job, it may execute the recording process corresponding to that disconnection recording job while the conditions for non-disconnection are met. The control unit 100 may then execute the disconnection process corresponding to that disconnection recording job after the conditions for non-disconnection are no longer met.

[0211] Furthermore, in the above examples, recording was performed even when the disconnection condition was met, and disconnection was performed even when the recording condition was met, but this is not limited to this. For example, recording may be performed even when the disconnection condition is met, and disconnection may not be performed when the recording condition is met. Alternatively, disconnection may be performed even when the recording condition is met, and recording may not be performed when the recording condition is met.

[0212] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the control unit 100 performed the recording process and the cutting process even when the transportability condition was met, but this is not limited to that. The control unit 100 may choose not to perform one or both of the recording process and the cutting process when the transportability condition is met. Also, the control unit 100 may choose not to start one or both of the recording process and the cutting process when the transportability condition is met.

[0213] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the cutting section 6 is located below the recording section 2. Also, in the above-described embodiment, the paper cassette 5 and the reversal path 54 are arranged between the recording section 2 and the cutting section 6 in the vertical direction. However, the invention is not limited to this.

[0214] For example, the paper cassette 5 may be positioned above or below either the recording unit 2 or the cutting unit 6. Furthermore, the printer may have only the manual feed tray 4 among the manual feed tray 4 and the paper cassette 5. Alternatively, the printer may have only the paper cassette among the manual feed tray 4 and the paper cassette 5.

[0215] Furthermore, the reversal path 54 may be positioned above or below either the recording unit 2 or the cutting unit 6. Also, the transport unit does not need to have a reversal path 54. Note that printers in which the transport unit does not have a reversal path cannot perform the non-cut double-sided recording and cut double-sided recording described in the above embodiment.

[0216] Furthermore, the cutting section 6 may be located above the recording section 2. Alternatively, the cutting section 6 may overlap with the recording section 2 in the vertical direction.

[0217] 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.

[0218] 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.

[0219] 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.

[0220] Furthermore, while the above examples show a printer capable of both non-disconnected and disconnected recording, it is not limited to this. A printer may be capable of performing only disconnected recording among non-disconnected and disconnected recording.

[0221] Furthermore, in the above example, the recording unit 2 was equipped with a so-called serial head that ejects ink from the nozzle 10 while moving together with the head carriage 11, but it is not limited to this. For example, the recording unit 2 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.

[0222] Furthermore, in the above example, the recording unit 2 recorded an image by adhering ink to the recording paper S by ejecting ink from the nozzle 10 toward the recording paper S. In other words, the recording unit 2 was a so-called inkjet type. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the recording unit 2 may record an image on the recording paper S by adhering toner to the recording paper S. In other words, the recording unit 2 may be a so-called laser type.

[0223] 1,160: Printer 2: Recording unit 5: Paper cassette 6: Cutting unit 7,161: Transport unit 50: Transport path 53: Paper output path 54: Reversal path 55: Transition path 55B,162: Switchback path 64: First switchback roller 65: Upstream path roller 66: Second switchback roller 67: Downstream path roller 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; a transport unit for transporting the recording medium on which the image has been recorded by the recording unit to the cutting unit; and a control unit, wherein the control unit controls the recording unit to perform a recording process to record an image on the recording medium, even when a condition indicating that the recording medium cannot be cut by the cutting unit is met.

2. 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; a transport unit for transporting the recording medium on which the image has been recorded by the recording unit to the cutting unit; and a control unit, wherein the control unit controls the cutting unit to perform a cutting process to cut the recording medium, even when a recording impossibility condition is met indicating that the recording unit cannot record an image on the recording medium.

3. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cutting portion is located above or below the recording portion.

4. The image recording apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that a tray containing a recording medium to be supplied to the recording unit is arranged between the recording unit and the cutting unit in the vertical direction.

5. The image recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the transport unit is located between the recording unit and the cutting unit in the vertical direction and has an inversion path for transporting a recording medium on which an image has been recorded in the recording unit, inverted front to back, to the recording unit.

6. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the transport unit includes a transport path for transporting a recording medium on which an image has been recorded in the recording unit to the cutting unit, and a switchback unit that performs a switchback on the recording medium transported to a switchback position on the transport path, by swapping the front end and rear end of the recording medium on the way from the recording unit to the cutting unit.

7. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit stops the cutting process and continues the recording process when the cutting condition is met while the recording process is in progress and the cutting unit is controlling the cutting process to cut the recording medium.

8. The image recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the transport unit has a transport path for transporting a recording medium on which an image has been recorded by the recording unit to the cutting unit, and the control unit controls the transport unit to transport the recording medium to a waiting position on the transport path and to wait at the waiting position after an image has been recorded on the recording medium by the continuous recording process.

9. The image recording apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the control unit stops the recording process and continues the cutting process when the condition for impossible recording is met while the control unit is in the process of controlling the recording unit to record an image on the recording medium and the cutting process is in the process.

10. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit starts the recording process and stops the cutting process when the cutting condition is met while the cutting process is being performed by controlling the cutting unit to cut the recording medium, before the recording process has started.

11. The image recording apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the transport unit has a transport path for transporting a recording medium on which an image has been recorded by the recording unit to the cutting unit, and the control unit controls the transport unit to transport the recording medium to a waiting position on the transport path and to wait at the waiting position after an image has been recorded on the recording medium by the recording process that has been started.

12. The image recording apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the control unit, before the start of the recording process in which it controls the recording unit to record an image on the recording medium, and while the cutting process is being executed, if the condition for impossible recording is met, it does not start the recording process and continues the cutting process.

13. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that when the control unit is in the process of executing the recording process and has not yet started the cutting process which controls the cutting unit to cut the recording medium, and the condition for impossible cutting is met, the control unit continues the recording process and does not start the cutting process.

14. The image recording apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that when the control unit is in the process of performing a recording process to record an image on a recording medium by controlling the recording unit, and before the start of the cutting process, the condition for impossible recording is met, the control unit stops the recording process and starts the cutting process.

15. The transport unit has a transport path for transporting a recording medium from the recording unit to the cutting unit, and a recording discharge path that branches off from the transport path and discharges the recording medium on which an image has been recorded in the recording unit without being transported to the cutting unit, and the control unit executes the recording process when it receives a cutting record job instructing to record an image on the recording medium and to cut the recording medium on which the image has been recorded, and after the recording process executes a transport process in which it controls the transport unit to transport the recording medium to the cutting unit, and after the transport process executes a cutting process in which it controls the cutting unit to cut the recording medium, and when it receives a non-cutting record job instructing to record an image on the recording medium and not to cut the recording medium on which the image has been recorded, it executes the recording process, and after the recording process executes a discharge process in which it controls the transport unit to discharge the recording medium to the recording discharge path, and when the conditions for non-cutting are met, it accepts the non-cutting record job and does not accept the cutting record job, as described in 1.

16. The transport unit has an inversion path for transporting a recording medium on which an image has been recorded in the recording unit inverted front to back to the recording unit, and the control unit, when it receives a non-cutting double-sided recording job as a non-cutting recording job, which instructs that an image be recorded on both sides of the recording medium and that the recording medium on which the image has been recorded should not be cut, executes the recording process to record an image on one side of the recording medium, then controls the transport unit to perform an inversion process which causes the recording medium to be transported to the recording unit inverted front to back through the inversion path, then executes the recording process again to record an image on the other side of the recording medium, and after the second recording process executes the ejection process, and accepts the non-cutting double-sided recording job when the conditions for non-cutting are met.

17. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that even when the transport unit satisfies a transport impossibility condition indicating that the recording medium to be transported from the recording unit to the cutting unit is not transportable, the control unit controls the recording unit to perform a recording process to record an image on the recording medium, and controls the cutting unit to perform a cutting process to cut the recording medium.

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