JP6926624B2 - Printing device and control method of printing device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a printing device and a method for controlling the printing device.

Conventionally, a printing device that controls support of a printing medium in a transport path for transporting a printing medium is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, when a jammed print medium (sheet) is taken out from a transfer path (sheet transfer path) in a direction opposite to the transfer direction (sheet transfer direction) of the print medium, the cover (jam processing door) is opened. A printing device (sheet transfer device) for moving a member supporting a print medium to a retracted position is disclosed.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2007-290861

By the way, the printing apparatus may include a transport path having a first path extending along the horizontal plane and a second path extending in a direction intersecting the horizontal plane, and may be configured to transport the print medium in the transport path. .. In the printing apparatus having this configuration, when the support of the printing medium is eliminated in the second path, the position of the printing medium is likely to be displaced as compared with the first path. Therefore, in the printing apparatus having this configuration, if the timing for releasing the support of the print medium in the second path is not appropriate, the position of the print medium is displaced in the transfer path, and the user can easily take out the print medium from the transfer path. There is a high possibility that such a situation will occur.
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to make it possible to eliminate the support of the print medium in the path extending in the direction intersecting the horizontal plane at an appropriate timing.

In order to solve the above problems, the printing apparatus of the present invention supports a printing medium in a transport path having a first path extending along a horizontal plane and a second path extending in a direction intersecting the horizontal plane. The transport unit, the first detection unit that detects the print medium in the second path, the print unit that executes printing on the print medium, the openable / closable cover that covers the print unit, and the print unit. After the printing is completed, when the print medium is detected by the first detection unit and the cover is moved to the open state, the control unit moves the transport unit to a retracted position that does not support the print medium. , Equipped with.
According to the present invention, when the opening and closing of the cover is based on the user's operation, it is highly probable that the timing for releasing the support of the print medium is the timing intended by the user, so that the user can easily take out the print medium from the transport path. The occurrence of situations such as disappearance is reduced. Therefore, the support of the print medium in the path extending in the direction intersecting the horizontal plane can be eliminated at an appropriate timing.

Further, in the present invention, when the print medium is detected by the first detection unit and the cover is moved to the open state after the printing by the printing unit is completed, the control unit elapses for a predetermined period. Later, the transport unit is moved to the retracted position.
According to the present invention, since the transport unit is moved to the retracted position after the elapse of a predetermined period, a period for the user to support the print medium can be secured, and even if the support of the print medium is canceled, printing is performed in the second path. The displacement of the position of the medium can be reduced, and the user can easily take out the print medium from the transport path.

Further, in the present invention, the first detection unit detects the end portion on the downstream side in the transport direction of the print medium, and the control unit detects the end portion on the downstream side by the first detection unit. In this case, the transport unit is moved to a position that supports the print medium, and printing is performed by the print unit.
According to the present invention, even when printing is executed while the print medium is supported by the transport unit, the print medium is detected by the first detection unit and the cover is moved to the open state after the printing by the print unit is completed. In this case, the transfer unit is moved to the retracted position, so that the user can easily take out the print medium from the transfer path.

Further, in the present invention, the control unit maintains the transport unit at a position supporting the printing medium when the cover is moved to the open state before printing by the printing unit is completed.
According to the present invention, when the cover is moved to the open state before the printing by the printing unit is completed, the printing position is set before the printing is completed in order to maintain the transport unit at the position supporting the printing medium. It can be prevented from shifting.

Further, the present invention includes a second detection unit arranged on the upstream side of the print medium in the transport direction from the first detection unit, and the second detection unit is on the upstream side of the print medium in the transport direction. The control unit detects the end portion of the above, and after the second detection unit detects the upstream end portion and then conveys a predetermined amount by the conveying unit, the control unit ends printing by the printing unit.
According to the present invention, even when the print medium is supported by the transport section due to the transport mode of the print medium, the transport section is retracted triggered by the transition to the open state of the cover after the printing by the print section is completed. Since the print medium is moved to the position, the user can easily take out the print medium from the transport path without affecting the print medium even if the print medium is still supported by the transport unit after the printing is completed. ..

Further, in the present invention, the control unit moves the transport unit to the retracted position when the print medium is no longer detected by the first detection unit after the printing by the printing unit is completed.
According to the present invention, when the print medium is no longer detected in the second path, the transport unit is moved to the retracted position. Therefore, when the print medium is transported in the transport path again, the print medium can be reliably supported.

Further, the present invention includes an discharge port for discharging the print medium, and the length of the print medium in the transport direction is shorter than the length from the discharge port to the first path.
According to the present invention, even if the print medium is difficult to be taken out from the transport path due to the displacement of the position, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of a situation in which the user cannot easily take out the print medium from the transport path.

Further, the present invention includes a second detection unit that detects the print medium in the first path, and the control unit detects the print medium by the first detection unit after printing by the print unit is completed. When the cover is moved to the open state, the transport unit is moved to the retracted position after a lapse of a predetermined period, and after the printing by the printing unit is completed, the printing medium is moved by the second detecting unit. When the cover is detected and the cover is moved to the open state, the transport unit is moved to the retracted position before the elapse of the predetermined period.
According to the present invention, when the print medium is in the second path, the transport unit is moved to the retracted position after a lapse of a predetermined period, so that the user can easily take out the print medium from the second path. When the print medium is in the first path, the transport unit is moved to the evacuation position after a predetermined period of time, so that the user can take out the print medium from the first path without giving the user an unnecessary waiting time. ..

Further, in order to solve the above problems, the present invention supports and transports a print medium in a transport path having a first path extending along the horizontal plane and an intersecting path extending in a direction intersecting the horizontal plane. Control of a printing apparatus including a transport unit, a first detection unit that detects the print medium in the second path, a printing unit that executes printing on the print medium, and an openable / closable cover that covers the print unit. In the method, when the print medium is detected by the first detection unit and the cover is moved to the open state after the printing by the printing unit is completed, the transport unit supports the print medium. Do not move to the retracted position.
According to the present invention, when the opening and closing of the cover is based on the user's operation, it is highly probable that the timing for releasing the support of the print medium is the timing intended by the user, so that the user can easily move the print medium from the transport path. The occurrence of situations such as being unable to take out is reduced. Therefore, the support of the print medium in the path extending in the direction intersecting the horizontal plane can be eliminated at an appropriate timing.

The external perspective view which shows the printing apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. The external perspective view which shows the printing apparatus when the front cover is open. A cross-sectional view showing a main part of a printing apparatus. The schematic diagram which shows each member arranged in a transport path. The figure which shows the functional structure of a printing apparatus. A flowchart showing the basic operation of the printing device. The schematic diagram which shows the state of a cut sheet. The schematic diagram which shows the state of a cut sheet. A flowchart showing the operation of the printing device. The figure which shows an example of the state of a cut sheet.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing the printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 1 shows an installation state of the printing device 1 when the printing device 1 is used. The printing device 1 is used by being placed on a desk, a dedicated installation stand, or the like. The printing device 1 is a device that prints characters (including symbols) and images (including various figures) on cut sheet S (printing medium) or roll paper R. The printing device 1 is connected to, for example, a POS terminal (not shown) that executes accounting processing associated with the sale of products, and the result of accounting processing is performed on roll paper R based on commands and print data input from the POS terminal. Issuance of receipts, slips, etc. indicating. Further, the printing device 1 prints table items such as a payee, a date, and an amount on a single sheet S such as a check or a payment form.

Hereinafter, regarding the front and back of the printing apparatus 1, the front side in FIG. 1 is referred to as the front side, and the back side is referred to as the rear side. That is, the side of the printing device 1 where the cut sheet insertion port 3 opens is the front side of the printing device 1, and the side of the printing device 1 opposite to the side where the cut sheet ejection port 4 opens is the rear side of the printing device 1. do. Further, in FIG. 1, the left and right sides of the printing device 1 are left and right when viewed from the front surface. Further, in FIG. 1, the side where the cut sheet paper discharge port 4 is provided is the upper side of the printing device 1.

The printing device 1 includes a main body case 2 formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole. A cut sheet paper insertion slot 3 for inserting the cut sheet paper S opens in a portion on the left side of the front surface of the main body case 2. The cut sheet paper insertion slot 3 is provided with a predetermined width along the width direction (that is, the left-right direction) of the printing device 1. On the upper surface of the main body case 2, in the central portion in the front-rear direction of the printing device 1, a single-cut paper discharge port 4 (discharge port) from which the processed single-cut paper S is discharged is along the width direction of the printing device 1. Is provided with a predetermined width. A transport path 5 is formed between the cut sheet paper insertion port 3 and the cut sheet paper discharge port 4 so as to extend from the cut sheet paper insertion port 3 to the rear of the printing device 1 and then to be curved upward. The cut sheet paper insertion port 3, the cut sheet paper discharge port 4, and the transport path 5 are formed so as to open the left side surface of the main body case 2, and the cut sheet paper insertion port 3, the cut sheet paper discharge port 4, In addition, the cut sheet S having a width wider than that of the transport path 5 can be transported.

The cut sheet S is a cut sheet of a predetermined size made of paper or synthetic resin, and examples thereof include various forms such as checks. The cut sheet S is inserted from the cut sheet insertion port 3 by the user who uses the printing device 1, and is printed while being conveyed from the cut sheet paper insertion port 3 toward the cut sheet paper discharge port 4 along the conveying path 5. Is done. In the following description, in the cut sheet S, the downstream end in the transport direction HY (FIG. 4) is referred to as the lower end KT, and in the cut sheet S, the upstream end is referred to as the upper end JT. ..

As shown in FIG. 1, the printing apparatus 1 includes a front side cover 6 (cover) on the upper surface of the main body case 2 on the front side of the cut sheet paper discharge port 4. The front cover 6 is a cover that covers the printing unit 10 (FIG. 2) described later, and is configured to be manually rotated in the direction of arrow A1 (FIG. 2) so that it can be opened and closed. The front cover 6 shifts to either the open state or the closed state by rotating in the direction of the arrow A1 (FIG. 2). The closed state of the front cover 6 is the state of the front cover 6 shown in FIG. 1, and the printing unit 10 (FIG. 2) is not exposed. On the other hand, the open state of the front cover 6 is the state of the front cover 6 shown in FIG. 2, and the printing unit 10 is exposed. The fact that the front cover 6 covers the printing unit 10 corresponds to the front cover 6 covering the printing unit 12 (FIG. 2).

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the printing apparatus 1 is provided with an operation panel 7 at the front end portion of the main body case 2. On the operation panel 7, switches for performing various operations of the printing device 1 and indicators for displaying the status of the printing device 1 are arranged. A display that displays the status of the printing device 1 may be arranged on the operation panel 7.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, on the upper surface of the main body case 2 of the printing apparatus 1, a roll paper discharge port 8 for discharging the rolled paper R on which printing has been executed is formed in a part of the cut sheet paper discharge port 4. It is provided along the width direction of the printing device 1. The roll paper discharge port 8 is formed from the width intermediate portion of the cut sheet paper discharge port 4 to the right end portion of the cut sheet paper discharge port 4.

An opening / closing lid 9 is provided on the upper surface of the main body case 2 behind the roll paper discharge port 8. The opening / closing lid 9 is rotatably attached to the main body case 2 about the rear end. When the opening / closing lid 9 is opened, the roll paper accommodating portion 58 (FIG. 3) for accommodating the roll paper R is exposed. As a result, the user can replace the roll paper R. The roll paper R is formed by winding a long piece of paper around a core tube in a roll shape.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing the printing apparatus 1 when the front cover 6 is in the open state.

In FIG. 2, the same parts as those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. Further, in FIG. 2, the front, rear, right, left, and above of the printing apparatus 1 are the same as those in FIG.

When the front cover 6 is in the open state, the inside of the main body case 2 is exposed. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, when the front cover 6 is in the open state, the printing device 1 includes a front frame 17 and a printing unit 10 having a printing unit 12 inside the main body case 2. Be exposed.

The front frame 17 includes a base frame 31, a left side frame 32, a right side frame 33, a front connecting frame 34, and an upper connecting frame 36. The base frame 31 is formed of left and right side walls 31a and a front wall 31b connecting the front ends of the two side walls 31a. The left side frame 32 and the right side frame 33 are raised from the left and right ends of the base frame 31, respectively. The front connecting frame 34 is provided so as to extend in the width direction of the printing device 1 so as to connect the front ends of the left side frame 32 and the right side frame 33. The upper connecting frame 36 is provided so as to extend in the width direction of the printing device 1 so as to connect the upper ends of the left side frame 32 and the right side frame 33.

As shown in FIG. 2, the ink cartridge accommodating portion 11 is formed inside the main body case 2 to which the left side frame 32, the right side frame 33, the front connecting frame 34, and the upper connecting frame 36 are connected. The ink cartridge accommodating portion 11 is configured such that an ink cartridge (not shown) can be attached and detached from an opening formed on the upper side by the front frame 17, and accommodates the mounted ink cartridge. When the front cover 6 is in the open state, the inside of the main body case 2 is exposed, so that the user can replace or install the ink cartridge when the front cover 6 is moved to the open state.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the printing device 1 includes a printing unit 12 inside the main body case 2. The printing unit 12 includes a guide shaft 18, a carriage 21, a printing head 22 (FIG. 3), a carriage drive motor (not shown) for driving the carriage 21, a timing belt (not shown), a carriage position sensor 26, and a scale 27. Be prepared.

The guide shaft 18 is provided so as to extend in the width direction of the printing device 1 so as to straddle the left side frame 32 and the right side frame of the front frame 17. The carriage 21 is equipped with a print head 22, is driven via a timing belt by the power of a carriage drive motor, and reciprocates along a guide shaft 18.

In the present embodiment, the print head 22 is an inkjet print head 22. The print head 22 ejects the ink stored in the ink cartridge housed in the ink cartridge housing section 11 and transports the cut sheet S in the transport path 5 or the roll paper R transported by the roll paper transport section 14. By adhering to the surface (printed surface), characters, images, etc. are printed on the cut sheet S and the roll paper R. Details of the roll paper transport unit 14 will be described later.

The carriage position sensor 26 is a transmissive photo sensor that detects the position of the carriage 21, and is provided on the front portion of the carriage 21 and is provided along the guide shaft 18 as the carriage 21 reciprocates. To scan. A plurality of slits having a predetermined width are formed on the scale 27, and when the carriage position sensor 26 scans the scale 27, the carriage 21 detects the displacement amount of the carriage 21 by acquiring an optical signal passing through the slits. Detect the position of.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of the printing apparatus 1.

In the description using FIG. 3, as shown by the arrow, the left side in the drawing is the front side of the printing device 1. Further, in the drawing, the right side is the rear side of the printing device 1. Further, in the drawing, the upper side is the upper side of the printing apparatus 1. Further, in the drawing, the lower side is the lower side of the printing device 1.

As shown in FIG. 3, the printing apparatus 1 includes a front frame 17, a frame member 43 having a main body frame 15, and a cover member 44 covering the frame member 43.

The main body frame 15 includes a base frame 51, a left side frame (not shown), a right side frame 53, an upper frame 54, and a rear frame 56. The base frame 51 is provided below the printing device 1 in the front-rear direction of the printing device 1. The left side frame and the right side frame 53 are raised from the left and right ends of the base frame 51, respectively. The upper frame 54 is attached so as to straddle the upper ends of the left side frame and the right side frame 53. The rear frame 56 is attached so as to straddle the rear ends of the left side frame and the right side frame 53.

The cover member 44 includes a front cover 6, a rear cover 61, an opening / closing lid 9, and a lower cover 62. As described above, the front cover 6 is a cover that covers the printing unit 10. The rear cover 61 is a cover that covers a part of the printing apparatus 1 excluding the printing unit 10 in the left-right direction and a rear portion. The opening / closing lid 9 is a cover that is openably and closably attached to the rear upper end portion of the rear side cover 61 and covers the upper part of the roll paper R. The lower cover 62 is a cover that covers the front, rear, and both left and right sides of the lower portion of the printing apparatus 1.

The printing apparatus 1 includes a cut sheet conveying section 13 in front of the substantially central portion of the printing apparatus 1, and a roll paper conveying section 14 in the rear.

The single-cut paper transport unit 13 includes each part related to the transport of the single-cut paper S, and at least the transport roller 71 described later, the single-cut paper transport motor 131 (FIG. 5) for driving the transport roller 71, and the driven roller 72 (the driven roller 72). Transport section) is included. The cut sheet paper conveying unit 13 may include a lower guide surface 65, an upper guide surface 66, a paper guide member 67, a cut sheet paper insertion port 3, and a cut sheet paper discharge port 4. The roll paper transport section 14 includes each section related to the transport of the roll paper R, and includes at least a transport roller 91, a driven roller 92, a transport roller 93, a driven roller 94, and a roll paper transport motor 141 (FIG. 5) described later. .. The roll paper transport unit 14 may include a roll paper accommodating unit 58, a roll paper holder 88, and a roll paper discharge port 8.

Since the platen 81, which will be described later, is located between the single sheet paper transport unit 13 and the roll paper transport unit 14, it is included in both the single sheet paper transport unit 13 and the roll paper transport unit 14. Further, although it can be said that the transport path 5 is included in the cut sheet paper transport section 13, a part of the transport path 5 can be included in the path in which the roll paper R is transported.

The main body frame 15 is provided with a lower guide surface 65 and a pair of upper and lower paper guide members 67 constituting the upper guide surface 66, and the gap between the lower guide surface 65 and the upper guide surface 66 serves as the above-described transport path 5. It is formed.

The transport path 5 includes an extension path 5a (first path) extending along the horizontal plane HM and an intersection path 5b (second path) extending in a direction intersecting the horizontal plane HM. The extension path 5a is a transfer path from the cut sheet insertion port 3 to the position where the transfer roller 71 or the driven roller 72 is arranged, and includes the first extension path 5aa and the second extension path 5ab. The first extending path 5aa is a path having an inclination in which the position of the cut sheet S is not displaced even when the cut sheet S is not supported. The inclination of the first extending path 5aa is obtained by a preliminary test or simulation, and when the angle parallel to the horizontal eye HM is 0 ° and the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 3 is positive, for example, -15 ° to +15. It is in the range of °. In the present embodiment, the inclination of the first extending path 5aa is set to 0 °. That is, in the present embodiment, the first extending path 5aa is a path extending from the cut sheet S toward the rear of the printing apparatus 1 in parallel with the horizontal plane HM. The second extending path 5ab is a path that curves upward from the rear end of the first extending path 5aa. In the present embodiment, the direction in which the second extending path 5ab extends also corresponds to the direction in which the second extending path 5ab extends along the horizontal plane HM. The crossing path 5b is a path from the position where the transport roller 71 or the driven roller 72 is arranged to the cut sheet paper discharge port 4. The crossing path 5b is a path having an inclination in which the position of the cut sheet S is displaced when the cut sheet S is not supported. The inclination of the intersection path 5b is obtained by a preliminary test or simulation, and when the angle parallel to the horizontal plane HM is 0 ° and the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 3 is positive, for example, in the range of 75 ° to 105 °. be. In the present embodiment, the inclination of the crossing path 5b is 90 °. That is, in the present embodiment, the crossing path 5b is a path extending perpendicular to the horizontal plane HM.

At the upper end of the second extending path 5ab of the transport path 5, the transport roller 71 is arranged on the lower guide surface 65 side, and the driven roller 72 is arranged on the upper guide surface 66 side. The transport roller 71 and the driven roller 72 are arranged so as to face each other. The transfer roller 71 is rotated by being driven by the cut sheet transfer motor 131 (FIG. 5). When the transport roller 71 rotates, the driven roller 72 rotates with the rotation when it moves to the support position I1 (FIG. 4) that supports the cut sheet S, and the transport roller 71 and the driven roller 72 The cut sheet S sandwiched between them is transported in the transport direction HY (FIG. 4). The position of the driven roller 72 will be described in detail later.

As described above, the cut sheet S and the roll paper R are conveyed to the crossing path 5b of the conveying path 5, so that they are common routes. For example, in a state where the roll paper R is set in the roll paper accommodating portion 58, is pulled out from the roll paper accommodating portion 58, and is located at the intersection path 5b, the cut sheet paper S is inserted from the cut sheet paper insertion port 3 and conveyed. In this case, the cut sheet S and the roll paper R overlap on the crossing path 5b. In this case, the printing apparatus 1 can convey the cut sheet S and the roll paper R, respectively.

The carriage 21 of the printing unit 12 is supported by a plurality of guide shafts 74 in addition to the guide shaft 18 so as to be movable in the width direction of the printing device 1. A fall prevention mechanism 77 for preventing the cut sheet S from falling in the movement path of the carriage 21 is attached to the side portion and the upper portion of the carriage 21. The guide shaft 74 is attached to the left side frame 32 and the right side frame 33 so as to extend in the width direction of the printing device 1. The fall prevention mechanism 77 includes a plate-shaped portion 78 that can be projected on the front side of the cut sheet S. The plate-shaped portion 78 is configured to be retractable by swinging from the movement path of the carriage 21 toward the carriage 21.

The print head 22 has a nozzle array in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged in the vertical direction of the printing device 1. The print head 22 is arranged so that the nozzle surface on which the nozzles are arranged faces the intersection path 5b. A platen 81 that defines the printing position of the print head 22 is arranged on the roll paper transport unit 14 so as to face the nozzle surface with the intersection path 5b interposed therebetween. The print head 22 is supplied with ink from an ink cartridge mounted on the ink cartridge accommodating portion 11 in the printing unit 10. In this way, the platen 81 and the print head 22 face each other with the intersection path 5b of the transport path 5 interposed therebetween, and ink is ejected to the roll paper R or the cut sheet S located at the intersection path 5b.

The roll paper transport unit 14 includes a roll paper accommodating unit 58 provided so as to straddle between a pair of left and right side frames (not shown) and a right side frame 53. The roll paper accommodating portion 58 includes a bottom wall 88a, a front wall 88b, and a rear wall 88c. In the roll paper accommodating portion 58, the bottom wall 88a, the front wall 88b, and the rear wall 88c are formed in a substantially semicircular cross section in order to facilitate holding the roll paper R, and the roll paper R is formed on the bottom wall 88a. A roller 89 that rotatably supports is attached. Since the roller 89 can rotate while supporting the weight of the roll paper R from below, the roll paper R is rotatably held, and the roll paper R is ensured to freely roll in the roll paper accommodating portion 58. NS.

A pair of transport rollers 91 and a driven roller 92 are arranged in front of the front wall 88b. The transfer roller 91 is connected to a roll paper transfer motor 141 (FIG. 5) and rotates by being driven by a roll paper transfer motor (not shown). The transport roller 91 and the driven roller 92 sandwich the roll paper R drawn out from the roll paper accommodating portion 58 and rotate by the driving force of the roll paper transport motor to send the roll paper R to the crossing path 5b.

Between the left side frame and the right side frame 53, a pair of transport rollers 93 and a driven roller 94 are arranged to face each other in the vicinity of the roll paper discharge port 8. The transfer roller 93 is connected to the roll paper transfer motor 141 (FIG. 5) and rotates by being driven by the roll paper transfer motor 141 (FIG. 5). The transport roller 93 and the driven roller 94 are located on the downstream side of the crossing path 5b, sandwich the roll paper R printed by the print head 22, and transport the roll paper R to the roll paper discharge port 8. The transfer roller 91 and the transfer roller 93 rotate by transmitting the rotation of the roll paper transfer motor 141 to a drive gear (not shown) formed coaxially with the transfer rollers 91 and 93 via a gear (not shown).

A cutter support member 97 and a cutter blade 98 supported by the cutter support member 97 are arranged in the roll paper discharge port 8. The cutter blade 98 is, for example, a fixed blade having a saw-shaped cutting blade. The tip portion of the roll paper R is conveyed above the roll paper discharge port 8 through between the rear slope 8a forming the rear portion of the roll paper discharge port 8 and the cutter blade 98. The roll paper R is cut by the user grasping the tip portion of the roll paper R discharged from the roll paper discharge port 8 to the outside of the printing apparatus 1 with a hand, a finger, or the like and pressing the tip portion against the cutter blade 98. Further, the left side frame is provided with a roll paper remaining amount sensor 303 (FIG. 5) that detects the remaining amount of the roll paper R in the roll paper accommodating portion 58. Then, the roll paper R of the roll paper accommodating portion 58 is sandwiched between the transfer roller 91 and the driven roller 92, and is conveyed between the platen 81 and the print head 22 by driving the roll paper transfer motor 141. Then, the ink is ejected from the nozzle of the print head 22 while the carriage 21 is reciprocated to perform desired printing on the roll paper R. The roll paper R for which printing has been completed is sandwiched between the transport roller 93 and the driven roller 94 and discharged from the roll paper discharge port 8. The discharged roll paper R is cut at a position desired by the user by being pulled against the cutter blade 98.

Further, a box body 101 is fixed to the lower part of the base frame 51, and a control chamber 41 is provided in the box body 101. The control room 41 includes a printing unit 12, a sheet paper transporting unit 13, and a control board 102 on which control components for controlling the roll paper transporting unit 14 are arranged.

Next, each member arranged in the transport path 5 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing each member arranged in the transport path 5.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the transport path 5, the cut sheet S is conveyed from the cut sheet paper insertion port 3 toward the cut sheet paper discharge port 4. That is, in the transport path 5, the cut sheet S is transported from the first extension path 5aa toward the intersection path 5b via the second extension path 5ab, in other words, in the transfer direction HY.

As shown in FIG. 4, the rear end detection sensor 301 (second detection unit) is arranged in the first extension path 5aa. The rear end detection sensor 301 is arranged on the upstream side in the transport direction HY from the front end detection sensor 302 (first detection unit) described later. The rear end detection sensor 301 is composed of, for example, a transmissive type or a reflective type photo sensor, and detects the upper end JT of the cut sheet S transported in the transport path 5 in a non-contact manner.

On the downstream side of the rear end detection sensor 301 in the transport direction HY, the transport roller 71 and the driven roller 72 are arranged in the second extending path 5ab. As described above, the transport roller 71 is arranged on the lower guide surface 65 side in the second extending path 5ab, and the driven roller 72 is arranged on the upper guide surface 66 side in the second extending path 5ab. The position of the transfer roller 71 is fixed, and the transfer roller 71 is rotated by the power of the cut sheet transfer motor 131 at the fixed position. On the other hand, the driven roller 72 is configured to be movable in the direction Y by the release portion 206 (FIG. 5) which is connected to the second extending path 5ab and is approached or separated from the second extending path 5ab. In the present embodiment, the driven roller 72 has a support position I1 (supporting position) that supports the cut sheet S in the crossing path 5b by the release unit 206, or a retracting position that does not support the cut sheet S in the crossing path 5b. Located at I2. The support position I1 is set by a preliminary test, simulation, or the like, and the cut sheet S is sandwiched between the conveying roller 71 and the driven roller 72, and the position of the cut sheet S is in the direction opposite to the conveying direction HY in the crossing path 5b. This is the position of the driven roller 72 that does not displace. The retracted position I2 is set by a preliminary test, simulation, or the like, and the cut sheet S is not sandwiched between the conveying roller 71 and the driven roller 72, or the position of the cut sheet S is displaced in the direction opposite to the conveying direction HY. This is the position of the driven roller 72. In the present embodiment, the direction Y is the front-rear direction shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, but if the direction is such that the driven roller 72 is moved to the support position I1 or the retracted position I2, the front-back direction is the same. It does not have to be the direction.

As shown in FIG. 4, a front end detection sensor 302 is arranged on the crossing path 5b on the downstream side of the transport roller 71 and the driven roller 72 in the transport direction HY. The front end detection sensor 302 is composed of, for example, a transmissive type or a photo sensor on the reflection side, and detects the presence or absence of the cut sheet S in the crossing path 5b in a non-contact manner. Further, the front end detection sensor 302 detects the lower end KT of the cut sheet S conveyed in the transfer path 5.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a printing unit 12 is arranged on the downstream side of the front end detection sensor 302 in the transport direction HY so that the nozzle surface of the print head 22 faces the crossing path 5b in the crossing path 5b. NS.

Next, the functional configuration of the printing apparatus 1 will be described.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of the printing apparatus 1.

As shown in FIG. 5, the printing device 1 includes a control unit 200, a storage unit 201, an input unit 202, a display unit 203, a communication unit 204, a sensor unit 205, a printing unit 12, and a cut sheet. A transport unit 13, a roll paper transport unit 14, and a release unit 206 are provided.

The control unit 200 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, ASIC, signal processing circuit, and the like, and controls each unit of the printing device 1. In the control unit 200, for example, the CPU reads the program stored in the ROM or the storage unit 201 described later into the RAM and executes the process, and also executes the process by the function implemented in the ASIC, for example. The processing is executed by hardware and software, such as performing signal processing in the signal processing circuit and executing the processing.

The storage unit 201 includes a hard disk and a non-volatile memory such as EEPROM, and stores various data in a rewritable manner.

The input unit 202 includes input means such as an operation panel 7 provided in the printing device 1, detects an operation on the user's input means, and outputs the operation to the control unit 200. The control unit 200 executes a process corresponding to an operation on the input means based on the input from the input unit 202.

The display unit 203 includes a plurality of LEDs, a display panel, and the like, and under the control of the control unit 200, turns on / off the LEDs in a predetermined mode, displays information on the display panel, and the like.

The communication unit 204 communicates with an external device such as a POS terminal (not shown) under the control of the control unit 200 according to a predetermined communication standard.

The sensor unit 205 includes various sensors such as a front end detection sensor 302, a rear end detection sensor 301, a carriage position sensor 26, a roll paper remaining amount sensor 303, and a cover open / close sensor 304, and controls the detection result detected by each sensor. Output to 200. The front end detection sensor 302 detects the presence or absence of the cut sheet S in the crossing path 5b, or detects the lower end KT of the cut sheet S, and outputs the detection result to the control unit 200. The rear end detection sensor 301 detects the upper end JT of the cut sheet S and outputs the detection result to the control unit 200. The carriage position sensor 26 detects the position of the carriage 21 based on the optical signal passing through the slit of the scale 27, and outputs the detection result to the control unit 200. The roll paper remaining amount sensor 303 detects, for example, the outer diameter of the roll paper R, and outputs the detection result to the control unit 200. The cover open / close sensor 304 detects the open / closed state of the front cover 6 and the open / close lid 9, and outputs the detection result to the control unit 200. The cover open / close sensor 304 is composed of, for example, a switch-type sensor that turns on and off corresponding to each of the open state and the closed state, and the control unit 200 receives a detection value corresponding to each of the open state and the closed state as a detection result. Output.

The printing unit 12 includes a guide shaft 18, a carriage 21, a print head 22, a carriage drive motor (not shown) for driving the carriage 21, a timing belt (not shown), a carriage position sensor 26, a scale 27, and other printing-related parts. Is provided, and printing is executed on the cut sheet S or the roll sheet R according to the control of the control unit 200.

The single-cut paper transport unit 13 includes a transport roller 71, a driven roller 72, and a section related to transporting the single-cut paper S such as the single-cut paper transport motor 131, and transports the single-cut paper S under the control of the control unit 200. Transport on route 5.

The roll paper transport unit 14 includes a transport roller 91, a driven roller 92, a transport roller 93, a driven roller 94, and a roll paper transport motor 141 and other parts related to transporting the roll paper R, and rolls according to the control of the control unit 200. Paper R is conveyed.

The release unit 206 includes, for example, a gear for moving the driven roller 72 in the direction Y and parts related to the movement of the driven roller 72 such as a gear motor for rotating the gear, and supports the driven roller 72 under the control of the control unit 200. Move to either position I1 or retracted position I2.

Next, the basic operation of the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment will be described.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the basic operation of the printing device 1.

At the start time of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, it is assumed that there is no cut sheet S in the transport path 5.

Further, at the start of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, it is assumed that the position of the driven roller 72 is located at the retracted position I2.

The control unit 200 of the printing device 1 determines whether or not the lower end portion KT of the cut sheet S is detected by the front edge detection sensor 302 (step SA1). For example, it is assumed that the cut sheet S is inserted from the cut sheet insertion slot 3 by the user, and the lower end KT of the cut sheet S is positioned up to the front end detection sensor 302. In this case, by outputting to the control unit 200 a detection value different from the case where the cut sheet S is not located at the position of the front end detection sensor 302, the control unit 200 uses the front end detection sensor 302 to output the lower end portion KT of the cut sheet S. Is detected (step SA1: YES).

When the control unit 200 determines that the lower end KT of the cut sheet S is not detected by the front end detection sensor 302 (step SA1: NO), the process returns to step SA1, and the front end detection sensor 302 returns the lower end of the cut sheet S. The determination of whether or not the part KT is detected is continued.

On the other hand, when the control unit 200 determines that the lower end portion KT of the cut sheet S has been detected by the front end detection sensor 302 (step SA1: YES), the release unit 206 moves the driven roller 72 from the retracted position I2 to the support position I1. (Step SA2). That is, in step SA2, the control unit 200 sandwiches the cut sheet S between the transport roller 71 and the driven roller 72, and supports the cut sheet S by the driven roller 72.

Next, when the control unit 200 moves the driven roller 72 to the support position I1, it controls the cut sheet transfer motor 131 to rotate the transfer roller 71, and the transfer roller 71 and the driven roller 72 control the sheet paper. Printing is executed by the printing unit 12 while conveying S in the conveying direction HY (step SA3).

Next, the control unit 200 determines whether or not the upper end JT of the cut sheet S is detected by the rear end detection sensor 301 (step SA4). For example, the cut sheet S is inserted by the user through the cut sheet insertion slot 3, the lower end KT of the cut sheet S is detected by the front end detection sensor 302, and then the upper end JT of the cut sheet S is detected at the rear end. It is assumed that it is located on the downstream side of the sensor 301. In this case, by outputting to the control unit 200 a detection value different from the case where the cut sheet S is located at the position of the rear end detection sensor 301, the control unit 200 uses the rear end detection sensor 301 to output the upper end of the cut sheet S. It is determined that the part JT has been detected (step SA4: YES).

When the control unit 200 determines that the upper end JT of the cut sheet S is not detected by the rear end detection sensor 301 (step SA1: NO), the process returns to step SA3.

On the other hand, when the control unit 200 determines that the upper end JT of the cut sheet S has been detected by the rear end detection sensor 301 (step SA4: YES), after making the determination, the transfer roller 71 and the driven roller 72 determine that the upper end JT of the cut sheet S has been detected. , It is determined whether or not a predetermined amount of the cut sheet S has been conveyed (step SA5). Here, the predetermined amount of the cut sheet is from the position of the rear end detection sensor 301 to the position of the upper end JT of the cut sheet S on the downstream side of the conveying roller 71 and the driven roller 72 in the conveying direction HY. This is the amount of S transported. In other words, the predetermined amount here is the amount of the cut sheet S conveyed from the position of the rear end detection sensor 301 to the position where the cut sheet S is not sandwiched between the conveying roller 71 and the driven roller 72. This predetermined amount is preset by a preliminary test, simulation, or the like. For example, the control unit 200 stores information indicating the number of steps of the cut sheet transfer motor 131 corresponding to a predetermined amount in advance by the storage unit 201 or the like, and drives the cut sheet transfer motor 131 by the number of stored steps. The determination in step SA5 is executed based on whether or not the determination is made.

When the control unit 200 determines that the transfer roller 71 and the driven roller 72 have conveyed a predetermined amount of the cut sheet S (step SA5: YES), the control unit 200 conveys the cut sheet S by the transfer roller 71 and the driven roller 72. , And the printing by the printing unit 12 is completed (step SA6). In step SA5, the driven roller 72 is located at the support position I1. Further, after the printing is completed, the carriage 21 is located at the home position where maintenance such as cleaning is performed, which is located on either the left or right side of the printing device 1.

When the control unit 200 finishes conveying the cut sheet S and printing by the printing unit 12, the control unit 200 shifts the operation mode of the printing device 1 from the normal mode to the standby mode (step SA7). In the present embodiment, the normal mode is an operation mode in which printing can be executed on the cut sheet S. Further, in the present embodiment, the standby mode means that at least the driving of the transport roller 71 and the printing by the printing unit 12 are restricted until the cut sheet S for which the transport and printing have been completed is taken out from the intersection path 5b by the user. This is the mode to be printed. In this way, in order to shift to the standby mode, the control unit 200 transports and prints the newly inserted cut sheet S even though the cut sheet S has not been taken out from the crossing path 5b. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation in which the cut sheet paper ejection port 4 is clogged.

When the operation mode of the printing device 1 is shifted to the standby mode, the control unit 200 determines whether or not the cut sheet S for which printing has been completed has been taken out by the user from the intersection path 5b (step SA8). For example, when the control unit 200 shifts the operation mode of the printing device 1 to the standby mode and then detects that there is no cut sheet S in the crossing path 5b by the front end detection sensor 302, the cutting sheet S is the crossing path. It is determined that it has been taken out by the user from 5b (step SA8: YES). On the other hand, when the control unit 200 shifts the operation mode of the printing device 1 to the standby mode and then detects that the cut sheet S is present in the crossing path 5b by the front end detection sensor 302, the cutting sheet S is crossed. It is determined that the user has not taken out from 5b (step SA8: NO).

When the control unit 200 determines that the cut sheet S has been taken out from the intersection path 5b (step SA8: YES), the release unit 206 moves the driven roller 72 to the retracted position I2 (step SA9), and the printing device 1 The operation mode of is shifted to the normal mode (step SA10).

On the other hand, when the control unit 200 determines that the cut sheet S has not been taken out from the crossing path 5b (step SA8: NO), the driven roller 72 is maintained at the support position I1 (step SA11), and the process is performed in step SA8. Return to.

As described above, the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment shifts to the standby mode when the rear end detection sensor 301 detects the upper end JT of the cut sheet S and then conveys a predetermined amount of the cut sheet S. Then, when the control unit 200 determines that the cut sheet S has been taken out from the crossing path 5b, it moves the driven roller 72 to the evacuation position I2 and determines that the cutting sheet S has not been taken out from the crossing path 5b. In this case, the driven roller 72 is maintained at the support position I1.

However, the printing apparatus 1 having such a configuration has the following problems.

FIG. 7A is a schematic view showing a state of the cut sheet S when the printing apparatus 1 is in the standby mode.

In FIG. 7A, the same parts as those in FIG. 4 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. Further, in FIG. 7A, it is assumed that the upper, lower, front, and rear parts are the same as those shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 7A, when the printing apparatus 1 is in the standby mode, the cut sheet S is located above the conveying roller 71 and the driven roller 72 in the crossing path 5b. Further, as shown in FIG. 7A, since the driven roller 72 is located at the support position I1, the cut sheet S is prevented from falling downward in the transport path 5 by the transport roller 71 and the driven roller 72. ing. In this embodiment, the transfer roller 71 and the driven roller 72 are not sandwiched, and as shown in FIG. 7A, the transfer roller 71 and the driven roller 72 may position the cut sheet S in the crossing path 5b. , Corresponds to the support of the cut sheet S.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7A, when the printing apparatus 1 is in the standby mode, the lower end portion KT of the cut sheet S is located above the cut sheet discharge port 4. As a result, the user can take out the cut sheet S from the crossing path 5b by grasping the lower end portion KT located above the cut sheet paper discharge port 4 with his / her hand or finger.

However, depending on the transport mode of the cut sheet S, the cut sheet S may be sandwiched between the transport roller 71 and the driven roller 72 even when the printing device 1 is in the standby mode. In this case, as a transport mode of the cut sheet S, the cut sheet S is inserted diagonally with respect to the transport direction HY, and the cut sheet S is conveyed in the transport path 5 while remaining diagonal. As described above, in the present embodiment, after the rear end detection sensor 301 detects the upper end JT of the cut sheet S as a trigger for the end of transport and printing, a predetermined amount of the cut sheet S is set to the transport direction HY. It is supposed to have been transported. Therefore, when the cut sheet S is conveyed diagonally, even when the cut sheet S is conveyed by a predetermined amount, the cut sheet S is sandwiched between the conveying roller 71 and the driven roller 72, and the cut sheet S is conveyed and printed. May end. In particular, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cut sheet paper insertion port 3, the cut sheet paper discharge port 4, and the transport path 5 open the left side surface of the main body case 2. It is formed so that the cut sheet S, which is wider than the cut sheet insertion port 3, the cut sheet discharge port 4, and the transport path 5, can be conveyed. Therefore, in the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, when the user inserts the cut sheet S diagonally, it is highly probable that the cut sheet S will be conveyed in the slanted state, and the cut sheet S will be conveyed even though the transfer and printing are completed. A situation in which the roller 71 and the driven roller 72 sandwich the cut sheet S is likely to occur.

When the user pulls the cut sheet S and tries to take out the cut sheet S from the crossing path 5b while the conveying roller 71 and the driven roller 72 sandwich the cut sheet S in this way, the cut sheet S is taken out. May be damaged.

Therefore, in order to avoid the occurrence of such a situation, the printing device 1 promptly moves the driven roller 72 to the retracted position I2 after the printing of the cut sheet S is completed, and the support of the cut sheet S is released. Can be considered. However, such a configuration leads to the state of the cut sheet S shown in FIG. 7B.

FIG. 7B is a schematic view showing the state of the cut sheet S.

In FIG. 7B, the same parts as those in FIG. 7A are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. Further, in FIG. 7B, each of the upper, lower, front, and rear is the same as each shown in FIG. 7A.

As shown in FIG. 7B, when the driven roller 72 moves to the retracted position I2 after printing is completed, the cut sheet S is not supported by the driven roller 72 at the crossing path 5b and falls downward. Here, if the length of the cut sheet S in the transport direction HY is shorter than the length from the cut sheet discharge port 4 to the first extending path 5aa, as shown in FIG. 7B, all of the cut sheet S Since it is located in the transport path 5, the upper end JT of the cut sheet S is not located above the cut sheet discharge port 4. That is, the user cannot easily take out the cut sheet S from the crossing path 5b.

Therefore, in the printing apparatus 1 having such a configuration, it is desired to eliminate the support of the cut sheet S by the driven roller 72 at an appropriate timing.

Therefore, the printing device 1 of the present embodiment executes the following operations.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment.

At the start of the flowchart shown in FIG. 8, it is assumed that there is no cut sheet S in the transport path 5.

Further, at the start of the flowchart shown in FIG. 8, it is assumed that the driven roller 72 is located at the retracted position I2.

Further, it is assumed that the front cover 6 is in the closed state at the start of the flowchart shown in FIG.

The control unit 200 of the printing device 1 determines whether or not the lower end portion KT of the cut sheet S is detected by the front end detection sensor 302 (step SB1). As described in the process of step SA1, the control unit 200 executes the determination of step SB1 based on the detection value output by the front end detection sensor 302.

Next, when the control unit 200 determines that the lower end portion KT of the cut sheet S has been detected by the front end detection sensor 302 (step SB1: YES), the release unit 206 moves the driven roller 72 from the retracted position I2 to the support position I1. (Step SB2). That is, in step SB2, the control unit 200 sandwiches the cut sheet S between the transport roller 71 and the driven roller 72, and supports the cut sheet S by the driven roller 72.

Next, when the control unit 200 moves the driven roller 72 to the support position I1, it controls the cut sheet transfer motor 131 to rotate the transfer roller 71, and the transfer roller 71 and the driven roller 72 control the sheet paper. Printing is executed by the printing unit 12 while conveying S in the conveying direction HY (step SB3).

Next, the control unit 200 determines whether or not the front cover 6 has shifted from the closed state to the open state based on the detection of the cover open / close sensor 304 (step SB4).

When the control unit 200 determines that the front cover 6 has changed from the closed state to the open state (step SB4: YES), the control unit 200 stops the transfer of the cut sheet S in the transfer path 5 and the printing by the printing unit 12 (step SB4: YES). Step SB5), the driven roller 72 is maintained at the support position I1 (step SB6). When the driven roller 72 is maintained at the support position I1, the control unit 200 determines whether or not the front cover 6 has shifted from the open state to the closed state based on the detection of the cover open / close sensor 304 (step SB7).

When the control unit 200 determines that the front cover 6 has not been shifted from the open state to the closed state (step SB7: NO), the control unit 200 returns the process to step SB7. On the other hand, when the control unit 200 determines that the front cover 6 has shifted from the open state to the closed state (step SB7: YES), the process returns to step SB4.

As described above, as a mode in which the front cover 6 is changed from the closed state to the open state by the user's operation during printing, the ink cartridge may be replaced when the ink runs out. The printing device 1 stops printing when the ink runs out, and executes printing again when the user replaces the ink cartridge. Therefore, if the position of the cut sheet S is displaced in the transport path 5 during the replacement of the ink cartridge, the position where printing is restarted may be displaced, and the print quality may be deteriorated. In particular, in the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, since the print head 22 is arranged on the crossing path 5b, the position of the cut sheet S is likely to be displaced when the support of the cut sheet S is released. Therefore, as described above, the control unit 200 maintains the driven roller 72 at the support position I1 when the front cover 6 is shifted from the closed state to the open state by the user's operation during printing execution. As a result, the control unit 200 can prevent the printing position from shifting before the printing is completed. In particular, the control unit 200 can prevent the print position from shifting even when the ink cartridge needs to be replaced during printing, so that the print quality can be prevented from deteriorating due to the shift in the print position. ..

Returning to the description of step SB4 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 8, when the control unit 200 determines that the front cover 6 has not been shifted from the closed state to the open state (step SB4: NO), the rear end detection sensor 301 simply determines that the front cover 6 has not been changed to the open state. It is determined whether or not the upper end JT of the paper sheet S is detected (step SB8). The control unit 200 executes the determination in step SB8 based on the detection value output by the rear end detection sensor 301, as described in the process of step SA4.

When the control unit 200 determines that the upper end JT of the cut sheet S has not been detected by the rear end detection sensor 301 (step SB8: NO), the control unit 200 returns the process to step SB3. On the other hand, when the control unit 200 determines that the upper end JT of the cut sheet S has been detected by the rear end detection sensor 301 (step SB8: YES), after the determination, the transfer roller 71 and the driven roller 72 determine that the upper end JT of the cut sheet S has been detected. , It is determined whether or not a predetermined amount of the cut sheet S has been conveyed (step SB9). Similar to the predetermined amount described above, the predetermined amount here is such that the upper end JT of the cut sheet S is located downstream of the transfer roller 71 and the driven roller 72 in the transfer direction HY from the position of the rear end detection sensor 301. It is the amount of the cut sheet S transported until it is positioned.

When the control unit 200 determines that the transfer roller 71 and the driven roller 72 have conveyed a predetermined amount of the cut sheet S (step SB9: YES), the control roller 71 and the driven roller 72 transfer the cut sheet S. , And the printing by the printing unit 12 is completed (step SB10). At the time of step SB10, the driven roller 72 is located at the support position I1. Further, after the printing is completed, the carriage 21 is located at the home position located on either the left or right side of the printing device 1.

When the control unit 200 finishes conveying the cut sheet S and printing by the printing unit 12, the control unit 200 shifts the operation mode of the printing device 1 from the normal mode to the standby mode (step SB11). As described above, when the control unit 200 finishes the transport of the cut sheet S and the printing by the printing unit 12, the operation mode of the printing device 1 shifts to the standby mode, so that the same effect as the above-described effect is obtained. ..

When the operation mode of the printing device 1 is shifted to the standby mode, the control unit 200 determines whether or not the cut sheet S for which printing has been completed has been taken out by the user from the intersection path 5b (step SB12). As described in the process of step SA8, the control unit 200 executes the determination of step SB12 based on the detection value output by the front end detection sensor 302.

When the control unit 200 determines that the cut sheet S has been taken out from the intersection path 5b (step SB12: YES), the release unit 206 moves the driven roller 72 to the retracted position I2 (step SB13), and the printing device 1 The operation mode of is shifted to the normal mode (step SB14).

In this way, when the control unit 200 determines that the cut sheet S has been taken out from the intersection path 5b, the control roller 72 moves the driven roller 72 to the retracted position I2, so that a new cut sheet S is inserted into the cut sheet insertion port 3. Even when inserted from, the newly inserted cut sheet S can be reliably supported by the driven roller 72. Further, in order to shift the operation mode of the printing device 1 from the standby mode to the normal mode after moving the driven roller 72 to the retracted position I2, the control unit 200 promptly inserts the sheet paper S into the newly inserted sheet paper S. You can print.

Returning to the description of step SB12, when the control unit 200 determines that the cut sheet S has not been taken out from the intersection path 5b (step SA8: NO), the control unit 200 is based on the detection value input from the cover open / close sensor 304. It is determined whether or not the front cover 6 has been changed from the closed state to the open state (step SB15).

When the control unit 200 determines that the front cover 6 has not been shifted to the open state (step SB15: NO), the process returns to step SB12, and whether or not the cut sheet S is taken out from the crossing path 5b again. To determine.

On the other hand, when the control unit 200 determines that the front cover 6 has been shifted to the open state (step SB15: YES), the control unit 200 determines whether or not a predetermined period has elapsed since the front cover 6 was shifted to the open state (step SB15: YES). Step SB16). For example, the control unit 200 monitors the passage of a predetermined period by a timer or the like (not shown), triggered by the shift of the front cover 6 to the open state.

Here, the predetermined period is determined based on the following viewpoints. That is, for a predetermined period of time, at least after the user shifts the front cover 6 to the open state, a part of the cut sheet S located above the cut sheet discharge port 4 is supported by a hand, a finger, or the like. It's a sufficient period. This predetermined period is predetermined by a preliminary test, simulation, or the like.

When the control unit 200 determines that a predetermined period has not elapsed since the front cover 6 was moved to the open state (step SB16: NO), the process returns to step SB16 and the monitoring of the elapse of the predetermined period is continued. do. On the other hand, when the control unit 200 determines that a predetermined period has elapsed since the front cover 6 was moved to the open state (step SB16: YES), the release unit 206 moves the driven roller 72 to the retracted position I2 (step SB16: YES). Step SB17). That is, the control unit 200 cancels the support of the cut sheet S by the driven roller 72.

In this way, the control unit 200 detects that the cut sheet S is present by the front end detection sensor 302 after the printing unit 12 finishes printing on the cut sheet S, and the front cover 6 shifts to the open state. If so, the driven roller 72 is moved to the retracted position I2. As described above, the state of the front cover 6 is changed to the closed state or the open state by the operation of the user. Here, for example, a manual or the like of the printing apparatus 1 describes a content such as "If the cut sheet S is difficult to remove, it can be easily taken out by opening the front cover 6", and the user can take out the content. The user is likely to intentionally shift the front cover 6 to the open state. That is, it is highly probable that the timing at which the front cover 6 is shifted to the open state is the timing at which the user intentionally cancels the support of the cut sheet S. Therefore, since the control unit 200 moves the driven roller 72 to the retracted position I2 in the above-mentioned case, it is highly probable that the support of the cut sheet S will be released at the timing intended by the user. Therefore, since it is highly probable that the timing is intended by the user, the control unit 200 can reduce the drop of the cut sheet S below the crossing path 5b due to the elimination. That is, the control unit 200 can reduce the occurrence of a situation in which the user cannot easily take out the cut sheet S from the transport path 5. From the above, the control unit 200 detects that the cut sheet S is present by the front end detection sensor 302 after the printing by the printing unit 12 is completed on the cut sheet S, and the front cover 6 is moved to the open state. In this case, by moving the driven roller 72 to the retracted position I2, the support of the cut sheet S can be eliminated at an appropriate timing.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, when the front cover 6 is in the open state, the inside of the main body case 2 is exposed, and the opening formed between the upper connecting frame 36 and the cut sheet paper discharge port 4 is exposed. .. When printing is completed, the carriage 21 equipped with the print head 22 is located at the home position located on either the left or right side of the printing device 1. Therefore, even if the support of the cut sheet S is canceled and the position of the cut sheet S falls below the intersection path 5b, the user can touch the cut sheet S from the opening. Even in this case, the cut sheet S can be taken out from the printing apparatus 1.

Further, the control unit 200 moves the driven roller 72 to the retracted position I2 after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the front cover 6 was moved to the open state. As a result, the control unit 200 can secure a period for supporting the cut sheet S with a hand, a finger, or the like after the front cover 6 is opened to the user. Therefore, the control unit 200 can reduce the drop of the cut sheet S below the crossing path 5b after the support of the cut sheet S by the driven roller 72 is released. Therefore, the user can easily take out the cut sheet S from the transport path 5.

As described above, when the length of the cut sheet S in the transport direction HY is shorter than the length from the cut sheet discharge port 4 to the first extension path 5aa, the state of the cut sheet S as shown in FIG. 7B is obtained. It is easy to invite, and a situation in which the user cannot easily take out the cut sheet S is likely to occur. However, the control unit 200 moves the driven roller 72 to the retracted position I2 in the above-mentioned case, and in order to eliminate the support of the cut sheet S, the cut sheet S conveyed in the conveying path 5 has the above-mentioned length. Even with the single sheet S, the occurrence of the state of the single sheet S as shown in FIG. 7B can be reduced. That is, the control unit 200 can reduce the occurrence of a situation in which the user cannot easily take out the cut sheet S from the transport path 5.

Further, as described above, in the present embodiment, after the rear end detection sensor 301 detects the upper end JT of the cut sheet S as a trigger for the end of transport and printing, a predetermined amount of the cut sheet S is conveyed in the transport direction. It is supposed to have been transported to HY. Therefore, when the cut sheet S is conveyed diagonally, even when the cut sheet S is conveyed by a predetermined amount, the cut sheet S is sandwiched between the conveying roller 71 and the driven roller 72, and the cut sheet S is conveyed and printed. May end. However, in the present embodiment, after the printing by the printing unit 12 is completed, the driven roller 72 is moved to the retracted position I2 triggered by the transition of the front cover 6 to the open state, which is caused by the transport mode of the cut sheet S. Then, even when the cut sheet S is supported by the driven roller 72 after the printing is completed, the user can easily perform the single sheet S from the transport path 5 without affecting the cut sheet S. The slip sheet S can be taken out.

Returning to the description of the flowchart shown in FIG. 8, when the driven roller 72 is moved to the retracted position I2, the control unit 200 determines whether or not the front cover 6 has been shifted from the open state to the closed state (step SB18). When the control unit 200 determines that the front cover 6 has shifted from the open state to the closed state (step SB18: YES), the control unit 200 shifts the operation mode of the printing device 1 from the standby mode to the normal mode (step SB19). As a result, even when a new cut sheet S is inserted from the cut sheet insertion port 3, the control unit 200 can reliably support the newly inserted cut sheet S by the driven roller 72 and quickly. In addition, printing can be executed on the newly inserted cut sheet S.

As described above, the printing apparatus 1 includes an extension path 5a (first path) extending along the horizontal plane HM (horizontal plane) and an intersection path 5b (second path) extending in a direction intersecting the horizontal plane HM. The driven roller 72 (conveying unit) that supports and conveys the cut sheet S (printing medium) in the transport path 5 having the ), The printing unit 12 that executes printing on the cut sheet S, the openable front side cover 6 (cover) that covers the printing unit 12, and the cut sheet paper by the front edge detection sensor 302 after the printing by the printing unit 12 is completed. When S is detected and the front cover 6 is moved to the open state, the control unit 200 is provided to move the driven roller 72 to the retracted position I2 which does not support the cut sheet S.

According to this configuration, since the opening and closing of the front cover 6 is based on the user's operation, it is highly probable that the timing for releasing the support of the cut sheet S is the timing intended by the user, and the user conveys the cut sheet S. The occurrence of a situation in which the paper cannot be easily taken out from the route 5 is reduced. Therefore, the control unit 200 can eliminate the support of the cut sheet S in the crossing path 5b at an appropriate timing.

Further, when the cut sheet S is detected by the front edge detection sensor 302 after the printing by the printing unit 12 is completed and the front cover 6 is shifted to the open state, the control unit 200 is driven after a lapse of a predetermined period. The roller 72 is moved to the retracted position I2.

According to this configuration, since the driven roller 72 is moved to the retracted position I2 after the elapse of a predetermined period, a period for the user to support the cut sheet S can be secured, and the support of the cut sheet S by the driven roller 72 is eliminated. Even if this is done, it is possible to reduce the displacement of the position of the cut sheet S in the crossing path 5b. Therefore, the user can easily take out the cut sheet S from the transport path 5.

Further, the front end detection sensor 302 detects the lower end portion KT of the cut sheet S. When the lower end portion KT is detected by the front end detection sensor 302, the control unit 200 moves the driven roller 72 to the support position I1 (supporting position) of the cut sheet S, and the printing unit 12 executes printing.

According to this configuration, even when printing is executed while the cut sheet S is supported by the driven roller 72, the cut sheet S is detected by the front edge detection sensor 302 after the printing by the printing unit 12 is completed, and the cut sheet S is detected on the front side. When the cover 6 is moved to the open state, the driven roller 72 is moved to the retracted position I2, so that the user can easily take out the cut sheet S from the crossing path 5b.

Further, the control unit 200 maintains the driven roller 72 at the support position I1 of the cut sheet S when the front cover 6 is moved to the open state before the printing by the printing unit 12 is completed.

According to this configuration, when the front cover 6 is moved to the open state before the printing by the printing unit 12 is completed, the driven roller 72 maintains the cut sheet S at the support position I1, so that the printing is completed. It is possible to prevent the printing position from shifting before printing.

Further, the printing device 1 includes a rear end detection sensor 301 (second detection unit) arranged on the upstream side of the cut sheet S in the transport direction HY from the front end detection sensor 302. The rear end detection sensor 301 detects the upper end JT of the cut sheet S. After the upper end JT is detected by the rear end detection sensor 301, the control unit 200 conveys a predetermined amount by the driven roller 72, and then finishes printing by the printing unit 12.

As described above, in the present embodiment, after the rear end detection sensor 301 detects the upper end JT of the cut sheet S as a trigger for the end of transport and printing, a predetermined amount of the cut sheet S is set to the transport direction HY. It is supposed to have been transported. Therefore, when the cut sheet S is conveyed diagonally, even when the cut sheet S is conveyed by a predetermined amount, the cut sheet S is sandwiched between the conveying roller 71 and the driven roller 72, and the cut sheet S is conveyed and printed. May end. Therefore, in the present embodiment, even when the cut sheet S is supported by the driven roller 72 due to the transport mode of the cut sheet S, the front cover 6 is opened after the printing by the printing unit 12 is completed. The shift is used as a trigger to move the driven roller 72 to the retracted position I2. Therefore, even if the cut sheet S is still supported by the driven roller 72 at the end of printing, the user can easily take the cut sheet S from the transport path 5 without affecting the cut sheet S. Can be taken out.

Further, the control unit 200 moves the driven roller 72 to the retracted position I2 when the cut sheet S is no longer detected by the front edge detection sensor 302 after the printing by the printing unit 12 is completed.

According to this configuration, when the cut sheet S is no longer detected in the crossing path 5b, the driven roller 72 is moved to the retracted position I2, so that when the cut sheet S is conveyed again in the conveying path 5, the cut sheet S is surely conveyed. Can support the cut sheet S.

Further, the printing device 1 includes a cut sheet paper discharge port 4 (discharge port) for discharging the cut sheet paper S. The length of the cut sheet S in the transport direction HY is shorter than the length from the cut sheet discharge port 4 to the first extending path 5aa.

According to this configuration, even if the cut sheet S conveyed in the transport path 5 is the cut sheet S that tends to cause the state of the cut sheet S as shown in FIG. 7B, the user can use the cut sheet S. It is possible to reduce the occurrence of a situation in which the paper cannot be easily taken out from the transport path 5.

<Modification example>
Next, a modified example will be described.

In the modified example, the state of the cut sheet S shown in FIG. 9 is illustrated.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the state of the cut sheet S.

In FIG. 9, the same parts as those in FIGS. 4, 7A, and 7B are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 9, the upper, lower, front, and rear are the same as those in FIGS. 7A and 7B, respectively.

FIG. 9 shows a state in which the cut sheet S1 (printing medium) is located at the crossing path 5b and the cut sheet S2 (printing medium) is located at the first extending path 5aa in the transport path 5. .. More specifically, in FIG. 9, at least the cut sheet S2 inserted after the cut sheet S1 is located in the detection range KH in which the front end detection sensor 302 detects the presence or absence of the cut sheet S in the intersection path 5b. In addition, the state in which the cut sheet S1 is located on the downstream side of the lower end portion KT of the cut sheet S2 in the transport direction HY is shown.

Such a state may occur when the user inserts the cut sheet S1 through the cut sheet insertion slot 3 and then the cut sheet S2 is subsequently inserted through the cut sheet insertion slot 3. More specifically, the lower end KT of the cut sheet S1 is detected by the rear end detection sensor 301, and the lower end KT of the cut sheet S2 is inserted while the cut sheet S is being conveyed by a predetermined amount. It may occur when the lower end KT is pulled into the transport roller 71 and the driven roller 72.

In the state of FIG. 9, since printing has been completed for the cut sheet S1, the user supports the lower end KT of the cut sheet S1 and takes it out from the intersection path 5b to appropriately process it. Can be obtained from the cut sheet S1 in which the above is performed. However, the control unit 200 of the printing device 1 does not print on the cut sheet S2 even if the cut sheet S1 is taken out. This is because the printing device 1 shifts to the standby mode after the predetermined amount of the cut sheet S1 is conveyed, and the front edge detection sensor 302 detects the cut sheet S2, so that the standby mode cannot be shifted to the normal mode. Is. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, when the cut sheet S2 is located in the detection range KH of the front edge detection sensor 302, the printing device 1 cannot shift to the normal mode even if the cut sheet S1 is taken out by the user. Printing cannot be executed on the cut sheet S2.

Here, in the case shown in FIG. 9, printing on the cut sheet S2 is possible by taking out the cut sheet S2 from the transport path 5 and inserting it again from the cut sheet insertion slot 3. However, the cut sheet S2 is sandwiched between the transfer roller 71 and the transfer roller 71. Therefore, when the user pulls the upper end JT of the cut sheet S2 and tries to take out the cut sheet S2 from the first extending path 5aa, the cut sheet S2 may be damaged or the like may occur.

Therefore, the control unit 200 of the printing device 1 is driven when the cut sheet S2 is detected by the rear end detection sensor 301 and the front cover 6 shifts to the open state after printing on the cut sheet S1 is completed. The roller 72 is moved to the retracted position I2. In particular, the control unit 200 moves the driven roller 72 to the retracted position I2 before the above-mentioned predetermined period elapses.

As a result, even when the state shown in FIG. 9 occurs, the user can take out the cut sheet S2 from the transport path 5 without affecting the cut sheet S2. In particular, since the control unit 200 moves the driven roller 72 to the evacuation position I2 before the lapse of a predetermined period, it does not give the user an unnecessary waiting time when taking out the cut sheet S2.

As described above, in the modified example, after the printing by the printing unit 12 is completed, the cut sheet S is detected by the front end detection sensor 302, and the front cover 6 is moved to the open state. In this case, after the lapse of a predetermined period, the driven roller 72 is moved to the retracted position I2. Further, when the cut sheet S is detected by the rear end detection sensor 301 after the printing by the printing unit 12 is completed and the front cover 6 is shifted to the open state, the control unit 200 has before the elapse of a predetermined period. , The driven roller 72 is moved to the retracted position I2.

According to this configuration, when the cut sheet S is on the crossing path 5b, the user moves the cut sheet S from the first extending path 5aa in order to move the driven roller 72 to the evacuation position I2 after the elapse of a predetermined period. It can be easily taken out. Further, when the cut sheet S is in the first extension path 5aa, the driven roller 72 is moved to the evacuation position I2 after the elapse of a predetermined period, so that the user has to wait an unnecessary waiting time when taking out the cut sheet S. The user can take out the cut sheet S from the first extension path 5aa without giving to.

It should be noted that the above-described embodiment shows only one aspect of the present invention, and can be arbitrarily modified and applied within the scope of the present invention.

Further, for example, when the control method of the printing device 1 described above is realized by using a computer included in the printing device 1, the present invention is a program executed by the computer to realize the control method. It can also be configured in the form of a recording medium readable by a computer or a transmission medium for transmitting this program. As the recording medium, a magnetic or optical recording medium or a semiconductor memory device can be used. Specifically, flexible disks, HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), CD-ROMs (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), DVDs (Digital Versatile Disks), Blu-ray (registered trademark) Discs, optical magnetic disks, flash memories, cards. Examples include portable or fixed recording media such as type recording media. Further, the recording medium may be a non-volatile storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or an HDD, which is an internal storage device included in the printing device 1.

Further, the functional blocks described with reference to FIG. 5 are schematic views showing the functional configurations of the respective devices classified according to the main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention. The configuration of each device can be further classified into more components according to the processing content. It can also be categorized so that one component performs more processing. Further, the processing of each component may be executed by one hardware or may be executed by a plurality of hardware. Further, the processing of each component may be realized by one program or may be realized by a plurality of programs.

Further, the processing unit of the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 is divided according to the main processing contents in order to make the processing of each device easy to understand. The invention of the present application is not limited by the method of dividing the processing unit and the name. The processing of each device can be divided into more processing units according to the processing content. It is also possible to divide one processing unit so as to include more processing. Further, if the same processing can be performed, the processing order of the above flowchart is not limited to the illustrated example.

1 ... Printing device, 4 ... Cut sheet discharge port (discharge port), 5 ... Transport route, 5a ... Extension route (first route), 5aa ... First extension route, 5ab ... Second extension route, 5b ... Crossing path (second path), 6 ... Front cover (cover), 12 ... Printing section, 13 ... Cut paper transport section, 14 ... Roll paper transport section, 21 ... Carriage, 22 ... Printing head, 26 ... Carriage position Sensor, 71 ... Transfer roller, 72 ... Driven roller (conveyor), 91 ... Transfer roller, 92 ... Driven roller, 93 ... Transfer roller, 94 ... Driven roller, 131 ... Cut paper transfer motor, 141 ... Roll paper transfer motor , 200 ... Control unit, 201 ... Storage unit, 202 ... Input unit, 204 ... Communication unit, 205 ... Sensor unit, 206 ... Release unit, 301 ... Rear end detection sensor (second detection unit), 302 ... Front end detection sensor ( 1st detection unit), 303 ... Roll paper remaining amount sensor, 304 ... Cover open / close sensor, HM ... Horizontal plane, HY ... Conveyance direction, I1 ... Support position (support position), I2 ... Retract position, JT ... Upper end (conveyance) Upstream end in the direction), KT ... Lower end (downstream end in the transport direction), S ... Cut sheet (printing medium), S1 ... Cut sheet (printing medium), S2 ... Single sheet (printing medium) Print medium).

Claims (8)

A transport unit that supports and transports the print medium in a transport path having a first path extending along the horizontal plane and a second path extending in a direction intersecting the horizontal plane.
A first detection unit that detects the print medium in the second path, and
A printing unit that executes printing on the printing medium, and
An openable cover that covers the printing part and
When the print medium is detected by the first detection unit after the printing by the printing unit is completed and the cover is moved to the open state, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the transport unit is used for the printing medium. A control unit that moves to an unsupported retracted position is provided.
Printing device. The first detection unit detects an end portion on the downstream side in the transport direction of the print medium, and detects the end portion on the downstream side.
When the downstream end is detected by the first detection unit, the control unit moves the transport unit to a position that supports the print medium, and the printing unit executes printing.
The printing apparatus according to claim 1. The control unit
If the cover is moved to the open state before printing by the printing unit is completed, the transport unit is maintained at a position supporting the printing medium.
The printing apparatus according to claim 2. A second detection section disposed upstream of the conveyance direction of the print medium than the first detection unit,
The second detection unit detects an upstream end portion of the print medium in the transport direction, and detects the end portion of the print medium on the upstream side.
The control unit finishes printing by the printing unit after the second detection unit detects the upstream end portion and then the transport unit conveys a predetermined amount.
The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The control unit
When the print medium is no longer detected by the first detection unit after the printing by the printing unit is completed, the transport unit is moved to the retracted position.
The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. A discharge port for discharging the print medium is provided.
The length of the conveyance direction of the printing medium is shorter than the length from the outlet to said first path,
The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A second detection unit for detecting the print medium in the first path is provided.
The control unit
After completion of printing by prior SL printing unit, said printing medium by the second detection portion is detected, and, when the cover is moved to the open state, prior to the expiration of the predetermined time period, the said transport unit retreat Move to position,
The printing apparatus according to claim 1. In a transport path having a first path extending along the horizontal plane and a second path extending in a direction intersecting the horizontal plane, a transport unit that supports and transports the print medium and the print medium in the second path are transferred. A control method for a printing device including a first detection unit for detection, a printing unit that executes printing on the printing medium, and an openable / closable cover that covers the printing unit.
When the print medium is detected by the first detection unit after the printing by the printing unit is completed and the cover is moved to the open state, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the transport unit is used for the printing medium. Move to an unsupported evacuation position,
How to control the printing device.

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