JP2007055047A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To properly discard cutting chips produced at a cutting mechanism and suppress the occurrence of paper clogging in the vicinity of the cutting mechanism. <P>SOLUTION: A sheet unwound from a sheet supply section is conveyed toward the downstream in the conveying direction without printing a color image while being opposed to a printing section. Then, the sheet is stopped conveying at the point of time when the sheet having the length capable of printing all the plurality of color images contained in one order is conveyed on the downstream in the conveying direction further than the printing section. Afterward, while the sheet is reversely conveyed toward the upstream in the conveying direction, the plurality of color images are printed continuously and the sheet is cut at the tip end part and the rear end part of images. The passage 57 on the upstream of the cutting mechanism 50 is closed when the sheet cutting is not performed, opened only when the sheet cutting is performed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printer that records an image on a recording medium.

  Various techniques are known for printers capable of recording color images on a recording medium. For example, Patent Document 1 includes three thermal heads capable of individually recording each of yellow, magenta, and cyan colors, and the three recording heads that are drawn from the recording paper roll are conveyed in the paper feeding direction. A one-pass color thermal printer that records a color image with a thermal head is disclosed.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a 3-pass color thermal printer. In such a printer, a color thermal recording paper having a length of one frame drawn from a recording paper roll is sent out so as to face one thermal head, and then a yellow image is recorded while being pulled back, and then the recording paper. Are sent and pulled back alternately, and a magenta image is recorded at the second pull back, and a cyan image is recorded at the third pull back.

Patent Document 3 includes three thermal heads of yellow, magenta, and cyan. After the recording paper drawn from the recording paper roll is transported in the paper feeding direction and the print preparation is completed, the recording paper is loaded. A one-pass color thermal printer that records a color image of one frame while being conveyed in the pull-back direction is disclosed. In such a printer, when a color image of one frame is recorded, the recording paper is conveyed again in the paper feeding direction and cut at the rear end portion of the color image. Then, the recording paper on which the color image is recorded is discharged, and the next one-frame color image is recorded while the recording paper that has been prepared for printing is conveyed in the pullback direction.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-174476 JP-A-9-99572 JP 2001-246769 A

  In the printer described in Patent Document 1, a color image can be recorded only by transporting the recording paper in one direction without transporting the recording paper back and forth. However, in such a printer, when the three thermal heads are pressed against the recording paper in order from the one where the recording paper has reached the printing position, the image is deteriorated due to load fluctuations during conveyance of the recording paper. Sometimes. Therefore, in such a printer, in order to prevent the deterioration of the image, the recording of the color image is started after all the three thermal heads are pressed against the recording paper. For this reason, the portion between the thermal head in the vicinity of the leading edge of the recording paper, that is, the length between the most upstream thermal head and the most downstream thermal head in the paper feeding direction from the leading edge of the recording paper is stretched between the thermal heads. Recording of a color image is started. For this reason, there is a problem in that an image is not formed in the length portion where the recording paper is stretched and a blank portion is formed.

  On the other hand, in the printers described in Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3, a color image can be recorded even in the vicinity of the leading end of the recording paper, so that it is possible to prevent the recording paper from being wasted. Here, in the printer described in Patent Document 3, when the recording paper is conveyed in the pullback direction, all three thermal heads are pressed against the recording paper, so that the image is caused by load fluctuations during the conveyance of the recording paper. Is rarely worse.

  However, in the printer of Patent Document 2, it is necessary to repeat feeding and pulling of the recording paper three times in order to record a single color image. Further, in the printer of Patent Document 3, it is necessary to feed and pull back the recording paper once for each color image of one frame. Therefore, in order to record a color image of a plurality of frames in these printers, the reciprocating conveyance of the recording paper has to be repeated many times.

  Here, in the printers of Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3, a pair of transport rollers is disposed between the recording paper roll and the thermal head, and the transport direction of the recording paper is switched by switching the driving direction of the pair of transport rollers. Is changed to either the paper feed direction or the pull back direction. Therefore, in order to record a color image of a plurality of m frames (m is an integer of 2 or more), the printer of Patent Document 2 must reciprocate the recording paper 3 m times, and the driving direction of the conveying roller pair is changed. It is necessary to switch only (6m-1) times. In the printer of Patent Document 3, the recording paper must be reciprocated and conveyed m times, and the driving direction of the conveying roller pair needs to be switched only (2m-1) times.

  As described above, when the driving direction of the conveying roller pair is switched, a time-related conveying loss occurs due to the switching. Therefore, if the number of times of switching the driving direction of the conveying roller pair is increased, the time-related conveying loss is increased accordingly, and the processing capability of the printer is lowered.

  In addition, when a plurality of images are recorded on a recording sheet, a margin portion is often formed between the leading end portion of the recording sheet and the plurality of images. Therefore, when the recording paper is cut at the end of each image, a guide for supporting the back side of the recording paper is not provided in the vicinity of the cutting blade so that a blank portion that becomes cut waste passes and falls. . Here, for example, a case is considered in which, after the recording paper is transported in the paper feeding direction, the transporting direction is switched and the image is printed and the recording paper is cut while being transported in the pull-back direction. In this case, the blank portion formed between the plurality of images is cut off by being cut at the rear end portion (end portion on the upstream side in the paper feeding direction) of each image, and is further on the upstream side in the paper feeding direction than the cutting blade. Be placed. For this reason, the blank portion that is cut off when the recording paper is cut at the rear end portion of each image falls from the conveyance path if the passage where the cut waste falls is provided on the upstream side in the paper feeding direction of the cutting blade. be able to. However, the margin formed at the leading edge of the recording paper is cut off by cutting at the leading edge of the final image recorded at the leading edge of the recording paper (the edge on the downstream side in the paper feeding direction). It is arranged downstream of the blade in the paper feeding direction. For this reason, the blank portion that is cut off when the recording paper is cut at the leading edge of the final image falls from the conveyance path even if the passage where the cut waste falls is provided upstream of the cutting blade in the paper feeding direction. I can't. Therefore, when the margins to be cut when the recording paper is cut are arranged on both the upstream side and the downstream side in the paper feeding direction with respect to the cutting blade, the passage where the cut waste falls is on both sides of the cutting blade. Each is preferably provided.

  In addition, when passages through which cutting waste falls are provided on both sides of the cutting blade, when the recording paper is transported in the vicinity of the cutting blade, the leading edge of the recording paper is caught by a portion without a guide, Clogging may occur. This problem is particularly likely to occur when roll paper is used as the recording paper, because the recording paper has curl.

  Accordingly, a main object of the present invention is to provide a printer capable of improving the processing capability when recording a plurality of images while preventing image deterioration due to waste of the recording medium and load fluctuation during conveyance of the recording medium. Is to provide.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a printer capable of properly discarding the cutting waste cut by the cutting mechanism and suppressing occurrence of paper jam in the vicinity of the cutting mechanism.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

  The printer according to the present invention includes an image recording unit capable of recording an image on a recording medium, a supply unit storing a long recording medium, and the image recording unit from the supply unit while the recording medium faces the image recording unit. A transport mechanism capable of transporting in a first direction toward the second direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, a cutting mechanism capable of cutting a recording medium transported by the transport mechanism, and the cutting A support mechanism that supports the recording medium to be cut by the mechanism, and is provided with a passage through which the recording medium corresponding to the discard area passes in a direction away from the transport path on the upstream side and the downstream side of the cutting mechanism; A first movable guide capable of taking a position for substantially closing and opening the passage provided on the upstream side of the cutting mechanism of the support mechanism; and a leading end of a recording medium from the image recording unit to the first A transport control means for controlling the transport mechanism so that the recording medium is transported in the second direction after being transported in the first direction until reaching a position separated in the direction; The image recording unit is controlled so that a plurality of images are recorded by the image recording unit on the recording medium transported in the direction 2 and a waste area is formed on the upstream side and the downstream side of each image. Image recording control means, cutting control means for controlling the cutting mechanism, and guide control means for controlling the position of the first movable guide so that the recording medium is cut at the boundary between each image and the discard area. It is characterized by having.

  Note that “the leading end of the recording medium reaches a position away from the image recording unit in the first direction” means that “the recording medium is conveyed in the first direction from the supply unit to the image recording unit and recorded. This means that the leading end of the medium reaches a position downstream of the image recording unit. In this specification, “upstream side” and “downstream side” relate to a first direction from the supply unit toward the image recording unit.

  According to this configuration, a plurality of images can be recorded on the recording medium conveyed in the second direction after the recording medium is conveyed in the first direction from the supply unit toward the image recording unit. Therefore, an image can be recorded in the vicinity of the leading end of the recording medium (the region from the leading end of the recording medium portion that is transported in the first direction and then fed back in the second direction), and the recording medium is being transported. It is possible to suppress the deterioration of the image due to the load fluctuation. Further, even when a plurality of images are recorded on the recording medium, it is only necessary to reciprocate the recording medium once, and it is only necessary to switch the conveying direction of the recording medium in the conveying mechanism once. Transport loss can be reduced. As a result, when a plurality of images are recorded on a recording medium, it is possible to improve the processing capability of the printer while preventing image deterioration due to waste of the recording medium and load fluctuation during conveyance of the recording medium.

  In addition, since passages through which the recording medium corresponding to the disposal area passes in the direction away from the conveyance path are provided on both the upstream side and the downstream side of the cutting mechanism, respectively, near the leading end of the recording medium and between each image. When the formed discard area is cut, the entire discard area moves so as to be out of the conveyance path. Therefore, it is possible to remove the recording medium corresponding to the discard area that becomes the cut waste cut by the cutting mechanism from the transport path and properly discard it.

  Further, when the recording medium is not cut, the upstream path of the cutting mechanism is closed, and when the recording medium is cut, the upstream path of the cutting mechanism can be opened. For this reason, the leading edge of the recording medium conveyed in the first direction is hardly caught by the upstream path of the cutting mechanism. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of paper jam in the vicinity of the cutting mechanism. Further, when the discard area formed between each image is cut, the discard area can be moved away from the transport path. Therefore, it is possible to remove the recording medium corresponding to the discard area that becomes the cut waste cut by the cutting mechanism from the transport path and properly discard it.

  The printer according to the present invention includes an image recording unit capable of recording an image on a recording medium, a supply unit storing a long recording medium, and the image recording unit from the supply unit while the recording medium faces the image recording unit. A transport mechanism capable of transporting in a first direction toward the second direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, a cutting mechanism capable of cutting a recording medium transported by the transport mechanism, and the cutting A support mechanism that supports the recording medium to be cut by the mechanism, and is provided with a passage through which the recording medium corresponding to the discard area passes in a direction away from the transport path on the upstream side and the downstream side of the cutting mechanism; When the leading end of the recording medium transported in the first direction by the transport mechanism enters the passage provided on the upstream side of the cutting mechanism of the support mechanism, the leading end of the recording medium comes into contact with the leading end of the recording medium. Accordingly, the position where the leading end of the recording medium is returned from the passage to the conveyance path, and the direction in which the recording medium corresponding to the disposal area is removed from the conveyance path on the upstream side of the cutting mechanism of the support mechanism. A first movable guide that can take a position to pass through the recording medium, and the recording medium is conveyed in the first direction until the leading edge of the recording medium reaches a position away from the image recording unit in the first direction. A plurality of images are recorded by the image recording unit on a recording medium that is transported in the second direction by the transport mechanism and a transport control unit that controls the transport mechanism so that the transport mechanism is transported in the direction of 2. At the same time, the image recording control means for controlling the image recording unit and the recording medium are cut at the boundary between each image and the discard area so that the discard area is formed on the upstream side and the downstream side of each image. As is characterized by comprising a cutting control means for controlling the cutting mechanism, and a guide control means for controlling the position of the first movable guide.

  According to this configuration, a plurality of images can be recorded on the recording medium conveyed in the second direction after the recording medium is conveyed in the first direction from the supply unit toward the image recording unit. Therefore, an image can be recorded in the vicinity of the leading end of the recording medium (the region from the leading end of the recording medium portion that is transported in the first direction and then fed back in the second direction), and the recording medium is being transported. It is possible to suppress the deterioration of the image due to the load fluctuation. Further, even when a plurality of images are recorded on the recording medium, it is only necessary to reciprocate the recording medium once, and it is only necessary to switch the conveying direction of the recording medium in the conveying mechanism once. Transport loss can be reduced. As a result, when a plurality of images are recorded on a recording medium, it is possible to improve the processing capability of the printer while preventing image deterioration due to waste of the recording medium and load fluctuation during conveyance of the recording medium.

  In addition, since passages through which the recording medium corresponding to the disposal area passes in the direction away from the conveyance path are provided on both the upstream side and the downstream side of the cutting mechanism, respectively, near the leading end of the recording medium and between each image. When the formed discard area is cut, the entire discard area moves so as to be out of the conveyance path. Therefore, it is possible to remove the recording medium corresponding to the discard area that becomes the cut waste cut by the cutting mechanism from the transport path and properly discard it.

  Even when the leading edge of the recording medium conveyed in the first direction enters the upstream path of the cutting mechanism, the leading edge of the recording medium can be returned from the path to the conveying path. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of paper jam in the vicinity of the cutting mechanism. Further, when the discard area formed between each image is cut, the discard area can be moved away from the transport path. Therefore, it is possible to remove the recording medium corresponding to the discard area that becomes the cut waste cut by the cutting mechanism from the transport path and properly discard it.

  The printer according to the present invention further includes a second movable guide capable of taking a position for substantially closing and opening the passage provided on the downstream side of the cutting mechanism of the support mechanism, and the guide control means. May control the position of the second movable guide.

  According to this configuration, when the recording medium is not cut, the passage on the downstream side of the cutting mechanism is closed, and when the recording medium is cut, the passage on the downstream side of the cutting mechanism is opened. it can. Therefore, the leading end of the recording medium conveyed in the first direction is hardly caught by the passage on the downstream side of the cutting mechanism. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of paper jam in the vicinity of the cutting mechanism. Further, when the discard area formed in the vicinity of the front end of the recording medium is cut, the discard area can be moved away from the transport path. Therefore, it is possible to remove the recording medium corresponding to the discard area that becomes the cut waste cut by the cutting mechanism from the transport path and properly discard it.

  In the printer of the present invention, when the leading end of the recording medium conveyed in the first direction by the conveying mechanism enters the passage provided on the downstream side of the cutting mechanism of the support mechanism, the recording medium A position where the leading end of the recording medium is returned from the passage to the conveying path by contacting the leading end of the recording medium, and the recording medium corresponding to the disposal area is provided on the downstream side of the cutting mechanism of the supporting mechanism. A second movable guide that can take a position to pass in a direction away from the transport path may be further provided, and the guide control unit may control the position of the second movable guide.

  According to this configuration, even when the leading end of the recording medium transported in the first direction enters the passage on the downstream side of the cutting mechanism, the leading end of the recording medium can be returned from the passage to the transport path. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of paper jam in the vicinity of the cutting mechanism. Further, when the discard area formed in the vicinity of the front end of the recording medium is cut, the discard area can be moved away from the transport path. Therefore, it is possible to remove the recording medium corresponding to the discard area that becomes the cut waste cut by the cutting mechanism from the transport path and properly discard it.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printing unit of the printer of FIG.

  A thermal sublimation thermal printer 1 shown in FIG. 1 (hereinafter referred to as “printer 1”) includes an operation unit 10, a control device 20, and a printing unit 30. The operation unit 10 is for an operator to operate the printer 1 and has a display 11 for displaying various information about the printer 1 and notifying the operator. Here, in the present embodiment, a touch panel method is adopted for the operation unit 10, and an operation screen 12 including various buttons is displayed on the display 10. Accordingly, the operator can execute an operation on the printer 1 by touching the operation screen 12.

  The control device 20 receives input from the operation unit 10 and controls various operations in the printer 1. In addition, the control device 20 has a plurality of data input units 20a for acquiring print data from various storage media such as a card slot and a disk drive. The storage medium may be any medium that can store print data, such as a CD-ROM or a memory card.

  The operation unit 10 and the control device 20 are fixedly arranged on the upper surface of a housing 30 a that houses the print unit 30. Here, the display surface of the display 11 of the operation unit 10 and the storage medium insertion surface of the data input unit 20a of the control device 20 substantially coincide with the front of the printer 1 (housing 30a) (the surface on the left front side in FIG. 1). ing. Therefore, it is easy for the operator heading to the front of the printer 1 to operate the display 11 and the data input unit 21.

  The housing 30a has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the lateral width (front width) D1 is smaller than the depth D2. Therefore, the printer 1 can be installed even in a relatively narrow space. Furthermore, an opening 95 is formed on the front surface of the housing 30a for drawing out a print box 96 (described later) housed in the housing 30a to the outside of the housing 30a.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the print unit 30 includes a paper supply unit 40 that holds a paper wound in a roll shape and a paper winding unit that winds up the paper that has been unwound from the paper supply unit 40. Between the take-up unit 80 and the paper supply unit 40 and the paper take-up unit 80, there is a transport mechanism 38 that can transport the paper along a transport path curved in one direction. A cutting unit 50, an overcoat unit 60, and a printing unit 70 are disposed between the paper supply unit 40 and the paper winding unit 80 from the upstream side to the downstream side of the transport path. A print box 96 is provided near the conveyance path between the paper supply unit 40 and the cutting unit 50.

  In the present embodiment, “paper transport direction (transport direction)” means a direction from the paper supply unit 40 toward the paper winding unit 80. Further, the “paper front end” and the “image front end” mean the end on the downstream side of the paper or the image transport direction, and the “paper rear end” and “image rear end” The term “edge” means an end portion on the upstream side of the sheet or image in the conveying direction.

  The paper supply unit 40 has a magazine case 41 provided in the uppermost stream of the transport path, and a long paper is wound around the rotation shaft 43 so that the printing surface is on the outside. The wound winding part 45 is loaded. Here, the rotating shaft 43 is driven to rotate counterclockwise in FIG. 2 when the sheet is unwound from the sheet supply unit 40 and conveyed toward the downstream side in the conveying direction by the motor 43a (see FIG. 7). When the unwound paper is taken up by the paper supply unit 40, it is rotated clockwise in FIG. The rotary shaft 43 is connected to a shaft (not shown) that is rotationally driven by a motor 43a via a one-way clutch 43c having the same function as one-way clutches 34c and 35c described later.

  The transport mechanism 38 is arranged in order from the upstream side in the transport direction, and includes a pair of paper feed rollers 31 that can transport the paper unrolled from the winding unit 45 of the paper supply unit 40 upward, and the cutting unit 50. Are also arranged on the upstream side in the transport direction and turn roller pair 32 that changes the transport direction of the paper that is transported upward, and a pair of pressure rollers that are disposed in the vicinity of the upstream side of cutting section 50 and can press the paper. 36, a conveyance roller pair 34 that is disposed between the cutting unit 50 and the overcoat unit 60 and that can convey a sheet, and is disposed downstream of the printing unit 70 in the conveyance direction and is conveyed more than the printing unit 70. A feeding roller pair 35 for feeding the sheet conveyed toward the downstream side in the direction into the sheet winding unit 80 is provided.

  Here, the pair of feed rollers 31, the pair of turn rollers 32, the pair of pressure rollers 36, the pair of transport rollers 34, and the pair of feed rollers 35 are arranged on a circumference having a predetermined radius (indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 2). It is arranged along. As can be seen from FIG. 2, the head portions 61 and 71 to 73 of the overcoat portion 60 and the printing portion 70 are also arranged along the circumference, and the paper supply portion 40 and the paper take-up portion 80 are It arrange | positions inside the said periphery.

  The paper feed roller pair 31, the transport roller pair 34, and the feed roller pair 35 are connected to motors 31a, 34a, and 35a (see FIG. 7) controlled by the transport control unit 27a (see FIG. 7), respectively, and are rotationally driven. Is possible.

  The cutting unit 50 is disposed between the pressure roller pair 36 and the conveyance roller pair 34. The cutting unit 50 includes a moving blade 51 disposed above the transport path, a fixed blade 52 disposed below the transport path, and a chip box 53. The movable blade 51 and the fixed blade 52 are arranged so as to be orthogonal to the paper transport path and are rectangular blades longer than the entire width of the paper transport path. The movable blade 51 is connected to a drive mechanism 54 (see FIG. 7) controlled by the cutting control unit 27c, and can move up and down while being maintained substantially parallel to the paper transport path. Therefore, when the cutting control unit 27c controls the drive mechanism 54 to move the moving blade 51 downward in a state where the sheet is placed at the cutting position by the cutting unit 50, the moving blade 51 and the fixed blade 52 are moved downward. The paper is cut by the interaction. In the printer 1 according to the present embodiment, as will be described later, the cutting unit 50 cuts the paper at the leading edge and the trailing edge of each image.

  The chip box 53 is disposed below the movable blade 51 and the fixed blade 52. Accordingly, when the paper is cut at the leading edge or the trailing edge of each image and the margin is cut, the margin passes through the passages 57 and 58 and is stored in the chip box 53.

  Next, a detailed configuration near the cutting position in the cutting mechanism will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5 are diagrams showing the configuration in the vicinity of the cutting position in the cutting mechanism included in the printing unit of FIG. Here, FIG. 3 shows a state where the paper is transported downstream in the transport direction, and FIGS. 4 and 5 show a state where the paper is cut.

  The drive mechanism 54 that moves the movable blade 51 in the vertical direction includes a link 161 and a rotating plate 164.

  The link 161 has a substantially L shape, and is rotatable about a link fulcrum 162 provided at the bent portion. A movable blade 51 is connected to one end of the link 161. Accordingly, as the link 161 rotates with the link fulcrum 162 as a fulcrum, the movable blade 51 alternately repeats the movement toward and away from the fixed blade 52. A long hole 163 is formed in the other end of the link 161 along the length direction thereof.

  The rotating plate 164 is disposed in the vicinity of the other end of the link 161. The rotating plate 164 is a substantially disk-shaped member, and is rotationally driven by a rotating shaft 167 of a motor 166 connected to the center position thereof. Further, a fitting insertion portion 165 is provided at a position eccentric from the center position of the side surface of the rotating plate 164. The insertion part 165 is a protrusion that protrudes toward the front of the page in FIG.

  And the insertion part 165 provided in the rotating plate 164 is inserted in the long hole 163 of the link 161 and is movable in the long hole 163. Therefore, when the rotating plate 164 is rotationally driven by the motor 166, the fitting insertion portion 165 rotates around the rotation shaft 167, so that the other end portion of the link 161 swings around the link fulcrum 162 as a fulcrum. To do. At this time, as described above, the movable blade 51 connected to one end of the link 161 reciprocates toward the fixed blade 52.

  Further, a support member 168 is connected to the upper end portion of the link 161, and a detection plate 169 is attached to the tip end portion thereof. Therefore, when the link 161 rotates with the link fulcrum 162 as a fulcrum, the detection plate 169 also rotates with the link fulcrum 162 as a fulcrum.

  A first detection sensor 171 and a second detection sensor 172 are arranged above the link 161. Here, the first detection sensor 171 includes a light emitting unit 171a and a light receiving unit 171b, and the second detection sensor 172 includes a light emitting unit 172a and a light receiving unit 172b. When the link 161 rotates with the link fulcrum 162 as a fulcrum, the detection plate 169 can enter between the light emitting unit 171a and the light receiving unit 172b and between the light emitting unit 172a and the light receiving unit 172b.

  Here, the first and second detection sensors 171 and 172 are arranged in the vicinity of both ends of the movement range of the detection plate 169. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the first detection sensor 171 is arranged at one end (the left end in FIG. 3) of the movement range when the movable blade 51 is at the uppermost position (uppermost point). The detection plate 169 is disposed so as to enter between the light emitting unit 171a and the light receiving unit 171b. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, when the movable blade 51 is at the lowest position (the lowest point), the second detection sensor 172 has the other end portion of the movement range (the right end portion in FIG. 3). ) Is disposed so as to enter between the light emitting unit 172a and the light receiving unit 172b.

  Therefore, in the printer 1, whether or not the detection plate 169 exists between the two by detecting whether or not the light from the light emitting unit 171a of the first detection sensor 171 is received by the light receiving unit 171b, that is, the movable blade It is possible to detect whether or not 51 is at the uppermost point, and by detecting whether or not the light from the light emitting unit 172a of the second detection sensor 172 is received by the light receiving unit 172b, a detection plate is provided between them. It is possible to detect whether there is 169, that is, whether the movable blade 51 is at the lowest point.

  A fixed guide 55 is provided on the upstream side in the transport direction of the cutting position of the cutting mechanism 50, and one end 55a thereof is disposed at a position separated from the cutting position. Therefore, a passage 57 for dropping chips into the chip box 53 is formed between the cutting position and the one end 55 a of the fixed guide 55. Similarly, a fixed guide 56 is provided on the downstream side in the transport direction of the cutting position of the cutting mechanism 50, and one end 56a thereof is disposed at a position spaced from the cutting position. Accordingly, a passage 58 for dropping chips into the chip box 53 is formed between the cutting position and the one end portion 56 a of the fixed guide 56.

  A movable guide 180 is provided in the vicinity of one end 55 a of the fixed guide 55. The movable guide 180 is a plate-like member having a flat portion 180 a having almost the same size as that of the passage 57, and is rotatable about the rotation shaft 181. A mounting portion 182 is provided at the end of the movable guide 180 in the width direction (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 3). One end of a spring 183 is attached to the attachment portion 182. Here, the other end of the spring 183 is attached to an attachment portion 184 above the sheet conveyance path.

  The tip 161 a at one end of the link 161 is in contact with the upper end of the mounting portion 182 of the movable guide 180. Therefore, when the link 161 rotates clockwise with the link fulcrum 162 as a fulcrum, the tip 161a pushes down the attachment portion 182 downward. Therefore, the movable guide 180 rotates counterclockwise about the rotation shaft 181 (see FIG. 4). At this time, the movable guide 180 is urged clockwise by the urging force of the spring 183.

  Here, in FIG. 3, the upper surface of the flat portion 180 a of the movable guide 180 coincides with the upper surface of the fixed guide 55 and closes the passage 57. Therefore, when the leading edge of the sheet is conveyed downstream in the conveying direction, the leading edge of the sheet is conveyed between the movable blade 51 and the fixed blade 52 of the cutting mechanism 50 without entering the passage 57. Then, when the movable guide 180 rotates counterclockwise with the rotation shaft 181 as a fulcrum, the flat surface portion 180a is inclined and gradually moves away from the conveyance path. Thereafter, finally, the movable guide 180 becomes substantially vertical as shown in FIG. 4, and the passage 57 is completely opened. Therefore, when the paper is cut by the cutting mechanism 50 and the paper discarding area is disposed upstream of the cutting position, the paper discarding area passes through the passage 57 and is stored in the chip box 53. Is done. Thus, the movable guide 180 can open and close the passage 57 according to the timing of cutting by the cutting mechanism 50.

  Thereafter, when the link 161 rotates counterclockwise with the link fulcrum 162 as a fulcrum, the tip 161a does not push down the mounting portion 182. Therefore, the movable guide 180 rotates clockwise by the biasing force of the spring 183. As shown in FIG. 3, the passage 57 is returned to the closed state.

  In the vicinity of one end portion 56 a of the fixed guide 56, movable guides 190 and 191 are provided. The movable guide 190 is disposed below the transport path, and the movable guide 191 is disposed above the transport path. The movable guides 190 and 191 are plate-like members, and can be rotated with the rotation shafts 192 and 193 disposed in the vicinity of the one end portion 56a as fulcrums, respectively. Further, the end portions of the movable guides 190 and 191 in the width direction (direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 3) are connected by a connecting member 194. Here, both ends of the connecting member 194 are rotatably connected to the movable guides 190 and 191. Therefore, the movable guides 190 and 191 move at the same timing.

  A holding member 195 is provided on the upper surface of the movable guide 191. The end of the holding member 195 is connected to the arm mechanism 196. The arm mechanism 196 has three arms 197 to 199. One end of the arm 197 is rotatably connected to the end of the holding member 195, and the other end is rotatably connected to one end of the arm 198 and one end of the arm 199. The other end of the arm 198 is rotatable about the rotation shaft 198a. The other end of the arm 199 is connected to the drive mechanism 200 (see FIG. 7).

  Here, in FIG. 3, the movable guide 190 is inclined downward in the passage 58 from the vicinity of the one end portion 56 a of the fixed guide 56 toward the upstream side in the transport direction. On the other hand, the movable guide 191 is inclined upward from the vicinity of the one end portion 56 a of the fixed guide 56 toward the upstream side in the transport direction above the passage 58. Therefore, the movable guides 190 and 191 are arranged in a substantially V shape that widens toward the upstream side in the transport direction. Accordingly, when the leading edge of the sheet is transported downstream in the transport direction and the leading edge of the sheet enters the path 58, the leading edge of the sheet abuts the movable guide 190, thereby conveying the path from the path 58. Returning to FIG.

  When the other end of the arm 199 is driven by the drive mechanism 200, the movable guide 191 becomes horizontal and gradually approaches the conveyance path, and the movable guide 190 is inclined and gradually moves away from the conveyance path. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 5, finally, the movable guide 191 becomes substantially horizontal, and the movable guide 190 becomes substantially vertical, and the passage 58 is completely opened. Therefore, when the paper is cut by the cutting mechanism 50 and the paper discarding area is arranged downstream of the cutting position, the paper discarding area passes through the passage 58 and is stored in the chip box 53. Is done. As described above, the movable guides 190 and 191 can open the passage 58 in accordance with the cutting timing of the cutting mechanism 50.

  The overcoat unit 60 is disposed on the downstream side of the conveyance roller pair 34 in the conveyance direction. The overcoat part 60 has one head part 61. The head unit 61 is for performing a colorless and transparent overcoat (OC) on the surface of the paper on which an image is printed. Thus, by overcoating the surface of the paper, the light resistance of the image printed on the paper can be improved and the surface of the paper can be protected. Further, by selecting the material of the overcoat, the gloss of the print can be improved and a high-quality print can be provided.

  The printing unit 70 is disposed between the overcoat unit 60 and the feed roller pair 35. The printing unit 70 has three head units 71 to 73. The head portions 71 to 73 are for performing printing corresponding to cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y), respectively. Here, in the printer 1, a head unit 71 corresponding to cyan, a head unit 72 corresponding to magenta, and a head unit 73 corresponding to yellow are provided in this order from the upstream side in the transport direction to the downstream side in the transport direction. In the printer 1, the transport roller pair 34 is disposed on the upstream side in the transport direction of the overcoat unit 60 and the printing unit 70, and the feed roller pair 35 is disposed on the downstream side in the transport direction.

  In the printer 1 of the present embodiment, when the paper unrolled from the paper supply unit 40 is conveyed toward the downstream side in the conveyance direction, the overcoat in the overcoat unit 60 and the color image in the printing unit 70 are performed. Is not performed, and when the paper once wound on the paper take-up unit 80 disposed on the downstream side in the transport direction from the print unit 70 is fed back toward the upstream side in the transport direction, the print unit 70 The printing of the image at and the overcoat at the overcoat unit 60 are performed. Accordingly, the printer 1 can print a color image in the order of yellow, magenta, and cyan on the paper surface, and can further overcoat the paper surface on which the color image is printed.

  Next, a schematic configuration of the head units 61 and 71 to 73 will be described. In addition, since the structure of the head parts 61 and 71 to 73 is the same, only the head part 73 will be described in detail here.

  The head unit 73 includes a thermal head 73a having a large number of heating elements (not shown) arranged over the entire width of the paper conveyance path, and a tip portion of the thermal head 73a (in the vicinity of the paper conveyance path and the heating elements are arranged). A platen roller 73b facing the other end, a tape-like ribbon 73c having an ink area to which ink corresponding to yellow is attached, a ribbon supply roller 73d around which a ribbon 73c before printing is wound, and a post-printing ribbon A ribbon take-up roller 73e for taking up the ribbon 73c.

  Here, the thermal head 73a can be moved back and forth with respect to the paper transport path by an elevating mechanism 73f (see FIG. 7). Therefore, the thermal head 73a can selectively take the print position where the ribbon 73c and the paper are pressed against each other and the retracted position where the paper 73 is not pressed between the vicinity of the tip and the platen roller 73b.

  In the head unit 73, when the paper is conveyed between the thermal head 73a and the platen roller 73b in a state where the thermal head 73a is disposed at the printing position, the ink of the ribbon 73c heated by the thermal head 73a. Thus, a color image corresponding to yellow can be printed on the paper. At this time, when the sheet is conveyed between the thermal head 73a and the platen roller 73b, the ribbon 73c is also moved from the ribbon supply roller 73d toward the ribbon take-up roller 73e as the sheet is conveyed. Sent.

  The head unit 61 and the head units 71 and 72 are similar to the head unit 73 in that the thermal heads 61a, 71a and 72a, the platen rollers 61b, 71b and 72b, the ribbons 61c, 71c and 72c, and the ribbon supply roller 61d. 71d, 72d, ribbon take-up rollers 61e, 71e, 72e, and elevating mechanisms 61f, 71f, 72f, respectively.

  Here, in the head unit 61 and the head units 71 and 72, ink corresponding to colorless and transparent, cyan and magenta, respectively, instead of the tape-like ribbon 73c having an ink region to which ink corresponding to yellow of the head unit 73 is attached. Tape-shaped ribbons 61c, 71c, and 72c having an ink region to which are attached are used.

  A pair of guides 75 a to 75 c are disposed between the head portion 61 of the overcoat portion 60 and the head portions 71 to 73 of the printing portion 70, respectively. Each of the pair of guides 75a to 75c includes two plate-like members, and guides the sheet (mainly the leading end portion of the sheet) conveyed between the head units 61 and 71 to 73, respectively. is there. Accordingly, the pair of guides 75a to 75c are arranged so as to face each other with a predetermined interval across the sheet conveyance path.

  The paper take-up unit 80 has a storage case 81 provided on the most downstream side of the transport path. The storage case 81 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and a part of the storage case 81 opens as a paper insertion opening 82. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the central angle of the portion that becomes the insertion port 82 is about 90 degrees, and one edge 82a is in the vicinity of the left end of the storage case 81, and the other The edge portion 82 b is in the vicinity of the upper end portion of the storage case 81.

  Here, the feeding roller pair 35 is disposed in the vicinity of the upper portion of the edge portion 82 a of the storage case 81, and the sheet conveyed downward by the feeding roller pair 35 is located in the storage case 81 from the vicinity of the end portion 82 a of the insertion port 82. Inserted into. The paper inserted into the paper winding unit 80 is guided by contacting the inner peripheral surface of the storage case 81. As a result, in the storage case 81, the paper is wound in order from the leading edge of the paper so that the printing surface becomes the outer surface according to the curl of the paper. The storage case 81 is rotatably provided with four winding rollers 83a to 83d. A part of each of the winding rollers 83 a to 83 d protrudes inward from the inner peripheral surface of the storage case 81. Accordingly, since the frictional force when the paper comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the storage case 81 is reduced, the paper is prevented from being damaged.

  The print box 96 is for discharging the paper (print) on which each color image printed by the cutting unit 50 is printed after the image is printed in the printing unit 70 and the overcoat unit 60 is overcoated. Is. The print box 96 is a box-shaped member having an upper end opened, and is supported by a support shaft 97 at the lower end to be rotatable. Accordingly, the print box 96 has a state in which the print box 96 is housed in the housing 30a (shown by a solid line in FIG. 2) and an upper end portion of the print box 96 through the opening 95 provided on the front surface (right surface in FIG. 2). A state in which the vicinity is pulled out of the housing 30a (a state indicated by a broken line in FIG. 2) can be taken. Therefore, the operator can easily take out the paper on which each color image is printed by pulling out the upper end portion of the print box 96 from the front of the printer 1 (housing 30a).

  A sorting mechanism (not shown) is provided above the print box 96 so as to be close to the transport path upstream of the turn roller pair 32 in the transport direction. In this sorting mechanism, the paper is fed back toward the upstream side in the conveyance direction when the paper is wound around the paper supply unit 40 and when the paper on which each color image is printed is discharged to the print box 96. It is possible to switch the paper transport path when printing. Therefore, by controlling the sorting mechanism, only the paper on which each color image is printed can be stored in the print box 96.

  Further, an image detection sensor 90 that can detect an end portion (mainly a rear end portion of the image) of an image printed on a sheet conveyed along the conveyance path, on the upstream side of the cutting unit 50 in the conveyance direction. Is provided. On the other hand, a paper detection sensor 91 that can detect the edge of the paper is provided upstream of the overcoat unit 60 in the transport direction. In the present embodiment, the end of the overcoat unit 60 on the upstream side in the conveyance direction and the detection position by the paper detection sensor 91 substantially coincide with each other.

  Next, operations of the conveying roller pair 34 and the feeding roller pair 35 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6A shows the operation of the transport roller pair 34 and the feed roller pair 35 when the paper is transported downstream in the transport direction, and FIG. 6B shows that the paper is reversed upstream in the transport direction. The operations of the conveying roller pair 34 and the feeding roller pair 35 during feeding are shown. As shown in FIG. 6, the conveying roller pair 34 includes a driving roller 34d and a driven roller 34e. The drive roller 34d is connected to a shaft 34b that is rotationally driven by a motor 34a via a one-way clutch 34c. Similarly, the feed roller pair 35 includes a drive roller 35d and a driven roller 35e, and the drive roller 35d is connected to a shaft 35b that is rotationally driven by a motor 35a via a one-way clutch 35c.

  Since the one-way clutches 34c and 35c have the same function, the function of the one-way clutch 34c will be described here. The one-way clutch 34c is fixed to the driving roller 34d and rotates together with the driving roller 34d. When the drive roller 34d rotates faster than the rotational speed of the shaft 34b, the rotational force of the shaft 34b is not transmitted to the drive roller 34d, and the drive roller 35d rotates idly with respect to the shaft 34b. In other cases, the rotational force of the shaft 34b is transmitted to the drive roller 34d via the one-way clutch 34c, and the shaft 34b and the drive roller 34d rotate together.

  Therefore, when the conveyance roller pair 34 holds the sheet, the conveyance speed of the sheet is slower than the conveyance speed of the sheet based on the rotational force of the conveyance roller pair 34 driven by the motor 34a. Is transmitted to the conveying roller pair 34. Then, the sheet is transported with a transport force applied by the transport roller pair 34. On the other hand, when the paper conveyance speed is faster than the paper conveyance speed based on the rotational force of the conveyance roller pair 34 driven by the motor 34a, the driving force of the motor 34a is not transmitted to the conveyance roller pair 34 and is conveyed. The roller pair 34 is idle. That is, the transport roller pair 34 is driven to rotate at a rotational speed corresponding to the paper transport speed.

  Here, the sheet conveying speed based on the rotational force of the conveying roller pair 34 driven by the motor 34a is V1, and the sheet conveying speed based on the rotational force of the feeding roller pair 34 driven by the motor 35a is V2. Consider the case of transporting a sheet downstream in the transport direction with reference to (a). At this time, as will be described later, after the leading edge of the paper reaches the feed roller pair 35 and is nipped, the drive of the transport roller pair 34 is stopped, and the transport speed V1 becomes zero. On the other hand, the feed roller pair 35 is rotationally driven by the driving force of the motor 35a being transmitted through the shaft 35b and the one-way clutch 35c. Since the sheet sandwiched between the transport roller pair 34 is transported at the transport speed V2, the transport roller pair 34 is idled by the function of the one-way clutch 34c.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 6B, consider a case where the sheet is fed back upstream in the transport direction. At this time, as will be described later, since the driving of the feed roller pair 35 is stopped, the conveyance speed V2 becomes zero. On the other hand, the conveying roller pair 34 is rotationally driven by the driving force of the motor 34a being transmitted through the shaft 34b and the one-way clutch 34c. Since the sheet sandwiched between the feed roller pair 35 is reversely fed at the conveyance speed V1, the feed roller pair 35 rotates idly by the function of the one-way clutch 35c.

  The pair of paper feed rollers 31 is also connected to a shaft (not shown) that is rotationally driven by a motor 31a via a one-way clutch 31c having the same function as the one-way clutches 34c and 35c described above. Accordingly, the paper feed roller pair 31, the transport roller pair 34, and the feed roller pair 35 are configured to remove the paper unrolled from the paper supply unit 40 by individually controlling the motors 31a, 34a, and 35a by the transport control unit 27a. The sheet can be conveyed downstream in the conveying direction and taken up by the paper take-up unit 80, and the paper once taken up in the paper take-up unit 80 can be unwound and unwound from the paper take-up unit 80. The printed paper can be fed back toward the upstream side in the transport direction.

  The printing unit 30 also has an encoder 33 that can detect the number of rotations of the conveyance roller pair 34. Here, as described above, the transport roller pair 34 is driven and rotated by the motor 34a to transport the paper, and is driven and rotated along with the paper transported by the feed roller pair 35. obtain. The encoder 33 can detect the number of rotations of the conveyance roller pair 34 even when the conveyance roller 34 is in any of the above states.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a main part of the printer of FIG. 1 and a control device to which these are connected. As shown in FIG. 7, the control device 20 includes a motor 43a for driving the rotation shaft 43 of the paper supply unit 40, a motor 31a for driving the paper feed roller pair 31, the transport roller pair 34, and the feed roller pair 35, respectively. 34a, 35a, an encoder 33 for detecting the number of rotations of the conveying roller pair 34, a drive mechanism 54 for the movable blade 51 of the cutting unit 50, a drive mechanism 200 for the arm 199 of the arm mechanism 196, the overcoat unit 60, and printing. Elevating mechanisms 61f and 71f to 73f and drivers 61g and 71g to 73g of the thermal heads 61a and 71a to 73a of the unit 70, the image detection sensor 90, the paper detection sensor 91, and the operation unit 10 are respectively connected.

  The control device 20 includes hardware such as a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM controlled by appropriate software, and includes a maximum winding amount storage unit 21, a print information storage unit 22, and a necessary winding amount calculation unit. 23, a comparison unit 24, a winding amount determination unit 25, a conveyance amount detection unit 26, a conveyance control unit 27a, a print control unit 27b, a cutting control unit 27c, and a guide control unit 27d. Yes.

  The maximum winding amount storage unit 21 maximizes the maximum length of paper that can be transported downstream in the transport direction from the printing unit 70 when the paper is transported from the paper supply unit 40 toward the paper winding unit 80. It is memorized as a winding amount. The maximum winding amount is determined by the length of the conveyance path between the printing position by the head unit 73 arranged on the most downstream side in the conveyance direction of the printing unit 70 and the insertion port 82 of the sheet winding unit 80, and the sheet winding. This value is calculated by adding together the length of paper that can be taken up in the storage case 81 of the unit 80. The maximum winding amount is input to the maximum winding amount storage unit 21 by the operator.

  Here, the maximum winding amount largely varies depending on the size of the storage case 81. The length of paper that can be wound in the storage case 81 may be the maximum length of paper that can actually be stored in the storage case 81, or the maximum length of paper that can be stored in the storage case 81. It may be shorter than the length and can be set arbitrarily. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the length of the paper that can be wound in the storage case 81 used when the maximum winding amount is calculated is that the paper is not damaged or scratched in the storage case 81. The length of the range is set to be shorter than the maximum length of paper that can be stored in the storage case 81.

  The print information storage unit 22 stores various setting values when a color image is printed. Here, the set values include the print length of one frame for each print type (the length in the transport direction), the number of prints (the number of frames), the length of the margin formed between adjacent images, and the head heat dissipation. Includes additional length. As the print length of one frame for each print type, a plurality of values are stored for each of a plurality of print types such as a standard size and a panorama size, for example. As the number of prints, a value input for each order by the operator before printing is stored. Further, the length of the margin between the images and the additional length for heat radiation of the head are stored as values input by the operator before starting printing. The additional length is such that the temperatures of the thermal heads 71a, 72a, 73a that have generated heat for printing an image and the thermal head 61a that has generated heat for overcoating are substantially the same as the ambient temperature after energization. The sheet is set to such a length that the sheet faces each of the thermal heads 61a and 71a to 73a. In the present embodiment, the time required for each of the thermal heads 61a, 71a to 73a that have generated heat to be substantially the same as the ambient temperature, and the sheet to be fed back toward the upstream side in the transport direction. The additional length is calculated by the product with the conveyance speed.

  The necessary winding amount calculation unit 23 calculates the length of paper necessary for printing all of a plurality of color images included in one order as the necessary winding amount. In other words, in order to print all of a plurality of color images included in one order, before the printing of the color image by the printing unit 70, paper having a length capable of printing these color images is printed on the printing unit. It is necessary to carry the sheet downstream in the carrying direction from 70. Therefore, when the paper is conveyed from the paper supply unit 40 toward the paper take-up unit 80, the printing position by the head unit 73 of the printing unit 70 is used to print all of the plurality of color images included in one order. The length of the paper to be transported exceeding this is calculated as the required winding amount.

  Here, the necessary winding amount will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a plurality of color images included in one order are printed in the vicinity of the leading edge of the paper. In FIG. 8, a case where six images of the same print type are included in one order is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 8, a region corresponding to the additional length z for heat radiation of the head is provided near the front end (left end portion in FIG. 8) of the paper, and from there toward the upstream side (right side in FIG. 8) The area corresponding to the print length x and the area corresponding to the margin length y are alternately provided by the number n of prints.

Accordingly, in the necessary winding amount calculation unit 23, when the print type and the number of prints of a color image included in one order are input by the operator before the start of printing, each value stored in the print information storage unit 22 is set. Based on this, the required winding amount L corresponding to one order is calculated by the following equation.
L = z + x * n + y * (n-1)

  The comparison unit 24 compares the required winding amount calculated by the required winding amount calculation unit 23 with the maximum winding amount stored in the maximum winding amount storage unit 21. Then, the comparison unit 24 obtains a comparison result regarding the magnitude relationship between the required winding amount and the maximum winding amount.

  The winding amount determination unit 25 is actually conveyed downstream of the printing unit 70 in the conveyance direction before the conveyance direction of the sheet is changed from the direction toward the downstream side in the conveyance direction to the direction toward the upstream side in the conveyance direction. The length of the sheet (actual winding amount), that is, the length of the sheet that is actually conveyed beyond the position facing the head unit 73 of the printing unit 70 is determined. Here, the winding amount determination unit 25 determines the winding amount based on the comparison result by the comparison unit 24. That is, when the comparison unit 24 obtains a comparison result that the required winding amount is equal to or less than the maximum winding amount, the winding amount determination unit 25 determines the actual winding amount as the necessary winding amount, On the other hand, when the comparison unit 24 obtains a comparison result that the required winding amount is longer than the maximum winding amount, the actual winding amount is determined as the maximum winding amount.

  The carry amount detection unit 26 detects the carry amount of the paper based on the number of rotations of the carry roller pair 34 detected by the encoder 33 after the leading edge of the paper is detected by the paper detection sensor 91. That is, the transport amount detection unit 26 detects the length of the paper transported downstream in the transport direction from the position detected by the paper detection sensor 91. As a result, the conveyance amount detection unit 26 is conveyed downstream of the printing unit 70 in the conveyance direction before the sheet conveyance direction is changed from the direction toward the downstream side in the conveyance direction to the direction toward the upstream side in the conveyance direction. The length of the paper can be detected. As will be described later, after the leading edge of the sheet reaches the feed roller pair 35, the sheet is transported by the transport force applied from the feed roller pair 35 instead of the transport force applied from the transport roller pair 34. However, even in this case, the carry amount detection unit 26 always detects the carry amount of the paper based on the number of rotations of the carry roller pair 34.

  The conveyance amount detection unit 26 can detect the conveyance amount of the paper not only when the paper is conveyed toward the downstream side in the conveyance direction but also when the paper is conveyed toward the upstream side in the conveyance direction. . Therefore, when the paper transport direction is changed from the direction downstream in the transport direction to the direction upstream in the transport direction, the transport direction is changed from the transport amount downstream in the transport direction before the transport direction is changed. The leading end position of the sheet can be detected by subtracting the transport amount upstream in the transport direction after being performed.

  The conveyance control unit 27a controls the motors 43a, 31a, 34a, and 35a that drive the rotation shaft 43, the paper feed roller pair 31, the conveyance roller pair 34, and the feeding roller pair 35, thereby supplying the paper from the paper supply unit 40 to the paper. The sheet is conveyed toward the winding unit 80 and the sheet is fed back from the sheet winding unit 80 toward the sheet supply unit 40.

  The printing control unit 27b controls the raising / lowering timing and printing timing of the thermal head 61a of the overcoat unit 60 and the thermal heads 71a to 73a of the printing unit 70. Specifically, when the paper is transported downstream in the transport direction, the print control unit 27b sets the thermal heads 61a and 71a to 73a to the retracted position, and before the paper is fed back upstream in the transport direction, The raising / lowering timing is controlled so that the thermal heads 61a, 71a to 73a are set to the printing positions. In addition, the print control unit 27b prints a plurality of color images included in one order separated by the length of the blank portion on the paper that has been fed back upstream in the transport direction, and finally, The printing timing is controlled so that the image is not printed in an area corresponding to the additional length on the leading end side of the paper than the printed color image. Further, the print control unit 27b controls the overcoat unit 60 so as to overcoat only the area where the color image of the paper is printed.

  The cutting control unit 27 c controls the cutting timing at the cutting unit 50. In detail, the cutting control unit 27c detects the conveyance amount detection unit 26 to the upstream side in the conveyance direction after the sheet conveyance direction is changed from the direction toward the downstream in the conveyance direction to the direction toward the upstream in the conveyance direction. Based on the transport amount of the paper, it is detected that the rear end portion of the color image printed most upstream in the transport direction has reached the cutting position by the cutting unit 50, and the rear end portion of the color image is cut. Thus, the cutting unit 50 is controlled. Further, the cutting control unit 27c detects the color image based on the conveyance amount of the sheet upstream in the conveyance direction after the trailing edge of the image is detected by the image detection sensor 90, which is detected by the conveyance amount detection unit 26. Is detected to have reached the cutting position by the cutting unit 50, and the cutting unit 50 is controlled so that the leading end of the color image is cut. Further, the cutting control unit 27c detects the conveyance direction based on the conveyance amount upstream of the conveyance direction after the sheet is cut at the leading end of the color image, which is detected by the conveyance amount detection unit 26. It is detected that the rear end of the color image adjacent on the downstream side has reached the cutting position by the cutting unit 50, and the cutting unit 50 is controlled so that the rear end of the color image is cut.

  The guide control unit 27d controls the positions of the movable guides 190 and 191 by controlling the drive mechanism 200. That is, the guide control unit 127d moves the movable guides 190 and 191 during normal times (when the paper is transported downstream in the transport direction and most when the paper is fed back upstream in the transport direction). The movable guide 190 completely opens the passage 58 at the same time or just before the paper discarding area is arranged on the downstream side of the cutting position when the paper is cut by the cutting mechanism 50 while being arranged in a substantially V shape. Place it at the position you want. In the present embodiment, the movable guide 180 moves between a position where the passage 57 is closed and a position where the passage 57 is opened in conjunction with the movement of the movable blade 51 in the vertical direction.

  Next, an operation when an image is printed in the printer 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure in the printer 1.

  First, the leading end of the sheet unwound by rotating the rotary shaft 43 from the paper winding unit 45 loaded in the paper supply unit 40 is transported only by the transport force applied from the paper feed roller pair 31. (Step S101). As described above, when the leading edge of the paper transported downstream in the transport direction is transported above the passages 57 and 58 near the cutting unit 50, the movable guide 180 is disposed at a position where the passage 57 is closed. The movable guide 190 is disposed at a position where the leading edge of the sheet is returned from the passage 58 to the conveyance path.

  Then, the conveyance by the paper feed roller pair 31 is continued until the leading edge of the paper passes through the conveyance roller pair 34 and reaches the paper detection sensor 91 (step S102). Here, when the leading edge of the sheet is detected by the sheet detection sensor 91, a detection signal indicating that the leading edge of the sheet has been detected is transmitted from the sheet detection sensor 91 to the control device 20.

  In this way, when the leading edge of the paper reaches the paper detection sensor 91, the conveyance of the paper is stopped and a standby state is entered (step S103). At this time, if the thermal heads 61a and 71a to 73a are arranged at the print positions, the thermal heads 61a and 71a to 73a are moved to the retracted positions (step S104).

  Thereafter, when an order is received from the operator and the print type and the number of prints of color images included in one order are input (step S105), the print information is stored as preparation for starting the conveyance of the paper. Based on the information stored in the unit 22, the necessary winding amount corresponding to the one order is calculated by the necessary winding amount calculation unit 23 (step S106). Then, the required winding amount is compared with the maximum winding amount stored in the maximum winding amount storage unit 21 by the comparison unit 24 (step S107). Based on the comparison result, the winding amount determination unit 25 determines the actual winding amount (step S108). In this way, after completion of the sheet conveyance preparation, the sheet is conveyed only by the conveyance force applied from the conveyance roller pair 34 (step S109). At this time, both the rotation shaft 43 and the paper feed roller pair 31 of the paper supply unit 40 are rotatable.

  Thereafter, in a state in which the thermal heads 61a and 71a to 73a are disposed at the retracted positions, the leading end of the sheet passes through the overcoat unit 60 and the print unit 70 without performing overcoat and image printing, and the feed roller The conveyance is continued only by the conveyance force applied from the conveyance roller pair 34 until the pair 35 is reached (step S110). When the leading edge of the sheet reaches the nipping roller pair 35 and is nipped, the sheet is thereafter conveyed only by the conveying force applied from the feeding roller pair 35 and is wound from the leading edge of the sheet. Are sequentially fed into the storage case 81 of the unit 80 (step S111). At this time, as the paper is fed into the storage case 81, the leading edge of the paper is guided to the inner peripheral surface of the storage case 81 and the take-up rollers 83 a to 83 d, and the paper is wound around the curl in the storage case 81. Therefore, it is wound up. When the leading edge of the paper reaches the feed roller pair 35, the transport roller pair 34 is accompanied by the paper transported by the feed roller pair 35 from the state in which the transport force is applied to the paper by the function of the one-way clutch 34c. It is switched to the state of driven rotation.

  Thereafter, when the sheet having the length of the winding amount determined by the winding amount determination unit 25 is conveyed downstream in the conveyance direction from the printing position by the head unit 73, the winding of the sheet is finished, The conveyance of the sheet from the sheet supply unit 40 toward the sheet winding unit 80 is stopped (step S112). That is, the conveyance amount of the paper detected by the conveyance amount detection unit 26 based on the number of rotations of the conveyance roller pair 34 detected by the encoder 33 after the front end of the paper is detected by the paper detection sensor 91 is taken up. When the winding amount determined by the amount determination unit 25 and the length of the conveyance path in the overcoat unit 60 and the printing unit 70 are added, the conveyance control unit 27a finishes winding the sheet. Then, the conveyance of the sheet to the downstream side in the conveyance direction is stopped. At this time, the rear end portion of the image printed on the most upstream side in the transport direction of the sheet having the winding amount is disposed at the printing position by the head unit 73.

  Then, the thermal head 61a of the overcoat unit 60 and the thermal heads 71a to 73a of the printing unit 70 are simultaneously moved from the retracted position to the printing position (step S113). Thereafter, the sheet is fed back toward the upstream side in the transport direction by the transport force applied from the pair of paper feed rollers 31 and the pair of transport rollers 34 (step S114). Accordingly, at this time, the pair of paper feed rollers 31 and the pair of transport rollers 34 that have been driven to rotate are rotationally driven in the direction of transporting paper toward the upstream side in the transport direction, and the pair of feed rollers 35 The function of the clutch 35c causes the driven rotation. Further, the rotation shaft 43 of the paper supply unit 40 is rotationally driven in a direction to rewind the paper into the magazine case 41.

  Then, while the paper is being fed back toward the upstream side in the conveyance direction, for each color image included in one order, printing corresponding to yellow by the head unit 73, printing corresponding to magenta by the head unit 72, and printing by the head unit 71 Printing corresponding to cyan is sequentially performed. In this way, each color image is printed in the order of yellow, magenta, and cyan, thereby completing the color image (step S115). After that, the head unit 61 continues to overcoat the surface of the paper on which the color image is printed (step S116). When the printing and overcoating for a plurality of color images are completed while the paper is being sent back upstream in the transport direction, the thermal head 61a of the overcoat unit 60 and the thermal heads 71a to 73a of the printing unit 70 are moved from the printing position. It is simultaneously moved to the retracted position (step S117).

  In the present embodiment, when the necessary winding amount is shorter than the maximum winding amount, reverse feeding to the upstream side in the sheet conveyance direction is started, and simultaneously printing of a color image is started. All of the color images included in the order are printed intermittently so that a margin of a predetermined width is formed between the images. On the other hand, when the necessary winding amount is longer than the maximum winding amount, the reverse feeding to the upstream side in the sheet conveyance direction is started, and at the same time, the printing of the color image is started, and the color image included in one order. Are intermittently printed so that a margin of a predetermined width is formed between the images. That is, as described above, a color image is printed on the paper so that the image areas and the margins are alternately arranged. However, no image is printed in an area corresponding to the additional length for heat radiation near the leading edge of the paper. And in the printing part 70, when there exists an image area | region at the same timing in the position facing at least 2 of the three head parts 71-73, printing is simultaneously performed by those head parts. In addition, the overcoat in the overcoat unit 60 is performed in parallel with the printing of the color image in the print unit 70. In this way, in the printing unit 70 and the overcoat unit 60, a plurality of printable sheets can be printed on the paper having the winding amount determined by the winding amount determination unit 25 or the paper having the maximum winding amount. The color image is printed and overcoated.

  The trailing end of the color image printed on the most upstream side in the transport direction (corresponding to the trailing end of the sheet having the winding amount determined by the winding amount determination unit 25) is formed by the cutting unit 50. When the cutting position is reached, the reverse feeding of the paper is stopped, and the paper is cut at the trailing edge of the color image (step S118). Note that the timing at which the trailing edge of the color image reaches the cutting position by the cutting unit 50 is detected based on the carry amount detected by the carry amount detection unit 26. After the paper is cut in this way, the paper on which the image upstream of the most upstream color image in the transport direction is not formed (the paper of the length of the winding amount determined by the winding amount determination unit 25) The sheet on the upstream side in the transport direction from the rear end portion is rewound to the sheet supply unit 40.

  Subsequently, when the sheet is reversely fed only by the conveyance force applied from the conveyance roller pair 34 and the rear end portion of the image on the most upstream side in the conveyance direction reaches the detection position by the image detection sensor 90, the image detection sensor 90 controls the control device. A detection signal indicating that the rear end portion of the image has been detected is transmitted to 20 (step S119).

  Then, the conveyance amount detection unit 26 detects the trailing edge of the image by the image detection sensor 90, and then determines the amount of the sheet upstream in the conveyance direction based on the number of rotations of the conveyance roller pair 34 detected by the encoder 33. Detect the transport amount. Based on the transport amount, the cutting control unit 27c detects that the leading end of the color image has reached the cutting position by the cutting unit 50. At this time, the reverse feeding of the paper is stopped, and the paper is cut at the leading end of the color image (step S120). In this way, the paper from which the leading edge and trailing edge of the color image are cut is stored in the print box 96.

  Each time the paper is cut at the leading edge of the color image, it is determined whether the color image printed on the cut paper is the final image printed closest to the leading edge of the paper. (Step S121). Here, if it is determined that the image is not the final image, the paper is reversely fed again. Then, the conveyance amount detection unit 26 cuts the sheet at the leading end of the color image, and then, based on the number of rotations of the conveyance roller pair 34 detected by the encoder 33, the conveyance amount upstream of the conveyance direction. Detect the transport amount. In the cutting control unit 27c, based on the conveyance amount, the rear end portion of the color image adjacent to the color image whose leading end portion was cut in step S120 on the downstream side in the conveyance direction reaches the cutting position by the cutting unit 50. Detecting that At this time, the reverse feeding of the paper is stopped, and the paper is cut at the rear end portion of the color image (step S122). Then, it returns to step S119 and the process similar to the above is repeated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the image is the final image, it is determined whether or not printing of all color images included in one order has been completed (step S123). If it is determined that printing of all the color images included in one order has not been completed, the process returns to step S106 and the same processing as described above is repeated. On the other hand, when it is determined that all the printing of the color images included in one order has been completed, the process ends.

  Note that when it is determined in step S123 that all printing of color images included in one order has not been completed, for example, the comparison unit 24 determines that the necessary winding amount is longer than the maximum winding amount. This is a case where the winding amount determination unit 25 determines the maximum winding amount as the final winding amount. That is, in this case, printing of the remaining color images that could not be printed on the sheet having the maximum winding amount among the color images included in one order is continued. In this way, the same processing as described above is repeated until all the printing of the color images included in one order is completed.

  As described above, in the printer 1 according to the present embodiment, after the paper is transported in the direction from the paper supply unit 40 to the paper winding unit 80, the upstream side in the transport direction from the overcoat unit 60 and the printing unit 70. A plurality of color images can be printed on a sheet that is fed back toward the upstream side in the transport direction by the transport force of the disposed transport roller pair 34. For this reason, it is possible to print a color image in an area from the front end of the paper portion that is reversely fed after conveyance, and it is possible to suppress deterioration of the image due to load fluctuations during conveyance of the paper. Further, even when printing a plurality of color images on paper, it is only necessary to reciprocate the paper once, and it is only necessary to switch the paper transport direction in the transport mechanism 38 once. Loss can be reduced. As a result, when printing a plurality of color images on paper, the processing capability of the printer 1 can be improved while preventing image deterioration due to paper waste and load fluctuations during paper transport.

  Further, since the passages 57 and 58 for dropping the margin part are provided on both the upstream side and the downstream side of the cutting part 50, the margin part formed near the leading edge of the sheet and between the color images, respectively. When is cut, all the margins move so as to be out of the transport path. Therefore, it is possible to properly remove the blank portion that becomes cut waste cut by the cutting portion 50 from the transport path.

  Further, when the movable guide 180 disposed in the passage 57 on the upstream side of the cutting mechanism 50 moves in conjunction with the movable blade 51 of the cutting mechanism 50, the passage 57 is closed when the sheet is not cut. In addition, when the sheet is cut, the passage 57 can be opened. For this reason, the leading edge of the sheet conveyed downstream in the conveying direction is hardly caught by the passage 57. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a paper jam in the vicinity of the cutting mechanism 50. Further, when the discard area formed between each image is cut, the discard area can be moved away from the transport path. Therefore, it is possible to remove the paper corresponding to the discard area that becomes the cut waste cut by the cutting mechanism 50 from the transport path and appropriately discard it.

  In addition, since the movable guide 190 disposed in the passage 58 on the downstream side of the cutting mechanism 50 is inclined downward from the vicinity of the one end portion 56a of the fixed guide 56 toward the upstream side in the transport direction, the movable guide 190 is transported downstream in the transport direction. Even when the leading edge of the sheet to be entered enters the path 58, the leading edge of the sheet can be returned from the path 58 to the transport path. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a paper jam in the vicinity of the cutting mechanism 50. Further, when the discard area formed near the leading edge of the sheet is cut, the discard area can be moved away from the transport path. Therefore, it is possible to remove the paper corresponding to the discard area that becomes the cut waste cut by the cutting mechanism 50 from the transport path and appropriately discard it.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various design changes can be made as long as they are described in the claims. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the color image is printed on the paper that is reversely fed toward the upstream side in the transport direction by the transport force of the transport roller pair 34 disposed on the upstream side in the transport direction with respect to the overcoat unit 60 and the print unit 70. Is printed, but is not limited to this. Therefore, a color image may be printed on a sheet that is fed back toward the upstream side in the transport direction by the transport force of the transport roller pair disposed on the downstream side in the transport direction from the overcoat unit 60 and the print unit 70.

  In the above-described embodiment, the printing unit 70 has a plurality of head units 71 to 73, and a color image is printed on the paper. However, the printing unit has only one head unit. A single color image may be printed on the paper.

  In the above-described embodiment, the printer 1 includes the overcoat unit 60 that performs overcoating on the surface of the paper on which an image is printed. However, the overcoat unit 60 may be omitted.

  In the above-described embodiment, in the thermal sublimation printer 1, a color image is printed by the three head portions 71 to 73 that come into contact with the paper that is the recording medium. If there is, the configuration of the image recording unit is not limited to this. Therefore, it may be a thermal printer (including a thermal transfer system and a thermal recording system) having a head that comes into contact with a recording medium, and has, for example, an inkjet head, a FOCRT (Fiber Optic Cathode-Ray-Tube), a laser light source, etc. And a printer capable of recording a color image without contacting the recording medium. Further, the image recording unit does not necessarily have a plurality of image recording heads, and may have only one image recording head capable of recording a color image. Therefore, for example, it has three inkjet heads each having nozzles capable of ejecting yellow, magenta and cyan inks, and these heads reciprocate in a direction crossing the recording medium conveyance direction to record a color image. Or a single inkjet head having nozzles capable of discharging yellow, magenta, and cyan inks, and the head reciprocates in a direction intersecting the recording medium conveyance direction. A printer that records a color image may be used.

  In the above-described embodiment, the drive mechanism 54 of the movable blade 51 of the cutting mechanism 50 moves the movable guide 180 in conjunction with the movable blade 51, but the drive mechanism of the movable guide 180 is the cutting mechanism 50. The drive mechanism 54 of the movable blade 51 may be provided separately. In this case, the guide control unit 27 d may move the movable guide 180 regardless of the movement of the movable blade 51 by controlling the drive mechanism of the movable guide 180.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, when the leading edge of the sheet conveyed downstream in the conveying direction enters the downstream path 58 of the cutting mechanism 50, the leading edge of the sheet is returned from the path 58 to the conveying path. However, when the leading edge of the sheet conveyed downstream in the conveying direction enters the upstream path 57 of the cutting mechanism 50, the leading edge of the sheet may be returned from the path 57 to the conveying path. That is, in this case, a movable guide (first guide) that can be moved to a position where the leading edge of the sheet is returned from the passage 57 to the conveyance path and a position where the paper discarding area passes through the path 57 in a direction away from the conveyance path. A movable guide) is provided.

  In the above-described embodiment, the upstream passage 57 of the cutting mechanism 50 is closed when the paper is not cut and is opened when the paper is cut. The passage 58 on the downstream side of 50 may be closed when the sheet is not cut, and may be opened when the sheet is cut. That is, in this case, a movable guide (second movable guide) that can take a position for closing and opening the passage 58 is provided.

1 is an external perspective view of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printing unit of the printer of FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows the structure of the cutting position vicinity in the cutting mechanism contained in the printing part of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the cutting position vicinity in the cutting mechanism contained in the printing part of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the cutting position vicinity in the cutting mechanism contained in the printing part of FIG. It is a figure showing operation | movement of the conveyance roller pair and feed roller pair of the printer of FIG. It is a block diagram about the principal part of the printer of FIG. 1, and the control apparatus to which these were connected. It is a figure which shows a mode when the several color image contained in 1 order is printed in the front-end | tip part vicinity of a paper. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure in the printer 1.

Explanation of symbols

1 Thermal printer (printer)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Operation part 20 Control apparatus 21 Maximum winding amount memory | storage part 22 Print information storage part 23 Required winding amount calculation part 24 Comparison part 25 Winding amount determination part 26 Conveyance amount detection part 27a Conveyance control part (conveyance control means)
27b Print control unit (image recording control means)
27c Cutting control part (cutting control means)
27d Guide control unit (guide control means)
30 Printing section 38 Conveying mechanism 40 Paper supply section (supply section)
50 Cutting part (cutting mechanism)
53 Chip box (storage material)
55 Fixed guide (support mechanism)
56 Fixed guide (support mechanism)
60 Overcoat part 61a Thermal head 70 Printing part (image recording part)
71a to 73a Thermal head 80 Paper winding unit 180 Movable guide (first movable guide)
190 Movable guide (second movable guide)
191 Movable guide

Claims (4)

An image recording unit capable of recording an image on a recording medium;
A supply unit storing a long recording medium;
A transport mechanism capable of transporting a recording medium in a first direction from the supply unit to the image recording unit and a second direction opposite to the first direction while facing the image recording unit;
A cutting mechanism capable of cutting the recording medium conveyed by the conveyance mechanism;
A support mechanism that supports the recording medium to be cut by the cutting mechanism, and is provided with a passage through which the recording medium corresponding to the discard area passes in a direction away from the transport path on the upstream side and the downstream side of the cutting mechanism. ,
A first movable guide capable of taking a position for substantially closing and opening the passage provided on the upstream side of the cutting mechanism of the support mechanism;
The transport mechanism so that the recording medium is transported in the second direction after being transported in the first direction until the leading end of the recording medium reaches a position away from the image recording unit in the first direction. Transport control means for controlling
The image recording unit records a plurality of images on the recording medium transported in the second direction by the transport mechanism, and the waste area is formed on the upstream side and the downstream side of each image. Image recording control means for controlling the image recording unit;
Cutting control means for controlling the cutting mechanism so that the recording medium is cut at the boundary between each image and the waste area;
A printer comprising guide control means for controlling the position of the first movable guide. An image recording unit capable of recording an image on a recording medium;
A supply unit storing a long recording medium;
A transport mechanism capable of transporting a recording medium in a first direction from the supply unit to the image recording unit and a second direction opposite to the first direction while facing the image recording unit;
A cutting mechanism capable of cutting the recording medium conveyed by the conveyance mechanism;
A support mechanism that supports the recording medium to be cut by the cutting mechanism, and is provided with a passage through which the recording medium corresponding to the discard area passes in a direction away from the transport path on the upstream side and the downstream side of the cutting mechanism. ,
When the leading end of the recording medium transported in the first direction by the transport mechanism enters the passage provided on the upstream side of the cutting mechanism of the support mechanism, the leading end of the recording medium abuts The position where the leading edge of the recording medium is returned from the passage to the transport path, and the recording medium corresponding to the disposal area in the direction away from the transport path in the path provided on the upstream side of the cutting mechanism of the support mechanism A first movable guide capable of taking a position to pass;
The transport mechanism so that the recording medium is transported in the second direction after being transported in the first direction until the leading end of the recording medium reaches a position away from the image recording unit in the first direction. Transport control means for controlling
The image recording unit records a plurality of images on the recording medium transported in the second direction by the transport mechanism, and the waste area is formed on the upstream side and the downstream side of each image. Image recording control means for controlling the image recording unit;
Cutting control means for controlling the cutting mechanism so that the recording medium is cut at the boundary between each image and the waste area;
A printer comprising guide control means for controlling the position of the first movable guide. A second movable guide capable of taking a position for substantially closing and opening the passage provided on the downstream side of the cutting mechanism of the support mechanism;
The printer according to claim 1, wherein the guide control unit controls a position of the second movable guide. When the leading end of the recording medium transported in the first direction by the transport mechanism enters the passage provided on the downstream side of the cutting mechanism of the support mechanism, the leading end of the recording medium abuts The position where the leading edge of the recording medium is returned from the passage to the transport path, and the recording medium corresponding to the disposal area in the direction away from the transport path in the path provided on the downstream side of the cutting mechanism of the support mechanism A second movable guide that can take a passing position;
The printer according to claim 1, wherein the guide control unit controls a position of the second movable guide.

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