JP2014019531A - Medium mounting method and medium processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a medium mounting method capable of suppressing inoperativeness of appropriate mounting of a medium to be processed to a medium processing device due to insufficient connection of the medium to be processed mounted to the medium processing device to a processed medium having been processed, and further to provide the medium processing device.SOLUTION: A medium mounting method in a medium processing device comprising processing means for processing a medium to be processed, medium supply means for supplying the medium to be processed to the processing means and medium removal means for removing a processed medium having been processed from the processing means includes: a connection completion acquisition step of acquiring connection completion information notifying a user of completion of connection between a first medium to be processed held by the medium supply means and a second processed medium held by the medium removal means; a tension application step of applying tension to a portion including a connection portion between the first medium to be processed and the second processed medium in the first medium to be processed and the second processed medium; and a tension application result detection step of detecting results of application of the tension.

Description

  The present invention relates to a medium loading method in a medium processing apparatus that performs various types of processing on a target medium, and a medium processing apparatus that performs various types of processing on a target medium.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, medium processing apparatuses that perform various types of processing on a target medium are known. The medium processing apparatus includes: a processing unit that performs processing; a medium moving device that supplies an unprocessed medium to the processing unit that supplies and removes the medium, and discharges the processed medium from the processing unit; , The processing medium is quickly supplied and removed.
Prior Document 1 discloses a droplet discharge device as a medium processing device whose processing is drawing. The droplet discharge device disclosed in the prior art document 1 includes drawing means for drawing a work, feeding means for supplying the work to the drawing means, and winding means for winding the drawn work. The droplet discharge device is a droplet discharge device capable of preventing an adverse effect caused by the sag of the workpiece by setting the curvature of the sag on the winding side of the workpiece within a predetermined range.

JP 2006-130470 A

In the droplet discharge device disclosed in Patent Document 1, by providing a feeding unit and a winding unit, it is possible to handle a long work wound in a roll shape, and to perform drawing efficiently. it can. In an apparatus such as the droplet discharge apparatus disclosed in the prior art document 1, when the drawing medium (work) held by the feeding means is completed or when drawing on the mounted drawing medium is completed. It is necessary to install a new drawing medium. When a new drawing medium is mounted, it is necessary to mount the drawing medium along the conveyance path of the drawing medium in the droplet discharge apparatus (medium processing apparatus). In that case, as an easy mounting method, the drawing medium to be mounted is connected by connecting the leading end of the drawing medium to be mounted to the rear end of the drawn drawing medium and pulling out the drawn drawing medium from the transport path. A method is used in which the toner is drawn into the transport path.
However, if the connection strength of the drawing medium to be mounted to the drawn drawing medium is insufficient, the drawing medium is mounted due to disconnection between the drawing mediums in the middle of the transport path. There was a problem that it may not be possible to complete. Furthermore, there is a possibility that the apparatus and the drawing medium constituting the conveyance path may be damaged due to the end of the drawing medium adhering to the apparatus constituting the conveyance path due to the adhesive for connection or the like. There was also.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to solve at least a part of the problems described above, and the invention can be implemented as the following forms or application examples.

  [Application Example 1] A medium mounting method according to this application example includes a processing unit that processes a medium to be processed, a medium supply unit that supplies the processing medium before processing to the processing unit, and the processed medium that has been processed. A medium loading method in a medium processing apparatus comprising a medium removing means for removing a processing medium from the processing means, the first treated medium held by the medium feeding means, and the medium removing means A connection end acquisition step of acquiring connection end information for informing that the connection with the second processing medium held in the storage medium is ended, and the first processing medium and the second processing medium A tension applying step of applying a tension in a direction in which the processing target medium is conveyed to a portion including a connection portion between the first processing target medium and the second processing target medium; and a result of applying the tension in the tension applying step. Detection of tension application result I have a degree, and characterized in that.

  According to the medium mounting method according to this application example, the connection end information for notifying that the connection between the first processed medium and the second processed medium is completed is acquired in the connection end acquiring process, and the tension applying process is performed. Is done. By performing the tension application step, when the connection between the first processed medium and the second processed medium is insufficient, it is possible to forcibly cause problems such as peeling of the connection portion. When a problem such as peeling of the connecting portion has occurred, the occurrence of the problem can be detected by detecting the result of applying the tension in the tension application result detecting step. Thereby, it can suppress that the connection between a 1st to-be-processed medium and a 2nd to-be-processed medium disconnects in the middle of a conveyance path | route.

  Application Example 2 In the medium loading method according to the application example described above, a connection portion between the first processing medium and the second processing medium is connected to the medium removal means from the medium supply means. It is preferable to further include a path transporting process for moving the medium path to the medium removal means and a transport execution detecting process for detecting an execution result or progress of the path transporting process.

  According to this medium loading method, the path transporting process is performed in which the connecting portion between the first processed medium and the second processed medium is moved to the medium removal means via the medium path. By carrying out the path conveying step, the first processed medium can be inserted through the medium path, and the leading end of the first processed medium can reach the medium removing means. If a problem such as disconnection between the first medium to be processed and the second medium to be processed occurs when the path conveyance process is performed by performing the conveyance execution detection process, the problem occurs. Can be detected. Thereby, it can suppress that the process to a 1st process medium is implemented in the state in which mounting | wearing of a 1st process medium is inadequate.

  Application Example 3 In the medium mounting method according to the application example described above, it is preferable that the path transport process and the transport execution detection process are performed in parallel.

  According to this medium mounting method, the conveyance execution detection process is performed in parallel with the path conveyance process. For this reason, when a malfunction occurs in the route conveyance process, it is possible to detect the occurrence of the malfunction at the time when the malfunction occurs by the conveyance execution detection process. Thereby, it can suppress that a path | route conveyance process is continued and implemented in the state which the malfunction generate | occur | produced. It can be suppressed that, for example, the processing means is damaged due to the execution of the route transporting process in a state where a defect has occurred.

  Application Example 4 In the medium loading method according to the application example described above, the first medium to be processed is wound in a roll shape and held by the medium supply unit, and the tension application result detection step and the transport execution are performed. It is preferable that both or one of the detection steps includes a step of detecting a rotation of a portion of the first target medium wound in a roll shape and held by the medium supply unit.

  According to this medium mounting method, the rotation of the roll-shaped first medium to be processed is detected in both or any one of the tension application result detection step and the conveyance execution detection step. When the connection part of the 1st processed medium and the 2nd processed medium is moved in the path conveyance process, the roll-shaped 1st processed medium is rotated and the 1st processed medium is paid out. . Therefore, by detecting the rotation of the roll-shaped first medium to be processed, it is possible to detect that the path transporting process is normally performed. When tension is applied to the connection portion between the first treated medium and the second treated medium in the tension application step, the roll rotates unless the roll is fixed to apply tension. The first processed medium is fed out. Therefore, it is possible to detect that the connection portion is normally connected by detecting the rotation of the roll-shaped first target medium.

  Application Example 5 In the medium mounting method according to the application example described above, the processing unit includes a medium holding unit that sucks and holds the medium to be processed, and both the tension application result detection step and the conveyance execution detection step. Alternatively, either one preferably includes a step of adsorbing the medium to be processed by the medium holding unit.

  According to this medium loading method, the medium to be processed is adsorbed to the medium holding means in both or one of the tension application result detection step and the conveyance execution detection step. If the medium to be processed does not exist on the medium holding means, is located at a position deviated from an appropriate position, or has a distorted shape such as a wrinkle formed, normal suction cannot be performed. Probability is high. When these problems occur in the tension application process or the path conveyance process, the occurrence of the problem is detected by performing suction by the medium holding means in the tension application result detection process or the conveyance execution detection process. Can do.

  Application Example 6 In the medium mounting method according to the application example, the processing unit includes an end detection unit that detects an end of the medium to be processed in a direction intersecting a direction in which the medium to be processed is conveyed, It is preferable that both or one of the tension application result detection step and the conveyance execution detection step includes a step of detecting the position of the end of the medium to be processed by the end detection unit.

  According to this medium loading method, the end of the medium to be processed is detected in both or any one of the tension application result detection step and the conveyance execution detection step. If the medium to be processed does not exist on the medium holding means, is located at a position deviated from an appropriate position, or has a distorted shape such as a wrinkle, the edge of the medium to be processed Is likely not to be detected at a normal position. If these problems occur in the tension application process or the path transport process, the occurrence of the problem is detected by detecting the edge of the medium to be processed in the tension application result detection process or the transport execution detection process. can do.

  Application Example 7 A medium processing apparatus according to this application example includes a processing unit that processes a processing target medium, a medium supply unit that supplies the processing target medium before processing to the processing unit, and the processed target that has been processed. Medium removal means for removing a treatment medium from the treatment means, a first treatment medium held by the medium supply means, and a second treatment medium held by the medium removal means Connection end acquisition means for acquiring connection end information for notifying that connection has ended, and the first processed medium and the second processed medium in the first processed medium and the second processed medium, A tension applying means for applying a tension in a direction in which the medium to be processed is conveyed, and a tension application result detecting means for detecting a result of applying the tension by the tension applying means. The tension applying means is the end of the connection By obtained means acquires the connection completion information, and applying the tension.

  According to the medium processing apparatus according to this application example, the tension applying unit may include a connection portion between the first processed medium and the second processed medium when the connection end acquiring unit acquires the connection end information. Apply tension. By applying the tension, when the connection between the first medium to be processed and the second medium to be processed is insufficient, it is possible to forcibly cause problems such as peeling of the connection portion. When a problem such as peeling of the connecting portion occurs, the occurrence of the problem can be detected by detecting the result of applying the tension by the tension application result detecting means. Thereby, it can suppress that the connection between a 1st to-be-processed medium and a 2nd to-be-processed medium disconnects in the middle of a conveyance path | route.

  Application Example 8 In the medium processing apparatus according to the application example, a conveyance control unit that controls conveyance of the medium to be processed, a conveyance execution detection unit that detects a conveyance state or a conveyed state of the medium to be processed, The conveyance control means includes a connection portion between the first processed medium and the second processed medium, and a medium path from the medium supply means to the medium removing means. And the transfer execution detecting means moves until the connecting portion between the first processed medium and the second processed medium reaches the medium removing means. In this case, it is preferable to detect a transport state or a transported state of the target medium.

  According to this medium processing apparatus, the transport control means moves the connecting portion between the first processed medium and the second processed medium to the medium removing means via the medium path. By moving the connecting portion through the medium path to the medium removal means, the first processed medium is inserted into the medium path, and the tip of the first processed medium is used as the medium removal means. Can be reached. When the conveyance execution detecting means is moved until the connecting portion reaches the medium removing means, the connecting portion moves until the connecting medium reaches the medium removing means by detecting the conveyance state or the conveyed state of the medium to be processed. When a problem such as disconnection between the first processed medium and the second processed medium occurs when the process is performed, it can be detected that the problem has occurred. Thereby, it can suppress that the process to a 1st process medium is implemented in the state in which mounting | wearing of a 1st process medium is inadequate.

  Application Example 9 In the medium processing apparatus according to the application example, the first target medium is wound in a roll shape and held by the medium supply unit, and the medium supply unit is the first medium supply unit. A rotation detecting means for detecting a rotation of a portion of the medium to be processed wound in a roll shape and held by the medium supply means, and / or either the tension application result detection means and the conveyance execution detection means; One preferably includes the rotation detection means.

  According to this medium processing apparatus, the rotation of the roll-shaped first target medium is detected by the rotation detection means included in either or either of the tension application result detection means and the conveyance execution detection means. When the connecting portion between the first processed medium and the second processed medium is moved to reach the medium removal means, the roll-shaped first processed medium is rotated and the first processed medium is fed out. Is done. Therefore, it is possible to detect that the connecting portion has been moved normally by detecting the rotation of the roll-shaped first target medium. When tension is applied to the connection portion between the first processed medium and the second processed medium by the tension applying means, the roll rotates unless the roll is fixed to apply the tension. The first processed medium is fed out. Therefore, it is possible to detect that the connection portion is normally connected by detecting the rotation of the roll-shaped first target medium.

  Application Example 10 In the medium processing apparatus according to the application example, the processing unit includes a medium holding unit that sucks and holds the medium to be processed, and both the tension application result detection unit and the conveyance execution detection unit. Alternatively, either one preferably includes the medium holding unit.

  According to this medium processing apparatus, the medium to be processed is adsorbed by the medium holding unit included in either or either of the tension application result detection unit and the conveyance execution detection unit. If the medium to be processed does not exist on the medium holding means, is located at a position deviated from an appropriate position, or has a distorted shape such as a wrinkle formed, normal suction cannot be performed. Probability is high. If these problems occur when the connecting part is moved to the medium removal means or when the tension is applied to the connecting part by the tension applying means, the suction by the medium holding means is performed. By implementing this, it is possible to detect the occurrence of a problem.

  Application Example 11 In the medium processing apparatus according to the application example, the processing unit includes an end detection unit that detects an end of the medium to be processed in a direction intersecting a direction in which the medium to be processed is conveyed, It is preferable that both or one of the tension application result detection means and the conveyance execution detection means includes the end detection means.

  According to this medium processing apparatus, the end of the medium to be processed is detected by the end detection unit included in either or either of the tension application result detection unit and the conveyance execution detection unit. If the medium to be processed does not exist on the medium holding means, is located at a position deviated from an appropriate position, or has a distorted shape such as a wrinkle, the edge of the medium to be processed Is likely not to be detected at a normal position. When these problems occur when the connection part is moved to the medium removal means or when the tension is applied to the connection part by the tension applying means, the end of the medium to be processed By performing detection, it is possible to detect the occurrence of a malfunction.

FIG. 2A is a schematic plan view illustrating a schematic configuration of a printing apparatus. FIG. 2B is a schematic side view illustrating a schematic configuration of the printing apparatus. FIG. 3 is an electrical configuration block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the printing apparatus. The flowchart which shows a printing process. Explanatory drawing which shows the position of the to-be-printed area | region of a film with respect to the position of a head unit, and the position of a suction table in a printing process. Explanatory drawing which shows the position of the to-be-printed area | region of a film with respect to the position of a head unit, and the position of a suction table in a printing process. The flowchart which shows a film exchange process. Explanatory drawing which shows the state of a film in a film exchange process. 1 is a schematic side view illustrating a schematic configuration of a printing apparatus.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a medium loading method and a medium processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a printing apparatus as a medium processing apparatus that performs a process called image printing on a long film as a processing medium will be described as an example. In the drawings referred to in the following description, the vertical and horizontal scales of members or portions may be shown differently from actual ones for convenience of illustration.

<Printing device>
Next, the configuration of the printing apparatus 1 that prints on the film 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printing apparatus. FIG. 1A is a schematic plan view illustrating a schematic configuration of the printing apparatus, and FIG. 1B is a schematic side view illustrating a schematic configuration of the printing apparatus. The film 10 corresponds to a medium to be processed. The printing apparatus 1 corresponds to a medium processing apparatus. Printing performed by the printing apparatus 1 corresponds to processing.

As shown in FIG. 1, the printing apparatus 1 includes a head mechanism unit 2 having a droplet discharge head 20, a supply / discharge mechanism unit 3, a functional liquid supply unit 4 (see FIG. 2), a maintenance device unit 5, It has.
The droplet discharge head 20 provided in the head mechanism unit 2 is an inkjet droplet discharge head, and discharges a functional liquid having ultraviolet curable properties as droplets toward a printing object. The supply / discharge mechanism 3 feeds and discharges the film 10, which is a printing object on which the droplets ejected from the droplet ejection head 20 are landed, to the printing position. The functional liquid supply unit 4 supplies the functional liquid to the droplet discharge head 20. The maintenance device unit 5 performs maintenance of the droplet discharge head 20.
The printing apparatus 1 also includes a printing apparatus control unit 7 (see FIG. 2) that comprehensively controls each of these mechanism units.

The supply / discharge mechanism unit 3 includes a supply reel shaft 31, a take-up reel shaft 32, a suction unit 33, an idler roller 37, an idler roller 38, and a Y-axis scanning mechanism 42.
The Y-axis scanning mechanism 42 includes a pair of Y-axis guide rails 42a and Y-axis sliders 42b. The suction unit 33 includes a suction table 33a, a table base 43, a table lifting mechanism 44, a supply roller 34, a driven roller 34a, a medium feeding roller 36, and a driven roller 36a. Each reel shaft and each roller can rotate around a rotation axis, and the rotation axes are substantially parallel to each other.

The film 10 is wound around the reel 30 in a roll shape. By fitting the reel 30 to the supply reel shaft 31, the film 10 wound around the reel 30 is held on the supply reel shaft 31. The reel 30 fitted to the supply reel shaft 31 is referred to as a supply reel 301. The reel 30 fitted to the take-up reel shaft 32 is referred to as a take-up reel 302. The supply reel 301 and the take-up reel 302 can be rotated by rotating the supply reel shaft 31 or the take-up reel shaft 32.
The film 10 is sent from the supply reel 301 to the take-up reel 302. When the supply reel shaft 31 rotates, the film 10 fed from the supply reel 301 is supplied to the head mechanism unit 2. In the head mechanism unit 2, printing on the film 10 is performed. The printed portion of the film 10 is taken up on a take-up reel 302.
The direction in which the film 10 is fed is a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial directions of the reel axes that are substantially parallel to each other and the rotation axes of the rollers. A direction parallel to the axial direction of each reel axis and the rotation axis of each roller is expressed as an X-axis direction, and a feeding direction of the film 10 is expressed as a Y-axis direction.

One Y-axis guide rail 42a of the Y-axis scanning mechanism 42 is disposed on each side in the X-axis direction across the suction table 33a, and extends in the Y-axis direction. The Y-axis slider 42b is supported by the Y-axis guide rail 42a via the Y-axis drive motor so that it can slide in the Y-axis direction and can be held at an arbitrary position.
One end of the table base 43 of the suction unit 33 is fixed to the Y-axis slider 42b supported on each of the two Y-axis guide rails 42a. The table 43 having both ends fixed to the Y-axis slider 42b is supported by the Y-axis slider 42b and passed between the two Y-axis guide rails 42a. The table base 43 is slidable in the Y-axis direction along the Y-axis guide rail 42a by the Y-axis drive motor, and can be held at an arbitrary position in the Y-axis direction.

  The suction table 33 a of the suction unit 33 is fixed to a table lifting mechanism 44 fixed to the table base 43. The table elevating mechanism 44 can elevate and lower the suction table 33a with respect to the table base 43 in the Z-axis direction, which is a direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. The surface is supported so that it can be held at a suction position, which is a predetermined position in the Z-axis direction, and at a retracted position closer to the table base 43 than the suction position. The predetermined position in the Z-axis direction of the suction surface of the suction table 33a located at the suction position is a position that substantially coincides with the positions of the surfaces that contact the outer periphery of the supply roller 34 and the outer periphery of the medium feed roller 36, which will be described later.

The supply roller 34 and the driven roller 34a, and the medium feeding roller 36 and the driven roller 36a are fixed to the table base 43 via a support member (not shown). The supply roller 34 and the driven roller 34a, and the medium feeding roller 36 and the driven roller 36a are disposed on both sides of the suction table 33a in the Y-axis direction. The film 10 is supplied substantially parallel to the Y-axis direction, and the supply roller 34 and the driven roller 34a are arranged on the upstream side of the suction table 33a in the supply direction of the film 10, and the medium feeding roller 36 and the driven roller 36a. Is disposed downstream of the suction table 33a.
The table base 43 is slidable in the Y-axis direction by the Y-axis scanning mechanism 42 and is supported so as to be held at an arbitrary position in the Y-axis direction. The suction table 33a, the supply roller 34 and the driven roller 34a, and the medium feeding roller 36 and the driven roller 36a are slidable in the Y-axis direction by the Y-axis scanning mechanism 42, and can be placed at arbitrary positions in the Y-axis direction. It can be held.

  The supply reel shaft 31, the idler roller 37, the suction unit 33, the idler roller 38 and the take-up reel shaft 32 provided in the supply / discharge mechanism unit 3 are arranged in this order. In the suction unit 33, the supply roller 34 and the driven roller 34a, the suction table 33a, the medium feeding roller 36, and the driven roller 36a are arranged in this order. Accordingly, in the supply / discharge mechanism 3, the supply reel shaft 31, the idler roller 37, the supply roller 34 and the driven roller 34a, the suction table 33a, the medium feeding roller 36 and the driven roller 36a, the idler roller 38, and the winding The take-up reel shaft 32 is arranged in this order in the Y-axis direction.

As described above, the strip-shaped film 10 is wound around the supply reel 301 fitted to the supply reel shaft 31, and the supply reel shaft 31 is rotated by the supply shaft motor, whereby the film 10 is formed. It is paid out.
The outer periphery of the driven roller 34a is in contact with the outer periphery of the supply roller 34, and is pressed against the supply roller 34 by an urging device. The supply roller 34 is rotated by the supply motor, and the driven roller 34 a in contact with the supply roller 34 rotates according to the supply roller 34. The film 10 supplied from the supply reel shaft 31 is sandwiched between the supply roller 34 and the driven roller 34 a and is pressed against the supply roller 34 by the driven roller 34 a. A length approximately equal to the moving length is supplied.

  The idler roller 37 can swing in a direction in which the rotation shaft intersects the axial direction, and is biased in one of the swing directions. The idler roller 37 is in contact with the portion of the film 10 between the supply reel 301, the supply roller 34, and the driven roller 34a by the biasing force. By abutting the idler roller 37 in a biased state, the portions between the supply reel 301 and the idler roller 37 and between the idler roller 37 and the supply roller 34 and the driven roller 34a are stretched almost without slack. ing. Thereby, the state at the time of being supplied and pinched between the supply roller 34 and the driven roller 34a is easy to maintain the film 10 substantially flat. Further, depending on the difference between the supply speed of the film 10 in the supply roller 34 and the supply speed of the film 10 in the supply reel 301 (supply reel shaft 31), the portion between the supply reel 301 and the supply roller 34 and the driven roller 34a is reduced. The amount of slack varies. However, by changing the position of the idler roller 37 following the fluctuation of the slack amount, the tensioned state is maintained substantially without slack. Similarly, with respect to fluctuations in the amount of slack in the portion between the supply reel 301 and the supply roller 34 and the driven roller 34a due to the movement of the suction unit 33, the tensioned state is maintained substantially without slack.

  The driven roller 36a has an outer periphery that is in contact with the outer periphery of the medium feeding roller 36, and is pressed against the medium feeding roller 36 by an urging device. The medium feeding roller 36 is rotated by a medium feeding motor, and the driven roller 36 a that is in contact with the medium feeding roller 36 rotates according to the medium feeding roller 36. The film 10 supplied by the rotation of the supply roller 34 is sandwiched between the medium feed roller 36 and the driven roller 36a and pressed against the medium feed roller 36 by the driven roller 36a. As a result, the film 10 is fed to a length substantially equal to the rotation length of the outer periphery due to the rotation of the medium feeding roller 36.

The feed amount by the medium feed roller 36 is set to be larger than the feed amount by the supply roller 34. A torque control mechanism is incorporated in the power transmission mechanism from the medium feed motor to the medium feed roller 36. The film 10 that can be fed faster than the supply roller 34 by the medium feed roller 36 is stretched at a portion between the supply roller 34 and the medium feed roller 36 with a tension according to the torque controlled by the torque control mechanism.
The suction surface of the suction table 33a faces the stretched portion. The position of the suction surface of the suction table 33 a located at the above-described suction position substantially coincides with the position of the surface in contact with the outer periphery of the medium feed roller 36 and the outer periphery of the supply roller 34. The suction surface of the suction table 33 a located at the suction position is substantially in contact with the film 10 stretched between the supply roller 34 and the medium feed roller 36.

The suction table 33a sucks the film 10 on the suction surface. The adsorption surface is a flat surface, and the portion of the film 10 adsorbed on the adsorption surface is maintained in a flat state. The suction surface of the suction table 33 a located at the suction position is substantially in contact with the film 10 stretched between the supply roller 34 and the medium feed roller 36. For this reason, the possibility that the shape of the film 10 stretched between the supply roller 34 and the medium feeding roller 36 is deformed by the film 10 being sucked by the suction table 33a is very small. That is, there is little possibility that a force that can deform the shape of the film 10 is applied to the film 10 or that the internal stress is generated in the film 10 due to the deformation of the shape of the film 10.
As an adsorption method, there can be used a method of providing an atmospheric suction device and adsorbing by negative pressure, a method of providing a charging and neutralizing device and adsorbing by static electricity, and the like. In the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, a method of adsorbing by negative pressure is adopted.

The take-up reel shaft 32 is rotated by a take-up motor. The film 10 fed out from the medium feed roller 36 is taken up by the take-up reel 302 fitted to the take-up reel shaft 32 as the take-up reel shaft 32 rotates.
The idler roller 38 can swing in a direction in which the rotation shaft intersects the axial direction, and is biased in one of the swing directions. The medium feed roller 36, the driven roller 36a, and the idler are brought into contact with a portion of the film 10 between the medium feed roller 36 and the driven roller 36a and the take-up reel 302 with the idler roller 38 being urged. The portions between the rollers 38 and between the idler roller 38 and the take-up reel 302 are stretched almost without slack. Thereby, the film 10 is easily maintained in a substantially flat state when being wound on the take-up reel 302. Further, the amount of slack in the portion between the medium feed roller 36 and the take-up reel 302 varies depending on the difference between the feed speed of the film 10 on the medium feed roller 36 and the take-up speed of the film 10 on the take-up reel 302. . However, by changing the position of the idler roller 38 following the change in the amount of slack, the stretched state is maintained substantially without slack. Similarly, with respect to fluctuations in the amount of slack in the portion between the medium feeding roller 36 and the take-up reel 302 due to the movement of the suction unit 33, the tensioned state is maintained substantially without slack.

  In this state, the film 10 is fed from the supply reel shaft 31 (supply reel 301) to the take-up reel shaft 32 (take-up reel 302), and printing is performed on a portion adsorbed by the suction table 33a. The The direction in which the film 10 is fed is a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial directions of the reel axes that are substantially parallel to each other and the rotation axes of the rollers.

The head mechanism unit 2 includes a head carriage 22 and an X-axis scanning mechanism 11.
The X-axis scanning mechanism 11 includes a pair of an X-axis guide rail 11a, an X-axis slider 11b, and a support column base 11d, and further includes four guide rail support columns 11c.
The pair of support column bases 11d and 11d are respectively arranged on both sides of the suction table 33a in the X-axis direction, and are arranged at positions where the pair of Y-axis guide rails 42a and 42a are interposed. It is installed. The maintenance device unit 5 is disposed between the one Y-axis guide rail 42a and the support column base 11d.
Two guide rail support columns 11c are erected on one support column base 11d, one at each end in the Y-axis direction of the support column base 11d. One X-axis guide rail 11a is passed to a guide rail support column 11c erected at the end of the support column base 11d on the supply reel shaft 31 side, and above the suction table 33a, in the X-axis direction. It extends to. The other X-axis guide rail 11a is passed to the guide rail support column 11c that is erected on the end of the support column base 11d on the side of the take-up reel shaft 32, and above the suction table 33a, It extends in the axial direction.

  The X-axis slider 11b is supported by the X-axis guide rail 11a via the X-axis drive motor so that it can slide in the X-axis direction and can be held at an arbitrary position. One end of a bridge plate 27 of the head carriage 22 is fixed to the X-axis slider 11b supported on each of the two X-axis guide rails 11a. The bridge plate 27 having both ends fixed to the X-axis slider 11b is supported by the X-axis slider 11b and passed between the two X-axis guide rails 11a. The bridge plate 27 is slidable in the X-axis direction along the X-axis guide rail 11a by the X-axis drive motor, and can be held at an arbitrary position in the X-axis direction.

  The head carriage 22 includes a bridge plate 27, a sub-carriage 28, and a head unit 21. The subcarriage 28 is suspended from the approximate center of the bridge plate 27. The head unit 21 is fixed below the sub-carriage 28. The droplet discharge head 20 provided in the head unit 21 is held in a state where a nozzle substrate on which discharge nozzles are formed faces the suction surface of the suction table 33a.

  The head mechanism unit 2 also includes a foreign object detection unit including a foreign object detection sensor 152. The foreign object detection sensor 152 includes a light emitting unit 52a and a light receiving unit 52b. The light emitting part 52a and the light receiving part 52b are fixed to the tips of support members (not shown) that are erected on different support column bases 11d. The light emitting unit 52a and the light receiving unit 52b are disposed at positions where the supply / discharge mechanism unit 3 is sandwiched in the X-axis direction. The light emitting unit 52a is supported in a posture in which the optical axis of the emitted light beam is in the X-axis direction, and the light receiving unit 52b is supported in a posture in which the light beam can be detected. The height of the light emitting unit 52a and the light receiving unit 52b is set to a height at which the optical axis of the light beam is located between the suction surface of the suction table 33a and the nozzle substrate of the droplet discharge head 20 in the Z-axis direction. ing. The light emission amount of the light emitting unit 52a is constant, and the presence or absence of an object that blocks the light beam can be detected based on the amount of light detected by the light receiving unit 52b. The light beam is located on the supply reel shaft 31 side of the head unit 21 and can detect the presence or absence of foreign matter on the film 10 before printing.

By moving the suction unit 33 in the Y-axis direction by the Y-axis scanning mechanism 42, the suction table 33a of the suction unit 33 can be scanned in the Y-axis direction. That is, the portion of the film 10 held by suction on the suction table 33a can be scanned in the Y-axis direction. By moving the bridge plate 27 in the X-axis direction by the X-axis scanning mechanism 11, the droplet discharge head 20 of the head unit 21 fixed to the sub-carriage 28 suspended from the bridge plate 27 is scanned in the X-axis direction. Can be made.
The X-axis scanning mechanism 11 causes the droplet discharge head 20 of the head unit 21 to scan in the X-axis direction, and the Y-axis scanning mechanism 42 causes the portion suctioned and held on the suction table 33a in the film 10 to scan in the Y-axis direction. As a result, the discharge nozzle of the droplet discharge head 20 can face the substantially entire surface of the portion of the film 10 held by suction on the suction table 33a.

The printing target portion of the film 10 sucked and held on the suction table 33a is moved to the discharge position in the Y-axis direction and stopped, and synchronized with the movement of the head unit 21 in the X-axis direction. It is discharged as a drop. By controlling the main scanning for moving the head unit 21 in the X-axis direction and the line feed (sub-scanning) for moving the film 10 sucked and held on the suction table 33a in the Y-axis direction, the suction surface of the suction table 33a is controlled. The head unit 21 is opposed to an arbitrary position on the attracted film 10. At the same time, it is possible to perform desired printing or the like by landing droplets of functional liquid discharged from the droplet discharge head 20 of the head unit 21.
The head mechanism unit 2, the suction unit 33 of the supply / discharge mechanism unit 3, and the Y-axis scanning mechanism 42 correspond to a processing unit. The configuration on the supply reel shaft 31 side of the suction unit 33 of the supply / discharge mechanism unit 3 corresponds to the medium supply unit. The configuration on the take-up reel shaft 32 side of the suction unit 33 of the supply / discharge mechanism unit 3 corresponds to the medium removal means.

<Electrical configuration of printing apparatus>
Next, an electrical configuration for driving the printing apparatus 1 having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is an electrical configuration block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the printing apparatus.
The printing apparatus 1 is controlled by inputting data or inputting a control command such as operation start or stop via the printing system control apparatus 107. The printing system control device 107 includes a host computer 106 that performs arithmetic processing, and is connected to the printing device control unit 7 via an interface (I / F) 105.

  An input / output device 108 and a display device 109 are connected to the printing system control device 107. The input / output device 108 functions as an input unit for inputting a program or data for controlling the printing apparatus 1. The input / output device 108 also functions as an output unit for data acquired as the printing apparatus 1 operates. The display device 109 functions as means for displaying the operating state of the printing apparatus 1 and the like. The input / output device 108 includes, for example, a keyboard capable of inputting information, an external input / output device that inputs / outputs information via a recording medium, a recording unit that stores information input via the external input / output device, and a monitor Such as a device.

  The printing apparatus controller 7 of the printing apparatus 1 includes an input / output interface (I / F) 147, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 144, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 145, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 146, and a hard disk 148. Further, the head driver 20d, the drive mechanism driver 40d, the liquid supply driver 4d, the maintenance inspection driver 5d, and a detection unit interface (I / F) 143 are provided. These are electrically connected to each other via a data bus 149.

  The input / output interface 147 exchanges data with the printing system control device 107, and the CPU 144 performs various arithmetic processes based on commands from the printing system control device 107 and controls the operation of each unit of the printing device 1. Is output. The RAM 146 temporarily stores control commands and print data received from the printing system control apparatus 107 in accordance with instructions from the CPU 144. The ROM 145 stores routines and the like for the CPU 144 to perform various arithmetic processes. The hard disk 148 stores control commands and print data received from the printing system control apparatus 107, and stores routines for the CPU 144 to perform various arithmetic processes.

The head driver 20d is connected to the droplet discharge head 20 included in the head unit 21 constituting the head mechanism unit 2. The head driver 20d drives the droplet discharge head 20 in accordance with a control signal from the CPU 144 to discharge the functional liquid droplets.
The drive mechanism driver 40d includes a drive mechanism 41 including various motors included in the supply / discharge mechanism unit 3, an X-axis drive motor included in the X-axis scanning mechanism 11 of the head mechanism unit 2, and various drive mechanisms having various drive sources. And are connected. The various motors provided in the supply / discharge mechanism 3 include a supply shaft motor for the supply reel shaft 31, a supply motor for the supply roller 34, a medium feed motor for the medium feed roller 36, a take-up motor for the take-up reel shaft 32, and Y-axis scanning. These include a Y-axis drive motor of the mechanism 42, a lifting motor of the table lifting mechanism 44 provided in the suction unit 33, a suction pump provided in the suction unit 33, and the like. Various drive sources of the various drive mechanisms are a camera movement motor for moving the alignment camera, a θ drive motor for the suction table 33a, and the like. The drive mechanism driver 40d drives the motor or the like in accordance with a control signal from the CPU 144 to move the droplet discharge head 20 and the film 10 relative to each other so that an arbitrary position of the film 10 and the droplet discharge head 20 face each other. In cooperation with the head driver 20d, droplets of the functional liquid are landed at an arbitrary position on the film 10.

The maintenance inspection driver 5d is connected with a suction unit of a maintenance unit 5A constituting the maintenance device unit 5 and a wiping unit. The maintenance inspection driver 5d is also connected to a discharge inspection unit, a weight measurement unit, and the like included in the inspection unit 5B constituting the maintenance device unit 5.
The maintenance inspection driver 5d drives the suction unit or the wiping unit according to the control signal from the CPU 144, and causes the droplet discharge head 20 to perform maintenance work. Further, the ejection inspection unit is driven to inspect the ejection state of the droplet ejection head 20 such as the presence / absence of ejection and the landing position accuracy. Further, the weight measurement unit is driven to measure the discharge weight, which is the weight of the functional liquid droplets discharged from the droplet discharge head 20.

The functional liquid supply unit 4 is connected to the liquid supply driver 4d. The liquid supply driver 4 d drives the functional liquid supply unit 4 in accordance with a control signal from the CPU 144 and supplies the functional liquid to the droplet discharge head 20.
A detection unit 142 having various sensors is connected to the detection unit interface (I / F) 143. Various sensors included in the detection unit 142 detect the position of the rotation detection sensor 151 that detects the rotation of the supply reel shaft 31 or the supply reel 301, the idler position detection sensor 157 that detects the position of the idler roller 37, and the position of the idler roller 38. Idler position detection sensor 158, foreign object detection sensor 152, film edge detection sensor 153, and the like. Detection information detected by each sensor of the detection unit 142 is transmitted to the CPU 144 via the detection unit interface 143.

<Printing process>
Next, an example of a printing process for printing on the film 10 by the printing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the printing process. 4 and 5 are explanatory diagrams showing the position of the print area of the film and the position of the suction table with respect to the position of the head unit in the printing process. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 coincide with the X-axis, Y-axis, or Z-axis shown in FIG.

  In step S21 of FIG. 3, the suction table 33a is moved in the Z-axis direction by the table elevating mechanism 44 and moved (lowered) to the retracted position. As described above, the suction surface of the suction table 33 a located at the retracted position is separated from the film 10 stretched between the supply roller 34 and the medium feed roller 36.

Next, in step S22 of FIG. 3, the suction unit 33 is moved in the Y-axis direction by the Y-axis scanning mechanism 42, and the suction surface of the suction table 33a is moved to the film 10 as shown in FIG. Is positioned at the position facing the print area 101. The suction table 33a shown in FIG. 4A is located at the retracted position.
When the suction unit 33 is moved in the Y-axis direction, the suction roller 33 and the medium feeding roller 36 are rotated in synchronization with the movement of the suction unit 33, so that the suction unit 33 is moved to the opposite side to the movement direction of the suction unit 33. The film 10 is moved relative to 33. Since the supply roller 34 and the medium feed roller 36 are moved by the Y-axis scanning mechanism 42 and feed the film 10 at the same speed in the direction opposite to the moving direction, the supply roller 34 and the medium feed roller 36 move along the film 10. It will be in the state. Thus, if the error of the moving speed is ignored, the suction unit 33 moves in the Y-axis direction, but the position of the film 10 in the Y-axis direction does not move. Further, no force in the Y-axis direction acts on the film 10.
The to-be-printed area 101 is an area in a range where printing can be performed on the film 10 without releasing the state where the film 10 is sucked to the suction table 33a.

  Next, in step S23 of FIG. 3, the table lifting mechanism 44 moves the suction table 33a in the Z-axis direction to move (raise) to the suction position. The suction table 33a shown in FIG. 4B is located at the suction position. As described above, the suction surface of the suction table 33 a located at the suction position in the Z-axis direction is substantially in contact with the film 10 stretched between the supply roller 34 and the medium feed roller 36.

  Next, in step S24 of FIG. 3, the film 10 is sucked by the suction table 33a. The substantially entire surface of the film 10 that overlaps the suction table 33a is sucked to the suction table 33a. As shown in FIG. 4B, the print area 101 of the film 10 is located at the position facing the suction surface of the suction table 33a, and the print area 101 is sucked in a state following the suction face.

Next, in step S25 of FIG. 3, the suction table 33a is moved in the Y-axis direction by the Y-axis scanning mechanism 42, and the print area 101 sucked by the suction table 33a is moved to the print start position. At this time, the presence or absence of foreign matter on the film 10 adsorbed on the suction table 33a is detected by the foreign matter detection sensor 152.
The print area 101 shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C is located at the print start position. As shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C, the print area 101 in this case is already positioned at the print start position when the suction table 33a is moved to a position facing the print area 101. ing. In such a case, it is not necessary to perform the movement of the print area 101 to the print start position again. When it is not necessary to move the printing area 101 to the print start position, only the movement for detecting foreign matter by the foreign matter detection sensor 152 is performed as necessary.
The print start position is a position where the position of the print area 101 with respect to the head unit 21 in the Y-axis direction can start the print scan in which the head unit 21 is scanned in the X-axis direction and the functional liquid is discharged from the droplet discharge head 20. is there. The print start position as shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C is, for example, sequentially scanned from the most downstream side (the take-up reel shaft 32 side) in the feeding direction of the film 10 in the print area 101. Is the print start position when printing is performed.

Next, in step S26 of FIG. 3, it is determined whether or not the film 10 is ready to be printed. Requirements that the film 10 can be printed are that the film 10 is sucked to an appropriate position on the suction table 33a, that the film 10 is sucked in a flat state, no foreign matter is present on the film 10, etc. It is.
Whether or not the film 10 is sucked to an appropriate position on the suction table 33a can be determined based on whether or not step S24 has been performed. This is because, when the film 10 is not at an appropriate position on the suction table 33a, the film 10 is detached from the suction hole of the suction table 33a, and therefore, proper suction may not be possible.
Whether or not the film 10 is attracted to the suction table 33a in a flat state can be determined by whether or not step S24 has been performed. This is because, when a force in a direction other than the direction in which the film 10 is transported acts on the film 10 and the film 10 is deformed to form wrinkles or the like, This is because there is a possibility that proper suction cannot be performed because the suction hole portion of the suction table 33a cannot be contacted. Further, when the film 10 is not attracted to the suction table 33a in a flat state, the height of the film 10 from the suction table 33a is partially increased, so that the foreign object detection sensor 152 can also detect the film 10. Can do.
If the film 10 is not ready for printing (NO in step S26), the process proceeds to step S27. If the film 10 is ready for printing (YES in step S26), the process proceeds to step S29.

Following step S26, in step S27, the suction of the film 10 by the suction table 33a is released.
Next, in step S28, it is displayed that the film 10 is not ready for printing. For example, the display device 109 displays that the print is not ready. When a message indicating that printing is not possible is displayed, the cause is identified and the cause is eliminated manually by the operator. Specifically, correction of the mounting state of the film 10, removal of foreign matters, and the like are performed. The cause can be resolved in a processing apparatus such as the printing apparatus 1. However, since the frequency of not being ready for printing is low, the printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment causes a manual cause. Adopting cancellation.
When the cause is eliminated by manual work, the process proceeds to step S24, and steps S24 to S26 are repeated.

  Following step S26, in step S29, a printing scan is performed. The head unit 21 located at the position of the head unit 21a shown in FIG. 4C is scanned in the X-axis direction (main scanning direction) by the X-axis scanning mechanism 11 and is moved from the discharge nozzle to a position corresponding to the printing shape. The first liquid is printed on the first print line 121 by ejecting the liquid droplets of the functional liquid. The head unit 21 that has performed printing scanning on the first printing line 121 is positioned at the position of the head unit 21b shown in FIG.

  Next, in step S30 of FIG. 3, it is determined whether or not the printing on the printing area 101 where the film 10 is currently printed is completed. If printing on the print area 101 has not been completed (NO in step S30), the process proceeds to step S31. If printing on the printing area 101 has been completed (YES in step S30), the process proceeds to step S32.

  Following step S30, a line feed is performed in step S31. The line feed is performed by moving the suction table 33a that sucks the print area 101 in the Y-axis direction by the Y-axis scanning mechanism. The line feed width is a width that can be printed by the head unit 21, for example. By executing the line feed of the line feed width, the print area 101 is located at a position where printing can be performed by the head unit 21 in the second print line 122 adjacent to the first print line 121.

After step S31, the process proceeds to step S29, and steps S29 and S30 are repeated.
A line feed in step S31 is performed from the position of the print area 101 shown in FIG. 4C, and the print area 101 moves to a position where the head unit 21 can print on the second print line 122. In the next step S29, print scanning is performed in which the head unit 21 located at the position of the head unit 21b is scanned in the X-axis direction by the X-axis scanning mechanism 11. The head unit 21 that has performed the printing scan on the second print line 122 is located at the position of the head unit 21c shown in FIG. The position of the head unit 21c is substantially the same as the position of the head unit 21a shown in FIG.
By repeating Step S29 and Step S31, printing is performed on the third print line 123 and the fourth print line 124 following the first print line 121 and the second print line 122, and FIG. As shown in FIG. 5E, printing on the entire surface of the print area 101 is completed.

After step S30, in step S32, it is determined whether printing on the print target area of the film 10 is completed. If printing on the print target area of the film 10 has not been completed (NO in step S32), the process returns to step S21, and steps S21 to S32 are repeated.
After completing the printing for one printing area 101 by performing the steps S21 to S32, the process returns to the step S21, and each step from the step S21 to the step S32 is executed to print the next printing area 101. To implement. In step S21, the suction is released from the state in which the film 10 is sucked to the suction table 33a as shown in FIG. 5E, and the table lifting mechanism 44 is used as shown in FIG. The suction table 33a is moved in the Z-axis direction and moved (lowered) to the retracted position.
In step S22 performed after step S21, the suction unit 33 is moved in the Y-axis direction by the Y-axis scanning mechanism 42, and the suction surface of the suction table 33a is changed to the suction table 33a shown in FIG. In this way, it is moved to a position facing the print area 101a. The print area 101a is a print area 101a adjacent to the print area 101 for which printing shown in FIG. 5F has been completed, and is the print area as the print area 101 to be printed next. 101a.
In step S24 performed after step S22, the portion of the printing area 101a of the film 10 is sucked by the suction table 33a.
In step S25, which is performed after step S24, the print area 101a sucked on the suction table 33a is moved to the print start position, as in the print area 101a shown in FIG. The printing area 101a is moved by moving the suction unit 33 that sucks the printing area 101a in the Y-axis direction by the Y-axis scanning mechanism 42 in a state where the printing area 101a is sucked.
At this time, the presence or absence of foreign matter on the portion of the film 10 that is attracted to the suction table 33a and moves in the Y-axis direction that passes through the detection region of the foreign matter detection sensor 152 is detected.

  Instead of step S25 for moving the print area 101a sucked on the suction table 33a to the print start position, a line feed in step S31 may be performed before step S21 is performed after step S32. The position of the printing area 101 and the printing area 101a when the printing on the printing area 101 is finished is as follows. The boundary between the printing area 101 and the printing area 101a is within the printing range by the head unit 21. Located at the upstream end of the direction. For this reason, by executing a line feed once from the position, the print area 101a can be positioned at the print start position.

Next, in step S32 in FIG. 3, if printing on the print target area of the film 10 has been completed (YES in step S32), the process proceeds to step S33.
In step S33, it is displayed that printing on the print target area of the film 10 has been completed. The display that the printing in the print target area is completed is displayed on the display device 109, for example.
Step S33 is implemented, and the printing process for printing on the film 10 by the printing apparatus 1 is completed.

<Film exchange process>
Next, an example of a film exchange process in which the unprinted film 10 is mounted instead of the printed film 10 in the printing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the film exchange process. FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing the state of the film in the film exchange step. The X axis, Y axis, and Z axis shown in FIG. 7 coincide with the X axis, Y axis, or Z axis shown in FIG.

In the printing process described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, if it is determined in step S <b> 32 that the printing on the printing target area of the film 10 is completed, the printing on the preprinted printing target area is completed. Or when the film 10 wound on the supply reel 301 supported by the supply reel shaft 31 is finished.
When the film 10 wound on the supply reel 301 is completed, the display that the printing on the print target area displayed in step S33 is completed indicates that the operator performs the replacement work of the film 10. This is a prompt display. In the replacement work of the film 10, the unprinted film 10 (hereinafter referred to as “unprinted film 10b”) is used instead of the printed film 10 (hereinafter referred to as “printed film 10a”). This is an operation for mounting on the printing apparatus 1. The operator supports the supply reel 301 on which the unprinted film 10 b is wound on the supply reel shaft 31 instead of the supply reel 301 on which the wound film 10 has been completed.

When the end of the film 10 is not fixed to the supply reel 301, the end of the film 10 is separated from the supply reel 301 as shown in FIGS. 7 (a) and 7 (b). When the end of the film 10 is fixed to the supply reel 301, the operator separates the end of the film 10 from the supply reel 301, as shown in FIGS. 7 (a) and 7 (b). The end of the film 10 is separated from the supply reel 301. Further, the supply reel 301 on which the unprinted film 10 b is wound is supported on the supply reel shaft 31 in place of the supply reel 301 on which the wound film 10 is finished. Further, as shown in FIG. 7C, the end of the unprinted film 10b and the end of the printed film 10a attached to the printing apparatus 1 are connected.
The printing apparatus 1 performs a film exchange process in which the unprinted film 10b is attached to the printing apparatus 1 instead of the printed film 10a. The printed film 10a corresponds to the first processed medium. The unprinted film 10b corresponds to a second processed medium.

First, in step S41 of FIG. 6, a connection end signal for notifying that the connection between the printed film 10a and the unprinted film 10b is completed is acquired.
The connection end signal is input by the operator who has connected the printed film 10a and the unprinted film 10b using the input / output device 108, for example. Alternatively, the output of the detector that detects that the door for replacing the film 10 provided in the chamber or the like that restricts contact with the printing apparatus 1 is closed is used as the connection end signal. The connection end signal corresponds to connection end information. The printing apparatus control unit 7 that performs the film exchange process in response to the input of the connection end signal corresponds to the connection end acquisition unit.

Next, in step S42, tension is applied to the printed film 10a and the unprinted film 10b so that a force is also applied to the connection portion between the printed film 10a and the unprinted film 10b.
The tension is applied, for example, by fixing the rotation of the supply reel shaft 31 and winding the printed film 10a by the take-up reel shaft 32. Since the film 10 between the supply reel 301 and the take-up reel 302 is wound and shortened, the idler roller 37 and the idler roller 38 are moved against the urging force. Therefore, the idler roller 37 and the idler roller are moved. A tension corresponding to the biasing force of 38 is applied to the connection portion between the printed film 10a and the unprinted film 10b. In this case, the supply roller 34 and the driven roller 34a, and the medium feeding roller 36 and the driven roller 36a release the force that urges the driven roller 34a and the driven roller 36a in a direction in contact with the supply roller 34 or the medium feeding roller 36. Thus, the restraining force exerted on the film 10 is reduced. Further, the suction of the film 10 by the suction table 33a is also released. In this case, the supply reel shaft 31 and the supply shaft motor, the take-up reel shaft 32 and the take-up shaft motor, and the printing device controller 7 that controls these correspond to the tension applying unit.

The application of tension can also be performed using either one or both of the supply roller 34 and the driven roller 34a, or the medium feeding roller 36 and the driven roller 36a. The rotation of the supply reel shaft 31 is fixed, the position of the suction unit 33 in the Y-axis direction is fixed, and either one or both of the supply roller 34 and the driven roller 34a or the medium feeding roller 36 and the driven roller 36a are used. By sending the printed film 10a, a tension corresponding to the urging force of the idler roller 37 is applied to the connection between the printed film 10a and the unprinted film 10b. Also in this case, the application of tension is performed by releasing the suction of the film 10 by the suction table 33a.
In this case, the supply reel shaft 31, the supply shaft motor, the supply roller 34, the driven roller 34a, the supply motor, the medium feed roller 36, the driven roller 36a, the medium feed motor, and the like, and the printing apparatus control unit 7 that controls these are provided. Corresponds to a tension applying means.

Next, in step S43, the film 10 is sucked by the suction table 33a.
Next, in step S44, it is determined whether or not the connection strength between the printed film 10a and the unprinted film 10b is sufficient. Sufficient connection strength means that the connection between the printed film 10a and the unprinted film 10b passes through the path of the film 10 in the supply / discharge mechanism 3 by the method of feeding the film 10 by the supply / discharge mechanism 3 described above. It is the strength that can reach the take-up reel 302.

Whether or not the connection strength is sufficient can be determined based on whether or not the adsorption process of step S43 has been performed. If the connection strength is sufficient, when the tension is applied in step S42, the printed film 10a and the unprinted film 10b are placed between the supply reel 301 and the take-up reel 302 in the same manner as the continuous film 10. It becomes a state stretched with. Therefore, the film 10 exists on the suction surface of the suction table 33a, and the film 10 is sucked by the suction table 33a.
If the connection strength is insufficient, when the tension is applied in step S42, the connection portion is peeled off and deformed or separated. When the connection portion is separated, for example, only the printed film 10a moves from the suction table 33a to the take-up reel 302 side. When the connecting portion is partially peeled and deformed, for example, a deformed portion of the printed film 10a or the unprinted film 10b is present on the suction table 33a, so that a portion that is not in close contact with the suction table 33a is generated. Adsorption may not be possible. In any case, the suction of the film 10 by the suction table 33a cannot be normally performed in step S43.
In this case, the suction table 33a and the printing device controller 7 that controls the suction table 33a correspond to tension application result detection means. The suction table 33a corresponds to a medium holding unit.

If the connection strength is sufficient (YES in step S44), the process proceeds to step S46. If the connection strength is insufficient (NO in step S44), the process proceeds to step S45.
After step S44, in step S45, it is displayed that the printed film 10a and the unprinted film 10b are not properly connected. An indication that the connection is not appropriate is displayed on the display device 109, for example. When a display indicating that the connection is not appropriate is displayed, the connection state is verified and the connection failure state is resolved manually by the operator. Specifically, reconnection of the printed film 10a and the unprinted film 10b, correction of the mounting state of the film 10 to the supply / discharge mechanism unit 3, and the like are performed.
When manual reconnection is performed, a connection end signal notifying that the connection has ended is input to the printing apparatus 1. As described above, step S41 for obtaining a connection end signal is performed, and steps S41 to S44 are repeated.

Subsequent to step S44, in step S46, the film 10 to which the printed film 10a and the unprinted film 10b located in the conveyance path of the film 10 in the printing apparatus 1 are connected is conveyed by a predetermined amount. The conveyance length is a length at which at least a connection portion between the printed film 10 a and the unprinted film 10 b reaches the take-up reel 302. In order to reach the take-up reel 302, the transport distance is set to a distance corresponding to the length of the transport path of the film 10 from the supply reel 301 to the take-up reel 302, for example. The length of the transport path varies depending on the positions of the idler roller 37 and the idler roller 38. In this case, the length of the transport path is the case where the idler roller 37 and the idler roller 38 are located on the lowest side in the Z-axis direction. This is the length of the transport path. The conveyance of the film 10 performed in step S46 is referred to as path length conveyance.
The path length conveyance is performed, for example, by freely rotating the supply reel shaft 31 and winding the printed film 10a by the take-up reel shaft 32. In this case, the supply roller 34 and the driven roller 34a, and the medium feeding roller 36 and the driven roller 36a release the force that urges the driven roller 34a and the driven roller 36a in a direction in contact with the supply roller 34 or the medium feeding roller 36. Thus, the restraining force exerted on the film 10 is reduced. Further, the suction of the film 10 by the suction table 33a is also released.

The path length conveyance can also be performed using either one or both of the supply roller 34 and the driven roller 34a, or the medium feeding roller 36 and the driven roller 36a. In this case, the portions of the printed film 10a and the unprinted film 10b that are located closer to the take-up reel shaft 32 than the suction unit 33 are taken up by the take-up reel 302 (the take-up reel shaft 32), and the The stretched state is maintained. Also in this case, the conveyance is performed in a state where the suction of the film 10 by the suction table 33a is released.
The printing apparatus control unit 7 corresponds to a conveyance control unit.

Next, in step S47, tension is applied so that a force is applied to a portion between the supply reel 301 and the take-up reel 302 in the printed film 10a and the unprinted film 10b.
When step S46 is normally performed, the connecting portion reaches the take-up reel 302, and is located at a position immediately before the connecting portion is wound on the take-up reel 302, for example, as shown in FIG. Alternatively, the connection portion is wound around the take-up reel 302. In this case, the tension is applied to a portion of the unprinted film 10b between the supply reel 301 and the take-up reel 302. The suction unit 33 shown in FIG. 7 (e) is a state in which the suction unit 33 is moved to the supply reel shaft 31 side to facilitate work, and the space between the suction unit 33 and the take-up reel 302 is widened. It is.

The tension is applied by, for example, fixing the rotation of the take-up reel shaft 32 and winding the unprinted film 10b by the supply reel shaft 31. When the film 10 between the supply reel 301 and the take-up reel 302 is taken up and shortened, the idler roller 37 and the idler roller 38 are moved against the urging force. For this reason, the tension corresponding to the urging force of the idler roller 37 and the idler roller 38 is applied to the portion between the supply reel 301 and the take-up reel 302 in the printed film 10a and the unprinted film 10b.
When the tension is applied by the supply reel shaft 31, the supply roller 34 and the driven roller 34 a, and the medium feed roller 36 and the driven roller 36 a are replaced with the supply roller 34 or the medium feed roller 36. The force applied in the abutting direction is released, and the restraining force exerted on the film 10 is reduced.
In this case, the supply reel shaft 31 and the supply shaft motor, the take-up reel shaft 32 and the take-up shaft motor, and the printing device controller 7 that controls these correspond to the tension applying unit.

The application of tension can also be performed using either one or both of the supply roller 34 and the driven roller 34a, or the medium feeding roller 36 and the driven roller 36a. The rotation of the take-up reel shaft 32 is fixed, the position of the suction unit 33 in the Y-axis direction is fixed, and either the supply roller 34 and the driven roller 34a, or the medium feeding roller 36 and the driven roller 36a are used. Then, the printed film 10a is fed to the supply reel shaft 31 side. Thus, a tension corresponding to the urging force of the idler roller 38 is applied to a portion between the supply roller 34 and the driven roller 34a, or the medium feeding roller 36, the driven roller 36a, and the take-up reel 302.
At this time, by winding the unprinted film 10 b by the supply reel shaft 31, an idler roller 37 is provided between the supply roller 34 and the driven roller 34 a or the medium feeding roller 36, the driven roller 36 a, and the supply reel 301. A tension corresponding to the biasing force is applied.
In this case, the supply reel shaft 31, the supply shaft motor, the supply roller 34, the driven roller 34a, the supply motor, the medium feed roller 36, the driven roller 36a, the medium feed motor, and the like, and the printing apparatus control unit 7 that controls these are provided. Corresponds to a tension applying means.

Next, in step S48, the film 10 is sucked by the suction table 33a.
Next, in step S49, it is determined whether or not the conveyance for bringing the connection portion between the printed film 10a and the unprinted film 10b to the take-up reel 302 is completed. The determination as to whether or not the conveyance has been completed can be made based on whether or not the suction process in step S48 has been performed.
For example, when the conveyance has been completed as shown in FIG. 7E, the printed film 10a and the unprinted film 10b are separated from the continuous film 10 when the tension is applied in step S47. Similarly, the tension is set between the supply reel 301 and the take-up reel 302. Therefore, the film 10 exists on the suction surface of the suction table 33a, and the film 10 is sucked by the suction table 33a.

As the case where the conveyance is not completed, there are a case where the connection is disconnected during the conveyance, and a case where the bonding tape 110 is stuck somewhere in the conveyance path. Moreover, when tension is applied, there are a case where the connection is disconnected, a case where the connection part is disconnected, and the connection is partially disconnected and deformed.
When the film 10 is transported, the idler roller 37 and the like come into contact with each other and are bent into a shape along the contacted idler roller 37 and the like. Similarly, if the connection portion is bent, the connection may be easily disconnected even if the connection portion has sufficient connection strength for a simple tensile force. Similarly, the joining tape 110 may be easily peeled off from the printed film 10a or the unprinted film 10b. A portion of the bonding tape 110 that is peeled off from the printed film 10a or the unprinted film 10b may stick to the conveyance path.

When the tension is applied, if the connection is disconnected on the side opposite to the reel that is wound around the suction table 33a, the printed film 10a or the unprinted film 10b to which the tension is applied is wound, There is a possibility that it does not exist on the suction table 33a and cannot be sucked.
When the part peeled off from the printed film 10a or the unprinted film 10b in the bonding tape 110 is stuck to the transport path, it is restrained by sticking in the width direction of the film 10 (direction perpendicular to the transported direction). The location is partial and not uniform. Therefore, the possibility that the printed film 10a and the unprinted film 10b are stretched in a flat state is extremely small. There is a high possibility that the printed film 10a or the unprinted film 10b which is not flat cannot be sucked normally by the suction table 33a.
When the connection is partially removed, the position where the connection is maintained is partial and not uniform in the width direction of the film 10 (the direction orthogonal to the transported direction). Therefore, the possibility that the printed film 10a and the unprinted film 10b are stretched in a flat state is extremely small. There is a high possibility that the printed film 10a or the unprinted film 10b which is not flat cannot be sucked normally by the suction table 33a.
In this case, the suction table 33a and the printing device control unit 7 that controls the suction table 33a correspond to the conveyance execution detection unit. In this case, it is a conveyance execution detection means which detects the conveyed state. The suction table 33a corresponds to a medium holding unit.

If the conveyance has been completed (YES in step S49), the process proceeds to step S50. If the conveyance has not been completed (NO in step S49), the process proceeds to step S51.
In step S51 subsequent to step S49, it is displayed that the conveyance is not completed. An indication that the conveyance has not been completed is displayed on the display device 109, for example. When a display indicating that the conveyance is not completed is displayed, the failure occurrence state is verified and the failure is solved manually by the operator. Specifically, the printed film 10a and the unprinted film 10b are reconnected or the unprinted film 10b is manually attached according to the position where the failure occurs. For example, if the position where the failure occurs is on the supply reel 301 side from the suction table 33a, the printed film 10a and the unprinted film 10b are reconnected, and the film exchange process is performed again. For example, if the position where the trouble occurs is on the take-up reel 302 side of the suction table 33a, the unprinted film 10b is manually attached and the film exchange process is terminated.

After step S49, in step S50, it is displayed that the conveyance has been completed.
Step S50 is implemented and the film exchange process is terminated.

<Printing after film exchange process>
Printing is performed on the unprinted film 10b mounted on the printing apparatus 1 by performing the film exchange process.
When the film 10 that has been printed on the unprinted film 10b is wound on the printed film 10a that is wound on the take-up reel 302, the printing is continued after the film replacement process is completed. .
When the film 10 that has been printed on the unprinted film 10b is taken up on a new take-up reel 302, the take-up reel 302 around which the printed film 10a is wound is removed from the take-up reel shaft 32, and a new roll is taken up. The take-up reel 302 is attached to the take-up reel shaft 32. The leading end of the unprinted film 10 b is connected to a new take-up reel 302 attached to the take-up reel shaft 32. Also in this case, similarly to the film exchange process described above, the film 10 and the film 10 can be obtained by performing the process of applying a tension to the connection portion between the take-up reel 302 and the unprinted film 10b and the process of detecting the connection state A reliable connection with the take-up reel 302 can be realized.

<Examples of other printing devices>
Next, the configuration of the printing apparatus 201 that prints on the film 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The printing apparatus 201 is partly different from the printing apparatus 1 described above. FIG. 8 is a schematic side view illustrating a schematic configuration of the printing apparatus.

As shown in FIG. 8, the printing apparatus 201 includes a head mechanism unit 202 having a droplet discharge head 20, a supply / discharge mechanism unit 203, a functional liquid supply unit (not shown), and a maintenance device unit (not shown). It is equipped with.
The head mechanism unit 202, the functional liquid supply unit, and the maintenance device unit have the same configuration as the head mechanism unit 2, the functional liquid supply unit 4, or the maintenance device unit 5 included in the printing apparatus 1.
The printing apparatus 201 also includes a printing apparatus control unit similar to the printing apparatus control unit 7 included in the printing apparatus 1.

The supply / discharge mechanism unit 203 includes a supply reel shaft 231, a take-up reel shaft 232, a suction unit 233, a chuck device 240, an idler roller 238, and a Y-axis scanning mechanism 242.
The Y-axis scanning mechanism 242 has the same configuration as the Y-axis scanning mechanism 42 provided in the printing apparatus 1. The suction unit 233 has the same configuration as the suction unit 33 included in the printing apparatus 1, and includes a suction table 233 a and a table lifting mechanism 244.

The film 10 is held on the supply reel shaft 231 by fitting the supply reel 301 around which the film 10 is wound to the supply reel shaft 231.
The film 10 is sent from the supply reel 301 to the take-up reel 302 fitted to the take-up reel shaft 232. When the supply reel shaft 231 rotates, the film 10 fed from the supply reel 301 is supplied to the head mechanism unit 202. In the head mechanism unit 202, printing on the film 10 is performed. The printed portion of the film 10 is taken up on a take-up reel 302.
The direction in which the film 10 is fed is a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial directions of the reel axes that are substantially parallel to each other and the rotation axes of the rollers. A direction parallel to the axial direction of each reel axis and the rotation axis of each roller is expressed as an X-axis direction, and a feeding direction of the film 10 is expressed as a Y-axis direction. A direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction is referred to as a Z-axis direction.

The supply reel shaft 231, the suction unit 233, the chuck device 240, the idler roller 238, and the take-up reel shaft 232 provided in the supply / discharge mechanism unit 203 are arranged in this order.
The chuck device 240 can hold the film 10 and fix the held portion. By pulling the film 10 held by the chuck device 240 with the supply reel 301, the portion of the film 10 where the suction table 233a can face can be held in a state substantially parallel to the suction surface of the suction table 233a. . With the film 10 held in this manner, the suction of the film 10 by the suction table 233a is released, the suction table 233a is moved in the Y-axis direction, and the film 10 is sucked by the suction table 233a at the position, As described with reference to FIG. 5, the film can be fed in units of the printing area 101.

The take-up reel shaft 232 is rotated by a take-up motor. The film 10 is taken up by the take-up reel 302 fitted to the take-up reel shaft 232 as the take-up reel shaft 232 rotates.
The idler roller 238 can swing in a direction in which the rotation shaft intersects the axial direction, and is biased in one of the swing directions. The film 10 is in contact with the chuck device 240 and the take-up reel 302 in a state where the idler roller 238 is biased, so that the chuck device 240 and the idler roller 238 and the idler roller 238 are in contact with each other. And the take-up reel 302 are stretched substantially without slack.

  Using the printing apparatus 201 having the above-described configuration, a printing process similar to the printing process described with reference to FIG. 3 is performed, and desired printing or the like can be performed at an arbitrary position on the film 10. Is possible. Moreover, it is possible to perform the film exchange process similar to the film exchange process demonstrated with reference to FIG.6 and FIG.7, and to replace | exchange the film 10 reliably.

Hereinafter, the effect by embodiment is described. According to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) In step S42, tension is applied to the printed film 10a and the unprinted film 10b so that a force is also applied to the connection portion between the printed film 10a and the unprinted film 10b.
When the strength of the connection portion between the printed film 10a and the unprinted film 10b is insufficient, the connection portion may be detached when the printed film 10a is wound and the unprinted film 10b is mounted. By applying tension before mounting the unprinted film 10b, when the strength of the connecting portion is insufficient, it is possible to forcibly cause problems such as peeling of the connecting portion. Thereby, it can suppress that malfunctions, such as a connection part removing, generate | occur | produce when mounting | wearing the unprinted film 10b.

(2) After transporting the connecting portion so as to reach the take-up reel 302 in step S46, in step S47, in the portion between the supply reel 301 and the take-up reel 302 in the printed film 10a and the unprinted film 10b. Tension is applied so that force is applied.
When the film 10 is transported, the idler roller 37 and the like come into contact with each other and are bent into a shape along the contacted idler roller 37 and the like. Similarly, if the connection portion is bent, there is a possibility that a problem such as easy disconnection may occur even if the connection portion has sufficient connection strength for a simple tensile force. By applying the tension in step S47, it is possible to advance the state of the malfunction such as the connection being easily disconnected and to easily detect the malfunction.

(3) In step S43 and step S48, the film 10 is sucked by the suction table 33a. In order to suck the film 10 by the suction table 33a, the film 10 needs to be positioned at a predetermined position on the suction surface of the suction table 33a. Further, it is necessary that the film 10 is in contact with the suction surface of the suction table 33a with almost no gap. In step S43 and step S48, by sucking the film 10 by the suction table 33a, it is detected whether the connection between the printed film 10a and the unprinted film 10b or the film feeding in step S46 has been properly performed. Can do.
Further, by using the suction table 33a used for holding the film 10 or the like when performing printing as a detection device, it is possible to connect the printed film 10a and the unprinted film 10b without providing a new detection device. It is possible to detect whether or not the film feeding in step S46 has been properly performed.

  As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment was described referring an accompanying drawing, suitable embodiment is not restricted to the said embodiment. The embodiment can of course be modified in various ways without departing from the scope, and can also be implemented as follows.

(Modification 1) In the above embodiment, the tension is applied in step S42 by winding the printed film 10a by the take-up reel shaft 32.
The tension can be applied using the Y-axis scanning mechanism 42. The tension is applied by fixing the rotation of the supply reel shaft 31 and fixing one or both of the supply roller 34 and the driven roller 34a, or the medium feeding roller 36 and the driven roller 36a, and the Y-axis scanning mechanism 42. The method of moving the position of the suction unit 33 in the Y-axis direction may be used.
In this case, the printing device controller 7 that controls the supply reel shaft 31, the supply roller 34 and the driven roller 34a, the medium feed roller 36 and the driven roller 36a, the Y-axis scanning mechanism 42, the Y-axis scanning mechanism 42, and the like applies tension. Corresponds to means.

(Modification 2) In the above embodiment, the tension is applied in step S42 by winding the printed film 10a by the take-up reel shaft 32.
The application of tension can also be performed using the supply reel shaft 31. The method of applying the tension may be a method in which the rotation of the take-up reel shaft 32 is fixed and the unprinted film 10 b is rewound by the supply reel shaft 31.

(Modification 3) In the above embodiment, in step S43 and step S48, the film 10 is sucked by the suction table 33a, and the state of the film 10 as a result of applying the tension is detected according to the suction state. . However, the method for detecting the state of the film 10 is not limited to the adsorption of the film 10 by the adsorption table 33a. The state of the film 10 may be detected by detecting the rotation of the supply reel shaft 31 or the supply reel 301 using the rotation detection sensor 151 that detects the rotation of the supply reel shaft 31 or the supply reel 301. .
During the path length conveyance in step S46, if a problem such as disconnection occurs at the connection portion, the supply reel shaft 31 and the supply reel 301 are not drawn from the unprinted film 10b from the supply reel 301. Does not rotate. By detecting the rotation of the supply reel shaft 31 or the supply reel 301 using the rotation detection sensor 151, it is possible to detect whether or not the film 10 is being conveyed. In other words, it is possible to detect whether or not the connecting portion between the printed film 10a and the unprinted film 10b is appropriately conveyed. By using the rotation detection sensor 151, it is possible to detect whether or not the film 10 is being conveyed in parallel with the path length conveyance in step S46.
In this case, the rotation detection sensor 151 and the printing apparatus control unit 7 that controls the rotation detection sensor 151 correspond to the conveyance execution detection unit. In this case, it is a conveyance execution detection unit that detects the conveyance state of the target medium. The rotation detection sensor 151 corresponds to a rotation detection unit.

In the step of applying the tension in step S42 or step S47, a torque control mechanism is incorporated that limits the force that can be transmitted to the power transmission mechanism between the supply reel shaft 31 and the supply shaft motor that drives the supply reel shaft 31. And a rotation detection sensor 151 are used.
As described above, the rotation of the supply shaft motor is fixed, and the tension is applied by winding the printed film 10 a by the take-up reel shaft 32. In this case, when the rotation of the supply reel shaft 31 or the supply reel 301 is detected by the rotation detection sensor 151, the unprinted film 10b is removed from the supply reel 301 with a force larger than the force that can be transmitted via the torque control mechanism. You can see that it is being pulled out. That is, it can be seen that there is no defect in the connection portion between the printed film 10a and the unprinted film 10b.
In this case, the rotation detection sensor 151 and the printing device controller 7 that controls the rotation detection sensor 151 correspond to a tension application result detection unit. The rotation detection sensor 151 corresponds to a rotation detection unit.
As described above, the rotation of the take-up reel shaft 32 is fixed, and the tension is applied by winding the printed film 10 a by the supply reel shaft 31. In this case, by detecting the rotation of the supply reel shaft 31 or the supply reel 301 by the rotation detection sensor 151, it is possible to detect whether or not the unprinted film 10b is being wound up. If rotation of the supply reel shaft 31 or the supply reel 301 is not detected even though the supply shaft motor is driven, a torque control mechanism is applied to the unprinted film 10b that is to be wound around the supply reel 301. It can be seen that it is possible to apply a drag force that is greater than the force that can be transmitted through. That is, it can be seen that there is no defect in the connection portion between the printed film 10a and the unprinted film 10b.
In this case, the rotation detection sensor 151 and the printing device controller 7 that controls the rotation detection sensor 151 correspond to a tension application result detection unit. The rotation detection sensor 151 corresponds to a rotation detection unit.

(Modification 4) In the embodiment described above, in step S43 or step S48, the film 10 is sucked by the suction table 33a, and the state of the film 10 as a result of applying the tension is detected according to the suction state. . However, the method for detecting the state of the film 10 is not limited to the adsorption of the film 10 by the adsorption table 33a. By detecting the position of the idler roller 37 or the idler roller 38 using the idler position detection sensor 157 for detecting the position of the idler roller 37 or the idler position detection sensor 158 for detecting the position of the idler roller 38, A state may be detected.
As described above, the idler roller 37 and the idler roller 38 can swing in a direction in which the rotation axis intersects the axial direction, are urged in one of the swing directions, abut against the film 10, and the film 10 is maintained in a stretched state.
In the process of applying the tension in step S42 or step S47, when the film 10 is wound to apply the tension to the film 10, the idler roller 37 and the idler roller 38 are moved against the urging force. A tension corresponding to the urging force is applied to the film 10. By detecting the positions of the idler roller 37 and the idler roller 38, the tension applied to the film 10 can be detected. The idler roller 37 or the idler roller 38 and the printing device control unit 7 that controls the rotation detection sensor 151 correspond to a tension application result detection unit.
When the connection between the printed film 10a and the unprinted film 10b is disconnected, the film 10 does not come into contact with the idler roller 37 or the idler roller 38. Located at one end of By detecting that the idler roller 37 and the idler roller 38 are located at the positions, it is possible to detect that the printed film 10a and the unprinted film 10b are not connected.

(Modification 5) In the above embodiment, in step S43 and step S48, the film 10 is sucked by the suction table 33a, and the state of the film 10 as a result of applying the tension is detected according to the suction state. . However, the method for detecting the state of the film 10 is not limited to the adsorption of the film 10 by the adsorption table 33a. The state of the film 10 may be detected by detecting the foreign matter on the film 10 using the foreign matter detection sensor 152. The foreign matter detection sensor 152 and the printing apparatus controller 7 that controls the foreign matter detection sensor 152 correspond to a tension application result detection unit.
As described above, the presence / absence of a foreign matter on the film 10 positioned on the suction table 33a can be detected by the foreign matter detection sensor 152. As a case where the connection between the printed film 10a and the unprinted film 10b is inappropriate, the state in which the connection is partially disconnected, the longitudinal direction of the printed film 10a and the longitudinal direction of the unprinted film 10b coincide with each other. There is no state. In these states, the connecting portion and the vicinity thereof are deformed by the tension applied to the film 10 for feeding the film 10, and wrinkles are formed. Since the part such as the wrinkles becomes higher than the upper surface of the flat film 10, it can be detected by the foreign matter detection sensor 152.

(Modification 6) In the above embodiment, in step S48, the film 10 is sucked by the suction table 33a, and the state of the film 10 as a result of applying the tension is detected according to the suction state. However, the method for detecting the state of the film 10 is not limited to the adsorption of the film 10 by the adsorption table 33a. The state of the film 10 may be detected by detecting the position of the end of the film 10 using the film end detection sensor 153.
The film end detection sensor 153 detects the position of the end in the X-axis direction of the film 10 at the position where the droplet discharge head 20 of the head mechanism unit 2 faces. By adjusting the discharge timing of the droplets from the droplet discharge head 20 based on the detected end position, an image or the like is formed at an appropriate position in the width direction of the film 10.
When the connection between the printed film 10a and the unprinted film 10b is disconnected, and the film 10 does not exist at the position where the droplet discharge head 20 faces, the end position is detected by the film end detection sensor 153. It is impossible to detect that the film 10 is not present.
As a case where the connection between the printed film 10a and the unprinted film 10b is inappropriate, the state in which the connection is partially disconnected, the longitudinal direction of the printed film 10a and the longitudinal direction of the unprinted film 10b coincide with each other. There is no state. In these states, there is a high possibility that the connecting portion and the vicinity thereof are deformed by the tension applied to the film 10 for feeding the film 10, and the position of the film 10 in the X-axis direction is shifted from an appropriate position. . By detecting the end position by the film end detection sensor 153, it is possible to detect that the position of the film 10 in the X-axis direction is deviated from an appropriate position.
The film end detection sensor 153 corresponds to an end detection unit. The film end detection sensor 153 and the printing apparatus control unit 7 that controls the film end detection sensor 153 correspond to tension application result detection means.

  (Modification 7) In the above-described embodiment, the printing apparatus 1 or the like is described as an example of the processing apparatus. However, the process is printing, the medium processing apparatus is a printing apparatus, and the processing medium is a printing medium. That is not essential. The medium processing apparatus may be an apparatus that performs processing other than printing. For example, a press working apparatus that presses a hoop material as a medium to be processed may be used.

  (Modification 8) In the above embodiment, the head mechanism unit 2 of the printing apparatus 1 includes the head carriage 22 and the X-axis scanning mechanism 11. The head carriage 22 is scanned in the X-axis direction by the X-axis scanning mechanism 11, and the functional liquid is ejected from the ejection nozzles of the droplet ejection head 20 included in the head carriage 22, and printing is performed on the film 10. However, it is not essential that the printing apparatus includes a device that moves the ejection nozzle relative to the continuous medium in the main scanning direction. The printing apparatus may be configured to include a so-called line head in which ejection nozzles are arranged so as to eject droplets over substantially the entire width of the continuous medium.

  (Modification 9) In the embodiment, the supply / discharge mechanism 3 of the printing apparatus 1 includes the take-up reel shaft 32, and the printed film 10 is fitted on the take-up reel shaft 32. 302 was wound up. However, it is not essential for the printing apparatus to include a take-up reel shaft or a take-up reel, or to take up a printed portion of the medium to be processed. For example, a configuration of a printing apparatus and a printing method in which a cutting device is provided and a printed part is cut into a predetermined length may be used. Alternatively, it may be a configuration of a printing apparatus and a printing method in which a die cutting device is provided, only a product portion is die cut from a printed continuous medium, and a portion other than the product is cut or wound.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printing apparatus, 2 ... Head mechanism part, 3 ... Supply discharge mechanism part, 7 ... Printing apparatus control part, 10 ... Film, 10a ... Printed film, 10b ... Unprinted film, 20 ... Droplet discharge head, 30 ... Reel, 31 ... Supply reel shaft, 32 ... Take reel shaft, 33 ... Suction unit, 33a ... Suction table, 34 ... Supply roller, 36 ... Medium feed roller, 37 ... Idler roller, 38 ... Idler roller, 44 ... Up / down table Mechanism: 101, 101a: Printed area, 108: Input / output device, 109: Display device, 110: Bonding tape, 144: CPU, 151: Rotation detection sensor, 152: Foreign object detection sensor, 153: Film edge detection sensor, 157... Idler position detection sensor, 158... Idler position detection sensor, 201... Printing device, 202. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 03 ... Supply discharge mechanism part, 231 ... Supply reel axis | shaft, 232 ... Take-up reel axis | shaft, 233 ... Adsorption unit, 233a ... Adsorption table, 238 ... Idler roller, 240 ... Chuck apparatus, 242 ... Y-axis scanning mechanism, 244 ... Table Lifting mechanism, 301 ... supply reel, 302 ... take-up reel.

Claims (11)

Processing means for processing a medium to be processed; medium supply means for supplying the processing medium before processing to the processing means; medium removing means for removing the processed medium to be processed from the processing means; A medium mounting method in a medium processing apparatus comprising:
End of connection for obtaining connection end information for notifying that the connection between the first target medium held by the medium supply unit and the second target medium held by the medium removal unit has ended. Acquisition process;
A tension in a direction in which the processing medium is conveyed is applied to a portion of the first processing medium and the second processing medium that includes a connection portion between the first processing medium and the second processing medium. A tension applying step to be applied;
A tension application result detection step for detecting a result of tension applied in the tension application step.
A medium mounting method characterized by the above. The connecting portion between the first processed medium and the second processed medium moves in the medium path from the medium supply unit to the medium removing unit until the medium reaches the medium removing unit. A route transporting process,
A transport execution detection step of detecting an execution result or execution progress of the route transfer step,
The medium mounting method according to claim 1, wherein:   The medium mounting method according to claim 2, wherein the path transport process and the transport execution detection process are performed in parallel. The first treated medium is wound in a roll shape and held by the medium supply means,
The tension application result detection step and / or the conveyance execution detection step may be a step of detecting a rotation of a portion of the first target medium wound in a roll shape and held by the medium supply unit. including,
The medium mounting method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein The processing unit includes a medium holding unit that sucks and holds the target medium,
Both or any one of the tension application result detection step and the conveyance execution detection step includes a step of adsorbing the target medium by the medium holding unit.
The medium mounting method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the medium is mounted. The processing means includes end detection means for detecting an end of the medium to be processed in a direction intersecting a direction in which the medium to be processed is conveyed,
Both or any one of the tension application result detection step and the conveyance execution detection step includes a step of detecting a position of an end of the medium to be processed by the end detection unit.
The medium mounting method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the medium is mounted. Processing means for processing the processing target medium;
Medium supply means for supplying the processing medium before processing to the processing means;
Medium removing means for removing the processed medium to be processed from the processing means;
End of connection for obtaining connection end information for notifying that the connection between the first target medium held by the medium supply unit and the second target medium held by the medium removal unit has ended. Acquisition means;
A tension in a direction in which the processing medium is conveyed is applied to a portion of the first processing medium and the second processing medium that includes a connection portion between the first processing medium and the second processing medium. Tension applying means to apply;
Tension application result detection means for detecting the result of tension applied by the tension application means,
The tension applying unit applies the tension when the connection end acquisition unit acquires the connection end information.
A medium processing apparatus. A transport control means for controlling transport of the medium to be processed;
A transport execution detecting means for detecting a transport state or a transported state of the medium to be processed;
The transport control means connects a connection portion between the first processed medium and the second processed medium via a medium path from the medium supply means to the medium removing means. Move to the medium removal means,
The transport execution detecting means is transported or transported when the connecting portion between the first treated medium and the second treated medium is moved to the medium removing means. Detect state,
The medium processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein: The first treated medium is wound in a roll shape and held by the medium supply means,
The medium supply unit includes a rotation detection unit that detects rotation of a portion of the first target medium wound in a roll shape and held by the medium supply unit,
Both or any one of the tension application result detection means and the conveyance execution detection means includes the rotation detection means.
The medium processing apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein The processing unit includes a medium holding unit that sucks and holds the target medium,
Both or any one of the tension application result detection unit and the conveyance execution detection unit includes the medium holding unit.
The medium processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the medium processing apparatus is a medium processing apparatus. The processing means includes end detection means for detecting an end of the medium to be processed in a direction intersecting a direction in which the medium to be processed is conveyed,
Both or any one of the tension application result detection means and the conveyance execution detection means includes the end detection means.
The medium processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the medium processing apparatus is a medium processing apparatus.

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