JP2021102317A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a printer capable of determining deterioration states of positioners used for positioning each print bar unit for printing on a print object medium.SOLUTION: A printer 1 comprises: print bar units 21 arranged movably relative to a conveying path of a print object medium M, and printing on a print object medium M; first positioners 81 provided on each print bar unit 21; second positioners 82 each engaged with the first positioner 81; and a controller 71 determining deterioration states of the first positioners 81 and the second positioners 82 on the basis of amounts of deviation of the respective print bar units 21 obtained from printing results of the print object medium M printed via the respective print bar units 21.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to a printing apparatus.

Conventionally, since the tilt of the print head has a large influence on the print quality, a printer provided with a tilt adjusting mechanism capable of adjusting the tilt of the print head has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-52526

By the way, in a printing apparatus that prints on roll paper, for example, a print bar unit having a plurality of print heads arranged in a staggered pattern is lowered when shifting from standby to printing operation, and from printing operation to standby. An ascending / descending operation is performed to raise the transition. This elevating operation of the print bar unit is to prevent the expensive print head from being damaged due to contact between the print head and the roll paper.

During the printing operation, the print bar unit is lowered and the print head is located about 1 to 1.5 mm directly above the roll paper. Since the position accuracy of the print bar unit of each color (for example, four colors of black K, cyan C, magenta M, and yellow Y) is important, the fitting pin of the print bar unit is placed in the fitting hole arranged in the main body frame. It is designed so that the relative positions of the print bar units of each color are within the specified range by fitting.

When the print bar unit repeats the ascending / descending operation thousands to tens of thousands of times, the fitting hole or the fitting pin is worn and the fitting is loosened, so that the position accuracy of the heavy color is deteriorated. Therefore, a specification is adopted in which the fitting hole and the fitting pin are replaced at the replacement timing after a certain operating time has elapsed.

Since the printing device is an industrial product, it is natural that the degree of deterioration (wear) over time of fitting looseness differs for each print bar unit of each color, and the fitting hole and fitting are the worst in the design of the degree of deterioration over time. It is common to set the pin replacement timing.

However, if the fitting holes and fitting pins are replaced at the worst design, unnecessary replacement costs (parts and technical fees) will be incurred due to replacement of parts that can still be used, or during replacement maintenance. There is a problem that the operating time is reduced because the printing device cannot be used.

An object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus capable of determining a deteriorated state of a positioning portion used for positioning a print bar unit that prints on a printing medium.

In one embodiment, the printing apparatus is arranged so as to be movable relative to the transport path of the print medium, and a print bar unit that prints on the print medium and a first positioning unit provided on the print bar unit. Based on the amount of displacement between the second positioning unit that engages with the first positioning unit and the print bar unit obtained from the printing result of the print medium by the print bar unit, the first positioning unit and the above. A control unit for determining a deteriorated state of the second positioning unit is provided.

According to the above aspect, it is possible to determine the deteriorated state of the positioning unit used for positioning the print bar unit that prints on the print medium.

It is a front view which shows the internal structure of the printing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a control block diagram of the printing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows 5 print bar units in one Embodiment. It is a front view which shows the 1st positioning part and the 2nd positioning part in one Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the inclination and frequency of a print bar unit in one Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the inspection print content (the 1: no inclination) of each print bar unit in one Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the inspection print content (the 1: with inclination) of each print bar unit in one Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the inspection print content (the 2) of each print bar unit in one Embodiment. FIGS. (A) to (D) are diagrams for explaining the relationship between the scraping of the second positioning portion and the amount of deviation of the sub-scanning direction, the main scanning direction, and the inclination of the print bar unit in one embodiment ( The 1). FIGS. (A) to (C) are diagrams for explaining the relationship between the scraping of the second positioning portion and the amount of deviation of the sub-scanning direction, the main scanning direction, and the inclination of the print bar unit in one embodiment ( Part 2).

Hereinafter, the printing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing the internal configuration of the printing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a control configuration diagram of the printing device 1.

The vertical direction, the horizontal direction, and the front-rear direction shown in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 3, 4, and 6 to 8 described later are merely directions for convenience of explanation, but for example, the vertical direction is a vertical direction. Yes, the left-right direction and the front-back direction are horizontal.

As shown in FIG. 1, the printing device 1 includes a winding device 10, for example, 10 printing units 20, a transport unit 30, a winding device 40, a housing 50, a first inspection unit 61, and the like. It is provided with a second inspection unit 62. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the printing device 1 includes a control unit 71, a storage unit 72, and an operation panel 90.

The printing device 1 prints on a long print medium M, which is a web wound in a roll shape. However, the printing medium M may be cut paper (sheet sheet, paper) or the like, and is not particularly limited. Further, the printing device 1 is a printing device 1 in which the unwinding device 10 and the winding device 40 are arranged independently of the printing device 1, that is, the printing device 1 is not provided with the unwinding device 10 and the winding device 40. You may. The printing device 1 is an inkjet printing device 1, but the printing method of the printing device 1 is not limited to the inkjet printing method.

The unwinding device 10 has a roll support shaft 11, a brake 12, and a guide roller 13.

The roll support shaft 11 rotatably supports the roll-shaped printable medium M. The roll-shaped printable medium M rotates together with the roll support shaft 11 when it is unwound.

The brake 12 is, for example, a powder brake that brakes the rotation of the roll support shaft 11. When the brake 12 brakes the rotation of the roll support shaft 11, tension is applied to the printed medium M between the roll-shaped printed medium M and the transfer roller pair 34 described later.

The guide roller 13 has a longitudinal direction in the front-rear direction and guides the unwound medium M to be printed.

The unwinding device 10 also includes a frame indicated by a two-dot chain line, a motor for driving the brake 12, and the like.

The printing unit 20 is arranged in the housing 50. A total of 10 printing units 20 are arranged, for example, a total of 5 printing units for 5 colors for front surface printing and a total of 5 printing units for 5 colors for back surface printing. The five printing units 20 for front side printing are arranged at the upper part in the housing 50, and the five printing units 20 for backside printing are arranged below the five printing units 20 for front side printing. There is. The ink colors are, for example, black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and preliminary colors. This preliminary color is any color such as red, light cyan, gray, and the like.

Each of the bottom surface of the five printing units 20 for front side printing and the bottom surface of the five printing units 20 for back surface printing draws a convex arch upward, and goes upstream and downstream in the transport direction. It is arranged so that the inclination becomes large.

As shown in FIG. 3, which will be described later, each of the printing units 20 has a print bar unit 21 that can be raised and lowered. The print bar unit 21 has, for example, a plurality of print heads 21a arranged in a staggered pattern and a head holder 21b for holding these print heads 21a. Each of the print heads 21a has a plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink.

As shown in FIG. 1, the transport unit 30 includes guide rollers 31a to 31k, a meandering control unit 32, a support member 33, and a transport roller pair 34. The transport unit 30 is arranged in the housing 50.

The guide rollers 31a to 31k have a longitudinal direction in the front-rear direction, and guide the printable medium M unwound from the unwinding device 10 in the housing 50.

The guide rollers 31a and 31b guide the print medium M between the unwinding device 10 and the meandering control unit 32. The guide rollers 31c to 31j guide the print medium M between the meandering control unit 32 and the transfer roller pair 34. The guide roller 31k guides the print medium M between the transfer roller pair 34 and the take-up device 40.

The guide rollers 31d arranged on the upstream side in the transport direction from the five printing units 20 for surface printing are used to adjust the ink ejection timing of the five printing units 20 for surface printing. It is preferable that an encoder is provided. Further, the guide rollers 31e or the guide rollers 31f are arranged on the downstream side in the transport direction from the five printing units 20 for front side printing and on the upstream side in the transport direction from the five printing units 20 for backside printing. Is provided with an encoder for adjusting the ink ejection timing of the five printing units 20 for backside printing.

The meandering control unit 32 has meandering control rollers 32a and 32b, and corrects the meandering of the print medium M. The meandering control rollers 32a and 32b have a longitudinal direction in the front-rear direction. The meandering control unit 32 adjusts the inclination of the printed medium M with respect to the front-rear direction based on the meandering state of the printed medium M detected by a sensor (not shown).

The support member 33 has a longitudinal direction in the front-rear direction, and two support members 33 are arranged below each printing unit 20. As described above, the bottom surfaces of the five printing units 20 for front surface printing and the five printing units 20 for back surface printing draw an upward convex arch, so that between the guide rollers 31d and 31e and the guide rollers. Ten support members 33 are arranged between 31f and 31g so as to form an upwardly convex arch. As a result, the printing medium M is in a stretched state between the guide rollers 31d and 31e and between the guide rollers 31f and 31g, and a stable posture is maintained.

The transfer roller pair 34 conveys the printing medium M while niping it by driving a motor (not shown).

The take-up device 40 includes a take-up shaft 41, a take-up motor 42, and a guide roller 43.

The take-up shaft 41 winds the print medium M in a roll shape.

The take-up motor 42 rotates the take-up shaft 41 clockwise in FIG.

The guide roller 43 has a longitudinal direction in the front-rear direction and guides the printing medium M immediately before being wound on the winding shaft 41.

The winding device 40 also has a frame and the like indicated by a two-dot chain line.

The first inspection unit 61 and the second inspection unit 62 are the printing results of the printing medium M printed by the printing unit 20 (print bar unit 21) (for example, the inspection printing shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 described later). Contents L1 to L4, C11, C12, C21, C22, C31, C32, C41, C42) are inspected. The first inspection unit 61 inspects the print result printed on the front surface of the print medium M, for example, and the second inspection unit 62 inspects the print result printed on the back surface of the print medium M, for example. Do.

The control unit 71 shown in FIG. 2 has a processor (for example, a CPU: Central Processing Unit) that functions as an arithmetic processing unit that controls the operation of the entire printing device 1, and controls the operation of each unit of the printing device 1.

The storage unit 72 is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) which is a read-only semiconductor memory in which a predetermined control program is recorded in advance, or as a work storage area as needed when the processor executes various control programs. RAM (Random Access Memory), which is a semiconductor memory that can be written and read at any time, and a hard disk device.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing five print bar units 21.

FIG. 4 is a front view showing the first positioning unit 81 and the second positioning unit 82.

As shown in FIG. 3, each of the print bar units 21 is provided with, for example, four first positioning portions 81. As shown in FIG. 4, the first positioning portion 81 is, for example, a taper pin protruding downward from the bottom surface of the print bar unit 21.

The second positioning portion 82 is provided on an immovable member such as a main body frame that holds the support member 33, and engages with the first positioning portion 81. For example, the second positioning portion 82 is a cylindrical member into which a taper pin is inserted or a cylindrical member having a hole on the upper surface. The first positioning portion 81 and the second positioning portion 82 are engaged by fitting, but can be said to be engaged if they are guided so as to be in contact with each other.

The number of the first positioning unit 81 and the second positioning unit 82 for each print bar unit 21 is, for example, four, but can be any number of one or more.

The print bar unit 21 is arranged so as to be able to move up and down in the vertical direction, for example, by driving an elevating drive unit (not shown). In this way, the print bar unit 21 is arranged so as to be relatively movable with respect to the transport path of the print medium M (the transport path formed by the guide rollers 31a to 31k shown in FIG. 1). Even if the print bar unit 21 is arranged so as not to move up and down, for example, the print bar unit 21 is arranged so as to be able to move up and down with respect to the transfer path, for example, because the transfer path formed by the transfer roller and the transfer belt is arranged so as to be able to move up and down. It may be relatively movable. In this case, the second positioning unit 82 is provided not in a non-movable member but in a transport path that can be raised and lowered.

The operation panel 90 shown in FIG. 2 has, for example, a display for displaying various information and operation keys for performing various operations. The operation panel 90 functions as an example of the display unit and the input unit of the printing device 1. The operation panel 90 also functions as an example of the notification unit by displaying the notification content on the display. The operation panel 90 may have a display with a touch panel.

Hereinafter, the amount of deviation of the print bar unit 21 and the determination of the deteriorated state of the first positioning unit 81 and the second positioning unit 82 will be described.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between the inclination and the frequency of the print bar unit 21 in one embodiment.

6 and 7 are diagrams for explaining the inspection print contents L1 to L4 of each print bar unit 21.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the inspection print contents C11, C12, C21, C22, C31, C32, C41, and C42 of each print bar unit 21.

In addition, in the left figure of FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, only four print bar units 21-1,21-2, 21-3, 21-4 are shown, and in the right figure of FIGS. 6 and 7, each print bar is shown. The inspection print contents L1 to L4 printed by the units 21-1,21-2,21-3,21-4 are shown.

First, the control unit 71 shown in FIG. 2 is used for, for example, linear inspection shown in FIG. 6 for the first inspection unit 61 and the second inspection unit 62 to inspect the print result each time the print bar unit 21 is raised or lowered. The print bar unit 21 is controlled so that the print contents L1 to L4 (test patterns) are printed on the print medium M.

The first inspection unit 61 and the second inspection unit 62 take an image of the inspection print contents L1 to L4 and inspect the inspection print contents L1 to L4. The first inspection unit 61 and the second inspection unit 62 calculate the inclination of the print bar unit 21 and store it in the storage unit 72. Therefore, the storage unit 72 stores the past history of the inclination, which is an example of the deviation amount of the print bar unit 21.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the first inspection unit 61 and the second inspection unit 62 have the inspection print contents L-1, L3 with respect to the inspection print contents L1 and L3 shown by the two-dot chain line when there is no inclination. When L-3 is tilted, it can be determined that the print bar units 21-1, 21-3 are tilted. The control unit 71 may calculate the amount of deviation such as the inclination of the print bar unit 21 by using the print results captured by the first inspection unit 61 and the second inspection unit 62.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the control unit 71, each of the four print bar units 21 has two, for example, block-shaped inspection print contents C11 and C12, inspection print contents C21 and C22, and inspection print contents C31. The print bar unit 21 may be controlled so as to print C32 or the print contents C41 and C42 for inspection outside the print areas A1 to A4 of the print medium M. The control unit 71 misaligns two inspection print contents C11, C12, inspection print contents C21, C22, inspection print contents C31, C32, or inspection print contents C41, C42 (for example, two). The amount of deviation of the print bar unit 21 can be calculated based on the displacement of the virtual line indicated by the dotted line connecting the print contents for inspection).

The print areas A1 to A4 are areas where the print bar unit 21 prints based on a print job, and is, for example, an area cut by a cutting device. The print areas A1 and A2 are located side by side without a gap in the front-rear direction, which is the main scanning direction. Further, the print areas A3 and A4 are arranged without a gap in the front-rear direction which is the main scanning direction, and are separated from the print areas A1 and A2 in the transport direction (horizontal direction). The inspection print contents C11, C12, C21, C22, C31, C32, C41, and C42 are located at both ends of the print medium M in the main scanning direction (front-back direction) with the print areas A3 and A4 interposed therebetween.

The above-mentioned inspection print content is not limited to the block shape separated into two, and may have any shape. Further, the inspection print content may be, for example, a single inspection print content such as a linear line located between the print areas A1 and A2 and the print areas A3 and A4. It can be said that this single inspection print content is also located outside the print areas A1 to A4 of the print medium M.

As an example, it is assumed that the replacement guideline for the first positioning unit 81 and the second positioning unit 82 is 10,000 times of the elevating operation of the print bar unit 21. The elevating operation of the print bar unit 21 is performed, for example, for each print job and each cleaning maintenance.

First, the control unit 71 calculates the average value Ave and the standard deviation σ of the inclination of each print bar unit 21 every 1000 times of the elevating operation of the print bar unit 21. The average value of 1 to 1000 ascending / descending operations shown by a solid line in FIG. 5 is defined as the average value Ave1, and the standard deviation is defined as the standard deviation σ1. Similarly, the average value Ave of 1001 to 2000 times of ascending / descending operation shown by the broken line in FIG. 5 is defined as the average value Ave2, the standard deviation σ is defined as the standard deviation σ2, and the average value Ave of 9001 to 10000 times shown by the one-point chain line in FIG. Is set to the average value Ave10, and the average value Ave_n and the standard deviation σn are calculated every 1000 ascending / descending operations until the standard deviation σ is set to the standard deviation σ10.

Assuming that the looseness of the fitting between the first positioning unit 81 and the second positioning unit 82 gradually increases as the number of lifting operations increases, it is usual that σ1 <σ2 ... <σ10. Further, the average value Ave is an inclination that each print bar unit 21 has from the initial state, and it is conceivable that Ave1 ≈ Ave2 ... ≈ Ave10. When the print bar unit 21 is disassembled, the control unit 71 may also reset the analysis data and calculate the average value Ave_n and the standard deviation σn every 1000 subsequent ascending / descending operations.

Further, the allowable value of the inclination of the print bar unit 21 (allowable specification value consisting of the accuracy of the heavy color landing position) is set to X °.

The control unit 71 sets the exchange determination index P to P = ((X-Ave_n) / σn), and if P> 3 or more, it is determined that the exchange is not necessary even if it is within the specifications of about 99.7%, and P ≦ 3 If so, it is determined that replacement is required. In addition, "X-Ave_n" is a value obtained by subtracting the inclination of the state where there is no loose fitting from the allowable value X ° (actual allowable value on the actual machine). The control unit 71 notifies the user via, for example, the operation panel 90 or the network that the first positioning unit 81 and the second positioning unit 82 do not need to be replaced or need to be replaced. The fact that the first positioning unit 81 and the second positioning unit 82 do not need to be replaced or need to be replaced is an example of the deteriorated state of the first positioning unit 81 and the second positioning unit 82.

Further, when the replacement is unnecessary, the control unit 71 determines that the replacement is near (for example, 500 ascending / descending operations are possible) if 3.5 ≧ P> 3. If 4 ≧ P> 3.5, it is determined that the replacement is still ahead (for example, the lifting operation can be performed 3000 times). If the exchange determination index P is 4, it can be said that the specification is about 99.994%. The control unit 71 tells the user, for example, the replacement time of the first positioning unit 81 and the second positioning unit 82 via the operation panel 90 or the network (for example, the date when the replacement is expected, the number of possible remaining elevating operations, etc.). Should be notified. This replacement time is also an example of the deteriorated state of the first positioning unit 81 and the second positioning unit 82.

Further, when the inclination (angle n) of the print bar unit 21 exceeds the permissible value X °, the control unit 71 prohibits the printing operation and notifies the user of the abnormality via, for example, the operation panel 90 or the network. May be good. This abnormality is also an example of the deteriorated state of the first positioning unit 81 and the second positioning unit 82. When the deviation amount of the print bar unit 21 is not abnormal, the control unit 71 may calculate the average value Ave_n and the standard deviation σn as described above, and statistically analyze all the past data of the print bar unit 21.

By the way, the amount of deviation of the print bar unit 21 can occur not only in the inclination but also in the sub-scanning direction (conveying direction), the main scanning direction, and the inclination. Therefore, the control unit 71 has at least one such as the above-mentioned average value Ave and standard deviation σ obtained from at least one deviation amount of the sub-scanning direction (conveying direction), the main scanning direction, and the inclination of the print bar unit 21. It is advisable to determine the deteriorated state of the first positioning unit 81 and the second positioning unit 82 based on the above.

9 (a) to 9 (d) and FIGS. 10 (a) to 10 (c) show the scraping 82a of the second positioning portion 82 and the deviation amount of the sub-scanning direction, the main scanning direction, and the inclination of the print bar unit 21. It is a figure for demonstrating the relationship of.

The left views of FIGS. 9 (a) to 9 (d) and 10 (a) to 10 (c) are views of the print bar unit 21 as viewed from the bottom surface, and the second positioning unit 82 is referred to as the first positioning unit 81. Only the scraping 82a due to the contact of the second positioning portion 82 is shown, and the illustration of the second positioning portion 82 itself is omitted. The bottom surfaces of the five print bar units 21 for front surface printing and the bottom surfaces of the five print bar units 21 for back surface printing draw an upward convex arch on the upstream side and the downstream side in the transport direction. It is arranged so that the inclination becomes larger as it goes. Therefore, the scraping 82a of the second positioning unit 82 is upstream in the transport direction when each of the five print bar units 21 for front side printing and the five print bar units 21 for back side printing move up and down in the vertical direction. The size of the print bar unit 21 on the side and the downstream side becomes larger.

The right figures (three graphs) of FIGS. 9 (a) to 9 (d) and 10 (a) to 10 (c) show the sub-scanning direction, the main scanning direction, and the deviation amount and frequency of the inclination of the print bar unit 21. It is a figure which shows the relationship of.

First, as shown in the left figure of FIG. 9A, when all four second positioning portions 82 are scraped 82a on the upstream side in the transport direction (+ side in the sub-scanning direction), the print bar unit The 21 and the first positioning portion 81 are displaced to the upstream side (+ side) in the transport direction. Therefore, as shown in the right figure of FIG. 9A, the deviation amount of the print bar unit 21 is generated so that the average value (dashed line) appears on the + side in the sub-scanning direction. On the other hand, the amount of deviation of the print bar unit 21 hardly occurs in the main scanning direction and the inclination.

Next, as shown in the left figure of FIG. 9B, when all four second positioning portions 82 are scraped 82a on the downstream side in the transport direction (-side in the sub-scanning direction), the print bar The unit 21 and the first positioning unit 81 are displaced to the downstream side (− side) in the transport direction. Therefore, as shown in the right figure of FIG. 9B, the deviation amount of the print bar unit 21 is generated so that the average value (dashed line) appears on the − side in the sub-scanning direction. On the other hand, the amount of deviation of the print bar unit 21 hardly occurs in the main scanning direction and the inclination.

Next, as shown in the left figure of FIG. 9C, when all four second positioning portions 82 are scraped 82a on the + side in the main scanning direction, the print bar unit 21 and the first positioning portion are formed. 81 is shifted to the + side in the main scanning direction. Therefore, as shown in the right figure of FIG. 9C, the deviation amount of the print bar unit 21 is generated so that the average value (dashed line) appears on the + side in the main scanning direction. On the other hand, the amount of deviation of the print bar unit 21 hardly occurs in the sub-scanning direction and the inclination.

Next, as shown in the left figure of FIG. 9D, when all four second positioning portions 82 are scraped 82a on the − side in the main scanning direction, the print bar unit 21 and the first positioning portion 21 are formed. 81 is shifted to the-side in the main scanning direction. Therefore, as shown in the right figure of FIG. 9D, the deviation amount of the print bar unit 21 is generated so that the average value (dashed line) appears on the − side in the main scanning direction. On the other hand, the amount of deviation of the print bar unit 21 hardly occurs in the sub-scanning direction and the inclination.

Next, as shown in the left figure of FIG. 10A, when the scraping 82a of all four second positioning portions 82 is tilted to the + side (clockwise), the print bar unit 21 and the first The positioning portion 81 is tilted to the + side and is displaced. Therefore, as shown in the right figure of FIG. 10A, the deviation amount of the print bar unit 21 is generated so that the average value (dashed line) appears on the + side of the inclination. On the other hand, the amount of deviation of the print bar unit 21 hardly occurs in the sub-scanning direction and the main scanning direction.

Next, as shown in the left figure of FIG. 10B, when the scraping 82a of all four second positioning portions 82 is tilted to the − side (counterclockwise), the print bar unit 21 and the second 1 The positioning unit 81 is tilted to the − side and is displaced. Therefore, as shown in the right figure of FIG. 10B, the deviation amount of the print bar unit 21 is generated so that the average value (dashed line) appears on the − side of the inclination. On the other hand, the amount of deviation of the print bar unit 21 hardly occurs in the sub-scanning direction and the main scanning direction.

Next, as shown in the left figure of FIG. 10 (c), scraping 82a of the two second positioning portions 82 on the right side of the four is generated on the upstream side in the transport direction (+ side in the sub-scanning direction). When the print bar unit 21 and the first positioning portion 81 are tilted to the + side (clockwise), the print bar unit 21 and the first positioning portion 81 are tilted to the upstream side (+ side) and the + side in the transport direction. Therefore, as shown in the right figure of FIG. 10 (c), the deviation amount of the print bar unit 21 is such that the average value (dashed line) appears on the upstream side (+ side) in the transport direction and on the + side of the inclination. Occurs. On the other hand, the amount of deviation of the print bar unit 21 hardly occurs in the main scanning direction.

Regarding the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment, the printing apparatus 1 that prints on roll paper, which is an example of the printing medium M, has been described, but cut paper other than roll paper (for example, long paper) or the like has been described. It can also be applied to a printing apparatus that prints on the print medium M.

In the present embodiment described above, the printing apparatus 1 which is an example of the printing apparatus is provided on the print bar unit 21 which is arranged so as to be relatively movable with respect to the transport path of the printing medium M, and the print bar unit 21. Based on the displacement amount of the first positioning unit 81, the second positioning unit 82 that engages with the first positioning unit 81, and the print bar unit 21 obtained from the printing result of the printing medium M by the print bar unit 21. A control unit 71 for determining a deteriorated state of the first positioning unit 81 and the second positioning unit 82 is provided.

In this way, the control unit 71 can determine the deterioration state of the first positioning unit 81 and the second positioning unit 82 based on the amount of deviation of the print bar unit 21. Therefore, the first positioning unit that has not deteriorated as compared with the case where the first positioning unit 81 and the second positioning unit 82 are replaced by the design worst of the degree of deterioration over time (for example, the elevating operation of the print bar unit 21 is 10,000 times). The 81 and the second positioning unit 82 can be continuously used. Therefore, it is possible to avoid incurring unnecessary replacement costs and reducing the operating time of the printing apparatus 1 during replacement maintenance.

Further, in the present embodiment, the printing apparatus 1 further includes a first inspection unit 61 and a second inspection unit 62, which are examples of inspection units that inspect the printing result of the print medium M. The control unit 71 uses the print contents C11, C12, C21, C22, C31, C32, C41, and C42 for inspection for the first inspection unit 61 and the second inspection unit 62 to inspect the print result of the print medium M. The print bar unit 21 is controlled so as to print outside the print areas A1 to A4. As a result, the inspection prints C11, C12, C21, C22, C31, C32, C41, and C42 can be printed without stopping the printing on the print medium M based on the print job by the print bar unit 21. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a decrease in the operating time of the printing apparatus 1.

Further, in the present embodiment, the control unit 71 determines the deterioration state of the first positioning unit 81 and the second positioning unit 82 based on the past history of the deviation amount of the print bar unit 21. As a result, the deterioration state can be determined more accurately than in the case where the deterioration state is determined based on the amount of deviation of the print bar unit 21 once.

Further, in the present embodiment, the control unit 71 has an average value Ave and a standard deviation amount obtained from the past history of at least one deviation amount among the sub-scanning direction, the main scanning direction, and the inclination of the print bar unit 21. The deterioration state of the first positioning unit 81 and the second positioning unit 82 is determined based on at least one of the deviations σ. As a result, the deterioration state can be determined more accurately.

Further, in the present embodiment, the control unit 71 controls to notify the deterioration state of the first positioning unit 81 and the second positioning unit 82. This makes it easier for the serviceman or user of the printing apparatus 1 to take measures such as replacing the first positioning unit 81 and the second positioning unit 82 based on the deteriorated state of the first positioning unit 81 and the second positioning unit 82. Can be done.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and the components can be modified and embodied within a range that does not deviate from the gist at the implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by an appropriate combination of the plurality of components disclosed in the above-described embodiment. For example, all the components shown in the embodiments may be combined as appropriate. It goes without saying that various modifications and applications are possible within the range that does not deviate from the gist of the invention. The inventions described in the claims at the time of filing the application of the present application are described below.

[Appendix 1]
A print bar unit that is arranged so as to be movable relative to the transport path of the print medium and prints on the print medium.
A first positioning unit provided on the print bar unit and
A second positioning unit that engages with the first positioning unit,
It is provided with a control unit for determining a deteriorated state of the first positioning unit and the second positioning unit based on the amount of deviation of the print bar unit obtained from the printing result of the print medium by the print bar unit. A featured printing device.

[Appendix 2]
An inspection unit for inspecting the print result of the printable medium is further provided.
The control unit is characterized in that the inspection unit controls the print bar unit so that the inspection print content for inspecting the print result is printed outside the print area of the print medium. 1. The printing apparatus according to 1.

[Appendix 3]
The printing apparatus according to Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the control unit determines the deterioration state based on the past history of the deviation amount.

[Appendix 4]
The control unit is based on at least one of the average value and the standard deviation of the deviation amount obtained from the past history of the deviation amount of at least one of the sub-scanning direction, the main scanning direction, and the inclination of the print bar unit. The printing apparatus according to Appendix 3, wherein the deterioration state is determined.

[Appendix 5]
The printing apparatus according to any one of Supplementary note 1 to 4, wherein the control unit performs control for notifying the deterioration state.

1 Printing device 10 Unwinding device 11 Roll support shaft 12 Brake 13 Guide roller 20 Printing unit 21 Print bar unit 21a Print head 21b Head holder 30 Transport unit 31a to 31k Guide roller 32 Serpentine control unit 32a, 32b Serpentine control roller 33 Support member 34 Transfer roller vs. 40 Winding device 41 Winding shaft 42 Winding motor 43 Guide roller 50 Housing 61 1st inspection unit 62 2nd inspection unit 71 Control unit 72 Storage unit 81 1st positioning unit 82 2nd positioning unit 82a Shaving 90 Operation panel A1 to A4 Print area C11, C12, C21, C22, C31, C32, C41, C42 Inspection print content L1, L2, L3, L4 Inspection print content M Printed medium

Claims (5)

A print bar unit that is arranged so as to be movable relative to the transport path of the print medium and prints on the print medium.
A first positioning unit provided on the print bar unit and
A second positioning unit that engages with the first positioning unit,
It is provided with a control unit for determining a deteriorated state of the first positioning unit and the second positioning unit based on the amount of deviation of the print bar unit obtained from the printing result of the print medium by the print bar unit. A featured printing device. An inspection unit for inspecting the print result of the printable medium is further provided.
The control unit is characterized in that the inspection unit controls the print bar unit so that the inspection print content for inspecting the print result is printed outside the print area of the print medium. Item 1. The printing apparatus according to item 1. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit determines the deterioration state based on the past history of the deviation amount. The control unit is based on at least one of the average value and the standard deviation of the deviation amount obtained from the past history of the deviation amount of at least one of the sub-scanning direction, the main scanning direction, and the inclination of the print bar unit. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising determining the deteriorated state. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit controls to notify the deterioration state.

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