JP6372595B2 - Printing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus.

  Designated in advance from the start to the end of continuous conveyance by ejecting ink to the conveyance unit for performing a predetermined amount of continuous conveyance on the print medium and the print medium continuously conveyed by the conveyance unit Printing apparatuses having a head for forming a specified number of unit images are already well known. An example of such a printing apparatus is an ink jet printer.

  Some of the printing apparatuses include a detection unit that detects a defect (such as missing dots) of the unit image formed by the head.

Japanese Patent No. 3794431

When a defect in the unit image is detected, it is necessary to recreate the unit image for the number of defective images. For example, after the completion of the formation of the specified number of unit images (in other words, after the above-described predetermined amount of continuous conveyance is completed), the user gives a new command to the printing device to Perform reformation.
However, in such a case, since it takes time for the user, a new measure that is highly convenient for the user is required.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to realize a printing apparatus that is highly convenient for the user.

The main present invention includes a transport unit for performing a predetermined amount of continuous transport on a print medium;
A head for ejecting ink onto the printing medium continuously conveyed by the conveying unit to form a designated number of unit images designated in advance from the start to the end of the continuous conveyance;
A detection unit for detecting a defect of the unit image formed by the head;
A control unit that controls the transport unit, the head, and the detection unit;
The controller is
Based on the detection result of the defective image by the detection unit, the predetermined amount and the designated number are increased, and the unit image corresponding to the number of defective images is re-formed.
The printing apparatus is executed while the continuous conveyance is performed.

  Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

1 is a block diagram of the overall configuration of a printer. It is the schematic of the conveyance path | route containing a printing area | region. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state when a label (unit image) is printed on the roll paper S. FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state of a label (unit image) on the roll paper S when a missing dot is detected. It is the schematic diagram which showed the mode of the label with variable data, etc. on the roll paper S when a dot missing was detected. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram according to a first modified example showing a state of a label (unit image) on the roll paper S when dot missing is detected. It is the schematic diagram which concerns on the 2nd modification which showed the mode of the label (unit image) etc. on the roll paper S when a dot missing was detected.

  At least the following will be made clear by the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

A transport unit for performing a predetermined amount of continuous transport on a print medium;
A head for ejecting ink onto the printing medium continuously conveyed by the conveying unit to form a designated number of unit images designated in advance from the start to the end of the continuous conveyance;
A detection unit for detecting a defect of the unit image formed by the head;
A control unit that controls the transport unit, the head, and the detection unit;
The controller is
Based on the detection result of the defective image by the detection unit, the predetermined amount and the designated number are increased, and the unit image corresponding to the number of defective images is re-formed.
The printing apparatus is executed while the continuous conveyance is performed.
According to such a printing apparatus, it is possible to realize a printing apparatus that is highly convenient for the user.

In addition, the control unit
The unit image is formed so that the position difference on the printing medium of two unit images adjacent to each other has the same value,
When the defective image is detected, a flushing pattern image is inserted between the two unit images, and the positional difference between the two unit images is N times the value (N is a natural number of 2 or more). As described above, the unit image may be formed.
In such a case, it is possible to maintain a constant pitch of a plurality of cuts that are continuously performed when cutting is performed using a post-processing machine.

In addition, the control unit
While forming the alignment mark used for alignment in a post-processing machine for cutting the unit image in correspondence with each unit image,
The alignment mark corresponding to the flushing pattern image may not be formed.
In such a case, it is possible to prevent unnecessary portions from being cut when cutting is performed using the post-processing machine.

The unit image is a unit image with variable data having variable data,
The controller is
A process of increasing the predetermined amount and the designated number based on a detection result of a defective image by the detection unit and re-forming the unit image with variable data having variable data included in the defective image,
It is good also as performing during the said continuous conveyance.
In such a case, it is possible to improve user convenience when printing a unit image with variable data.

In addition, the control unit
After the initial formation of the unit image with variable data is completed, the unit image with variable data having variable data included in the defective image may be re-formed.
In such a case, it becomes easy to find the re-formed unit image.

=== About a schematic configuration example of the printer 1 ===
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an overall configuration of an ink jet printer (hereinafter simply referred to as a printer 1) as an example of a printing apparatus. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a conveyance path including a printing area.

  The printer 1 is a printing device that prints an image on a print medium, and is connected to a computer 110 that is an external device so as to be communicable. In this embodiment, as an example of a printing medium on which the printer 1 prints an image, a medium such as paper wound in a roll shape (roll medium. In the following, specifically, roll paper S (continuous paper) )).

  The printer 1 according to the present embodiment is a so-called label printer, and the printer 1 prints a plurality of labels (corresponding to unit images) as images (that is, repeatedly prints the same label).

  A printer driver is installed in the computer 110. The printer driver is a program for displaying a user interface on a display device (not shown) and converting image data output from an application program into print data. This printer driver is recorded on a recording medium (computer-readable recording medium) such as a flexible disk FD or a CD-ROM. Alternatively, the printer driver can be downloaded to the computer 110 via the Internet. In addition, this program is comprised from the code | cord | chord for implement | achieving various functions.

  Then, the computer 110 outputs print data corresponding to the label (unit image) to be printed to the printer 1 in order to cause the printer 1 to print a label (unit image).

  The printer 1 of this embodiment prints a label (unit image) on a printing medium by ejecting ultraviolet curable ink (hereinafter, UV ink) that is cured by irradiation with ultraviolet light (hereinafter, UV) as an example of ink. It is a device to do. The UV ink is an ink containing an ultraviolet curable resin, and is cured by undergoing a photopolymerization reaction in the ultraviolet curable resin when irradiated with UV. Note that the printer 1 of the present embodiment prints an image using four colors of UV ink, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black.

  The printer 1 includes a transport unit 20 as an example of a transport unit, a head unit 30, an irradiation unit 40, a dot dropout detection unit 45 as an example of a detection unit, a detector group 50 (excluding the dot dropout detection unit 45), and A controller 60 is provided as an example of the control unit. The printer 1 that has received the print data from the computer 110, which is an external device, controls each unit (the conveyance unit 20, the head unit 30, the irradiation unit 40, and the missing dot detection unit 45) by the controller 60, and rolls paper according to the print data. A label (unit image) is printed on S. The controller 60 controls each unit based on the print data received from the computer 110 and prints a label (unit image) on the roll paper S. The situation in the printer 1 is monitored by the detector group 50, and the detector group 50 outputs the detection result to the controller 60. The controller 60 controls each unit based on the detection result output from the detector group 50.

  The transport unit 20 transports the roll paper S along a preset transport path. As shown in FIG. 2, the transport unit 20 includes a feed shaft 201 on which the roll paper S is wound and rotatably supported, a relay roller 21, a first transport roller 22, a relay roller 23, and a reverse roller 24. A contact roller 25, a transport drum 26, a tension roller 27, a second transport roller 28, a tension roller 29, a roll paper winding drive shaft 202 that winds the roll paper S that has passed through the tension roller 29, have.

The relay roller 21 is a roller that winds the roll paper S fed from the feed shaft 201 from below (lower left in the figure) and conveys it to the right in the horizontal direction.
The first transport roller 22 includes a first drive roller 22a that is driven by a motor (not shown), and a first driven roller 22b that is disposed to face the first drive roller 22a with the roll paper S interposed therebetween. have. The position control and speed control of the roll paper S are performed by driving the first drive roller 22a.
The relay roller 23 is a roller that winds the roll paper S that has passed through the first transport roller 22 from the left side in the horizontal direction and transports it to the lower right.
The reverse roller 24 is a roller that reverses the transport direction of the roll paper S that has passed through the relay roller 23.
The contact roller 25 is a roller that winds the roll paper S that has passed through the reversing roller 24 from the vertically lower side and sends the roll paper S to the transport drum 26.

  The transport drum 26 is a cylindrical transport member that supports the roll paper S on the peripheral surface and transports the roll paper S in the transport direction. Further, the transport drum 26 is opposed to a later-described head 31, an irradiation unit 41, and a line sensor 46 with the roll paper S interposed therebetween. Further, the roll paper S is conveyed so as to be in close contact with the conveyance drum 26 with a predetermined tension (tension).

The tension roller 27 is provided at the lower right of the transport drum 26, reverses the transport direction of the roll paper S that has passed through the transport drum 26, and sends it to the second transport roller 28.
The second transport roller 28 includes a second drive roller 28a driven by a motor (not shown), and a second driven roller 28b arranged to face the second drive roller 28a with the roll paper S interposed therebetween. have. The second transport roller 28 is a roller that transports the portion of the roll paper S after the image is recorded by each head 31.
The tension roller 29 is a roller that winds the roll paper S that has passed through the second transport roller 28 from the left side in the horizontal direction and transports the roll paper S to the winding drive shaft 202 in the vertically lower direction.

  As described above, the roll paper S moves sequentially through the rollers, whereby a transport path for transporting the roll paper S is formed.

  The head unit 30 is for ejecting UV ink onto the roll paper S. The head unit 30 forms dots on the roll paper S by ejecting UV ink from each head 31 onto the roll paper S being conveyed in the conveyance direction, and prints a label (unit image) on the roll paper S. .

  Note that each head 31 of the head unit 30 of the printer 1 according to the present embodiment can form dots corresponding to the paper width of the roll paper S at a time. That is, the head 31 is a so-called line head. Therefore, the head 31 has a long shape in the paper width direction (direction passing through the paper surface of FIG. 2), which is an intersecting direction intersecting the transport direction, and the nozzles are arranged in the paper width direction. Then, the head 31 discharges UV ink from the nozzles on the roll paper S conveyed by the conveyance unit 20 and sequentially (repetitively) prints the raster lines (thereby, a plurality of raster lines are arranged in the conveyance direction). Will be.)

  The nozzle is provided with a piezo element (not shown) as a drive element for ejecting ink droplets. When a voltage having a predetermined time width is applied between the electrodes provided at both ends of the piezo element, the piezo element expands in accordance with the voltage application time and deforms the side wall (vibration plate) of the UV ink flow path. As a result, the volume of the ink flow path contracts in accordance with the expansion and contraction of the piezo element, and the ink corresponding to the contraction is ejected from the nozzle as ink droplets.

  Further, as described above, in the present embodiment, four colors of UV ink for forming a label (unit image) are used as the UV ink. As shown in FIG. 2, a cyan ink head 32 that discharges cyan UV ink, a magenta ink head 33 that discharges magenta UV ink, and a yellow ink head 34 that discharges yellow UV ink in order from the upstream side in the transport direction. Each head 31 of the black ink head 35 that discharges black UV ink is provided to face the peripheral surface of the transport drum 26.

  The irradiation unit 40 irradiates UV toward the UV ink landed on the roll paper S. The dots formed on the roll paper S are cured by receiving UV irradiation from the irradiation unit 40. The irradiation unit 40 of this embodiment includes an irradiation unit 41. The irradiation unit 41 includes a lamp (metal halide lamp, mercury lamp, etc.) or LED as a light source for UV irradiation.

  The irradiation unit 41 is provided downstream of the black ink head 35 in the transport direction. In other words, it is provided downstream of the head unit 30 in the transport direction. The irradiation unit 41 then irradiates the unit images (dots) formed on the roll paper S by the cyan ink head 32, the magenta ink head 33, the yellow ink head 34, and the black ink head 35 to cure the dots.

  The missing dot detection unit 45 is for detecting a defect of a label (unit image) formed by the head 31. In the present embodiment, a defect of the label (unit image) is detected by detecting a missing dot due to nozzle clogging or the like (for example, the missing dot appears as a white stripe).

  The dot dropout detection unit 45 includes a line sensor 46 as shown in FIG. The line sensor 46 is provided downstream of the black ink head 35 in the transport direction and upstream of the irradiation unit 41 in the transport direction. That is, the line sensor 46 is provided between the head unit 30 and the irradiation unit 41 in the transport direction.

  Further, the line sensor 46 has a long shape in the paper width direction (direction passing through the paper surface of FIG. 2). In parallel with the label (unit image) forming operation, the line sensor 46 sequentially reads the labels (unit images) formed on the conveyed roll paper 2 for each reading line. The image reading by the line sensor 46 is realized by the line sensor 46 irradiating the image with light and detecting the reflected light by the CCD (that is, the amount of the reflected light is detected by the CCD and based on the light amount). The read data is output by the line sensor 46).

  The missing dot detection unit 45 detects the presence or absence of missing dots such as white stripes based on the read data generated by the line sensor 46. Specifically, the missing dot detection unit 45 compares the read data with the print data described above. If there is a difference exceeding the threshold value, it is determined that there is a missing dot such as a white stripe.

  The detector group 50 includes a rotary encoder and the like. The rotary encoder detects the amount of rotation of the first drive roller 22a and the second drive roller 28a. The transport amount of the medium can be detected based on the detection result of the rotary encoder.

  The controller 60 is a control unit (control unit) for controlling the printer 1. The controller 60 includes an interface unit 61, a CPU 62, a memory 63, and a unit control unit 64. The interface unit 61 transmits and receives data between the computer 110 that is an external device and the printer 1. The CPU 62 is an arithmetic processing unit for controlling the entire printer. The memory 63 is for securing an area for storing a program of the CPU 62, a work area, and the like, and includes storage elements such as a RAM and an EEPROM. The CPU 62 controls each unit via the unit control unit 64 in accordance with a program stored in the memory 63.

=== About print processing ===
Here, an example of the printing process of the printer 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a state when a label (unit image) is printed on the roll paper S. FIG.

  The printing process is realized mainly by the controller 60. In particular, this embodiment is realized by the CPU 62 processing the program stored in the memory 63. And this program is comprised from the code | cord | chord for performing the various operation | movement demonstrated below.

  When the printer 1 starts printing, the roll paper S is arranged on the conveyance path in a state where the roll paper S is preliminarily along the peripheral surface of the conveyance drum 26. The roll paper S is tensioned by the output torque of the feed shaft 201, the take-up drive shaft 202, and the second transport roller 28. Specifically, a predetermined tension is applied at the feeding portion of the roll paper S by the brake torque of the feeding shaft 201 corresponding to the roll diameter of the roll paper S. In the print area portion, the tension is detected by the tension roller 27, and the torque of the motor (not shown) of the second transport roller 28 is controlled so as to be a predetermined tension. In the winding unit, the tension is detected by the tension roller 29, and the torque of a motor (not shown) of the winding drive shaft 202 is controlled so as to be a predetermined tension. Each of these tensions is determined according to the roll diameter of the roll paper S.

  When the printer 1 receives print data from the computer 110 (in other words, accepts a job), the controller 60 rotates a motor (not shown) of the first transport roller 22. As described above, the roll paper S is continuously conveyed in the conveyance direction by rotating the first conveyance roller 22 in a state where the tension is applied to the roll paper S (that is, without stopping conveyance on the way, Continue to transport).

  That is, the print data includes information relating to the number of labels (unit images) to be printed (that is, a designated number specified in advance by a user or the like), and the controller 60 is based on the designated number. The conveyance amount (length) of continuous conveyance in one job is determined. That is, the controller 60 determines how long the roll paper S should be sent in one job. Then, the transport unit 20 (first transport roller 22) performs the determined predetermined amount of continuous transport on the roll paper S.

  The conveyance drum 26 is rotated in the arrow direction (conveyance direction) following the conveyance of the roll paper S by the frictional force with the roll paper S. The roll paper S on the peripheral surface of the transport drum 26 is transported in the transport direction according to the rotation of the transport drum 26. The roll paper S being conveyed is in close contact with the conveyance drum 26. In this embodiment, since the position of each head 31 is fixed, each head 31 and the roll paper S move relatively in the transport direction by transporting the roll paper S in the transport direction.

  Then, each head 31 of the head unit 30 discharges UV ink onto the roll paper S continuously transported by the transport unit 20 based on the print data, and the specified number of labels (from the start to the end of the continuous transport) Unit image) is formed on the roll paper S. That is, in one job, the predetermined amount of continuous conveyance is executed, and the specified number of labels (unit images) are formed during the continuous conveyance.

  Further, when the formed label (unit image) reaches a position facing the irradiation unit 41 by the continuous conveyance, the irradiation unit 40 irradiates the label (unit image) with UV and the UV on the roll paper S. When the ink is cured and the formed label (unit image) reaches a position facing the line sensor 46 by the continuous conveyance, the missing dot detection unit 45 reads the label (unit image), Inspect for missing dots.

  As a result of the above processing, a plurality of labels (unit images) are printed on the roll paper S as shown in FIG. Note that the example shown in FIG. 3 is an example when no missing dot is detected by the missing dot inspection. An example when a missing dot is detected will be described in detail later.

  In the present embodiment, the controller 60 (head 31) prints labels (unit images) so that the labels (unit images) are regularly arranged. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the positional differences (that is, pitches in the transport direction) X1, X2, X3,... Of two adjacent labels (unit images) on the roll paper S have the same value a. In this way, a label (unit image) is formed.

  Furthermore, the controller 60 (head 31) according to the present embodiment prints a so-called eye mark M in addition to the label (unit image). The eye mark M is an alignment mark used for alignment in a post-processing machine (different from the printer 1) for cutting a label (unit image). That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the controller 60 (head 31) forms the eye mark M corresponding to each label (unit image).

<<< Processing when a missing dot is detected >>>
Next, processing when a missing dot is detected by the missing dot detection unit 45 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 3, and is a schematic diagram illustrating a state of a label (unit image) or the like on the roll paper S when a missing dot is detected.

  As described above, when receiving the print data (in other words, accepting the job), the controller 60 grasps the number of labels (unit images) to be printed, that is, the designated number, from the print data. Then, based on the designated number, the conveyance amount (length) of continuous conveyance in one job, that is, the predetermined amount is determined. In this example, in order to make the explanation easy to understand, the designated number is 1000, and the predetermined amount is L meters.

  The transport unit 20 starts continuous transport of L meters with respect to the roll paper S. Then, the head 31 and the missing dot detection unit 45 sequentially perform the formation of the label (unit image) and the missing dot inspection of the formed label (unit image).

  When a defective label is detected by the missing dot inspection (when missing dot is detected), the following two processes are mainly executed.

  First, the controller 60 (head 31) forms the flushing pattern image in place of the next label (unit image). Here, the flushing pattern image is an image formed on the roll paper S by performing flushing for the purpose of recovering nozzle clogging of the head 31, and an image having a pattern suitable for recovering nozzle clogging. It has become.

  This will be specifically described. In this example, it is assumed that missing dots are detected in the 310th label and the 700th label. In this case, as shown in FIG. 4 (only the 310th label is shown. The 700th label is not shown), the controller 60 (head 31) then moves to the 311th (701st label). ) Is formed instead of (in front of) a flushing pattern image. The 311th (701st) label is formed next to the flushing pattern image.

  In other words, when a defective label is detected, the controller 60 (head 31) inserts a flushing pattern image between two labels (for example, the 310th label and the 311th label).

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, even if a flushing pattern image is inserted, the regularity (regular arrangement) of the label (unit image) is not disturbed.

  That is, the controller 60 (head 31) inserts a flushing pattern image between two labels (for example, the 310th label and the 311th label), and the two labels (unit images) of the two labels (unit images). Labels (unit images) are formed so that the positional difference (pitch) is N times the value a (N is a natural number of 2 or more). In the example shown in FIG. 4, the positional difference (pitch) between two labels (the 310th label and the 311th label) is 2a, and this example corresponds to an example of N = 2. To do. However, the flushing pattern image may be made larger, and if the length of the flushing pattern image is larger than a, N can be 3 or more. In any case, when the flushing pattern image is inserted, the controller 60 (head 31) adjusts so that the positional difference (pitch) between the two labels (unit images) is a natural number multiple of a. The label (unit image) is formed.

  Further, as described above, the controller 60 (head 31) forms the eye mark M corresponding to each label (unit image), but as shown in FIG. 4, the eye mark M corresponding to the flushing pattern image. Is not formed.

  Second, the controller 60 changes (updates) the specified number and the predetermined amount. That is, since a defective label is detected, the defective label cannot be used, and a label (unit image) corresponding to the defective label must be newly re-formed. Therefore, the controller 60 increases the designated number and the predetermined amount based on the detection result of the defective label by the missing dot detection unit 45.

  That is, when a missing dot is detected in the 310th label, the controller 60 increments the designated number by 1 and updates the designated number to 1001. Then, the predetermined amount is increased by 2a (2a for the label to be re-formed and the flushing pattern image is 2a), and the predetermined amount is updated to L + 2a.

  Thereafter, when a missing dot is detected in the 700th label, the controller 60 further increments the designated number by 1 and updates the designated number to 1002. Then, the predetermined amount is further increased by 2a, and the predetermined amount is updated to L + 4a.

  Finally, in one job, continuous conveyance of L + 4a meters is executed, and 1002 labels (unit images) are formed during the continuous conveyance as shown in FIG. 1000 labels and 2 defective labels).

  As described above, the controller 60 increases the designated number and the predetermined amount based on the detection result of the defective label by the dot dropout detection unit 45, and re-processes a label (unit image) corresponding to the number of defective labels. This is executed during continuous conveyance (in other words, in one job).

<Processing for labels with variable data>
Next, processing when a missing dot is detected when the label (unit image) is a label with variable data will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, and is a schematic diagram illustrating a state of a label with variable data on the roll paper S when a missing dot is detected.

  In the example of FIG. 4, the case where the same label (unit image) is repeatedly printed has been described. However, there is a case in which a part (variable part is referred to as variable data) that partially changes in the label (unit image) is basically printed although the same label is repeatedly printed. In such a case, the processing when the missing dot is detected has a slight difference from the example of the label without variable data, and therefore the processing will be described below with reference to FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the label number surrounded by a square located at the lower left of the label (unit image) corresponds to variable data.

  When the controller 60 receives the print data (in other words, accepts a job), the controller 60 grasps the number of labels (unit images) to be printed, that is, the designated number from the print data. Then, based on the designated number, the conveyance amount (length) of continuous conveyance in one job, that is, the predetermined amount is determined. Also in this example, in order to make the explanation easy to understand, the designated number is 1000 and the predetermined amount is L meters.

  The transport unit 20 starts continuous transport of L meters with respect to the roll paper S. Then, the head 31 and the missing dot detection unit 45 sequentially perform the formation of the label (unit image) and the missing dot inspection of the formed label (unit image).

  When a defective label is detected by the missing dot inspection (when missing dot is detected), the following two processes are mainly executed as in the example of the label without variable data.

  First, the controller 60 (head 31) forms the flushing pattern image in place of the next label (unit image). That is, also in this example, if a missing dot is detected in the 310th label and the 700th label, as shown in FIG. 5 (only the 310th label is shown. The 700th label is shown in the figure. The controller 60 (head 31) does not form the 311th (701st) label next, but instead forms (before) a flushing pattern image. The 311th (701st) label is formed next to the flushing pattern image.

  Second, the controller 60 changes (updates) the specified number and the predetermined amount. That is, the controller 60 increases the specified number and the predetermined amount based on the detection result of the defective label by the missing dot detection unit 45.

  That is, when a missing dot is detected in the 310th label, the controller 60 increments the designated number by 1 and updates the designated number to 1001, as in the example of the label without variable data. Then, the predetermined amount is increased by 2a, and the predetermined amount is updated to L + 2a.

  Furthermore, the controller 60 executes the following processing that was not performed in the example of the label without variable data. In other words, the controller 60 specifies which label is the label (missing label) from which the missing dot is detected. This can be specified based on the output value of the rotary encoder described above. Then, the controller 60 grasps variable data (“310” in this example) described in the specified label (unit image) based on the print data. That is, the controller 60 grasps what variable data included in the defective label was.

  Thereafter, when a missing dot is detected in the 700th label, the controller 60 further increments the designated number by 1 and updates the designated number to 1002. Then, the predetermined amount is further increased by 2a, and the predetermined amount is updated to L + 4a. Further, it is grasped what the variable data (“700”) included in the defective label (the 700th label) was.

  Thereafter, when the 1000th label is formed (see FIG. 5), the initial formation of the label with variable data is completed (among these, 998 normal labels and 2 defective labels) After completion, a label with variable data having variable data included in the defective label is re-formed. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, a label with variable data having “310” as variable data and a label with variable data having “700” are arranged in this order (that is, the order in which defects (dot missing) are detected). , Let it reform.

  Finally, in one job, continuous conveyance of L + 4a meters is executed, and 1002 labels (unit images) are formed during the continuous conveyance as shown in FIG. 1000 labels and 2 defective labels).

  As described above, the controller 60 increases the designated number and the predetermined amount based on the detection result of the defective label by the dot dropout detection unit 45 as in the example of the label without the variable data, and the label (for the number of defective labels ( The process of re-forming (unit image) is executed during continuous conveyance (in other words, in one job).

=== Effectiveness of Printer 1 According to the Present Embodiment ===
As described above, the printer 1 according to the present embodiment discharges UV ink to the transport unit 20 that performs a predetermined amount of continuous transport on the roll paper S and the roll paper S that is continuously transported by the transport unit 20. Then, a head 31 for forming a designated number of labels (unit images) designated in advance between the start and end of the continuous conveyance, and a defect in the labels (unit images) formed by the head 31 are detected. In order to do so, a dot dropout detection unit 45 and a controller 60 that controls the transport unit 20, the head 31, and the dot dropout detection unit 45 are included. Then, the controller 60 continuously performs a process of increasing the designated number and the predetermined amount based on the detection result of the defective label by the dot dropout detection unit 45 and re-forming labels (unit images) corresponding to the number of defective labels. It was decided to execute it while the transfer was in progress. Therefore, it is possible to realize the printer 1 that is highly convenient for the user.

  That is, as described above, when a defect of a label (unit image) is detected, it is necessary to re-form the label (unit image) corresponding to the number of defective labels. In this case, after the completion of the formation of a specified number (for example, 1000) of labels (unit images) (in other words, after the continuous conveyance of a predetermined amount (for example, L meter) is finished), the user It is conceivable that a new command for reforming is given to the printer 1 to perform the reforming. However, in such a case, since it takes time for the user, a new measure that is highly convenient for the user is required.

  On the other hand, the printer 1 according to the present embodiment satisfies the request. In other words, in the present embodiment, the designated number and the predetermined amount are increased based on the result of defective label detection by the missing dot detection unit 45, and the label (unit image) corresponding to the number of defective labels is re-formed. However, since it is executed during continuous conveyance (in other words, in one job), when one job (continuous conveyance) is completed without the user giving the command to the printer 1 in particular. That is, the re-formation of labels (unit images) corresponding to the number of defective labels is automatically completed. Therefore, the printer 1 that is highly convenient for the user is realized.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the controller 60 increases the specified number and the predetermined amount based on the detection result of the defective label by the dot dropout detection unit 45, and includes the variable data having the variable data included in the defective label. The process of re-forming the unit image is performed while continuous conveyance is performed. Therefore, it is possible to improve user convenience when printing a label with variable data.

  In the above embodiment, the controller 60 (head 31) performs the formation of the eye mark M corresponding to each label (unit image), while the formation of the eye mark M corresponding to the flushing pattern image is performed. I decided not to do it. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unnecessary portions from being cut when cutting is performed using the above-described post-processing machine.

=== Other Embodiments ===
The above-described embodiments are for facilitating the understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from the gist thereof, and it is needless to say that the present invention includes equivalents thereof. In particular, the embodiments described below are also included in the present invention.

  In the above-described embodiment, the roll paper S is given as an example of the print medium. However, the roll paper S is not limited to paper, and may be a film or cloth, for example.

  In the above embodiment, UV ink is used as an example of ink, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other ink may be used.

  In the above-described embodiment, the cylindrical member having a curved surface (that is, the transport drum 26) is described as an example of the member that faces the head 31 and supports the roll paper S. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a member having a flat surface may be used.

  In the above-described embodiment, the dot dropout detection unit 45 including the line sensor 46 is used as an example of a detection unit for detecting image defects. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the NSA method described in Japanese Patent No. 3794431 (a method of detecting missing dots based on residual vibration in the diaphragm after application of the ink ejection waveform) may be used.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the line sensor 46 was provided between the head unit 30 and the irradiation part 41 in the conveyance direction, it is not limited to this, For example, a conveyance direction It is good also as being provided in the downstream rather than the irradiation part 41 in FIG.

  In the above embodiment, only one line sensor 46 is provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, four line sensors 46 may be provided corresponding to each of the four heads 31. That is, the first line sensor is provided between the cyan ink head 32 and the magenta ink head 33 in the transport direction, and the second line sensor is provided between the magenta ink head 33 and the yellow ink head 34 in the transport direction. The third line sensor is provided between the yellow ink head 34 and the black ink head 35 in the transport direction, and the fourth line sensor is provided downstream of the black ink head 35 in the transport direction. It is good.

  In the above embodiment, when a defective label is detected, the flushing pattern image is formed on the roll paper S. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the flushing pattern image is formed. You may not do it.

  Further, whether or not to form a flushing pattern image may be determined when a defective label is detected. For example, a flushing pattern image is basically formed. When the line sensor 46 sequentially reads a label (unit image) formed on the conveyed roll paper 2 for each reading line, the label (unit image) If a missing dot is detected in a certain reading line but no missing dot is detected in a subsequent reading line, the flushing pattern image may not be formed (omitted).

  In the above embodiment, the controller 60 (head 31) forms the flushing pattern image in place of the next label (unit image). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, a flushing pattern image may be formed in a gap area (generally called a dove area) formed in advance between two labels (unit images). .

  However, the above embodiment is preferable in that the amount of ink in flushing can be increased.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the controller 60 (head 31) is arranged so that the position difference (that is, the pitch) of two adjacent labels (unit images) on the roll paper S has the same value a. When a defective label is detected when a unit image is formed, a flushing pattern image is inserted between the two labels (unit image) and the positional difference (pitch) between the two labels (unit image) The label (unit image) is formed so that is N times the value a (N is a natural number of 2 or more).

  However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as shown in FIG. 7, the positional difference (pitch) may not be set to N times the value a in consideration of saving the roll paper S.

  However, in the above-described embodiment, a plurality of cuts that are continuously performed when the label (unit image) is cut using the post-processing machine described above, even though the flushing pattern image is inserted. Can be maintained constant (that is, it is possible to use an inexpensive post-processing machine having only a function of cutting at an equal pitch). In this respect, the above embodiment is more desirable.

  In the above embodiment, the controller 60 (head 31) re-forms the label with variable data having the variable data included in the defective label after the initial formation of the label with variable data is completed. . That is, in the example of FIG. 5, after the first label is formed and the first formation is completed, the label with variable data having “310” and the label with variable data having “700” are re-formed. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, before the 1000th label is formed, a label with variable data having “310” or a label with variable data having “700” may be re-formed.

  However, in the above embodiment, reprinting is performed after printing is completed (removing the defective label and the re-formed label having the same variable data from each other and attaching the re-formed label at the position where the defective label was present). When removing the formed label, since the reshaped label is printed together at the end, find the reshaped label, that is, identify where the reshaped label is located among the multiple labels. It becomes easy. In this respect, the above embodiment is more desirable.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printer 20 Conveyance unit, 21 Relay roller 22 First transport roller, 22a First drive roller, 22b First driven roller 23 Relay roller, 24 reverse roller, 25 Contact roller 26 Transport drum 27 Tension roller 28 Second transport roller, 28a Second driving roller, 28b Second driven roller 29 Tension roller 30 Head unit, 31 Head 32 Cyan ink head, 33 Magenta ink head 34 Yellow ink head, 35 Black ink head 40 Irradiation unit, 41 Irradiation unit 45 Dot drop detection unit 46 Line sensor 50 Detector group 60 Controller 61 Interface unit 62 CPU 63 Memory 64 Unit control unit 110 Computer 201 Axis 202 winding drive shaft

Claims (4)

A head for forming an image on a print medium;
A detection unit for detecting ejection failure of the head;
A control unit that controls the head and the detection unit;
Wherein, in the case where ejection failure is detected in said head at a predetermined timing during the formation of the image based on one job including a plurality of images, when the ejection failure is detected From the downstream end of the image formed in the above, ((the length of the image in the transport direction + the length of the gap between the images in the transport direction) × N (N is an integer of 0 or more) + the space between the images The gap in the transport direction))) is used as a flushing area, and then an instruction is given to re-form the printed image when the ejection failure is detected, and the flushing area is subjected to the flushing. A printing apparatus characterized by instructing to perform the operation. The printing apparatus according to claim 1,
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects the ejection failure based on a residual vibration of the vibration plate after an ink ejection waveform is applied . The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The printing apparatus is characterized in that the support member for supporting the print medium is cylindrical, and forms an image when the print medium is conveyed on the support member . The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The control unit forms an alignment mark used for alignment in a post-processing machine for cutting the image, corresponding to the image,
The printing apparatus is characterized in that the alignment mark is not formed in an area between the images and including the area subjected to the flushing.

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