JP7130534B2 - Inkjet printer with cutting head, cutting device and inkjet printer - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an inkjet printer with a cutting head, a cutting device, and an inkjet printer.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an inkjet printer is known that includes a mounting table on which a recording medium is mounted and an ink head that ejects ink onto the recording medium. Also known is a cutting device having a cutting head having a cutter for cutting sheet-like or plate-like recording media. Further, there is known an inkjet printer with a cutting head, which includes an ink head for printing an image on a recording medium and a cutting head for cutting the periphery of the image printed on the recording medium. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses such an inkjet printer with a cutting head.

Japanese Patent No. 4855510

In the above-described inkjet printer with a cutting head or the like, an operator places the recording medium on the mounting table before printing an image on the recording medium with the ink head or cutting the recording medium with the cutting head. Here, if the recording medium is moved in a state in which the recording medium is not properly mounted on the mounting table, the recording medium is skewed. If the recording medium is placed on the mounting table in an oblique state, there is a risk that the printing of an image by the ink head and the cutting of the recording medium by the cutting head will not be properly performed. For this reason, the operator must accurately place the recording medium on the mounting table. Normally, an operator manually places the recording medium, so the recording medium may be placed on the mounting table with a slight deviation, making it difficult to detect skewed feeding of the recording medium in advance. Met.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and an object of the present invention is to detect the skew of the recording medium in advance and to print an image or cut the recording medium while the recording medium is skewed. An object of the present invention is to provide an ink jet printer with a cutting head which can be suppressed.

An inkjet printer with a cutting head according to the present invention includes a mounting table on which a recording medium is mounted; an ink head that ejects ink onto the recording medium mounted on the mounting table and is movable in a main scanning direction; a cutting head movable in the main scanning direction and having a cutter for cutting the recording medium placed on the mounting table; and a pair of side pinch rollers arranged above the mounting table and pressing the recording medium. and at least one center pinch roller provided above the mounting table and between the pair of side pinch rollers for pressing the recording medium, and the side pinch roller and the center pinch roller arranged in the main scanning direction. The recording medium is placed between the side pinch rollers and the center pinch roller, and the recording medium is directed from the upstream side to the downstream side in the sub-scanning direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction. a plurality of driving rollers to be moved; a control device for controlling the driving rollers; and a control device arranged on the mounting table on the downstream side in the sub-scanning direction from the driving rollers and on the downstream side in the sub-scanning direction of the recording medium. a first sensor for detecting an end of the recording medium; and a second sensor for detecting the downstream end in the sub-scanning direction, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are arranged at the same position in the sub-scanning direction.

According to the inkjet printer with a cutting head of the present invention, the first sensor and the second sensor that detect the downstream end of the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction are arranged at the same position in the sub-scanning direction. Therefore, when the first sensor and the second sensor detect the downstream end of the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction at the same timing, the recording medium moves straight in the sub-scanning direction without being skewed. is detected. On the other hand, when either the first sensor or the second sensor first detects the downstream end of the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction, it means that the recording medium is obliquely moving in the sub-scanning direction. detected. In this manner, by moving the recording medium placed on the mounting table in advance in the sub-scanning direction and detecting the downstream end of the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction by the first sensor and the second sensor, the operator can can easily confirm whether or not the recording medium is properly placed on the placing table.

According to the present invention, there is provided an inkjet printer with a cutting head capable of detecting skewed feeding of a recording medium in advance and suppressing printing of an image or cutting of the recording medium while the recording medium is skewed. can do.

1 is a front view of a printer according to one embodiment; FIG. 1 is a plan view showing part of a printer according to one embodiment; FIG. It is a front view of an inkjet head and a cutting head. It is a front view of an inkjet head and a cutting head. 3 is a block diagram of the control system of the printer according to one embodiment; FIG. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a state when the downstream end in the sub-scanning direction of the recording medium tilted to the right is detected. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a state when the downstream end in the sub-scanning direction of the recording medium tilted leftward is detected. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a state in which the downstream end in the sub-scanning direction of the recording medium placed without inclination is detected. It shows a state in which the recording medium has shrunk due to printing of a predetermined image on the recording medium. FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a control system of a printer according to another embodiment; FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the relationship between the skew angle of a recording medium tilted leftward and the amount of movement of the recording medium;

<First embodiment>
An inkjet printer 100 with a cutting head (hereinafter referred to as printer 100) according to one embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 100 according to the present embodiment is a so-called print & cut machine capable of printing and cutting a recording medium 5 .

In the following description, left, right, top, and bottom refer to left, right, top, and bottom as seen from the operator in front of the printer 100, respectively. Also, the side nearer to the operator from the printer 100 is the front side, and the side farther from the printer 100 is the rear side. Symbols F, Rr, L, R, U, and D in the drawings represent front, rear, left, right, up, and down, respectively. Symbol Y in the drawing represents the main scanning direction. In this embodiment, the main scanning direction Y is the horizontal direction. Reference character X in the drawings indicates the sub-scanning direction. The sub-scanning direction X is a direction intersecting the main scanning direction Y (for example, a direction intersecting perpendicularly in plan view). In this embodiment, the sub-scanning direction X is the front-rear direction. Also, the rear side of the printer 100 is called the upstream side, and the front side of the printer 100 is called the downstream side. In this embodiment, the direction from the upstream side to the downstream side is defined as X1, and the direction from the downstream side to the upstream side is defined as X2. However, the above direction is merely determined for convenience and should not be construed as limiting.

The recording medium 5 is, for example, formed long and wound into a roll for use. The recording medium 5 may be in the form of a sheet which is obtained by cutting a roll into a predetermined length. The recording medium 5 is, for example, recording paper. However, the recording medium 5 is not limited to recording paper. For example, the recording medium 5 includes a sheet made of a resin material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyester, a sealing material made of a backing paper and a release paper laminated on the backing paper and coated with an adhesive, and the like. be The recording medium 5 of this embodiment is, for example, a polyvinyl chloride sheet material. The polyvinyl chloride sheet material is composed of, for example, a backing paper (base material) made of plain paper, a release paper made of polyvinyl chloride, and an adhesive interposed between the backing paper and the release paper. ing. Ink ejected from the ink head 22 (see FIG. 3A) is fixed on the release paper. Materials for the mount and release paper are not limited to those described above, but the substrate and release paper are typically made of different materials. In this specification, the terms “cutting” and “cutting” refer to cutting the entire thickness of the recording medium 5 (for example, cutting both the mount and the release paper of the sealing material) and cutting the thickness of the recording medium 5 . A case where part of the direction is cut (for example, a case where only the release paper is cut without cutting the mount of the sealing material) is included.

As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 100 includes a printer body 100a, legs 11, an operation panel 12, a platen 16 on which a recording medium 5 is placed, an inkjet head 20, a cutting head 30, and a head moving mechanism. 40 , a medium moving mechanism 55 and a control device 80 . The printer main body 100a has a casing extending in the main scanning direction Y. As shown in FIG. The leg 11 supports the printer main body 100a and is provided on the lower surface of the printer main body 100a. The operation panel 12 is provided, for example, on the right front surface of the printer body 100a. However, the position of the operation panel 12 is not particularly limited. The operation panel 12 is, for example, used by an operator to perform operations related to printing and cutting. Although not shown, the operation panel 12 includes, for example, a display unit that displays information related to printing such as resolution and ink density, the status of the printer 100 during printing and cutting, and a display unit that displays printing and cutting. An input unit and the like for inputting information related to are provided.

The platen 16 supports the recording medium 5 when printing on the recording medium 5 and cutting the recording medium 5 . A recording medium 5 is placed on the platen 16 . The recording medium 5 is placed on the platen 16 before printing on the recording medium 5 . Also, after printing on the recording medium 5 is completed, the recording medium 5 may be once removed from the platen 16 and then placed on the platen 16 again. The platen 16 is an example of a mounting table. Printing on the recording medium 5 and cutting of the recording medium 5 are performed on the platen 16 . As shown in FIG. 2, the platen 16 extends in the main scanning direction Y. As shown in FIG. The platen 16 has a mounting surface 16A on which the recording medium 5 is mounted, a plurality of suction holes 16H formed in the mounting surface 16A, and an internal space 16M communicating with the suction holes 16H. The printer 100 includes a negative pressure generator 17 (see FIG. 4) that generates negative pressure in the internal space 16M. The negative pressure generator 17 is provided in the printer body 100a. The negative pressure generator 17 is controlled by the controller 80 . The negative pressure generator 17 may be, for example, a blower fan. When a negative pressure is generated in the internal space 16M by the negative pressure generator 17, the air in the vicinity of the mounting surface 16A is sucked into the internal space 16M through the plurality of suction holes 16H, and the recording medium mounted on the mounting surface 16A is sucked into the internal space 16M. 5 is in close contact with the mounting surface 16A.

As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 100 has guide rails 15 . The guide rail 15 is arranged above the platen 16 . The guide rail 15 extends in the main scanning direction Y. As shown in FIG. The guide rail 15 is supported by a left side frame 7L (see FIG. 3A) and a right side frame 7R (see FIG. 3A) which will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the inkjet head 20 includes a first carriage 21 and multiple ink heads 22 . The first carriage 21 is supported by the guide rails 15 . The first carriage 21 is engaged with the guide rail 15 so as to be movable in the main scanning direction Y. As shown in FIG. The ink head 22 has nozzles (not shown) that eject ink onto the recording medium 5 placed on the platen 16 . The ink head 22 prints a predetermined image on the recording medium 5 . The ink head 22 is mounted on the first carriage 21 . The ink head 22 is configured to be movable in the main scanning direction Y as the first carriage 21 moves. The inkjet head 20 is configured to be movable in the main scanning direction Y. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3A, five ink heads 22 are mounted on the first carriage 21 here. However, the number of ink heads 22 is not limited to five.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the cutting head 30 comprises a second carriage 31, a solenoid 32 and a cutter 33. As shown in FIG. The second carriage 31 is supported by the guide rails 15 . The second carriage 31 is engaged with the guide rail 15 so as to be movable in the main scanning direction Y. As shown in FIG. A cutter 33 cuts the recording medium 5 placed on the platen 16 . A cutter 33 is attached to the second carriage 31 via a solenoid 32 . The solenoid 32 is controlled by a controller 80 (see FIG. 1). When the solenoid 32 is turned on/off, the cutter 33 moves up and down to contact or separate from the recording medium 5 . The cutter 33 is configured to be movable in the main scanning direction Y as the second carriage 31 moves. The cutting head 30 is configured to be movable in the main scanning direction Y. As shown in FIG. The second carriage 31 is an example of a carriage.

The head moving mechanism 40 is a mechanism that relatively moves the first carriage 21 of the inkjet head 20 and the second carriage 31 of the cutting head 30 in the main scanning direction Y with respect to the recording medium 5 placed on the platen 16 . . The head moving mechanism 40 moves the first carriage 21 and the second carriage 31 in the main scanning direction Y. As shown in FIG. Note that the configuration of the head moving mechanism 40 is not particularly limited. As shown in FIG. 1 , the head moving mechanism 40 includes a first pulley 41 , a second pulley 42 , an endless belt 43 and a carriage motor 44 . The first pulley 41 is provided on the left end side of the guide rail 15 . The second pulley 42 is provided on the right end side of the guide rail 15 . The belt 43 is wound around the first pulley 41 and the first pulley 42 . The belt 43 is fixed to the upper back surface of the second carriage 31 (see FIG. 3A). A carriage motor 44 is connected to the second pulley 42 . However, the carriage motor 44 may be connected to the first pulley 41 . Here, the belt 43 runs between the first pulley 41 and the second pulley 42 by driving the carriage motor 44 and rotating the second pulley 42 . As a result, the second carriage 31 moves in the main scanning direction Y. As shown in FIG. The carriage motor 44 is controlled by the controller 80 .

As shown in FIG. 3A, the left side portion of the first carriage 21 is provided with a first connecting member 24 made of a magnet. A second connecting member 34 made of a magnet is fixed to the right portion of the second carriage 31 . The first connecting member 24 is detachably connected to the second connecting member 34 . In this embodiment, the first connecting member 24 and the second connecting member 34 utilize magnetic force. However, the first connecting member 24 and the second connecting member 34 are not limited to those utilizing magnetic force, and may be provided with other configurations such as engaging members. An L-shaped first bracket 25 is provided on the right side of the first carriage 21 .

As shown in FIG. 3A, a left side frame 7L and a right side frame 7R are arranged on the left and right sides of the platen 16, respectively. A lock device 35 for locking the inkjet head 20 at the standby position is provided on the right side frame 7R. The locking device 35 includes a second receiving metal fitting 36 hooked on the first receiving metal fitting 25, and a locking device for moving the second receiving metal fitting 36 between a locking position (see FIG. 3B) and an unlocking position (see FIG. 3A). and a solenoid 37 (see FIG. 4). The locking solenoid 37 is controlled by the controller 80 .

As shown in FIG. 3A, when printing a predetermined image on the recording medium 5 with the ink head 22, the second receiving fitting 36 is set to the unlocked position. When the second carriage 31 of the cutting head 30 moves to the right and the second connecting member 34 and the first connecting member 24 come into contact with each other, the second carriage 31 and the first carriage 21 are connected. As a result, the inkjet head 20 can move in the main scanning direction Y together with the cutting head 30 . On the other hand, when cutting the recording medium 5 with the cutter 33, as shown in FIG. 3B, the inkjet head 20 is positioned at the standby position and the second receiving metal fitting 36 of the lock device 35 is set at the lock position. As a result, movement of the inkjet head 20 in the main scanning direction Y is blocked. When the second carriage 31 moves to the left, the second connecting member 34 and the first connecting member 24 are separated, and the connection between the second carriage 31 and the first carriage 21 is released. As a result, only the cutting head 30 can move in the main scanning direction Y while the inkjet head 20 is waiting at the waiting position.

The medium moving mechanism 55 relatively moves the recording medium 5 placed on the platen 16 in the sub-scanning direction X with respect to the ink head 22 and the cutting head 30 . The medium moving mechanism 55 moves the recording medium 5 placed on the platen 16 in the sub-scanning direction X. As shown in FIG. The medium moving mechanism 55 moves the recording medium 5 in the directions of arrows X1 and X2 in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the medium moving mechanism 55 includes a grit roller 57, a feed motor 58 (see FIG. 4), side pinch rollers 60, a center pinch roller 62, and a holding shaft 64.

As shown in FIG. 2, the grit roller 57 is provided on the platen 16. As shown in FIG. The grit roller 57 is embedded in the platen 16 so that the upper portion of the grit roller 57 is exposed to the outside. In this embodiment, printer 100 includes eight grit rollers 57 . Note that the number of grit rollers 57 is not limited to eight. The grit roller 57 is an example of a drive roller. The grit rollers 57 are arranged in parallel in the main scanning direction Y. As shown in FIG. Some of the grit rollers 57 are positioned below the side pinch rollers 60, as shown in FIG. Some of the grit rollers 57 pinch the recording medium 5 between themselves and the side pinch rollers 60 . Another part of the grit rollers 57 is arranged below the center pinch roller 62 . Another part of the grit rollers 57 sandwiches the recording medium 5 between them and the center pinch roller 62 . A feed motor 58 (see FIG. 4) is connected to the grit roller 57 . Feed motor 58 is controlled by controller 80 . That is, the grit roller 57 is controlled by the controller 80 . With the recording medium 5 sandwiched between the grit roller 57 and the side pinch rollers 60 and between the grit roller 57 and the center pinch roller 62, when the feed motor 58 is driven and the grit roller 57 rotates, the recording medium is rotated. 5 is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction X; In this embodiment, the recording medium 5 is sandwiched between the grit roller 57 and the side pinch rollers 60 and between the grit roller 57 and the center pinch roller 62, and the recording medium 5 moves from the upstream side to the downstream side (that is, from the upstream side to the downstream side). 2) and from the downstream side to the upstream side (that is, the direction of arrow X2 in FIG. 2).

As shown in FIG. 1 , the side pinch rollers 60 are arranged above the platen 16 . The side pinch rollers 60 are arranged below the guide rails 15 . The side pinch rollers 60 press the recording medium 5 placed on the platen 16 from above. As shown in FIG. 2, the side pinch rollers 60 include a right side pinch roller 60R disposed above the rightmost grit roller 57 among the grit rollers 57, and a leftmost grit roller 57 among the grit rollers 57. a left side pinch roller 60L positioned above roller 57;

As shown in FIG. 1 , the center pinch roller 62 is positioned above the platen 16 . The center pinch roller 62 is arranged below the guide rail 15 . In this embodiment, printer 100 has six center pinch rollers 62 . Note that the number of center pinch rollers 62 is not limited to six. The center pinch rollers 62 are arranged in parallel in the main scanning direction Y. As shown in FIG. The center pinch roller 62 is provided between the left side pinch roller 60L and the right side roller 60R. The center pinch roller 62 presses the recording medium 5 placed on the platen 16 from above.

As shown in FIG. 2, the holding shaft 64 extends in the main scanning direction Y. As shown in FIG. A holding shaft 64 holds the side pinch rollers 60 and the center pinch roller 62 . By rotating the holding shaft 64 around its axis, the side pinch rollers 60 and the center pinch roller 62 can be moved closer to or away from the grit roller 57 . The holding shaft 64 is rotatably supported by the printer body 100a.

As shown in FIG. 2, the printer 100 has a right front sensor 70 and a left front sensor 72 . The right front sensor 70 is an example of a first sensor. The left front sensor 72 is an example of a second sensor. The right front sensor 70 and the left front sensor 72 are, for example, photoreflectors (reflective photosensors) having a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion. Right front sensor 70 and left front sensor 72 are connected to control device 80 .

The right front sensor 70 is arranged downstream (here, forward) in the sub-scanning direction X from the grit roller 57 . The right front sensor 70 is arranged downstream (here, forward) in the sub-scanning direction X from the plurality of suction holes 16H. The right front sensor 70 is positioned to the right of the left end of the rightmost grit roller 57 . The right front sensor 70 is positioned to the left of the right side pinch roller 60R. A right front sensor 70 is located on the platen 16 . In this embodiment, the right front sensor 70 is embedded in the platen 16 . The right front sensor 70 detects the downstream end 5F of the recording medium 5 in the sub-scanning direction X. As shown in FIG. A detection result is transmitted to the control device 80 .

The left front sensor 72 is arranged downstream (here, forward) in the sub-scanning direction X from the grit roller 57 . The left front sensor 72 is arranged downstream (here, forward) in the sub-scanning direction X from the plurality of suction holes 16H. The left front sensor 72 is arranged on one side of the right front sensor 70 in the main scanning direction Y (here, to the left). The left front sensor 72 is arranged to the right of the left side pinch roller 60L. The left front sensor 72 is positioned to the right of an intermediate point C1 in the main scanning direction Y between the left side pinch roller 60L and the right side pinch roller 60R. Left front sensor 72 is located on platen 16 . In this embodiment, the left front sensor 72 is embedded in the platen 16 . The left front sensor 72 detects the downstream end 5F of the recording medium 5 in the sub-scanning direction X. As shown in FIG. A detection result is transmitted to the control device 80 .

The right front sensor 70 and the left front sensor 72 are arranged at the same position in the sub-scanning direction X. As shown in FIG. That is, the front end 70F of the right front sensor 70 and the front end 72F of the left front sensor 72 are positioned on the virtual line LF parallel to the main scanning direction Y. As shown in FIG. A rear end 70R of the right front sensor 70 and a rear end 72R of the left front sensor 72 are positioned on a virtual line LR parallel to the main scanning direction Y. As shown in FIG. For example, when the right front sensor 70 and the left front sensor 72 are photoreflectors having a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion, the light emitting portion of the right front sensor 70 and the light emitting portion of the left front sensor 72 are positioned at the same position in the sub-scanning direction X. The light receiving portion of the right front sensor 70 and the light receiving portion of the left front sensor 72 are arranged at the same position with respect to the sub-scanning direction X. As shown in FIG. When the right front sensor 70 has a case that houses the light emitting section and the light receiving section, and the left front sensor 72 has a case that houses the light emitting section and the light receiving section, the case of the right front sensor 70 and the left front The case of the sensor 72 may be offset with respect to the sub-scanning direction X. That is, as long as the positions of the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are the same in the sub-scanning direction X, the position, size, etc. of the case containing them are not particularly limited.

As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 100 has a side sensor 74. As shown in FIG. The side sensor 74 is an example of a third sensor. The side sensor 74 is, for example, a photoreflector. Side sensor 74 is connected to control device 80 . A side sensor 74 is provided on the cutting head 30 . More specifically, the side sensor 74 is mounted on the second carriage 31 of the cutting head 30 (see FIG. 3A). The side sensor 74 is configured to be movable in the main scanning direction Y as the second carriage 31 moves. The side sensor 74 detects one end (here, the left end) and the other side (here, the right end) of the recording medium 5 placed on the platen 16 in the main scanning direction Y. FIG. Position information of the detected one end and the other end in the main scanning direction Y of the recording medium 5 is transmitted to the control device 80 . The side sensor 74 detects one end and the other end of the recording medium 5 in the main scanning direction Y based on the difference between the reflectance of the reflecting member 78 and the reflectance of the recording medium 5 , which will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 2, printer 100 includes a reflective member 78 . The reflecting member 78 extends in the main scanning direction Y. As shown in FIG. A reflective member 78 is positioned on the platen 16 . The reflecting member 78 is arranged downstream (here, forward) in the sub-scanning direction X from the grit roller 57 . The reflecting member 78 is arranged upstream (here, rearward) in the sub-scanning direction X from the suction hole 16H. A right end 78R of the reflecting member 78 is positioned to the right of the right side pinch roller 60R. A left end 78L of the reflecting member 78 is positioned to the left of the left side pinch roller 60L. The reflecting member 78 overlaps the movement locus LX of the side sensor 74 in plan view. That is, when the side sensor 74 moves in the main scanning direction Y between the left side pinch roller 60L and the right side pinch roller 60R, the reflecting member 78 is positioned below the side sensor 74 . The reflecting member 78 is, for example, an adhesive tape. Alternatively, the reflective member 78 may be paint applied to the platen 16 . The difference between the reflectance of the surface of the reflecting member 78 and the reflectance of the surface of the recording medium 5 is larger than the difference of the reflectance of the mounting surface 16A of the platen 16 and the reflectance of the surface of the recording medium 5 .

As shown in FIG. 4, the overall operation of printer 100 is controlled by control device 80 . The configuration of the control device 80 is not particularly limited. The control device 80 is, for example, a microcomputer. The hardware configuration of the microcomputer is not particularly limited. central processing unit), ROM (read only memory) that stores programs executed by the CPU, RAM (random access memory) that is used as a working area for developing programs, and memory that stores programs and various data a storage device; As shown in FIG. 1, the control device 80 is provided inside the printer body 100a. However, the control device 80 may not be provided inside the printer body 100a. For example, the control device 80 may be a computer installed outside the printer body 100a. In this case, the control device 80 is communicably connected to the printer 100 via wire or wireless.

As shown in FIG. 4, the control device 80 includes the ink head 22, the solenoid 32, the negative pressure generator 17, the locking solenoid 37, the feed motor 58, the carriage motor 44, the right front sensor 70, the left front sensor 72 and the side sensors. 74 is communicably connected. The control device 80 controls the ink head 22 , the solenoid 32 , the negative pressure generator 17 , the locking solenoid 37 , the feed motor 58 and the carriage motor 44 .

As shown in FIG. 4 , the control device 80 includes a notification section 82 , a storage section 84 , a calculation section 86 , a determination section 88 , a creation section 90 and a cut control section 92 . The function of each part of the control device 80 is implemented by a program. This program is read from a recording medium such as a CD or DVD. Note that this program may be downloaded through the Internet. Also, the function of each unit of the control device 80 may be realized by a processor and/or a circuit or the like. The specific functions of these units will be described later.

The notification unit 82 determines that the recording medium 5 is skewed when either one of the right front sensor 70 and the left front sensor 72 detects the downstream end 5F of the recording medium 5 in the sub-scanning direction X before the other. Notify you of what you are doing. Note that the notification method is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include notification by visual display, sound, and the like. In this embodiment, the operator is notified visually through the operation panel 12 . For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the recording medium 5 is tilted to the right and placed on the platen 16 (see FIG. 2), if the recording medium 5 is moved in the direction of the arrow X1 in FIG. , the right front sensor 70 detects the downstream end 5F of the recording medium 5 in the sub-scanning direction X first. Thereby, the notification unit 82 notifies that the recording medium 5 is skewed. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, when the recording medium 5 is placed on the platen 16 tilted to the left, moving the recording medium 5 in the direction of the arrow X1 in FIG. The sensor 72 detects the downstream end 5F of the recording medium 5 in the sub-scanning direction X first. Thereby, the notification unit 82 notifies that the recording medium 5 is skewed. As shown in FIG. 7, when the recording medium 5 is properly placed on the platen 16 (that is, in a state in which the end portion 5F is parallel to the main scanning direction Y without tilting), the recording medium 5 is 7 in the direction of the arrow X1, the right front sensor 70 and the left front sensor 72 detect the downstream end 5F of the recording medium 5 in the sub-scanning direction X at the same timing. At this time, the notification unit 82 may notify that the recording medium 5 is not skewed. 5, 6 and 7, the initial position of the recording medium 5 is indicated by a two-dot chain line, and the downstream end 5F of the recording medium 5 in the sub-scanning direction X is the right front sensor 70 and the left front sensor 72. The solid line indicates the position when at least one of the is detected.

As shown in FIG. 8, the storage unit 84 stores the pre-printing length G1, the post-printing length G2, the image data of the predetermined image 6A, and the cut data of the cut line 6B. The pre-printing length G1 is the length in the main scanning direction Y of the recording medium 5 before ink is ejected from the ink head 22 and the predetermined image 6A is printed. The pre-printing length G1 is stored in the storage unit 84 in advance. The post-printing length G2 is the main scanning direction Y of the recording medium 5 after ink is ejected from the ink head 22 and the predetermined image 6A is printed (that is, the recording medium 5 on which the predetermined image 6A has been printed). is the length of The pre-printing length G1 and the post-printing length G2 are lengths when the recording medium 5 is properly placed on the platen 16 . Here, depending on the material of the recording medium 5, the recording medium 5 itself may expand or contract when the predetermined image 6A is printed on the recording medium 5. FIG. FIG. 8 shows a state in which the recording medium 5 is shrunk by printing the predetermined image 6A on the recording medium 5 . In FIG. 8, the recording medium 5 before printing is indicated by a solid line, and the recording medium 5 after printing is indicated by a chain double-dashed line. The image data is created, for example, using software installed in a computer provided separately from the printer 100 . A cut line 6B is set around a predetermined image 6A. A cut line 6B is a line cut by the cutter 33 . The cut data is, for example, vector format data. The storage unit 84 also stores the print start position, the cutting start position, and position information (for example, XY coordinates) of the right front sensor 70 and the left front sensor 72 .

The calculation unit 86 calculates the post-printing length G2 based on the position information of the right end portion 5R and the left end portion 5L in the main scanning direction Y of the recording medium 5 on which printing of the predetermined image 6A has been completed. Specifically, the calculation unit 86 drives the carriage motor 44 to move the second carriage 31 in the main scanning direction Y, and calculates the right end portion 5R and the left end portion of the recording medium 5 on which the predetermined image 6A has been printed. A side sensor 74 detects the position of 5L. Then, the calculation unit 86 calculates the post-printing length G2 from the positional information of the right end portion 5R and the left end portion 5L of the recording medium 5 on which the printing of the predetermined image 6A has been completed.

The determination unit 88 determines the expansion ratio of the recording medium 5 based on the pre-printing length G1 and the post-printing length G2. The expansion ratio is, for example, length after printing G2/length before printing G1.

The creation unit 90 corrects the cut data based on the expansion/contraction ratio determined by the determination unit 88, and creates post-correction cut data. The created post-correction cut data is stored in the storage unit 84 . For example, if the cut data is vector format data, the corrected cut data (that is, the corrected position information) is created by multiplying the position information by the expansion ratio.

The cut control unit 92 controls the cutting head 30 and the grit roller 57 to cut the recording medium 5 based on the corrected cut data. More specifically, the cut control unit 92 controls the carriage motor 44 to move the second carriage in the main scanning direction Y so as to cut the recording medium 5 based on the corrected cut data, and the solenoid 32 is controlled to move the cutter 33 vertically, and the feed motor 58 is controlled to rotate the grit roller 57, thereby moving the recording medium 5 in the directions of arrows X1 and X2 in FIG. As a result, the recording medium 5 is cut along the cut line 6B.

As described above, in the printer 100 of the present embodiment, the right front sensor 70 and the left front sensor 72 that detect the downstream edge 5F of the recording medium 5 in the sub-scanning direction X are positioned at the same position in the sub-scanning direction X. are placed. Therefore, when the right front sensor 70 and the left front sensor 72 detect the downstream end 5F of the recording medium 5 in the sub-scanning direction X at the same timing, the recording medium 5 does not skew and is detected in the sub-scanning direction X. is detected to be moving straight with respect to . On the other hand, when either one of the right front sensor 70 and the left front sensor 72 first detects the downstream end 5F of the recording medium 5 in the sub-scanning direction X, the recording medium 5 is skewed and is detected to move to In this manner, the recording medium 5 placed on the platen 16 is moved in the sub-scanning direction X in advance, and the downstream end 5F of the recording medium 5 in the sub-scanning direction X is detected by the right front sensor 70 and the left front sensor 72. The detection allows the operator to easily confirm whether or not the recording medium 5 is appropriately placed on the platen 16 .

According to the printer 100 of the present embodiment, the notification unit 82 of the control device 80 detects whether one of the right front sensor 70 and the left front sensor 72 is located downstream of the recording medium 5 in the sub-scanning direction X before the other. When the edge 5F is detected, it is notified that the recording medium 5 is skewed. This allows the operator to recognize that the recording medium 5 is not properly placed on the platen 16 and that adjustment of the position of the recording medium 5 with respect to the platen 16 is required.

According to the printer 100 of this embodiment, the determination unit 88 determines the expansion ratio of the recording medium 5 based on the pre-printing length G1 and the post-printing length G2. The creation unit 90 corrects the cut data based on the expansion/contraction rate and creates post-correction cut data. The cut control unit 92 controls the cutting head 30 and the grit roller 57 to cut the recording medium 5 based on the corrected cut data. Here, depending on the material of the recording medium 5, the recording medium 5 itself may expand and contract before and after printing the predetermined image 6A. Therefore, if the recording medium 5 is cut based on the cut data created without considering the expansion and contraction of the recording medium 5, there is a risk that the cut portion will be misaligned. However, in this embodiment, since the cut data is corrected in consideration of the expansion and contraction of the recording medium 5, the recording medium 5 can be appropriately cut along the cut line 6B.

The printer 100 of the present embodiment includes a reflecting member 78 that extends in the main scanning direction Y, is provided on the platen 16, and overlaps the movement locus LX of the side sensor 74 in plan view. As a result, when the recording medium 5 is positioned on the reflecting member 78, the boundary between the reflecting member 78 and the recording medium 5, that is, the left end portion 5L and the right end portion 5R of the recording medium 5 can be more reliably detected by the side sensor 74. can be done.

According to the printer 100 of this embodiment, the right front sensor 70 and the left front sensor 72 are arranged downstream in the sub-scanning direction X from the plurality of suction holes 16H formed in the placement surface 16A of the platen 16. . For example, when a roll-shaped recording medium 5 is used, the recording medium 5 may be warped. There is a possibility that 5F cannot be detected accurately. Here, by generating a negative pressure in the internal space 16M of the platen 16, the recording medium 5 can be brought into close contact with the platen 16. The downstream end 5F can be detected by the right front sensor 70 and the left front sensor 72 .

<Second embodiment>
FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the control system of the printer 200 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the control device 180 includes a notification unit 82, a storage unit 84, a skew angle calculation unit 185, a calculation unit 186, a determination unit 88, a creation unit 190, and a cut control unit 92. It has The function of each part of the control device 180 is implemented by a program. This program is read from a recording medium such as a CD or DVD. Note that this program may be downloaded through the Internet. Also, the function of each unit of the control device 180 may be realized by a processor and/or a circuit or the like. The specific functions of these units will be described later.

The skew angle calculator 185 calculates the skew angle θ of the recording medium 5 . As shown in FIG. 10, when the left front sensor 72 detects the downstream edge 5F of the recording medium 5 in the sub-scanning direction X before the right front sensor 70 detects the left front sensor 72, the skew angle calculator 185 After the sensor 72 detects the downstream end 5F of the recording medium 5 in the sub-scanning direction X until the right front sensor 70 detects the downstream end 5F of the recording medium 5 in the sub-scanning direction X, the recording The skew angle θ of the recording medium 5 is calculated based on the movement amount H, which is the amount of movement of the medium 5 in the sub-scanning direction X. FIG. Based on the movement amount H, the positional information of the right end 5R and the left end 5L of the recording medium 5 in the main scanning direction Y, and the positional information of the right front sensor 70 and the left front sensor 72, Calculate the skew angle θ. At this time, the left front sensor 72 is an example of the first sensor, and the right front sensor 70 is an example of the second sensor. Note that when the right front sensor 70 detects the downstream end 5F of the recording medium 5 in the sub-scanning direction X before the left front sensor 72 detects the skew angle calculation unit 185, the right front sensor 70 detects the recording medium 5 in the sub-scanning direction X until the left front sensor 72 detects the downstream end 5F of the recording medium 5 in the sub-scanning direction X. The skew angle θ of the recording medium 5 may be calculated based on the amount of movement H, which is the amount of movement in the X direction. In FIG. 10, the edge 5F of the recording medium 5 when the front left sensor 72 detects the edge 5F on the downstream side in the sub-scanning direction X before the front right sensor 70 is detected is indicated by a dashed line. The edge 5F when the right front sensor 70 detects the edge 5F on the downstream side in the sub-scanning direction X of the recording medium 5 is indicated by a solid line.

The calculation unit 186 calculates the post-printing length G2 based on the positional information and the skew angle θ of the right end portion 5R and the left end portion 5L in the main scanning direction Y of the recording medium 5 on which printing of the predetermined image 6A has been completed. . Specifically, the calculation unit 86 drives the carriage motor 44 to move the second carriage 31 in the main scanning direction Y, and calculates the right end portion 5R and the left end portion of the recording medium 5 on which the predetermined image 6A has been printed. A side sensor 74 detects the position of 5L. Then, the calculating unit 86 calculates the post-printing length G2 from the positional information and the skew angle θ of the right end portion 5R and the left end portion 5L of the recording medium 5 on which the predetermined image 6A has been printed.

The creation unit 190 corrects the cut data based on the expansion ratio determined by the determination unit 88 and the skew angle θ calculated by the skew angle calculation unit 185, and creates post-correction cut data. The created post-correction cut data is stored in the storage unit 84 . For example, if the cut data is vector format data, the position information is multiplied by the expansion/contraction rate, and the corrected cut data (i.e., corrected position information) is created by performing coordinate conversion based on the skew angle θ. be.

The printer 200 of the present embodiment can detect the skew of the recording medium 5 as described above, but the operator may want to cut the recording medium 5 without correcting the skew. could be. Therefore, when the right front sensor 70 detects the downstream end 5F of the recording medium 5 in the sub-scanning direction X before the left front sensor 72 detects the skew angle calculation unit 185, the right front sensor 70 detects the recording medium 5 in the sub-scanning direction X until the left front sensor 72 detects the downstream end 5F of the recording medium 5 in the sub-scanning direction X. The skew angle θ of the recording medium 5 is calculated based on the amount H of movement in the X direction. The creation unit 190 corrects the cut data based on the expansion ratio and the skew angle θ, and creates post-correction cut data. As a result, even if the recording medium 5 is not properly placed on the platen 16, the cut data is corrected in consideration of the skew angle θ and expansion ratio of the recording medium 5, so that the recording medium 5 can be properly positioned. can be cut.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the above-described embodiments are merely examples, and the present invention can be implemented in various other forms.

Although the front right sensor 70 and the front left sensor 72 are fixed at predetermined positions on the platen 16 in each of the above-described embodiments, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the left front sensor 72 may be configured to be movable in the main scanning direction Y with respect to the right front sensor 70 . For example, a groove extending in the main scanning direction Y may be formed in the platen 16, and the position of the left front sensor 72 may be changed along the groove. Thereby, the left front sensor 72 can be arranged at a more appropriate position according to the length of the recording medium 5 in the main scanning direction Y.

In each of the embodiments described above, the printers 100 and 200 were provided with the reflective member 78, but are not limited to this. When the side sensor 74 can detect one end and the other end of the recording medium 5 in the main scanning direction Y from the difference between the reflectance of the platen 16 and the reflectance of the recording medium 5, , the printer 100 , 200 may not have the reflective member 78 .

In the embodiment described above, the front right sensor 70 and the front left sensor 72 were arranged directly on the platen 16, but this is not the only option. The right front sensor 70 and the left front sensor 72 may be provided on a member separate from the platen 16 (for example, a case, a plate member, or the like) and arranged indirectly with respect to the platen 16 .

In each of the embodiments described above, the printers 100 and 200 are inkjet printers with a cutting head, but the configurations described above are also applicable to inkjet printers without a cutting head and cutting devices without an ink head. be able to. In the case of a cutting device that does not have an ink head, it is possible to perform the functions described above for a recording medium on which an image has been printed by another inkjet printer. In the case of an inkjet printer that does not have a cutting head, the skew of the recording medium can be detected in the same manner as described above.

5 Recording medium 5F Downstream end 16 Platen 22 Ink head 30 Cutting head 33 Cutter 57 Grit roller 60 Side pinch roller 62 Center pinch roller 70 Right front sensor 72 Left front sensor 74 Side sensor 100 Printer

Claims (18)

a mounting table on which the recording medium is mounted;
an ink head that ejects ink onto the recording medium mounted on the mounting table and is movable in a main scanning direction;
a cutting head having a cutter for cutting the recording medium mounted on the mounting table and movable in the main scanning direction;
a pair of side pinch rollers arranged above the mounting table and pressing the recording medium;
at least one center pinch roller provided above the mounting table and between the pair of side pinch rollers for pressing the recording medium;
It is arranged in the main scanning direction and below the side pinch roller and the center pinch roller, and pinches the recording medium between the side pinch roller and the center pinch roller to hold the recording medium in the main scanning direction. a plurality of drive rollers that move from upstream to downstream in a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the scanning direction;
a control device that controls the driving roller;
a first sensor arranged on the mounting table on the downstream side in the sub-scanning direction from the drive roller and detecting an end portion of the recording medium on the downstream side in the sub-scanning direction;
It is disposed on the mounting table on the downstream side in the sub-scanning direction from the driving roller and on one side in the main scanning direction from the first sensor, and is arranged on the mounting table to support the downstream end portion of the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction. A second sensor for detecting,
An inkjet printer with a cutting head, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are arranged at the same position with respect to the sub-scanning direction. the first sensor and the second sensor are connected to the controller;
When one of the first sensor and the second sensor detects the downstream end of the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction before the other, the control device detects that the recording medium is skewed. 2. The inkjet printer with a cutting head according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit for notifying that the cutting head is being used. a third sensor that detects one end and the other end in the main scanning direction of the recording medium placed on the mounting table;
The control device is
A pre-printing length, which is the length of the recording medium in the main scanning direction before a predetermined image is printed by ejecting ink from the ink head, and a length set around the predetermined image and cut by the cutter. a storage unit that stores cut data of the cut line to be cut;
The recording medium on which printing of the predetermined image has been completed, based on position information of the one end and the other end in the main scanning direction of the recording medium on which printing of the predetermined image has been completed. a calculation unit that calculates the length after printing, which is the length of the main scanning direction of
a determination unit that determines an expansion ratio of the recording medium based on the pre-printing length and the post-printing length;
a creating unit that corrects the cut data based on the expansion/contraction rate and creates post-correction cut data;
3. The inkjet printer with a cutting head according to claim 1, further comprising a cut control section that controls the cutting head and the drive roller so as to cut the recording medium based on the corrected cut data. a third sensor that detects one end and the other end in the main scanning direction of the recording medium placed on the mounting table;
The control device is
A pre-printing length, which is the length of the recording medium in the main scanning direction before a predetermined image is printed by ejecting ink from the ink head, and a length set around the predetermined image and cut by the cutter. a storage unit that stores cut data of the cut line to be cut;
When the first sensor detects the downstream end of the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction before the second sensor, the first sensor detects the downstream end of the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction. based on the amount of movement of the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction from the detection of the end of the recording medium until the second sensor detects the downstream end of the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction, a skew angle calculator that calculates the skew angle of the recording medium;
Printing of the predetermined image is completed based on the position information and the oblique angle of the one end and the other end in the main scanning direction of the recording medium on which printing of the predetermined image is completed. a calculation unit that calculates a post-printing length, which is the length of the completed recording medium in the main scanning direction;
a determination unit that determines an expansion ratio of the recording medium based on the pre-printing length and the post-printing length;
a creating unit that corrects the cut data based on the expansion ratio and the skew angle and creates post-correction cut data;
3. The inkjet printer with a cutting head according to claim 1, further comprising a cut control section that controls the cutting head and the drive roller so as to cut the recording medium based on the corrected cut data. a carriage provided movably in the main scanning direction and on which the third sensor is mounted;
5. The inkjet printer with a cutting head according to claim 3, further comprising a reflecting member that extends in the main scanning direction, is provided on the mounting table, and overlaps the moving locus of the third sensor in plan view. The inkjet printer with a cutting head according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said second sensor is configured to be movable in said main scanning direction with respect to said first sensor. The mounting table has a mounting surface on which the recording medium is mounted, a plurality of suction holes formed in the mounting surface, and an internal space communicating with the suction holes,
A negative pressure generator for generating negative pressure in the internal space,
7. The inkjet printer with a cutting head according to claim 1, wherein said first sensor and said second sensor are arranged downstream of said plurality of suction holes in said sub-scanning direction. a mounting table on which the recording medium is mounted;
a cutting head having a cutter for cutting the recording medium mounted on the mounting table and movable in a main scanning direction;
a pair of side pinch rollers arranged above the mounting table and pressing the recording medium;
at least one center pinch roller provided above the mounting table and between the pair of side pinch rollers for pressing the recording medium;
It is arranged in the main scanning direction and below the side pinch roller and the center pinch roller, and pinches the recording medium between the side pinch roller and the center pinch roller to hold the recording medium in the main scanning direction. a plurality of drive rollers that move from upstream to downstream in a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the scanning direction;
a control device that controls the drive roller;
a first sensor arranged on the mounting table on the downstream side in the sub-scanning direction from the drive roller and detecting an end portion of the recording medium on the downstream side in the sub-scanning direction;
It is disposed on the mounting table on the downstream side in the sub-scanning direction from the driving roller and on one side in the main scanning direction from the first sensor, and is arranged on the mounting table to support the downstream end portion of the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction. A second sensor for detecting,
The cutting device, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are arranged at the same position with respect to the sub-scanning direction. the first sensor and the second sensor are connected to the controller;
When one of the first sensor and the second sensor detects the downstream end of the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction before the other, the control device detects that the recording medium is skewed. 9. The cutting device according to claim 8, further comprising a notification unit for notifying that the cutting is being performed. a third sensor that detects one end and the other end in the main scanning direction of the recording medium placed on the mounting table;
The control device is
a pre-printing length, which is the length of the recording medium in the main scanning direction before a predetermined image is printed; cut data of a cut line set around the predetermined image and cut by the cutter; a storage unit that stores
The recording medium on which printing of the predetermined image has been completed, based on position information of the one end and the other end in the main scanning direction of the recording medium on which printing of the predetermined image has been completed. a calculation unit that calculates the length after printing, which is the length of the main scanning direction of
a determination unit that determines an expansion ratio of the recording medium based on the pre-printing length and the post-printing length;
a creating unit that corrects the cut data based on the expansion/contraction rate and creates post-correction cut data;
10. The cutting apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a cut control section that controls the cutting head and the drive roller so as to cut the recording medium based on the corrected cut data. a third sensor that detects one end and the other end in the main scanning direction of the recording medium placed on the mounting table;
The control device is
a pre-printing length, which is the length of the recording medium in the main scanning direction before a predetermined image is printed; cut data of a cut line set around the predetermined image and cut by the cutter; a storage unit that stores
When the first sensor detects the downstream end of the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction before the second sensor, the first sensor detects the downstream end of the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction. based on the amount of movement of the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction from the detection of the end of the recording medium until the second sensor detects the downstream end of the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction, a skew angle calculator that calculates the skew angle of the recording medium;
Printing of the predetermined image is completed based on the position information and the oblique angle of the one end and the other end in the main scanning direction of the recording medium on which printing of the predetermined image is completed. a calculation unit that calculates a post-printing length, which is the length of the completed recording medium in the main scanning direction;
a determination unit that determines an expansion ratio of the recording medium based on the pre-printing length and the post-printing length;
a creating unit that corrects the cut data based on the expansion ratio and the skew angle and creates post-correction cut data;
10. The cutting apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a cut control section that controls the cutting head and the drive roller so as to cut the recording medium based on the corrected cut data. a carriage provided movably in the main scanning direction and on which the third sensor is mounted;
12. The cutting device according to claim 10, further comprising a reflecting member that extends in the main scanning direction, is provided on the mounting table, and overlaps the movement locus of the third sensor in plan view. The cutting device according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the second sensor is configured to be movable in the main scanning direction with respect to the first sensor. The mounting table has a mounting surface on which the recording medium is mounted, a plurality of suction holes formed in the mounting surface, and an internal space communicating with the suction holes,
A negative pressure generator for generating negative pressure in the internal space,
14. The cutting device according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein said first sensor and said second sensor are arranged downstream of said plurality of suction holes in said sub-scanning direction. a mounting table on which the recording medium is mounted;
an ink head that ejects ink onto the recording medium mounted on the mounting table and is movable in a main scanning direction;
a pair of side pinch rollers arranged above the mounting table and pressing the recording medium;
at least one center pinch roller provided above the mounting table and between the pair of side pinch rollers for pressing the recording medium;
It is arranged in the main scanning direction and below the side pinch roller and the center pinch roller, and pinches the recording medium between the side pinch roller and the center pinch roller to hold the recording medium in the main scanning direction. a plurality of drive rollers that move from upstream to downstream in a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the scanning direction;
a control device that controls the drive roller;
a first sensor arranged on the mounting table on the downstream side in the sub-scanning direction from the drive roller and detecting an end portion of the recording medium on the downstream side in the sub-scanning direction;
It is disposed on the mounting table on the downstream side in the sub-scanning direction from the driving roller and on one side in the main scanning direction from the first sensor, and is arranged on the mounting table to support the downstream end portion of the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction. A second sensor for detecting,
The inkjet printer, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are arranged at the same position with respect to the sub-scanning direction. the first sensor and the second sensor are connected to the controller;
When one of the first sensor and the second sensor detects the downstream end of the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction before the other, the control device detects that the recording medium is skewed. 16. The inkjet printer according to claim 15, further comprising a notification unit for notifying that the printer is running. The inkjet printer according to claim 15 or 16, wherein said second sensor is configured to be movable in said main scanning direction with respect to said first sensor. The mounting table has a mounting surface on which the recording medium is mounted, a plurality of suction holes formed in the mounting surface, and an internal space communicating with the suction holes,
A negative pressure generator for generating negative pressure in the internal space,
18. The inkjet printer according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein said first sensor and said second sensor are arranged downstream of said plurality of suction holes in said sub-scanning direction.

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