JP7280141B2 - Inkjet printer with cutting head - Google Patents

Description

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

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. An inkjet printer prints a predetermined image on a recording medium by an inkjet method. Also known is an inkjet printer with a cutting head, which further includes a cutting head having a cutter for cutting a recording medium. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an inkjet printer with a cutting head that prints a predetermined image on a recording medium with an ink head, and then cuts the recording medium with a cutter along a cutter line set around the image on the recording medium. disclosed.

JP 2017-217811 A

Incidentally, when printing an image on a recording medium, the recording medium is conveyed from the upstream side (back of the inkjet printer) to the downstream side (front of the inkjet printer). That is, the image is printed from the downstream side to the upstream side of the recording medium. Then, when the printing of the image on the recording medium is completed, the recording medium is transported from the downstream side to the upstream side (that is, the recording medium is pulled back to the print start position), and the images positioned on the downstream side of the recording medium are sequentially printed. A cutter cuts the recording medium along the cutter line.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a printer with a cutting head capable of completing cutting of a recording medium in a shorter time.

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 having a cutter for cutting the recording medium mounted on the mounting table and movable in the main scanning direction; and a direction from upstream to downstream in a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction a conveying device that conveys the recording medium in a forward direction and a return direction that is a direction from the downstream side to the upstream side in the sub-scanning direction; and a control device that controls the ink head, the cutting head, and the conveying device. , is equipped with When a first image and a second image located on the upstream side of the first image in the sub-scanning direction are printed in the print area of the recording medium, the control device controls the first image data of the first image. and first cut data of a first cut line that has a first contour set around the first image and is cut by the cutter, second image data of the second image, and the second a storage unit that stores second cut data of a second cut line that has a second contour set around an image and is cut by the cutter; and sequentially conveys the recording medium in the forward direction, Further, the ink head and the conveying device print the second image based on the second image data after printing the first image on the printing area of the recording medium based on the first image data. and a print control unit that controls, in the recording medium on which the first image and the second image are printed, after cutting the recording medium along the second cut line based on the second cut data, a cutting control unit that controls the cutting head and the conveying device to convey the recording medium in the return direction and cut the recording medium along the first cut line based on the first cut data; I have.

According to the inkjet printer with a cutting head of the present invention, after the first image and the second image are printed on the recording medium, first, the recording medium is cut along the second cut line set around the second image, After that, the recording medium is cut along a first cut line set around the first image. That is, when printing of the first image and the second image on the recording medium is completed, the recording medium is cut along the second cut line set for the second image closer to the cutting head. Here, if the recording medium is first cut along the first cut line set in the first image, the recording medium must be conveyed largely in the return direction. Since the recording medium is first cut along the line, there is little need to transport the recording medium in the return direction. That is, since cutting of the recording medium can be started immediately after printing on the recording medium is completed, cutting of the recording medium can be completed in a shorter time. In addition, compared to the case where the recording medium is cut in order from the image located downstream of the recording medium, the conveyance amount of the recording medium can be set smaller. deviation) can be reduced, and improvement in cutting accuracy of the first image and the second image is realized.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a printer with a cutting head capable of completing cutting of a recording medium in a shorter time.

1 is a front view of a printer according to one embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is a front view showing a state in which the ink head unit and the cutting head are connected; 4 is a front view showing a state in which the ink head unit and the cutting head are disconnected; FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the control system of the printer according to one embodiment; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a print area according to one embodiment; FIG. 4 is a flow chart of printing and cutting according to one embodiment. 2 is a plan view schematically showing the state of a recording medium before printing is started; FIG. 4 is a plan view schematically showing the state of a recording medium after printing is completed; FIG. FIG. 3 is a plan view schematically showing the state of the recording medium before starting cutting; FIG. 4 is a plan view schematically showing the state of the recording medium after cutting is completed;

An inkjet printer with a cutting head (hereinafter referred to as a printer) according to one embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments described herein are, of course, not intended to limit the invention in particular. Further, members and portions having the same action are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions are appropriately omitted or simplified.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a printer 10 according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 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 10, respectively. Also, the side nearer to the operator from the printer 10 is the front side, and the side farther from the printer 10 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. The main scanning direction Y is the width direction of the recording medium 5 . 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. A sub-scanning direction X is the longitudinal direction of the recording medium 5 . Also, the rear side of the printer 10 is called the upstream side, and the front side of the printer 10 is called the downstream side. In the present embodiment, the direction from the upstream side to the downstream side in the sub-scanning direction X is defined as the forward direction X1, and the direction from the downstream side to the upstream side in the sub-scanning direction X is defined as the return direction X2. However, the above direction is merely determined for convenience and should not be construed as limiting.

As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 10 according to this embodiment is a print & cut machine capable of printing an image on a recording medium 5 and cutting the recording medium 5 . The printer 10 is a so-called large-sized printer that is longer in the main scanning direction Y than a home-use printer. For example, the printer 10 is a commercial printer. In the present embodiment, the printer 10 sequentially moves the elongated recording medium 5 in the forward direction X1 (see FIG. 2), and prints ink (for example, process color ink or white ink) from the ink head 22 that moves in the main scanning direction Y. etc.) to print an image on the recording medium 5 . The printer 10 moves the recording medium 5 on which the image is printed in the forward direction X1 and the backward direction X2 (see FIG. 2), and cuts the recording medium 5 by the cutter 53 of the cutting head 50 that moves in the main scanning direction Y. do.

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 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 10 includes a main body 12, a left side cover 13L and a right side cover 13R, a central wall 14, a platen 20 (see also FIG. 2), an ink head unit 40, and a cutting head. 50 , a head moving mechanism 60 , a medium conveying mechanism 70 (see FIG. 2), a control device 80 , a supply shaft 42 and a take-up device 44 .

As shown in FIG. 1, the main body 12 is supported by a stand 15. As shown in FIG. The body portion 12 extends in the main scanning direction Y. As shown in FIG. The left side cover 13L is provided on the front left side of the body portion 12 . The right side cover 13R is provided on the front right side of the body portion 12 . The body portion 12 is provided with a central wall 14 extending in the vertical direction. The central wall 14 extends in the main scanning direction Y. As shown in FIG. The left end of the center wall 14 is located behind the left side cover 13L, and the right end of the center wall 14 is located behind the right side cover 13R.

As shown in FIG. 1, the body portion 12 is provided with a platen 20 on which the recording medium 5 is placed. The platen 20 is an example of a mounting table. The platen 20 supports the recording medium 5 when printing on the recording medium 5 and cutting the recording medium 5 . Printing on the recording medium 5 and cutting of the recording medium 5 are performed on the platen 20 . The platen 20 extends in the main scanning direction Y. As shown in FIG. A platen 20 is positioned below the central wall 14 . The platen 20 is positioned between the left side cover 13L and the right side cover 13R.

As shown in FIG. 1, the guide rails 34 are provided on the central wall 14 . The guide rail 34 is arranged above the platen 20 . The guide rail 34 is arranged parallel to the platen 20 . The guide rail 34 extends in the main scanning direction Y. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the ink head unit 40 includes a carriage 38 that can move in the main scanning direction Y, and an ink head 22 (see also FIG. 3A) that ejects ink onto the recording medium 5 placed on the platen 20. , is equipped with The ink head 22 has a plurality of nozzles (not shown) that eject ink. The ink head 22 is configured to be movable in the main scanning direction Y. As shown in FIG. Here, five ink heads 22 are mounted on the carriage 38 . The five ink heads 22 eject five different colors, such as yellow ink, magenta ink, cyan ink, black ink, and white ink. However, the number of ink heads 22 is not limited to five. Also, the color of the ink ejected by the ink head 22 is not limited at all. Although the type of ink is not particularly limited, for example, solvent-based ink is used. A carriage 38 is supported by the guide rails 34 . The carriage 38 is engaged with the guide rail 34 so as to be movable in the main scanning direction Y. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the cutting head 50 is arranged to the left of the ink head unit 40 . The cutting head 50 is configured to be movable in the main scanning direction Y. As shown in FIG. The cutting head 50 includes a carriage 51 that can move in the main scanning direction Y, a cutter 53 that cuts the recording medium 5 placed on the platen 20 , and a solenoid 52 that controls the movement of the cutter 53 . A cutter 53 is attached to the carriage 51 via a solenoid 52 . The solenoid 52 is controlled by a controller 80 (see FIG. 1). When the solenoid 52 is turned on/off, the cutter 53 moves up and down to contact or separate from the recording medium 5 . The carriage 51 is supported by the guide rails 34 . The carriage 51 is engaged with the guide rail 34 so as to be movable in the main scanning direction Y. As shown in FIG.

The head moving mechanism 60 is a mechanism that moves the carriage 38 of the ink head unit 40 and the carriage 51 of the cutting head 50 in the main scanning direction Y relative to the recording medium 5 placed on the platen 20 . The head moving mechanism 60 moves the carriage 38 and the carriage 51 in the main scanning direction Y. As shown in FIG. Note that the configuration of the head moving mechanism 60 is not particularly limited. As shown in FIG. 1 , the head moving mechanism 60 includes a left pulley 61 , a right pulley 62 , an endless belt 63 and a carriage motor 64 . The left pulley 61 is provided on the left end side of the guide rail 34 . The right pulley 62 is provided on the right end side of the guide rail 34 . A belt 63 is wound around a left pulley 61 and a right pulley 62 . The belt 63 is fixed to the upper back surface of the carriage 51 (see FIG. 3A). A carriage motor 64 is connected to the right pulley 62 . However, the carriage motor 64 may be connected to the left pulley 61 . Here, the belt 63 runs between the left pulley 61 and the right pulley 62 by driving the carriage motor 64 and rotating the right pulley 62 . Thereby, the carriage 38 and the carriage 51 move in the main scanning direction Y. As shown in FIG. The carriage motor 64 is controlled by the controller 80 .

As shown in FIG. 3A, the left portion of the carriage 38 is provided with a connecting member 39 made up of magnets. A connecting member 56 made of a magnet is fixed to the right portion of the carriage 51 . The connecting member 39 is detachably connected to the connecting member 56 of the cutting head 50 . In this embodiment, the connecting member 39 and the connecting member 56 utilize magnetic force. However, the connecting member 39 and the connecting member 56 are not limited to those utilizing magnetic force, and may be provided with other configurations such as engaging members. On the right side of the carriage 38, an L-shaped receiving fitting 25 is provided.

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 20, respectively. The left side frame 7L and the right side frame 7R extend vertically and in the sub-scanning direction X. As shown in FIG. The center wall 14 is connected to the left side frame 7L and the right side frame 7R. A lock device 26 for locking the ink head unit 40 at the standby position WP (see FIG. 3B) is provided on the right side frame 7R. In this embodiment, the standby position WP is positioned to the right of the platen 20 . The standby position WP is located behind the right side cover 13R (see FIG. 1). The locking device 26 includes a receiving metal fitting 27 hooked on the receiving metal fitting 25, and a locking solenoid 28 (see FIG. 4) for moving the receiving metal fitting 27 between a locking position (see FIG. 3B) and an unlocking position (see FIG. 3A). ) and The locking solenoid 28 is controlled by a controller 80 (see FIG. 1).

As shown in FIG. 3A, when printing on the recording medium 5 with the ink head 22, the receiving metal fitting 27 is set to the unlocked position. When the carriage 51 of the cutting head 50 moves to the right and the connecting member 56 and the connecting member 39 come into contact with each other, the carriage 51 and the carriage 38 are connected. As a result, the ink head unit 40 can move in the main scanning direction Y together with the cutting head 50 . That is, the ink head 22 moves in the main scanning direction Y together with the cutting head 50 during printing. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3B, when the cutter 53 of the cutting head 50 cuts the recording medium 5, the ink head unit 40 is positioned at the standby position WP, and the receiving metal fitting 27 of the lock device 26 is set at the lock position. be done. This prevents the ink head unit 40 from moving. When the carriage 51 moves leftward, the connecting member 56 and the connecting member 39 are separated, and the connection between the carriage 51 and the carriage 38 is released. As a result, only the cutting head 50 can move in the main scanning direction Y while the ink head unit 40 is waiting at the waiting position WP. That is, during cutting, the ink head 22 is separated from the cutting head 50 and positioned at the standby position WP.

The medium transport mechanism 70 moves the recording medium 5 placed on the platen 20 (for example, the recording medium 5 unwound from the supply shaft 42) in the sub-scanning direction X with respect to the ink head 22 and the cutting head 50. be. The medium transport mechanism 70 moves the recording medium 5 placed on the platen 20 from the upstream side to the downstream side in the sub-scanning direction X (that is, the forward direction X1) and from the downstream side to the upstream side in the sub-scanning direction X (that is, the return direction X2). It is configured to be transportable toward. The medium transport mechanism 70 is an example of a transport device. As shown in FIG. 2, the medium transport mechanism 70 includes a grit roller 30, a pinch roller 31, and a feed motor 32 (see FIG. 4). A grit roller 30 is provided on the platen 20 . The grit roller 30 is embedded in the platen 20 with its upper surface exposed. The grit roller 30 is positioned behind the ink head 22 (that is, upstream in the sub-scanning direction X). Grit roller 30 is driven by feed motor 32 . Grit roller 30 is an example of a drive roller. A pinch roller 31 is arranged above the grit roller 30 . The pinch roller 31 is arranged above the platen 20 . The pinch roller 31 faces the grit roller 30 . The pinch roller 31 is configured such that its vertical position can be set according to the thickness of the recording medium 5 . A pinch roller 31 presses the recording medium 5 . A recording medium 5 is sandwiched between the pinch roller 31 and the grit roller 30. - 特許庁The grit rollers 30 and the pinch rollers 31 are configured to be able to convey the recording medium 5 in the sub-scanning direction X (that is, in the forward direction X1 and the return direction X2) while holding the recording medium 5 therebetween.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the supply shaft 42 is arranged below the platen 20 . The supply shaft 42 is arranged behind the platen 20 . The supply shaft 42 is formed in a cylindrical shape or columnar shape extending in the left-right direction. A long recording medium 5 before printing is wound around the supply shaft 42 in a roll shape. As shown in FIG. 1, the left end of the supply shaft 42 is rotatably supported by the left guide plate 42L. The right end of the supply shaft 42 is rotatably supported by the right guide plate 42R. The left guide plate 42</b>L and the right guide plate 42</b>R are provided on the body portion 12 . As the grit roller 30 conveys the recording medium 5 in the forward direction X<b>1 , the recording medium 5 is unwound from the supply shaft 42 and conveyed toward the platen 20 .

The winding device 44 winds the printed and cut recording medium 5 into a roll. As shown in FIG. 1, the winding device 44 includes a tension bar 46, support arms 47L and 47R, a winding shaft 48, and a motor 49 (see also FIG. 4).

As shown in FIG. 2, the tension bar 46 applies tension to a portion of the recording medium 5 located between the platen 20 and the take-up shaft 48. As shown in FIG. Specifically, the tension bar 46 applies tension to the recording medium 5 by pushing the recording medium 5 forward and obliquely downward using its own weight. As shown in FIG. 1, the tension bar 46 is swingably supported by support arms 47L and 47R.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the take-up shaft 48 is arranged below the platen 20 . A take-up shaft 48 takes up the recording medium 5 after printing and cutting. The winding shaft 48 can be rotated by driving the motor 49 (see FIG. 4). As shown in FIG. 1, the left end of the winding shaft 48 is rotatably supported by the left wall 49L. The right end of the take-up shaft 48 is rotatably supported by the right side wall 49R. The left side wall 49L and the right side wall 49R are provided on the body portion 12 .

As shown in FIG. 4 , the control device 80 is a device that controls printing of an image on the recording medium 5 and cutting of the recording medium 5 . 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 in the main body portion 12 . However, the control device 80 may not be provided in the main body portion 12 . For example, the control device 80 may be a computer or the like installed outside the main body 12 . In this case, the control device 80 is communicably connected to the main unit 12 via wire or wireless.

As shown in FIG. 4, the controller 80 is communicatively connected to and controls the feed motor 32, the carriage motor 64, the ink head 22, the locking solenoid 28, the solenoid 52, and the motor 49. .

As shown in FIG. 4 , the control device 80 controls the driving of the feed motor 32 to control the rotation of the grit roller 30 . This controls the movement of the recording medium 5 placed on the platen 20 in the sub-scanning direction X (that is, the forward direction X1 and the backward direction X2). The control device 80 controls the rotation of the right pulley 62 and the running of the belt 63 (see FIG. 1) by controlling the drive of the carriage motor 64 . Thereby, the control device 80 controls the movement in the main scanning direction Y of the ink head unit 40 (that is, the ink head 22) and the cutting head 50. FIG. The control device 80 controls the timing of ejecting ink from the nozzles of the ink head 22, the amount of ink ejected, and the like. The control device 80 controls the driving of the locking solenoid 28 to control connection and disconnection between the ink head unit 40 and the cutting head 50 . The control device 80 controls driving of the solenoid 52 to control the vertical movement of the cutter 53 . The control device 80 controls the driving of the motor 49 to rotate the winding shaft 48 and wind the recording medium 5 around the winding shaft 48 .

As shown in FIG. 4 , the control device 80 includes a storage section 81 , a print control section 83 , a setting section 85 and a cutting control section 87 . Each of these units 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 storage unit 81 stores the print area 5A (see FIG. 5) of the recording medium 5. FIG. The print area 5A is preset by the operator. The print area 5A is set, for example, in a rectangular shape. An image is formed by ejecting ink from the nozzles of the ink head 22 onto the printing area 5A.

The storage unit 81 stores image files. The image file is created using software installed in a computer provided separately from the printer 10, for example. An image file includes, for example, image data for printing an image and cut data of cut lines set for the image. A cut line has a contour that is set around the image. A cut line is a line cut by the cutter 53 . Image data and cut data are associated with the print area 5A. That is, the position of the image and the position of the cut line in the printing area 5A are set in advance by the operator. The image data is, for example, data in raster format. The cut data is, for example, vector format data.

In the example shown in FIG. 5, the storage unit 81 stores first left image data of the first left image 90L, first right image data of the first right image 90R, and second left image data of the second left image 94L. image data, second right image data of the second image 94R on the right side, first left cut data of the first cut line 91L on the left side, first right cut data of the first cut line 91R on the right side, and Second left cut data for the second cut line 95L and second right cut data for the right second cut line 95R are stored. The left first image 90L and the right first image 90R are examples of first images. The left second image 94L and the right second image 94R are examples of second images. The first left image data and the first right image data are examples of first image data. The second left image data and the second right image data are examples of second image data. Here, the left first image 90L, the right first image 90R, the left second image 94L, and the right second image 94R are the same image, but they may be different from each other, or may be partially the same. It may be an image and the other part may be a different image. The left first image 90L and the right first image 90R are positioned downstream in the sub-scanning direction X from the left second image 94L and the right second image 94R. The first image 90L on the left side and the first image 90R on the right side are arranged side by side in the main scanning direction Y. As shown in FIG. The left second image 94L and the right second image 94R are arranged side by side in the main scanning direction Y. As shown in FIG. The left first cut line 91L has a first left contour 92L set around the left first image 90L. The right first cut line 91R has a first right contour 92R set around the right first image 90R. The left second cut line 95L has a second left contour 96L set around the left second image 94L. The right second cut line 95R has a second right contour 96R set around the right second image 94R. The first left contour 92L and the first right contour 92R are examples of first contours. The second left contour 96L and the second right contour 96R are examples of second contours.

Next, a procedure for cutting the recording medium 5 along the cut line after printing an image on the recording medium 5 using the printer 10 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing printing and cutting procedures according to one embodiment. In the following example, as shown in FIG. 5, a left first image 90L, a right first image 90R, a left second image 94L, and a right second image 94R are printed on the recording medium 5, and then the left image is printed. A case of cutting the recording medium 5 along the first cut line 91L, the right first cut line 91R, the left second cut line 95L, and the right second cut line 95R will be described. Note that FIG. 7 is a plan view schematically showing a state in which the recording medium 5 is placed on the platen 20 before printing is started. A dashed-dotted line LX in FIG. 7 is the locus of movement of the front end of the ink head 22 (for example, the nozzle positioned most forward) and the cutting edge of the cutter 53 .

The print control unit 83 alternately repeats ejecting ink from the ink head 22 onto the recording medium 5 while moving the carriage 38 in the main scanning direction Y and conveying the recording medium 5 in the forward direction X1. , to print an image on the recording medium 5 . First, in step S10, the print control unit 83 prints the first left image 90L and the first right image 90R on the print area 5A of the recording medium 5 based on the first left image data and the first right image data. do. The print control unit 83 controls the carriage motor 64 of the head moving mechanism 60 , the ink head 22 and the feed motor 32 of the medium transport mechanism 70 .

Next, in step S20, the print control unit 83 selects the left first image 90L and the right first image 90R in the print area 5A of the recording medium 5 based on the second left image data and the second right image data. The left second image 94L and the right second image 94R are printed on the upstream side. As shown in FIG. 8, from the downstream side to the upstream side of the recording medium 5, a left first image 90L and a right first image 90R, and a left second image 94L and a right second image 94R are shown. printed in order. The print control unit 83 sequentially conveys the recording medium 5 in the forward direction X1. When an image is printed on the recording medium 5, the recording medium 5 is conveyed only in the forward direction X1.

Next, in step S<b>30 , the setting unit 85 sets the cutting start point of the recording medium 5 . The setting unit 85 sets, for example, the most upstream point in the sub-scanning direction X of the left second cut line 95L and the right second cut line 95R as the cutting start point. The setting section 85 sets the cutting start point based on the second left cut data and the second right cut data stored in the storage section 81 . The cutting start point is set as positional coordinates (for example, XY coordinates) in the printing area 5A. As shown in FIG. 9, when there are a plurality of points located on the most upstream side in the sub-scanning direction X of the left second cut line 95L and the right second cut line 95R (in this case, the points upstream of the second left contour 96L). and any point on the upstream side of the second right contour 96R), the setting unit 85 selects the point 96X closest to the standby position WP in the main scanning direction Y as the cutting start point. can be set to Note that the cutting start point may be set before the image is printed on the recording medium 5 .

The setting unit 85 sets another cutting start point of the recording medium 5 . The setting unit 85 sets, for example, the most upstream point in the sub-scanning direction X of the left first cut line 91L and the right first cut line 91R as another cutting start point. The setting section 85 sets another cutting start point based on the first left cut data and the first right cut data stored in the storage section 81 . Other cutting start points are set as position coordinates (for example, XY coordinates) in the print area 5A. As shown in FIG. 9, when there are a plurality of points located on the most upstream side in the sub-scanning direction X of the first cut line 91L on the left side and the first cut line 91R on the right side (here, the points upstream of the first left contour 92L). and any point on the upstream side of the first right contour 92R), the setting unit 85 selects the point 92X closest to the standby position WP in the main scanning direction Y as the cutting start point. can be set to

The cutting control unit 87 cuts the recording medium along the cutting lines by moving the carriage 51 in the main scanning direction Y and conveying the recording medium 5 in the forward direction X1 and the return direction X2. In step S40, the cutting control unit 87 first controls the carriage motor 64 of the head moving mechanism 60 so that the cutter 53 is positioned on the cutting start point 96X (see FIG. 9) set by the setting unit 85. The cutting head 50 is moved in the main scanning direction Y, and the feed motor 32 of the medium transport mechanism 70 is controlled to transport the recording medium 5 in the return direction X2. Then, based on the second left cut data and the second right cut data, the cutting control unit 87 cuts the recording medium 5 along the right second cut line 95R, and then cuts the recording medium 5 along the left second cut line 95L. to cut the recording medium 5. The cutting control section 87 controls the carriage motor 64 , the feed motor 32 and the solenoid 52 of the cutting head 50 .

Next, in step S50, the cutting control unit 87 controls the carriage motor 64 of the head moving mechanism 60 so that the cutter 53 is positioned on the cutting start point 92X (see FIG. 9) set by the setting unit 85. , the cutting head 50 is moved in the main scanning direction Y, and the feed motor 32 of the medium transport mechanism 70 is controlled to transport the recording medium 5 in the return direction X2. Then, based on the first left cut data and the first right cut data, the cutting control unit 87 cuts the recording medium 5 along the right first cut line 91R, and then cuts the recording medium 5 along the left first cut line 91L. to cut the recording medium 5. As shown in FIG. 10, the recording medium 5 is cut from the upstream side to the downstream side along the right second cut line 95R and the left second cut line 95L. The recording medium 5 is cut along the first cut line 91R and the left first cut line 91L. The cutting control unit 87 conveys the recording medium 5 in the outward direction X1 and the return direction X2, but before the recording medium 5 is cut along the right second cutting line 95R and the left second cutting line 95L, The recording medium 5 is not cut along the right first cut line 91R or the left first cut line 91L.

As described above, according to the printer 10 of the present embodiment, after the first left image 90L, the first right image 90R, the second left image 94L, and the second right image 94R are printed on the recording medium 5, First, the recording medium 5 is cut along the left second cut line 95L set around the left second image 94L and the right second cut line 95R set around the right second image 94R. Then, the recording medium 5 is cut along the left first cut line 91L set around the left first image 90L and the right first cut line 91R set around the right first image 90R. do. That is, the cutting head 50 is The recording medium 5 is cut along the closer left second cut line 95L and right second cut line 95R. Here, if the recording medium 5 is first cut along the left first cutting line 91L and the right first cutting line 91R, the recording medium 5 must be largely conveyed in the return direction X2. Since the recording medium 5 is first cut along the second cut line 95L and the right second cut line 95R, it is almost unnecessary to convey the recording medium 5 in the return direction X2. That is, since cutting of the recording medium 5 can be started immediately after printing on the recording medium 5 is completed, cutting of the recording medium 5 can be completed in a shorter time. In addition, compared to the case where the recording medium 5 is cut in order from the image located downstream of the recording medium 5, the conveying amount of the recording medium 5 can be set smaller. deviation from the cut line) can be reduced, and improvement in cutting accuracy of the first images 90L, 90R and the second images 94L, 94R is realized.

According to the printer 10 of the present embodiment, the control device 80 sets the point 96X positioned most upstream in the sub-scanning direction X of the left second cut line 95L and the right second cut line 95R as the cutting start point. A setting unit 85 is provided for setting. The cutting control unit 87 cuts the recording medium 5 along the left second cut line 95L and the right second cut line 95R based on the second left cut data and the second right cut data starting from the cutting start point. The cutting head 50 and the media transport mechanism 70 are controlled so as to do so. As a result, even when the left second image 94L and the right second image 94R are relatively long in the sub-scanning direction X, after printing the left second image 94L and the right second image 94R is completed, The cutting of the recording medium 5 can be started along the second cutting line 95R on the right side while the recording medium 5 is hardly conveyed.

According to the printer 10 of the present embodiment, when there are a plurality of points positioned most upstream in the sub-scanning direction X on the left second cut line 95L and the right second cut line 95R, the setting unit 85 sets the main scanning A point 96X closest to the standby position WP in the direction Y is set as the cutting start point. When printing of the first left image 90L, the first right image 90R, the second left image 94L, and the second right image 94R on the recording medium 5 is completed, the cutting head 50 and the ink head 22 are moved to a predetermined standby position. WP to position the ink head 22 at a predetermined standby position WP. After that, the cutting head 50 moves alone to start cutting the recording medium 5 . Here, since the cutting start point is the closest point to the standby position WP in the main scanning direction Y, the cutting head 50 can immediately start cutting the recording medium 5 .

According to the printer 10 of the present embodiment, the setting unit 85 sets the point 92X located most upstream in the sub-scanning direction X between the left first cut line 91L and the right first cut line 91R as another cutting start point. is configured to be set to The cutting control unit 87 cuts the recording medium 5 along the left first cut line 91L and the right first cut line 91R based on the first left cut data and the first right cut data starting from another cutting start point. The cutting head 50 and the medium transport mechanism 70 are controlled to cut the . As a result, after the recording medium 5 is cut along the left second cut line 95L and the right second cut line 95R, cutting of the recording medium 5 can be immediately started along the right first cut line 91R. can.

According to the printer 10 of the present embodiment, the medium conveying mechanism 70 is arranged above the platen 20 and holds the recording medium 5 in the pinch roller 31, and is arranged below the pinch roller 31 so as to record between the pinch roller 31 and the medium conveying mechanism 70. and grit rollers 30 for sandwiching the medium 5 and conveying the recording medium 5 in the forward direction X1 and the return direction X2. When the recording medium 5 is sandwiched between the pinch roller 31 and the grit roller 30 and is transported in the sub-scanning direction X, the transport amount of the recording medium 5 increases as the length of the recording medium 5 in the sub-scanning direction X increases. will increase. That is, a movement error may occur in the recording medium 5 during transportation. However, after cutting the recording medium 5 along the left second cut line 95L and the right second cut line 95R, the recording medium 5 is cut along the left first cut line 91L and the right first cut line 91R. Therefore, compared to the case where the recording medium 5 is once moved in the return direction X2 after printing and then cut along the left first cut line 91L and the right first cut line 91R, the recording medium The conveying amount of 5 becomes small. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a movement error of the recording medium 5 during transportation.

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.

In the above-described embodiment, two lines of images are printed in the sub-scanning direction X, but three or more lines of images may be printed. At this time, the image printed on the most upstream side corresponds to the second image.

In the above-described embodiment, the standby position WP of the ink head unit 40 is provided on the right side of the platen 20 , but it may be provided on the left side of the platen 20 . That is, the lock device 26 may be provided on the left side frame 7L.

5 recording medium 5A printing area 10 printer (inkjet printer with cutting head)
20 platen (mounting table)
22 ink head 50 cutting head 53 cutter 70 medium transport mechanism (transport device)
80 control device 81 storage unit 83 printing control unit 87 cutting control unit

Claims (5)

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 conveying device that conveys the recording medium in a forward direction that is a direction from the upstream side to the downstream side in a sub-scanning direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction and a return direction that is a direction from the downstream side to the upstream side in the sub-scanning direction. and,
a control device that controls the ink head, the cutting head and the transport device,
The control device is
When a first image and a second image located on the upstream side in the sub-scanning direction of the first image are printed in the printing area of the recording medium, the first image data of the first image and the first first cut data of a first cut line that has a first contour set around an image and is cut by the cutter; second image data of the second image; and set around the second image. a storage unit that stores second cut data of a second cut line that has a second contour that is cut by the cutter;
The recording medium is sequentially conveyed in the forward direction, and after the first image is printed in the printing area of the recording medium based on the first image data, the second image is printed based on the second image data. a print control unit that controls the ink head and the transport device to print
In the recording medium printed with the first image and the second image, after cutting the recording medium along the second cut line based on the second cut data, the recording medium is conveyed in the return direction. and a cutting control unit that controls the cutting head and the conveying device to cut the recording medium along the first cut line based on the first cut data. printer. The control device includes a setting unit that sets a point located on the most upstream side of the second cut line in the sub-scanning direction as a cutting start point,
wherein the cutting control unit controls the cutting head and the conveying device so as to cut the recording medium along the second cut line based on the second cut data starting from the cutting start point. Item 2. The inkjet printer with a cutting head according to item 1. The ink head is configured to move together with the cutting head in the main scanning direction during printing, and to be separated from the cutting head and positioned at a predetermined standby position during cutting,
When there are a plurality of points located on the most upstream side in the sub-scanning direction on the second cut line, the setting unit sets the point closest to the standby position in the main scanning direction as the cutting start point. The inkjet printer with a cutting head according to claim 2. The setting unit is configured to set a point positioned most upstream in the sub-scanning direction on the first cut line as another cutting start point,
The cutting control unit controls the cutting head and the conveying device to cut the recording medium along the first cut line based on the first cut data starting from the other cutting start point. 4. An inkjet printer with a cutting head according to claim 2 or 3. The conveying device is
a pinch roller disposed above the mounting table for pressing the recording medium;
5. A driving roller disposed below said pinch roller, sandwiching said recording medium between said pinch roller and conveying said recording medium in said going direction and said returning direction. An inkjet printer with a cutting head according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

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