WO2019198497A1

WO2019198497A1 - Printer and printing system

Info

Publication number: WO2019198497A1
Application number: PCT/JP2019/012861
Authority: WO
Inventors: 山本　真也; 雄大千田
Original assignee: ローランドディー．ジー．株式会社
Priority date: 2018-04-09
Filing date: 2019-03-26
Publication date: 2019-10-17
Also published as: JP7043591B2; JPWO2019198497A1

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to automatically perform, when executing a job of a prescribed job type, specific control without a user making a previous setting. The job type includes a first job type according to which a first job is executed and a second job type according to which a second job is executed. A control device 60 of a printer 100 is provided with: a first control unit 64 that performs control so that a first control is performed when the job type of a job type command CM11 executed by a command execution unit 67 is the first job type; and a second control unit 65 that performs control so that a second control different from the first control is performed when the job type of the job type command CM11 executed by the command execution unit 67 is the second job type.

Description

Printer and printing system

The present invention relates to a printer and a printing system.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a printer with a cutting head that prints an image on a recording medium such as recording paper or a resin sheet and then cuts the periphery of the image printed on the recording medium is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses such a printer with a cutting head.

Japanese Patent No. 4855510

In this specification, control of a recording medium such as printing and cutting is referred to as “processing”. A process when one process is performed singly or a series of processes when a plurality of processes are performed continuously is called a “job”. Incidentally, in the printer disclosed in Patent Document 1, there are a plurality of job types (job types) that can be executed by the printer. For example, as a job type, a print job that only prints on a recording medium, a cutting job that only cuts on a recording medium, and a print cutting that prints on a recording medium and is cut after printing Jobs are listed.

By the way, depending on the job type, control specific to the job type (hereinafter referred to as specific control) may be performed. For example, in a print cutting job, cutting is performed on a recording medium on which ink has been ejected. Therefore, at the start of cutting, it is preferable to perform drying control for drying the ink discharged onto the recording medium. On the other hand, in the cutting job, at the start of cutting, the recording medium is in a state where ink is not ejected, or the ink is in a dry state even when ink is ejected onto the recording medium. Therefore, in the cutting job, the drying control may not be performed at the start of cutting. As described above, even in the same process, the specific control such as the drying control may or may not be performed depending on the job type. The specific control is set in advance by the user based on an empirical rule before the start of control by the printer.

The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and the object thereof is to execute a job of a predetermined job type without a user setting in advance when there is a specific control for the predetermined job type. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printer and a printing system capable of performing specific control automatically.

The printer according to the present invention includes a mounting table, an ink head, a head moving mechanism, a medium moving mechanism, and a control device. A recording medium is placed on the mounting table. The ink head ejects ink onto the recording medium placed on the mounting table. The head moving mechanism moves the ink head relative to the recording medium placed on the mounting table in the main scanning direction. The medium moving mechanism moves the recording medium mounted on the mounting table in the sub-scanning direction relative to the ink head. The control device is electrically connected to the ink head, the head moving mechanism, and the medium moving mechanism. The control device includes a storage unit in which job data is stored. The job data includes a job command that is a command for setting basic setting information regarding printing. A process in which one predetermined process is performed singly or a series of processes when a plurality of predetermined processes are performed in succession is defined as a job, and the type of the job is defined as a job type. The job type includes at least a first job type in which a first job is performed and a second job type in which a second job different from the first job is performed. The job command includes a job type command in which one job type is designated from the job type. The head moving mechanism and the medium moving mechanism are controlled so as to move the relative positions of the ink head and the recording medium placed on the mounting table in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. The control for printing on the recording medium by ejecting ink from the ink head is referred to as print control. The control device includes a command execution unit that executes the job command, a first control unit, and a second control unit. The first control unit, when the job type command is executed by the command execution unit and the job type of the job type command is the first job type, for the recording medium other than the print control. Control is performed so that the predetermined first control is performed. When the job type command is executed by the command execution unit and the job type of the job type command is the second job type, the second control unit performs a process other than the print control on the recording medium. And the second control different from the first control is performed.

According to the printer of the present invention, by executing the job type command before the job is executed, the control device can recognize in advance which job type of job is executed. Therefore, by executing the job type command, when the job type set in the job type command is the first job type, the first control can be automatically performed without the user setting in advance. Further, by executing the job type command, when the job type set in the job type command is the second job type, the second control can be automatically performed without the user setting in advance.

According to the present invention, when there is a specific control for a predetermined job type, when executing a job of the predetermined job type, the specific control can be automatically performed without a user setting in advance.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a printer included in the printing system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the printer along the line II-II in FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the surface of the inkjet head facing the recording medium. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the printing system. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of job data related to a print cutting job. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for determining whether or not to perform drying control before cutting a recording medium when job types are different. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of job data related to a cutting job. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure for determining whether or not to perform the advance control before cutting the recording medium and determining the advance amount of the advance control when the job types are different. FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a printer according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 determines whether to perform winding control and whether to perform initial control when printing on a recording medium when the job type is different and the job type is different. It is a flowchart which shows a procedure. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of job data relating to a print job.

Hereinafter, a printing system including a printer and a job data creation device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments described here are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, members / parts having the same action are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions are omitted or simplified as appropriate.

<First Embodiment>
First, the printing system 10 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of a printer 100 included in a printing system 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the printer 100 taken along the line II-II in FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 10 includes a printer 100 and a job data creation device 150. In the following description, left, right, top, and bottom mean left, right, top, and bottom viewed from the user in front of the printer 100, respectively. Further, a direction in which the user moves away from the printer 100 is a front side, and a direction in which the user approaches the printer 100 is a front side. Reference numerals F, Rr, L, R, U, and D in the drawings indicate front, rear, left, right, upper, and lower, respectively. A symbol Y in the drawing indicates the main scanning direction. In the present embodiment, the main scanning direction Y is the left-right direction. A symbol X in the drawing indicates a sub-scanning direction. The sub-scanning direction X is a direction intersecting with the main scanning direction Y (for example, a direction orthogonal to the plan view). In the present embodiment, the sub-scanning direction X is the front-rear direction. Reference numeral X <b> 1 indicates a direction from the upstream side to the downstream side in the sub-scanning direction X (here, a direction from the back to the front). The direction X1 is, for example, a direction in which the recording medium 5 is conveyed during printing. Reference numeral X2 indicates a direction from the downstream side to the upstream side in the sub-scanning direction X (here, a direction from the front to the rear). However, the above direction is merely determined for convenience and should not be interpreted in a limited manner.

As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 100 is an ink jet printer with a cutting head. The printer 100 is a printing and cutting machine that can print and cut the recording medium 5. However, the printer according to the present invention may be an ink jet printer that does not have a cutting head.

The recording medium 5 is, for example, a roll-shaped recording paper. The recording medium 5 only needs to have a shape that can be wound around a winding shaft 51 of a winding device 50 described later, and is not limited to recording paper. The recording medium 5 may be a resin sheet or film, a fabric such as a woven fabric or a non-woven fabric, or other media in addition to paper such as plain paper or inkjet printing paper. Further, the recording medium 5 may be a sealing material composed of a mount and a release sheet laminated on the mount and coated with an adhesive.

In this specification, “cutting” and “cutting” refer to the case where the entire recording medium 5 is cut in the thickness direction (for example, the case where both the backing sheet and release paper of the sealing material are cut) and the thickness of the recording medium 5. This includes a case where a part of the direction is cut (for example, a case where the backing paper of the sealing material is not cut and only the release paper is cut).

As shown in FIG. 2, the printer 100 includes a main body 10 a and legs 11. As shown in FIG. 1, the main body 10a has a casing extending in the main scanning direction Y. As shown in FIG. 2, the legs 11 support the main body 10a and are provided on the lower surface of the main body 10a.

The printer 100 includes a platen 16. The platen 16 is an example of the “mounting table” in the present invention. The platen 16 supports the recording medium 5 when printing and cutting on the recording medium 5 is performed. The recording medium 5 is placed on the platen 16. Printing and cutting on the recording medium 5 are performed on the platen 16. Here, the platen 16 extends in the main scanning direction Y.

In the present embodiment, the platen 16 includes a main platen 17a, an upstream platen 17b, and a downstream platen 17c. Printing and cutting are performed on the main platen 17a. The main platen 17a is disposed below an ink head 36 (see FIG. 3) described later. The upper surface of the main platen 17a is a flat surface. The upstream platen 17b is disposed upstream of the main platen 17a in the sub-scanning direction X, and is located behind the main platen 17a. The upstream platen 17b guides the recording medium 5 to the main platen 17a. The upstream side platen 17b is formed, for example, in an arc shape in cross section. The upstream side platen 17b is curved so as to go downward as it moves away from the main platen 17a. The downstream platen 17c is disposed downstream of the main platen 17a in the sub-scanning direction X, and is located in front of the main platen 17a. The downstream platen 17c guides the recording medium 5 to a winding device 50 that winds the recording medium 5 placed on the platen 16, for example. The downstream platen 17c is formed in an arc shape in cross section. The downstream side platen 17c is curved so as to go downward as it moves away from the main platen 17a.

The printer 100 includes a main heater 19a, a preheater 19b, and a post heater 19c. The main heater 19a is disposed below the main platen 17a, here on the back surface of the main platen 17a. The main platen 17a is heated by the main heater 19a generating heat. As a result, drying of the ink ejected to the portion of the recording medium 5 placed on the main platen 17a is promoted. The preheater 19b is disposed below the upstream platen 17b, here, on the back surface of the upstream platen 17b. The preheater 19b is disposed upstream of the main heater 19a in the sub-scanning direction X. As the preheater 19b generates heat, the upstream platen 17b is heated. As a result, the portion of the recording medium 5 placed on the upstream platen 17b is warmed. The post heater 19c is an example of the “heater” in the present invention. The post heater 19c is disposed below the downstream platen 17c, here, on the back surface of the downstream platen 17c. The post heater 19c is disposed downstream of the main heater 19a in the sub-scanning direction X. When the post heater 19c generates heat, the downstream side platen 17c is heated. As a result, drying of the ink ejected to the portion of the recording medium 5 that has moved onto the downstream platen 17c is promoted.

As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 100 includes a head moving mechanism 31 and a medium moving mechanism 32. The head moving mechanism 31 is a mechanism that moves the ink head 36 (see FIG. 3) relative to the recording medium 5 placed on the platen 16 in the main scanning direction Y. In the present embodiment, the head moving mechanism 31 moves the ink head 36 in the main scanning direction Y. The configuration of the head moving mechanism 31 is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, the head moving mechanism 31 includes a guide rail 20, a pulley 21, a pulley 22, an endless belt 23, a carriage motor 24, and a carriage 30 (see FIG. 2). The guide rail 20 guides the movement of the carriage 30 in the main scanning direction Y. As shown in FIG. 2, the guide rail 20 is disposed above the platen 16 (specifically, the main platen 17a). As shown in FIG. 1, the guide rail 20 extends in the main scanning direction Y. The pulley 21 is provided at the left end portion of the guide rail 20. The pulley 22 is provided at the right end portion of the guide rail 20. The belt 23 is wound around the pulley 21 and the pulley 22. In the present embodiment, a carriage motor 24 is connected to the right pulley 22. When the carriage motor 24 is driven and the pulley 22 rotates, the belt 23 travels between the pulley 21 and the pulley 22. The carriage motor 24 may be connected to the left pulley 21.

The carriage 30 is attached to the belt 23. As shown in FIG. 2, the carriage 30 is engaged with the guide rail 20 and is slidably provided on the guide rail 20. An ink head 36 and a cutting head 38 are mounted on the carriage 30. In the present embodiment, the head moving mechanism 31 includes an ink head 36 and a cutting head mounted on the carriage 30 as the belt 23 travels by driving the carriage motor 24 and the carriage 30 moves in the main scanning direction Y. 38 is moved in the main scanning direction Y.

As shown in FIG. 1, the medium moving mechanism 32 moves the recording medium 5 placed on the platen 16 in the sub-scanning direction X relative to the ink head 36 and the cutting head 38. Here, the medium moving mechanism 32 moves the recording medium 5 placed on the platen 16 in the sub-scanning direction X. The configuration of the medium moving mechanism 32 is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, the medium moving mechanism 32 includes a grit roller 25, a pinch roller 26, and a feed motor 27 (see FIG. 4). As shown in FIG. 2, the grit roller 25 is provided on the main platen 17 a of the platen 16. Here, at least a part of the grit roller 25 is embedded in the main platen 17a. The pinch roller 26 presses the recording medium 5 from above. The pinch roller 26 is disposed above the main platen 17 a of the platen 16 and above the grit roller 25. The pinch roller 26 is provided at a position facing the grit roller 25 in the vertical direction. The pinch roller 26 is configured to be movable in the vertical direction. In addition, the installation position and the number of the grit roller 25 and the pinch roller 26 are not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, seven grit rollers 25 and seven pinch rollers 26 are provided.

In this embodiment, the feed motor 27 is connected to the grit roller 25 as shown in FIG. When the feed motor 27 is driven and the grit roller 25 rotates while the recording medium 5 is sandwiched between the grit roller 25 and the pinch roller 26, the recording medium 5 is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction X.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the surface (the lower surface in the present embodiment) of the ink jet head 35 on the side facing the recording medium 5. As shown in FIG. 3, the printer 100 includes an inkjet head 35. The inkjet head 35 performs printing on the recording medium 5 placed on the platen 16 (specifically, the main platen 17a). As shown in FIG. 2, the inkjet head 35 is provided on the carriage 30 and is configured to be movable in the main scanning direction Y. As shown in FIG. 3, the inkjet head 35 includes a plurality of ink heads 36 having a plurality of nozzles 37 that eject ink. The four ink heads 36 eject inks having different color tones. For example, each ink head 36 ejects any one of process color inks such as cyan ink, magenta ink, yellow ink, and black ink, and special color inks such as clear ink and white ink. However, the number of ink heads 36 is not limited to four. Further, the color of the ink ejected by the ink head 36 is not limited at all. Although not shown, each of the plurality of ink heads 36 is connected to an ink cartridge. Ink is stored in the ink cartridge. The ink stored in the ink cartridge is supplied to the ink head 36.

As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 100 includes a cutting head 38. The cutting head 38 cuts the recording medium 5 placed on the platen 16 (specifically, the main platen 17a). The cutting head 38 is provided on the carriage 30 and is configured to be movable in the main scanning direction Y. Although not shown, a solenoid and a cutter are provided inside the cutting head 38. The solenoid is controlled by a control device 60 (see FIG. 1) described later. When the solenoid is turned on / off, the cutter moves in the vertical direction and contacts the recording medium 5 or separates from the recording medium 5.

As shown in FIG. 2, the printer 100 includes a supply device 40 having a supply shaft 41. The supply device 40 is a device that supplies the recording medium 5 to the platen 16. The supply shaft 41 is disposed behind the platen 16 and below the platen 16. A strip-shaped recording medium 5 before printing is wound around the peripheral surface of the supply shaft 41 in a roll shape. As shown in FIG. 1, the left end portion of the supply shaft 41 is rotatably supported by the left guide plate 42L, and the right end portion of the supply shaft 41 is rotatably supported by the right guide plate 42R. When the grit roller 25 conveys the recording medium 5 in the sub-scanning direction X, the recording medium 5 is sent out from the supply shaft 41 toward the platen 16. In the present embodiment, the printer 100 does not include a motor that rotates the supply shaft 41, but may include such a motor.

The printer 100 includes a winding device 50 that winds the recording medium 5 placed on the platen 16 in a roll shape. The winding device 50 includes a winding shaft 51, a tension bar 52,

support arms

53L and 53R, and a winding motor 55.

The take-up shaft 51 takes up the recording medium 5. The winding shaft 51 is formed in a cylindrical shape or a columnar shape extending in the left-right direction. The winding shaft 51 is disposed below the platen 16. The printer 100 includes a first left side wall 56L and a first right side wall 56R that rotatably support the winding shaft 51. The winding shaft 51 includes a support part 51a supported by the first left side wall 56L and the first right side wall 56R, and a cylindrical part 51b having a diameter larger than that of the support part 51a. The recording medium 5 is wound around the peripheral surface of the cylinder portion 51b. The support part 51a and the cylinder part 51b may be formed integrally, or may be formed separately. The left end portion of the winding shaft 51 is rotatably supported by the first left side wall 56L. The right end portion of the winding shaft 51 is rotatably supported by the first right side wall 56R. The printer 100 includes a rail 54 that supports the first left side wall 56L and the first right side wall 56R. The rail 54 extends in the left-right direction.

As shown in FIG. 2, the tension bar 52 applies tension to a portion of the recording medium 5 located between the platen 16 and the take-up shaft 51. Specifically, the tension bar 52 applies tension to the recording medium 5 by pushing the recording medium 5 diagonally forward and downward using its own weight. As shown in FIG. 1, the tension bar 52 is formed in a cylindrical shape or a columnar shape extending in the left-right direction. The tension bar 52 is disposed in parallel with the take-up shaft 51. The length of the tension bar 52 in the main scanning direction Y is longer than that of the winding shaft 51. However, the length of the tension bar 52 may be equal to the length of the winding shaft 51 or may be shorter than the length of the winding shaft 51. As shown in FIG. 2, the tension bar 52 is disposed below the platen 16. The tension bar 52 is disposed in front of the platen 16 and the take-up shaft 51. Although the tension bar 52 of the present embodiment is configured to be non-rotatable, the tension bar 52 may be rotatable, for example, may be configured of a tension roller that rotates as the recording medium 5 moves. Good.

As shown in FIG. 1, the

support arms

53L and 53R support the tension bar 52. The left support arm 53L is swingably supported by the second left side wall 57L located to the left of the first left side wall 56L. The right support arm 53R is swingably supported by the second right side wall 57R located to the right of the first right side wall 56R. Specifically, a left support shaft 58L is provided to the right of the second left side wall 57L. A right support shaft 58R is provided to the left of the second right side wall 57R. The left support arm 53L is supported so as to be swingable in a circular orbit around the center 58c (see FIG. 2) of the left support shaft 58L. The right support arm 53R is supported so as to be swingable on a circular path around the center 58c of the right support shaft 58R.

As shown in FIG. 1, the take-up motor 55 is connected to the take-up shaft 51 and rotates the take-up shaft 51. The take-up motor 55 is indirectly connected to the take-up shaft 51 through a reduction gear or the like (not shown). The winding shaft 51 is rotated by receiving the driving force of the winding motor 55.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the printing system 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the printer 100 includes a control device 60. The control device 60 is a device that controls printing on the recording medium 5 and cutting of the recording medium 5. The configuration of the control device 60 is not particularly limited. The control device 60 is, for example, a microcomputer. The configuration of the hardware of the microcomputer is not particularly limited, and includes, for example, an I / F, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and a storage device. As shown in FIG. 1, the control device 60 is provided inside the main body 10a. However, the control device 60 may not be provided inside the main body 10a. For example, the control device 60 may be a computer installed outside the main body 10a. In this case, the control device 60 is communicably connected to the main body 10a via a wired or wireless connection.

As shown in FIG. 4, the control device 60 is electrically connected to the carriage motor 24, the feed motor 27, the ink head 36, the cutting head 38, the main heater 19a, the preheater 19b, the post heater 19c, and the take-up motor 55. Yes. The control device 60 controls the rotation of the pulley 22 and the travel of the belt 23 (see FIG. 1) by controlling the driving of the carriage motor 24. Thereby, the control device 60 controls the movement of the inkjet head 35 and the cutting head 38 in the main scanning direction Y. The control device 60 controls the rotation of the grit roller 25 by controlling the drive of the feed motor 27. Accordingly, the control device 60 controls the movement of the recording medium 5 placed on the platen 16 in the sub scanning direction X. The control device 60 controls the timing at which the ink head 36 ejects ink, the amount of ink ejected, and the like. The control device 60 controls the movement of the cutter in the vertical direction and the pressure of the cutter by controlling the cutting head 38. The control device 60 controls the heating of the main platen 17a, the upstream platen 17b, and the downstream platen 17c by controlling the heating of the main heater 19a, the preheater 19b, and the post heater 19c, respectively. Further, the control device 60 controls the rotation of the winding shaft 51 by controlling the driving of the winding motor 55. As a result, the recording medium 5 placed on the platen 16 is taken up by the take-up shaft 51.

In the present embodiment, the control device 60 includes a storage unit 61, a print control unit 63, a first cutting control unit 64, and a second cutting control unit 65. Here, the first cutting control unit 64 is an example of the “first control unit” in the present invention, and the second cutting control unit 65 is an example of the “second control unit” in the present invention. Each part of control device 60 may be constituted by software, and may be constituted by hardware. Each unit may be realized by a processor or a circuit. Moreover, when each part is implement | achieved by a processor, it may be implement | achieved by one processor and may be implement | achieved by several processors. A detailed description of the function of each unit will be described later.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the job data JD11. The job data JD11 in FIG. 5 is data relating to a print cutting job to be described later. By the way, the printer 100 according to the present embodiment performs various settings, printing on the recording medium 5, and cutting on the recording medium 5 by executing a plurality of commands. Here, as shown in FIG. 5, the command has a job command CM1, a control command CM2, and an execution command CM3.

In the following description, the operation of the printer 100 with respect to the recording medium 5 such as printing and cutting is referred to as “processing”. Here, cutting corresponds to “first processing” and “cutting processing” of the present invention, and printing corresponds to “second processing” and “printing processing” of the present invention. Here, a process when one process is performed singly or a series of processes when a plurality of processes are performed continuously is referred to as a “job”. One job is the operation of the printer 100 from the start to the end of a single or series of processes in the execution command CM3. Here, the type of job is referred to as “job type”.

The job command CM1 is a command for setting basic setting information and the like. The job command CM1 is a so-called PJL (Printer Job Language) command. The basic setting information is information set in the printer 100, and is basic information regarding printing and cutting. The basic setting information includes, for example, the type of the recording medium 5, the resolution, the moving speed of the ink head 36, the conveyance speed of the recording medium 5, and the like.

The printer 100 according to the present embodiment is a printer with a cutting head as described above, and can print and cut the recording medium 5. Here, for example, there are three job types: a print job, a cut job, and a print cut job. The print job is a job that is printed on the recording medium 5 and is not cut. The cutting job is a job in which printing is not performed on the recording medium 5 and cutting is performed. The print cutting job is a job in which printing is performed on the recording medium 5 and cutting is performed on the printed recording medium 5. However, job types other than the above three may exist as job types. In the present embodiment, the print cutting job corresponds to the “first job” of the present invention. The cutting job corresponds to the “second job” of the present invention.

The control command CM2 is a command for designating print data PD1 at the time of printing and cut data CD1 at the time of cutting. Here, the print data PD1 is designated at the time of printing, and is a path designated by image data to be printed and values such as coordinates. Here, the control command CM2 for the print data PD1 is referred to as a print control command. The cut data CD1 is specified at the time of cutting, and is a path at the time of cutting, and is a path specified by values such as coordinates (hereinafter also referred to as cut path). Here, the control command CM2 for the cut data CD1 is referred to as a cutting control command. The printer 100 can perform printing and cutting on the recording medium 5 by sequentially executing the control command CM2.

The execution command CM3 is a command that specifies the start of processing and the end of job. In the present embodiment, the execution command CM3 is a command that specifies the start and end of printing and cutting. The printer 100 can recognize the start of processing and the end of the job, here the start and end of printing and cutting, by executing the execution command CM3. The type of execution command CM3 is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, the execution command CM3 includes a print start command CM31 related to the start of printing, a cut start command CM32 related to the start of cut, and a job end command CM33. The job end command CM33 is a command for notifying that a job, which is a series of printing or cutting processes, has ended. Here, the print start command CM31 is a command specified before the control command CM2 (here, the print control command) including the print data PD1. The cutting start command CM32 is a command specified before the control command CM2 (here, the cutting control command) including the cut data CD1. The disconnection start command CM32 is an example of the “first process start command” in the present invention. The job end command CM33 is a command specified at the end of one job. In other words, the job end command CM33 is a command specified at the end of the job data JD.

In this embodiment, a series of commands in which the job command CM1, the control command CM2, and the execution command CM3 are appropriately specified in the order of processing is referred to as job data JD11. In the job data JD11, a plurality of job commands CM1 are first set, and then a control command CM2 and an execution command CM3 are set as appropriate. Here, the file in which the job data JD11 is stored is referred to as a job execution file FL11.

Incidentally, in the present embodiment, different control of the printer 100 may be performed for each job type. One job type may have unique control different from other job types. For example, in the case of a print cutting job, the printed recording medium 5 is cut. Here, since the recording medium 5 is cut immediately after printing, the ink ejected to the recording medium 5 may not be dry. Therefore, the recording medium 5 is placed on the downstream platen 17c (see FIG. 2) so that the printed portion of the recording medium 5 is ejected before the start of cutting of the print cutting job, that is, immediately after the end of printing. It is preferable to perform drying control such that the post heater 19c (see FIG. 2) disposed below the downstream platen 17c is heated while being moved downstream in the sub-scanning direction X (direction X1). As a result, the printed portion of the recording medium 5 is heated and dried by the post heater 19c, and thus the drying of the ink discharged to the recording medium 5 can be promoted. Therefore, when the cutting start command CM32 is executed as the execution command CM3 in the case of a print cutting job, it is preferable to perform control related to cutting the recording medium 5 after performing the drying control.

On the other hand, in the case of a cutting job, only the recording medium 5 is cut. The recording medium 5 is in a state where no ink is ejected, or even when ink is ejected onto the recording medium 5. Therefore, the drying control may not be performed in the cutting job. That is, when the cutting start command CM32 is executed as the execution command CM3 in the case of a cutting job, it is preferable to perform control related to cutting the recording medium 5 without performing the drying control.

As described above, for example, a print cutting job and a cutting job may differ in whether or not the drying control is performed when the cutting start command CM32 is executed as the execution command CM3. For example, when one job is started, the printer 100 recognizes which job type to perform, and even when executing the same execution command CM3, different control is automatically performed depending on the job type. Can do.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the basic setting information has a job type. As shown in FIG. 5, there is a job type command CM11 for setting a job type as the job command CM1. By executing the job type command CM11, the printer 100 can recognize which job type is started when one job is started. In the present embodiment, by executing the job type command CM11, the printer 100 (specifically, the control device 60) recognizes which of the print jobs, the cut jobs, and the print cut jobs will be performed from now on. be able to.

In this embodiment, the job data JD11 having the job command CM1, the control command CM2, and the execution command CM3 is created by the job data creation device 150 (see FIG. 4). Next, the job data creation device 150 will be described. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the job data creation device 150 is realized by a computer installed outside the main body 10 a of the printer 100. The computer that implements the job data creation device 150 may be a dedicated computer for the printer 100 or a general-purpose computer. However, the job data creation device 150 may be provided inside the main body 10a. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the job data creation device 150 includes a display screen 151, an operation unit 152, and a creation control device 160.

On the display screen 151, for example, basic setting information such as job type, print image data to be printed (hereinafter also referred to as a print image), cut image data (hereinafter referred to as a cut image) in which a shape to be cut is specified. Etc.) is displayed. The print image data is an image to be printed, for example. The cut image data is, for example, an image showing a cutting position and the like. The print image data and cut image data are stored in the creation storage unit 162 described later. The specific type of display screen 151 is not particularly limited. For example, the display screen 151 is a computer display. However, the display screen 151 may be provided on an operation panel (not shown) of the printer 100.

The operation unit 152 is used by the user to input or specify basic setting information, print image data, and cut image data. For example, the user can specify the job type of the basic setting information by operating the operation unit 152. The specific type of the operation unit 152 is not particularly limited. For example, the operation unit 152 is a computer keyboard and mouse. However, the operation unit 152 may be a touch panel provided on the display screen 151. The operation unit 152 may be provided on an operation panel (not shown) of the printer 100. Note that the basic setting information input from the operation unit 152 is stored in the creation storage unit 162.

In this embodiment, the creation control device 160 is a device that creates job data JD11 (see FIG. 5), for example, and transmits the created job data JD11 to the control device 60 of the printer 100. The configuration of the creation control device 160 is not particularly limited. The creation control device 160 is, for example, a microcomputer. The hardware configuration of the microcomputer is not particularly limited. For example, the microcomputer includes an interface (I / F) that receives print data from an external device such as a host computer, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and a storage device. ing.

The creation control device 160 is communicably connected to the control device 60 of the printer 100 via a wired or wireless connection. The creation control device 160 is connected to the display screen 151 and the operation unit 152 so as to communicate with each other.

In this embodiment, the creation control device 160 includes a creation storage unit 162, a job data creation unit 164, and a transmission unit 166. Each of the above sections may be configured by software, or may be configured by hardware. For example, each unit described above may be performed by a processor, or may be incorporated in a circuit.

In the creation storage unit 162, for example, print image data and cut image data are stored in advance. The job data creation unit 164 creates job data JD11 that is data of a job to be executed. For example, the job data creation unit 164, based on the basic setting information displayed on the display screen 151, the print image data, and the cut image data, as shown in FIG. 5, is a job command that is a command according to a predetermined format. CM1, control command CM2, and execution command CM3 are created. For example, the print data PD1 of the control command CM2 is created from the print image data. Cut data CD1 of the control command CM2 is created from the cut image data. The job data creation unit 164 creates job data JD11 by appropriately arranging the created job command CM1, control command CM2, and execution command CM3 based on the job type to be executed. For example, in the job data JD11 related to the print cutting job, as shown in FIG. 5, the job command CM1, the print start command CM31 of the execution command CM3, the control command CM2 related to the print data PD1, the cut start command CM32 of the execution command CM3, the cut data. A control command CM2 related to CD1 and a job end command CM33 of an execution command CM3 are arranged in order. Note that the job data JD11 created by the job data creation unit 164 is stored in the job execution file FL11. The job execution file FL11 is stored in the creation storage unit 162.

The transmission unit 166 transmits the job data JD11 created by the job data creation unit 164 to the control device 60 of the printer 100. Here, the transmission unit 166 transmits the job data JD11 to be executed by the printer 100 to the control device 60 by transmitting the job execution file FL11 stored in the creation storage unit 162 to the control device 60.

The control device 60 of the printer 100 further includes a receiving unit 66 and a command executing unit 67 as shown in FIG. The receiving unit 66 receives the job data JD11 by receiving the job execution file FL11 transmitted by the transmitting unit 166. The receiving unit 66 stores the job data JD11 received by the receiving unit 66 in the storage unit 61.

After receiving the job data JD11, the command execution unit 67 executes the job for the recording medium 5 by sequentially executing the commands in the job data JD11. For example, the command execution unit 67 executes the job command CM1 (see FIG. 5), thereby performing basic settings such as a job type, the type of the recording medium 5, the resolution, the moving speed of the ink head 36, and the conveyance speed of the recording medium 5. Information is set in the printer 100. The command execution unit 67 sets the job type set by the job type command CM11 in the printer 100 by executing the job type command CM11. Here, setting the basic setting information means, for example, storing the basic setting information executed by the job command CM1 in the storage unit 61.

For example, the command execution unit 67 executes the print start command CM31 (see FIG. 5) of the execution command CM3. At this time, the print control unit 63 performs control related to printing based on the control command CM2 related to the print data PD1 after the print start command CM31. Here, the print control unit 63 drives the carriage motor 24 (see FIG. 4) based on the print data PD1 of the control command CM2 to move the ink head 36 in the main scanning direction Y, while moving from the ink head 36. Ink is ejected. Thereby, printing of one scanning line is performed. When the movement of the ink head 36 in the main scanning direction Y is completed, the recording medium 5 is conveyed in the sub scanning direction X to the position of the next scanning line by driving the feed motor 27 (see FIG. 4). When the recording medium 5 is transported in the sub-scanning direction X, the carriage motor 24 is driven again and the ink head 36 is driven to print the next scanning line. Thereafter, the same operation is repeated until the end of printing.

For example, the command execution unit 67 executes the disconnection start command CM32 (see FIG. 5) of the execution command CM3. At this time, the cutting

control units

64 and 65 control the cutting head 38 based on the control command CM2 related to the cut data CD1 after the cutting start command CM32. Here, the cutting

control units

64 and 65 drive the carriage motor 24 and the feed motor 27 on the basis of the cut data CD1 of the control command CM2, thereby moving the cutting head 38 to the recording medium 5 two-dimensionally. Move relative to. When a solenoid (not shown) provided in the cutting head 38 is turned on, a cutter (not shown) of the cutting head 38 is lowered, and the cutter can be pressed against the recording medium 5. The recording medium 5 can be cut by moving the cutting head 38 relative to the recording medium 5 while pressing the cutter against the recording medium 5.

Next, the procedure for determining whether or not to perform drying control before cutting the recording medium 5 when the job types are different will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the present embodiment, by executing a job type command CM11 (see FIG. 5), it is recognized in advance which job type is executed, and it is automatically determined whether or not drying control is performed before cutting. .

Here, the case where the job type is a disconnected job will be described first. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of job data JD12 relating to a cutting job. As shown in FIG. 7, the job data JD12 for a cutting job includes a job command CM1 including a job type command CM11 for setting a cutting job, a cutting start command CM32 for an execution command CM3, and a control command for a plurality of cut data CD1. CM2 and job end command CM33 of execution command CM3 are arranged in order. The job data JD12 is stored in the job execution file FL12.

When executing the job data JD12 of the cutting job, in step S101 of FIG. 6, the command execution unit 67 sequentially executes the job command CM1 including the job type command CM11. Thus, basic setting information including the job type is stored in the storage unit 61.

Thereafter, in step S103, the command execution unit 67 executes the cutting start command CM32. Thus, the printer 100 recognizes in advance that the recording medium 5 is to be cut, and performs processing related to the cutting. In this example, since the job type is a disconnected job, the process proceeds to NO in step S105, and then proceeds to step S107.

In step S107, the second cutting control unit 65 performs control related to cutting in the next step S111 without performing drying control. That is, the second cutting control unit 65 does not move the recording medium 5 downstream in the sub-scanning direction X (direction X1) and does not perform control for heating the post heater 19c. In the present embodiment, when the second cutting control unit 65 executes the cutting start command CM32 during a cutting job, the drying control is not performed and the control command related to the cut data CD1 after the cutting start command CM32 is performed in step S111. The head moving mechanism 31, the medium moving mechanism 32, and the cutting head 38 are controlled so as to cut the recording medium 5 based on CM2. In the present embodiment, the control that does not perform the drying control corresponds to the “second control” of the present invention.

Next, the case where the job type is a print cut job will be described. In the print cutting job, job data JD11 in FIG. 5 is executed. In step S101 in FIG. 6, the command execution unit 67 sequentially executes job commands CM1 including a job type command CM11 for setting a print cutting job. Thus, basic setting information including the job type is stored in the storage unit 61.

In this example, printing on the recording medium 5 as described below is performed between step S101 and step S103. The command execution unit 67 executes a print start command CM31 as shown in FIG. 5, for example. Thus, the printer 100 recognizes in advance that printing is performed on the recording medium 5 and performs processing related to printing. In the present embodiment, the drying control is not performed before the start of printing. The print control unit 63 performs the printing on the recording medium 5 based on the control command CM2 related to the print data PD1 after the print start command CM31 without performing the drying control, and the head moving mechanism 31, the medium moving mechanism 32, and the ink. The head 36 is controlled.

In this way, after printing on the recording medium 5 is completed, in step S103 of FIG. 6, the command execution unit 67 executes the cutting start command CM32. Thus, the printer 100 recognizes in advance that the recording medium 5 is to be cut, and performs processing related to the cutting. In this example, since the job type is a print cutting job, the process proceeds to YES in step S105, and then proceeds to step S109.

In step S109, the first cutting control unit 64 performs drying control. Here, the first cutting control unit 64 controls the medium moving mechanism 32 so as to move the recording medium 5 placed on the platen 16 to the downstream side in the sub-scanning direction X and the post heater 19c. Let it heat. Thus, the portion of the recording medium 5 on the downstream platen 17c can be dried. Here, the predetermined distance is a value determined based on the control command CM2 related to the print data PD1 and the print image to be printed. The predetermined distance is, for example, such a distance that the printing portion of the recording medium 5 is not located behind the post heater 19c. In the present embodiment, the control for performing the drying control corresponds to the “first control” of the present invention.

After the drying control is performed as described above, in step S111, the first cutting control unit 64 records based on the control command CM2 related to the cut data CD1 after the cutting start command CM32 as shown in FIG. The head moving mechanism 31, the medium moving mechanism 32, and the cutting head 38 are controlled so as to cut the medium 5.

In this embodiment, when the job type is a print job, the same control as in the case of printing a print cutting job is performed. That is, when printing is performed during a print job, the print control unit 63 performs printing on the recording medium 5 based on the control command CM2 related to the print data PD1 after the print start command CM31 without performing drying control. In addition, the head moving mechanism 31, the medium moving mechanism 32, and the ink head 36 are controlled.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the command execution unit 67 executes the job type command CM11 before the job is executed, so that the control device 60 recognizes in advance which job type of job is executed. be able to. Therefore, when the command execution unit 67 executes the job type command CM11 and the job type set in the job type command CM11 is a print cut job, the user performs drying control without setting in advance. Can do. In addition, when the command execution unit 67 executes the job type command CM11 and the job type set in the job type command CM11 is a disconnected job, the user does not set in advance and does not perform drying control. Control regarding cutting can be performed.

In this embodiment, whether or not the drying control is performed is different between the print cutting job and the cutting job even in the same cutting process. Here, when the command execution unit 67 executes the job type command CM11, the control device 60 can recognize in advance which job type of job is to be executed. Therefore, whether or not drying control is performed can be automatically determined according to the job type.

In the present embodiment, in the print cutting job, after the printing is performed on the recording medium 5, drying control is performed, so that drying of the ink ejected onto the recording medium 5 can be promoted. Therefore, since the cutting with respect to the recording medium 5 is performed in a state where the ink is dry, the printing quality can be maintained.

In this embodiment, the print control unit 63 performs control related to printing without performing drying control when printing of a print job is started. At the start of printing of the print job, no ink is ejected onto the recording medium 5, so that it is not necessary to perform drying control. Accordingly, since the command execution unit 67 can execute the job type command CM11 to recognize in advance which job type of job is executed, the print control unit 63 performs drying control at the start of printing. It is possible to automatically perform control related to printing without performing it.

The printing system 10 including the printer 100 according to the first embodiment has been described above. Next, a printing system according to another embodiment will be described. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same configurations as those already described, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the configuration of the printer is the same as that of the printer 100 of the first embodiment, but the specific control of the first cutting control unit 64 and the second cutting control unit 65 is different. In the present embodiment, description will be made using the same reference numerals as those of the printer 100 according to the first embodiment.

As described above, different printers 100 may be controlled for each job type. In the present embodiment, the recording medium 5 before printing or cutting is in a state of being wound around the supply shaft 41 (see FIG. 2) of the supply device 40. Therefore, before the cutting, the recording medium 5 is transported to the downstream side in the sub-scanning direction X by the area to be cut out of the recording medium 5 and then pulled back again (that is, the upstream side in the sub-scanning direction X (direction X2) is preferred. As a result, it is possible to relieve the habit of bending or the like of the recording medium 5 wound in a roll shape, and to cut more accurately. In the present embodiment, the recording medium 5 wound around the supply shaft 41 of the supply device 40 is supplied by a predetermined length onto the platen 16 (in other words, downstream in the sub-scanning direction X) and then placed on the platen 16. Control of the medium moving mechanism 32 so as to move the placed recording medium 5 to the upstream side in the sub-scanning direction X by the predetermined length is called “advance control”. The predetermined length is referred to as “advance amount”.

At the time of cutting at the time of the cutting job, the length of the recording medium 5 conveyed downstream in the sub-scanning direction X is a length corresponding to the length of the cut image to be cut in the sub-scanning direction X. Here, the cut image is an image of the above-described cut data, and indicates a cutting position and the like. At the time of cutting at the time of a cutting job, control related to cutting may be performed after performing advance feed control using the length of the cut image to be cut in the sub-scanning direction X as the advance feed amount.

On the other hand, in the case of a print cutting job, cutting is performed after printing on the recording medium 5. The recording medium 5 after printing is already conveyed downstream in the sub-scanning direction X by the length of the print image to be printed in the sub-scanning direction X. Accordingly, when the print cutting job is cut, the advance control is performed when the length of the cut image in the sub-scanning direction X is longer than the length of the print image in the sub-scanning direction X. The advance amount by the advance control at this time is equal to or longer than the difference between the length of the cut image in the sub-scanning direction X and the length of the print image in the sub-scanning direction X.

As described above, for example, the print cutting job and the cutting job differ in the amount of advance of the advance control performed when the cutting start command CM32 is executed as the execution command CM3.

Next, a procedure for determining whether or not to perform the advance control before cutting the recording medium 5 and a procedure for determining the advance amount of the advance control when the job types are different are shown in the flowchart of FIG. It explains along. In the present embodiment, by executing the job type command CM11, it is recognized in advance which job type is to be executed, whether to perform the advance control according to the job type, and the advance amount of the advance control. Determined automatically.

First, the case where the job type is a disconnected job will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, when executing the job data JD12 of the cutting job, in step S201 of FIG. 8, the command execution unit 67 sequentially selects the job command CM1 including the job type command CM11 for setting that it is a cutting job. Execute. Thus, basic setting information including the job type is stored in the storage unit 61.

Next, in step S203, the command execution unit 67 executes the cutting start command CM32. Thus, the printer 100 recognizes in advance that the recording medium 5 is to be cut, and performs processing related to the cutting. In this example, since the job type is a disconnected job, the process proceeds to NO in step S205, and then proceeds to step S207.

In step S207, the second cutting control unit 65 performs advance feed control. Here, the second cutting control unit 65 uses the length in the sub-scanning direction X of the cut image based on the cut data CD1 after the cutting start command CM32 (hereinafter, also referred to as a cutting length) as the amount of advance, and controls the advance. I do. Specifically, the second cutting control unit 65 moves the recording medium 5 placed on the platen 16 to the downstream side in the sub-scanning direction X (in other words, the direction X1) by the length of the advance amount. The medium moving mechanism 32 is controlled. Thereafter, the second cutting control unit 65 moves the medium moving mechanism 32 to move upstream in the sub-scanning direction X (in other words, the direction X2) by the length of the advance amount (in other words, by the cutting length). Control. In the present embodiment, the control related to step S207 corresponds to the “second control” of the present invention.

After the advance control as described above, the process proceeds to step S215. In step S215, the second cutting control unit 65 performs control related to cutting. Here, the second cutting control unit 65 moves the head moving mechanism 31, the medium moving mechanism 32, and the cutting head 38 so as to cut the recording medium 5 based on the control command CM2 related to the cut data CD1 after the cutting start command CM32. Control.

Next, the case where the job type is a print cut job will be described. In the print cutting job, job data JD11 in FIG. 5 is executed. In step S201 in FIG. 8, the command execution unit 67 sequentially executes job commands CM1 including a job type command CM11 for setting that the job is a print cutting job. Thus, basic setting information including the job type is stored in the storage unit 61.

In this example, printing on the recording medium 5 as described below is performed between step S201 and step S203. The command execution unit 67 executes a print start command CM31 as shown in FIG. 5, for example. Thus, the printer 100 recognizes in advance that printing is performed on the recording medium 5 and performs processing related to printing. In the present embodiment, advance control is not performed before printing is started. The print control unit 63 performs the printing on the recording medium 5 based on the control command CM2 related to the print data PD1 after the print start command CM31 without performing the advance control, and the head moving mechanism 31, the medium moving mechanism 32, and the ink. The head 36 is controlled.

Thus, after printing on the recording medium 5 is completed, in step S203, the command execution unit 67 executes the cutting start command CM32. Thus, the printer 100 recognizes that the recording medium 5 is to be cut and performs processing related to the cutting. In this example, since the job type is a print cutting job, the process proceeds to YES in step S205, and then proceeds to step S209.

In step S209, the first cutting control unit 64 determines whether or not the cutting length is longer than the printing length. Here, the print length is the distance that the recording medium 5 has moved downstream in the sub-scanning direction X during printing, that is, the length in the sub-scanning direction X corresponding to the recording medium 5 of the print image to be printed. That is. The cutting length is the length in the sub-scanning direction X corresponding to the recording medium 5 of the cut image to be cut in the cutting to be performed in the future. If the cutting length is longer than the printing length, the process proceeds to step S211. On the other hand, if the cutting length is equal to or shorter than the printing length, the process proceeds to step S213.

When the cutting length is longer than the printing length, in step S211, the first cutting control unit 64 performs advance feed control. Here, the first cutting control unit 64 performs the advance control using the difference between the print length and the cutting length as the advance amount. Specifically, the first cutting control unit 64 controls the medium moving mechanism 32 to move the recording medium 5 placed on the platen 16 to the downstream side in the sub-scanning direction X by the length of the advance amount. To do. Thereafter, the first cutting control unit 64 controls the medium moving mechanism 32 so as to move the cutting length to the upstream side in the sub-scanning direction X. After the advance control, the process proceeds to step S215.

On the other hand, if the cutting length is equal to or shorter than the printing length, in step S213, the first cutting control unit 64 proceeds to step S215 next without performing advance feed control. In the present embodiment, the control in step S211 and the control in step S213 correspond to the “first control” of the present invention. The control of the first cutting control unit 64 in step S215 is the same as the control of the second cutting control unit 65 in step S215 described above, and a description thereof will be omitted.

In this embodiment, when the job type is a print job, the same control as in the case of printing a print cutting job is performed. That is, when printing is performed in the case of a print job, the print control unit 63 performs printing on the recording medium 5 based on the control command CM2 related to the print data PD1 after the print start command CM31 without performing advance feed control. In addition, the head moving mechanism 31, the medium moving mechanism 32, and the ink head 36 are controlled.

As described above, in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the command execution unit 67 executes the job type command CM11 before the job is executed. Therefore, the control device 60 executes the job of which job type. Can be recognized in advance. Therefore, when the job type command CM11 in which a print cutting job is set is executed, if the cutting length is longer than the printing length without the user setting in advance, the printing length and cutting length are set. The advance control can be performed using the difference as the advance amount. Further, when the job type command CM11 in which the cutting job is set is executed, the advance control can be performed with the cutting length as the advance amount without the user setting in advance.

When the job type command CM11 in which a print job is set is executed, it is possible to perform control related to printing without performing advance feed control without a user setting in advance. Therefore, it is possible to automatically determine the setting of the advance amount and the presence / absence of the advance control according to the job type.

In this embodiment, advance control is performed before the start of cutting. By the advance control, it is possible to alleviate the habit such as bending of the recording medium 5 wound in a roll shape, and the recording medium 5 can be cut more accurately.

<Third Embodiment>
Next, a printer 300 according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a printer 300 according to the third embodiment. In the present embodiment, the printing system includes a printer 300 and a job data creation device 150 (see FIG. 4). The printer 300 includes a control device 260. In the present embodiment, the configuration of the printer 300 other than the control device 260 is the same as that of the printer 100 of the first embodiment. Here, the control device 260 includes a storage unit 61, a first print control unit 262, a second print control unit 263, a cutting control unit 264, a reception unit 66, and a command execution unit 67. In the present embodiment, the first print control unit 262 is an example of the “first control unit” in the present invention, and the second print control unit 263 is an example of the “second control unit” in the present invention. In the present embodiment, printing corresponds to “first processing” and “printing processing” of the present invention, and cutting corresponds to “second processing” and “cutting processing” of the present invention.

Also in the printer 300 according to the present embodiment, different printer 300 control may be performed for each job type. In the following description, at the time of printing, every time printing of a predetermined range (for example, a printing range in scanning for a predetermined number of times) is performed on the recording medium 5, recording for the length in the sub-scanning direction X in the predetermined range Control of the winding device 50 (see FIG. 2) so that the medium 5 is wound around the winding shaft 51 (see FIG. 2) is called “winding control”.

The above winding control is performed at the time of printing in a print job. On the other hand, in the case of a print cutting job, cutting is performed after printing. Therefore, it is preferable that the winding control is not performed during printing in preparation for the next cutting. Therefore, in the present embodiment, winding control is not performed during printing in the case of a print cutting job. As described above, for example, a print cutting job and a print job differ in whether or not the winding control is performed during printing when the print start command CM31 is executed as the execution command CM3.

In this embodiment, when the roll-shaped recording medium 5 is set in the printer 300, the recording medium 5 is set in a state of being stretched by the tension bar 52 (see FIG. 2). If a cut is included in the job, the recording medium 5 is moved by a predetermined distance downstream in the sub-scanning direction X at the start of the job, and the recording medium 5 is stretched by the tension bar 52. It is preferable not to be in a state. This is because the recording medium 5 is cut while moving upstream and downstream in the sub-scanning direction X at the time of cutting, so that there is a margin in the tension of the recording medium 5. In the following description, controlling the medium moving mechanism 32 to move the recording medium 5 by a predetermined distance downstream in the sub-scanning direction X at the start of a job is referred to as “initial control”. Here, the predetermined distance is a preset value and is stored in the storage unit 61 in advance. The predetermined distance is a value set for each printer 300, and is 60 mm, for example.

When printing a print job, the recording medium 5 is not cut after printing. For this reason, the above initial control is not performed during printing during a print job. On the other hand, in the case of a print cutting job, cutting is performed after printing. Therefore, it is preferable that the initial control is performed before printing is started. As described above, for example, a print cutting job and a print job differ in whether or not the initial control is performed before printing when the print start command CM31 is executed as the execution command CM3.

Next, a flowchart of FIG. 10 shows a procedure for determining whether to perform winding control and whether to perform initial control when printing on the recording medium 5 when the job types are different. It explains along. In this embodiment, by executing the job type command CM11, it is recognized in advance which job type is to be executed, whether or not winding control is performed during printing, and initial control is performed before printing. Or not automatically.

First, the case where the job type is a print job will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of job data JD13 relating to a print job. As shown in FIG. 11, job data JD13 for a print job includes a job command CM1 including a job type command CM11 for setting the print job, a print start command CM31 for an execution command CM3, and a control command for a plurality of print data PD1. CM2 and job end command CM33 of execution command CM3 are arranged in order. The job data JD13 is stored in the job execution file FL13.

When executing the job data JD13 of the print job, in step S301 in FIG. 10, the command execution unit 67 sequentially executes the job command CM1 including the job type command CM11 for setting the print job. Thus, basic setting information including the job type is stored in the storage unit 61.

Next, in step S303, the command execution unit 67 executes the print start command CM31. Thus, the printer 100 recognizes that printing is performed on the recording medium 5 and performs processing related to printing. In this example, since the job type is a print job, the process proceeds to NO in step S305, and then proceeds to step S307.

In step S307, the second print control unit 263 performs no initial control. That is, the second print control unit 263 does not control the medium moving mechanism 32 so that the recording medium 5 is moved by a predetermined distance downstream in the sub-scanning direction X before printing. That is, before the print job is printed, the tension of the recording medium 5 by the tension bar 52 is not loosened. Here, the second print control unit 263 starts printing on the recording medium 5 without performing initial control.

Next, in step S309, the second print control unit 263 performs control related to printing while performing winding control. Specifically, the second print control unit 263 performs the printing on the recording medium 5 based on the control command CM2 related to the print data PD1 after the print start command CM31, and the head moving mechanism 31, the medium moving mechanism 32, and the ink. The head 36 is controlled. The second print control unit 263 winds up the recording medium 5 corresponding to the length in the sub-scanning direction X in the predetermined range on the take-up shaft 51 every time a predetermined range of printing is performed on the recording medium 5. The winding device 50 (see FIG. 2) is controlled. In the print job, the recording medium 5 is wound around the take-up shaft 51 at the end of printing. In the present embodiment, the control performed by the winding control corresponds to the “second control” of the present invention.

Next, the case where the job type is a print cut job will be described. In the print cutting job, job data JD11 in FIG. 5 is executed. In step S301 in FIG. 10, the command execution unit 67 sequentially executes job commands CM1 including a job type command CM11 for setting a print cutting job. Thus, basic setting information including the job type is stored in the storage unit 61.

Next, in step S303, the command execution unit 67 executes the print start command CM31. Thus, the printer 100 recognizes that printing is performed on the recording medium 5 and performs processing related to printing. In this example, since the job type is a print cutting job, the process proceeds to YES in step S305, and then proceeds to step S311.

In step S311, the first print control unit 262 performs initial control. That is, the first print control unit 262 controls the medium moving mechanism 32 so that the recording medium 5 is moved by a predetermined distance downstream in the sub-scanning direction X before printing. That is, before the print cutting job is printed, the tension of the recording medium 5 by the tension bar 52 is loosened.

Next, in step S313, the first print control unit 262 performs control related to printing without performing winding control. Specifically, the first print control unit 262 performs printing on the recording medium 5 based on the control command CM2 related to the print data PD1 after the print start command CM31, and the head moving mechanism 31, the medium moving mechanism 32, and the ink. The head 36 is controlled. At this time, the winding control is not performed. In the print cutting job, at the end of printing, the portion of the recording medium 5 including the print area is not wound around the winding shaft 51. In the present embodiment, the control that does not perform the winding control corresponds to the “first control” of the present invention.

In the print cutting job, the recording medium 5 is cut after step S313. Here, the command execution unit 67 executes the cutting start command CM32. At this time, the cutting control unit 264 does not perform the initial control and the winding control, and cuts the recording medium 5 based on the control command CM2 related to the cut data CD1 after the cutting start command CM32. The medium moving mechanism 32 and the cutting head 38 are controlled.

In this embodiment, when the job type is a cutting job, when cutting is performed, the cutting control unit 264 performs initial control and performs control related to cutting without performing winding control.

As described above, in this embodiment, since the command execution unit 67 executes the job type command CM11 before the job is executed as in the above embodiments, the control device 60 executes the job of which job type. Can be recognized in advance. Therefore, when the job type command CM11 in which the print cutting job is set is executed, the user performs initial control without setting in advance, and performs printing on the recording medium 5 without performing winding control. It can be carried out. Further, when the job type command CM11 in which a print job is set is executed, the user prints the recording medium 5 without performing initial control, performing initial control, and performing winding control. be able to.

When the job type command CM11 in which a cutting job is set is executed, the user can perform initial control without setting in advance, and can perform cutting with respect to the recording medium 5 without performing winding control. it can. Therefore, the presence / absence of initial control and the presence / absence of winding control can be automatically determined according to the job type.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the job data JD11, JD12, and JD13 are created by the job data creation device 150. However, the job data JD11, JD12, and JD13 may be created by the

control devices

60 and 260 of the

printers

100 and 300.

Note that jobs other than the job types shown in the above-described embodiments may be set as job types. For example, a cut print job may be set as the job type. In other words, the job type command CM11 in which the cut print job is set may exist as the job type command CM11. The cut print job is a job for cutting the recording medium 5 and printing the cut recording medium 5. For example, ink is ejected onto the recording medium 5 on which printing has been performed, and the recording medium 5 may expand and contract due to the ink. Here, by executing the cut print job, the recording medium 5 can be cut before printing. Therefore, the recording medium 5 can be cut in a state where the expansion and contraction of the recording medium 5 due to the ink is minimized. In the cut print job, the

heaters

19a, 19b, and 19c (see FIG. 2) arranged below the platen 16 are operating at the time of cutting. Therefore, since the

heaters

19a, 19b, and 19c that are in operation are used during printing, the standby time for waiting until the

heaters

19a, 19b, and 19c reach a predetermined temperature can be shortened. Accordingly, the printing throughput can be improved. For example, when cutting a cut print job, the drying control is not performed, and the advance control is performed by setting the advance amount to the cutting length. In addition, when the cut print job is cut, the initial control is performed. For example, when printing a cut print job, the drying control and the forward feed control are not performed. Further, when printing a cut print job, printing with the winding control is performed.

Also, a print cutting & perforation cutting job may be set as the job type. In other words, the job type command CM11 in which the print cutting & perforation cutting job is set may exist as the job type command CM11. The print cutting & perforation cutting job is to automatically perform perforation cutting on the printed and cut recording medium 5. This perforation cutting is different from the above-mentioned “cutting” and is cut in a dotted line. For example, the perforation is drawn so as to surround the print area of the recording medium 5. Conventionally, such a perforation has been realized by a user setting in advance. However, here, by executing the job type command CM11 in which the print cutting & perforation cutting job is set, the printer can perform the printing and cutting on the recording medium 5 that has been printed and cut without the user setting in advance. The perforation can be drawn automatically. Note that the drying control and the advance feed control are not performed at the time of perforation cutting of the print cutting & perforation cutting job.

5 Recording medium 10 Printing system 16 Platen (mounting table)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 31 Head moving mechanism 32 Medium moving mechanism 36 Ink head 60 Control apparatus 61 Memory | storage part 63 Print control part 64 1st cutting control part (1st control part)
65 Second cutting control unit (second control unit)
67 Command Execution Unit 100 Printer 150 Job Data Creation Device

Claims

A mounting table on which a recording medium is mounted;
An ink head for discharging ink to the recording medium placed on the mounting table;
A head moving mechanism that moves the ink head in the main scanning direction relative to the recording medium placed on the mounting table;
A medium moving mechanism for moving the recording medium mounted on the mounting table relative to the ink head in a sub-scanning direction;
A control device electrically connected to the ink head, the head moving mechanism, and the medium moving mechanism;
With
The control device includes a storage unit in which job data is stored,
The job data includes a job command that is a command for setting basic setting information regarding printing,
When one predetermined process is a single process or a series of processes when a plurality of predetermined processes are continuously performed as a job, and the job type is a job type, The job type includes at least a first job type in which a first job is performed and a second job type in which a second job different from the first job is performed,
The job command has a job type command in which one job type is designated from the job type,
The head moving mechanism and the medium moving mechanism are controlled so as to move the relative positions of the ink head and the recording medium placed on the mounting table in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. When the control for performing printing on the recording medium by discharging ink from the ink head is the print control,
The control device includes:
A command execution unit for executing the job command;
When the job type of the job type command when the job type command is executed by the command execution unit is the first job type, a predetermined first control other than the print control is performed on the recording medium. A first control unit that performs control so that
When the job type command is executed by the command execution unit and the job type of the job type command is the second job type, control other than the print control for the recording medium, A second control unit that performs control so that second control different from the first control is performed;
With a printer.
The first job is a job in which a second process different from the first process is performed after a predetermined first process is performed on the recording medium, or the second job is performed on the recording medium. A job in which the first process is performed after the process is performed;
The second job is a job in which the first process is performed on the recording medium and the second process is not performed.
The job data includes an execution command having at least a first process start command for starting the first process,
The command execution unit executes the execution command,
The first control unit controls the first control to be performed when the first process start command is executed by the command execution unit;
The printer according to claim 1, wherein the second control unit controls the second control to be performed when the first process start command is executed by the command execution unit.
A cutting head for cutting the recording medium placed on the mounting table;
The head moving mechanism is configured to move the cutting head in the main scanning direction relative to the recording medium placed on the mounting table.
The medium moving mechanism is configured to move the recording medium placed on the mounting table relative to the cutting head in the sub-scanning direction,
The storage unit stores cut data and print data for the recording medium,
The first process is a cutting process in which the head moving mechanism, the medium moving mechanism, and the cutting head are controlled so as to cut the recording medium based on the cut data.
The printer according to claim 2, wherein the second process is a print process in which the print control is performed based on the print data.
The table above is
A main platen disposed below the ink head;
A downstream platen disposed downstream of the main platen in the sub-scanning direction;
Have
A heater disposed below the downstream platen;
The first job is a job in which the cutting process is performed after the printing process is performed,
The medium moving mechanism is controlled so as to move the recording medium placed on the mounting table to the downstream side in the sub-scanning direction by a predetermined distance, and the heater on the heating plate is heated to move the recording medium on the downstream platen. When the control for drying the recording medium is the drying control,
The first control unit controls the cutting process after performing the drying control,
The printer according to claim 3, wherein the second control unit performs the cutting process without performing the drying control.
The execution command has a print start command for starting the print processing,
The printer according to claim 4, wherein the control device includes a print control unit that performs the print processing without performing the drying control when the command execution unit executes the print start command.
A supply shaft around which the recording medium is wound; and a supply device that is disposed upstream of the mounting table in the sub-scanning direction and supplies the recording medium to the mounting table.
The first job is a job in which the cutting process is performed after the printing process is performed,
After the recording medium wound around the supply shaft of the supply device is supplied to the mounting table for a predetermined length, the recording medium placed on the mounting table is placed upstream of the predetermined scanning direction in the sub-scanning direction. When controlling the medium moving mechanism so as to move the length is the advance control,
When the length in the sub-scanning direction of the cut image corresponding to the cut data is longer than the length in the sub-scanning direction of the print image corresponding to the print data, the first control unit has the predetermined length. After performing the advance control so that the difference between the length in the sub-scanning direction of the cut image and the length in the sub-scanning direction of the print image is performed, the cutting process is performed,
The said 2nd control part was described in Claim 3 which performs the said cutting process, after performing the said advance control so that the said predetermined length may become more than the length of the said subscanning direction of the said cut image. Printer.
The execution command has a print start command for starting the print processing,
The printer according to claim 6, wherein the control device includes a print control unit that performs the print processing without performing the advance control when the command execution unit executes the print start command.
A cutting head for cutting the recording medium placed on the mounting table;
The head moving mechanism is configured to move the cutting head in the main scanning direction relative to the recording medium placed on the mounting table.
The medium moving mechanism is configured to move the recording medium placed on the mounting table relative to the cutting head in the sub-scanning direction,
The storage unit stores cut data and print data for the recording medium,
The first process is a print process in which the print control is performed based on the print data,
The printer according to claim 2, wherein the second process is a cutting process in which the head moving mechanism, the medium moving mechanism, and the cutting head are controlled to cut the recording medium based on the cut data. .
A winding shaft for winding the recording medium placed on the mounting table, and a winding device disposed on the downstream side in the sub-scanning direction from the mounting table;
The first job is a job in which the cutting process is performed after the printing process is performed,
During the printing process, each time printing of a predetermined range is performed on the recording medium, the winding is performed so that the recording medium corresponding to the length in the sub-scanning direction in the predetermined range is wound on the winding shaft. When controlling the device as winding control,
The first control unit controls the printing process and does not perform the winding control.
The printer according to claim 8, wherein the second control unit controls the printing process and performs the winding control.
The execution command includes a disconnection start command for starting the disconnection process,
The control device controls the cutting process when the command execution unit executes the cutting start command, and after the cutting process is performed, the sub-scanning direction of the cut image corresponding to the cut data The recording medium is controlled to move to the upstream side in the sub-scanning direction by a cut length that is equal to or longer than the cut length, and then the recording medium for the cut length is wound around the take-up shaft. The printer according to claim 9, further comprising a cutting control unit that controls the winding device so as to take.
Before the printing process, when the control for moving the recording medium placed on the mounting table by a predetermined length in the sub-scanning direction is an initial control,
The first control unit performs the printing process control after performing the initial control, and does not perform the winding control,
The printer according to claim 10, wherein the second control unit controls the printing process and performs the winding control without executing the initial control.
The printer according to claim 11, wherein the cutting control unit controls the cutting process after executing the initial control.
A printer according to any one of claims 1 to 12;
A job data creation device for creating the job data;
With
The job data creation device includes:
A display screen on which at least the basic setting information is displayed;
An operation unit for a user to set the basic setting information displayed on the display screen;
A creation control device communicably connected to the control device of the printer;
With
The creation control device includes:
A job data creation unit that creates the job data by obtaining the basic setting information displayed on the display screen and creating at least the job command;
A transmission unit that transmits the job data created by the job data creation unit to the control device;
With
The control system includes a receiving unit that receives the job data transmitted by the transmitting unit and stores the job data in the storage unit.