Transport control device and transport control method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a conveyance control device and a conveyance control method for increasing the number of print processes within a certain period. A print system has a CPU that controls a platen conveyance mechanism that conveys a platen from a platen preparation position to one of a plurality of printers via a pre-treatment device that performs a pre-treatment on a cloth placed on the platen. The CPU performs a judgment step that judges to which of the plurality of printers the platen is conveyed. Thus, the destination of the platen is divided among the plurality of printers. As a result, the situation in which the platen is conveyed to only a specific printer is avoided, and the number of print processes within a certain period is increased.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application filed on December 18, 2020, with application number 202011510224.9, entitled "Transportation Control Device and Transportation Control Method". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a transport control device and a transport control method. Background Technology

[0003] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-183331 discloses a printing apparatus comprising a pretreatment agent coating section and a printing section. The pretreatment agent coating section applies a pretreatment agent to a recording medium placed on an impression platen. A moving mechanism transports the impression platen from the pretreatment agent coating section to the printing section, whereby the printing section applies printing liquid to the recording medium coated with the pretreatment agent and performs printing.

[0004] To increase the number of print runs within a given period, a printing system with multiple printers can be considered. This system may include a mounting location for placing the recording medium onto the impression platen, a pre-processing unit, and a transport unit capable of delivering the impression platen to any of the multiple printers. However, in this system, if the impression platen is only delivered to a specific printer, there are undesirable issues regarding increasing the number of print runs within a given period. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a transport control device and transport control method for increasing the number of prints processed within a certain period.

[0006] The transport control device of technical solution 1 includes a computer that controls the transport unit. This transport unit, starting from the transport start position of the impression platen, transports the impression platen to one of a plurality of printers via a pre-processing unit that pre-processes the recording medium mounted on the impression platen. The computer performs a determination step to decide which of the plurality of printers to transport the impression platen to. Because the computer determines which printer to transport the impression platen to, the transport destinations of the impression platen are divided into multiple printers. This avoids the situation where the impression platen is transported only to a specific printer, increasing the number of print runs within a certain period.

[0007] In the transport control device of technical solution 2, the computer can, during the determination step, determine which of the multiple printers the printing platen should be transported to. Since the computer determines the transport destination of the printing platen based on the printer's status, the transport destinations of the printing platens are separated based on the printer's status, thus increasing the number of print jobs within a certain period.

[0008] It should be noted that the computer in the transport control device can, during the determination step, determine which of the plurality of printers to transport the impression platen to, based on the respective times of print start time for each of the printers. The computer determines the transport destination of the impression platen based on the times of print start time. For example, if the transport unit transports the impression platen to the printer with the shorter times of print start time, the number of print runs within a certain period increases.

[0009] It should be noted that the computer in the transport control device can calculate the completion time of printing the previously transported impression platen, and based on the printer's time from the start of printing, determine which of the plurality of printers the impression platen should be transported to. Therefore, the computer calculates the completion time of printing the previously transported impression platen, and based on the printer's time from the start of printing, determines the transport destination of the impression platen. If, based on this determination, the transport unit transports the impression platen to the printer with the shorter completion time, the number of print runs within a certain period increases.

[0010] In the transport control device of technical solution 3, the computer can, during the determination step, determine which of the multiple printers displaying a printable status to transport the impression platen to. The computer determines the printer displaying a printable status as the destination for transporting the impression platen, thus reducing the possibility of transporting the impression platen to a printer that cannot print, resulting in a decrease in the number of print jobs within a certain period.

[0011] It should be noted that, during the determination step, the computer of the transport control device can, if it determines that a printer displaying a printable state does not exist, transport the impression platen to a printer displaying a state of non-printing due to periodic operation. For a printer displaying a state of non-printing due to periodic operation, it becomes printable once the periodic operation is completed. Therefore, by transporting the impression platen to a printer displaying a state of non-printing due to periodic operation when the computer determines that a printer displaying a printable state does not exist, the possibility of a decrease in print processing volume over a certain period due to the impression platen not being transported to the printer is reduced.

[0012] It should be noted that, during the determination step, the computer of the transport control device can, when determining that a printer displaying a printable state does not exist, transport the impression platen to a printer displaying a state where printing is not possible due to a periodic action associated with the printer's printing function, the end time of which can be calculated. Therefore, when the computer determines that a printer displaying a printable state does not exist, it transports the impression platen to a printer displaying a state where printing is not possible due to a periodic action associated with the printer's printing function, the end time of which can be calculated. This reduces the possibility of a decrease in print processing volume over a certain period compared to transporting the impression platen to a printer displaying a state where printing is not possible due to intermittent action.

[0013] In technical solution 4, the computer of the transport control device can determine which of the plurality of printers to transport the printing platen to based on the position of the printing platen previously transported by the transport unit. Therefore, the computer transports the printing platen to one of the plurality of printers based on the position of the printing platen previously transported by the transport unit. For example, by avoiding collisions between printing plates, the possibility of a decrease in the number of print runs within a certain period caused by collisions between printing plates is reduced.

[0014] In the transport control device of technical solution 5, the computer can determine in the judgment step that the transport of the printing platen should not collide with previously transported printing plates on the transport path. By determining in the judgment step that the transport of the printing platen should not collide with previously transported printing plates on the transport path, the possibility of collisions between transported printing plates is reduced, and the number of print operations within a certain period increases.

[0015] In the transport control device of technical solution 6, the computer can, during the determination step, change the order in which the printers determine which printer to transport the impression platen to, based on the status of multiple printers. Therefore, the determination of whether to transport the impression platen can begin with the printer with the highest probability of performing printing.

[0016] In the transport control method of technical solution 7, a computer controls a transport unit that transports the imprint platen to one of a plurality of printers from the transport start position of the imprint platen via a preprocessing device that preprocesses the recording medium placed on the imprint platen. The transport control method includes a determination step of determining which of the plurality of printers to transport the imprint platen to. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a top view of printing system 1.

[0018] Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional image of the embossing plate 50.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a block diagram representing the electrical structure of printing system 1.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the transportation control process.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the process for determining the destination of the shipment.

[0022] Figure 6 It is priority list 104A.

[0023] Figure 7 Tables (A) to (C) are the shipping conditions for the printer.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of a variation of the destination determination process. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below. The arrows in the figures are used to indicate left / right, front / back, and up / down. Figure 1 The printing system 1 shown is a system that sequentially performs pre-processing and printing processes on the recording medium placed on the impression platen 50 while transporting the platen 50. The recording medium is fabric such as a T-shirt. The fabric material is cotton, polyester, or a blend of cotton and polyester.

[0026] Reference Figure 1 The structure of printing system 1 is explained below. Printing system 1 includes a pretreatment unit 2, printers 3, 4, and 5, an impression platen transport mechanism 10, and a barcode reader 95. The pretreatment unit 2 is located at the front of printing system 1 and pretreatments the fabric P placed on the impression platen 50. The pretreatment unit 2 includes, for example, a coating section and a heat treatment section (not shown). The coating section uses a sprayer to spray a pretreatment agent onto the fabric P placed on the impression platen 50. The pretreatment agent is a primer applied before applying ink to the fabric P. The pretreatment agent is a liquid used to form a film between the fibers of the fabric to make the ink adhere better; for example, it contains a resin component. As an example, the pretreatment agent contains a divalent metal salt (e.g., CaCl2 or Ca(NO2)2) to make the ink develop vividly. The heat treatment section, for example, is a hot stamping section, which applies pressure to the fabric P at high temperature to dry the pretreatment agent. Therefore, the fixation of the pretreatment agent onto the fabric P can be improved, resulting in improved image quality. The pretreatment apparatus 2 may not include either a coating section or a heat treatment section.

[0027] Behind the pre-processing unit 2, printers 3 to 5 are arranged in a front-to-back direction. Printers 3 to 5 are inkjet printers. Printers 3 to 5 eject ink from the nozzles of the printhead onto the pre-processed fabric P placed on the impression platen 50 for printing. Printers 3 to 5 eject, for example, five types of ink (white (W), black (K), yellow (Y), cyan (C), and magenta (M)). The impression platen transport mechanism 10 transports the impression platen 50, which is located at the preparation position 100 (described later), from the transport start position of the impression platen 50, i.e., the preparation position 100, via the pre-processing unit 2 to one of the printers 3 to 5, and then returns it to the preparation position 100.

[0028] The barcode reader 95, located at the preparation position 100, reads the identification information section (not shown) set on the fabric P and inputs the identification information to the CPU 101 of the printing system 1 (described later). The identification information is used to identify the fabric P, such as information about one-dimensional codes like barcodes, two-dimensional codes like QR codes, and three-dimensional codes. The identification information includes at least the type, color, size, print color, and print size of the fabric P.

[0029] Reference Figure 1 The structure of the impression plate conveying mechanism 10 is described below. The impression plate conveying mechanism 10 includes at least a sending line 201, a processing line 202, a first return line 204, and a second return line 205.

[0030] The delivery line 201 is located at the very front of the printing system 1, extending in a straight line from left to right and transporting the impression plate 50 toward the processing line 202 (described later). The delivery line 201 includes transport mechanisms 11 and 12 sequentially from the left. Transport mechanism 11 has a preparation position 100. The preparation position 100 is used to prepare the impression plate 50 by first attaching the fabric P. Transport mechanism 11 transports the impression plate 50 to the right. The front end of transport mechanism 14 (described later) is located between transport mechanisms 11 and 12. The right end of transport mechanism 12 can be connected to a different processing line than processing line 202.

[0031] Processing line 202 extends in the front-to-back direction between sending line 201 and the first return line 204 (described later). Processing line 202 transports the impression plate 50 received from sending line 201 sequentially to one of the forward processing device 2 and printers 3 to 5, and delivers it to the first return line 204.

[0032] Processing line 202 includes transport mechanisms 14, 15, 17, and 19, and printing transport mechanisms 41 to 43. Transport mechanism 14 extends rearward from the right end of transport mechanism 11 on sending line 201, and further rearward through the interior of pre-processing unit 2. Transport mechanism 14 receives the impression plate 50 from transport mechanism 11 and transports it rearward through the pre-processing unit 2. Transport mechanism 15 is located behind the pre-processing unit 2, extending to the left from transport mechanism 14 toward printer 3. Transport mechanism 15 receives the impression plate 50 from transport mechanism 14 and transports it toward printer 3. Transport mechanism 15 transports the impression plate 50, after printing at printer 3, to the right, and delivers the impression plate 50 to transport mechanism 14.

[0033] Transport mechanism 17 is located behind transport mechanism 15, extending to the left from transport mechanism 14 towards printer 4. Transport mechanism 17 receives the impression platen 50 from transport mechanism 14 and transports it towards printer 4. After printing at printer 4, transport mechanism 17 transports the impression platen 50 to the right and sends it out to transport mechanism 14. Transport mechanism 19 is located behind transport mechanism 17, extending to the left from transport mechanism 14 towards printer 5. Transport mechanism 19 receives the impression platen 50 from transport mechanism 14 and transports it towards printer 5. After printing at printer 5, transport mechanism 19 transports the impression platen 50 to the right and sends it out to transport mechanism 14.

[0034] Printer 3 includes a printing transport mechanism 41, which can transport the impression plate 50 in the left-right direction. The printing transport mechanism 41 includes an impression plate support member 60 and a transport motor 137 (see reference). Figure 3 The impression plate support member 60 receives and supports the impression plate 50 from the transport mechanism 15. The transport motor 137 transports the impression plate support member 60 in the left-right direction. The printer 4 has a printing transport mechanism 42, and the printer 5 has a printing transport mechanism 43. The printing transport mechanisms 42 and 43 have the same structure as the printing transport mechanism 41, so their description is omitted.

[0035] The transport mechanism 12 of the sending line 201 can transport the impression plate 50 toward other processing lines (not shown). If other processing lines are provided, these other processing lines can have the same structure as processing line 202. The first return line 204 extends linearly in the left-right direction at the rear of the printing system 1, transporting the impression plate 50 toward the second return line 205. The first return line 204 has transport mechanisms 28 and 27 sequentially from the left side. The transport mechanism 27 transports the impression plate 50 received from the other processing lines (not shown) to the left.

[0036] Reference Figure 1The belt structure of the impression plate transport mechanism 10 will be explained first. The belt structure of the delivery line 201 will be explained first. The transport mechanism 11 has a pair of cross belts 11A. The cross belts 11A can be set at both ends of the transport mechanism 11 in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction, and transport the impression plate 50 to the right.

[0037] The conveying mechanism 14 includes a pair of longitudinal belts 14A and a pair of transverse lifting belts 14B to 14E. The pair of longitudinal belts 14A are located at both ends of the conveying mechanism 14 in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction. The pair of longitudinal belts 14A convey the impression plate 50 rearward. The pair of transverse lifting belts 14B to 14E are positioned between the pair of longitudinal belts 14A. The pair of transverse lifting belts 14B are positioned at the front end of the conveying mechanism 14 and are capable of lifting. The pair of transverse lifting belts 14B convey the impression plate 50 to the right. The pair of transverse lifting belts 14C are positioned on the right side of the conveying mechanism 15 and are capable of lifting. The pair of transverse lifting belts 14D are positioned on the right side of the conveying mechanism 17 and are capable of lifting. The pair of transverse lifting belts 14E are positioned on the right side of the conveying mechanism 19 and are capable of lifting. The pair of transverse lifting belts 14C to 14E convey the impression plate 50 to the left.

[0038] The conveying mechanisms 15, 17, and 19 each have a pair of transverse conveyor belts 15A, 17A, and 19A. The pair of transverse conveyor belts 15A, 17A, and 19A are configured to be movable at both ends of the conveying mechanisms 15, 17, and 19 in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction.

[0039] Conveying mechanisms 27 and 28 each have a pair of transverse belts 27A and 28A extending along the conveying direction, conveying the impression plate 50 along the conveying direction of the conveying mechanisms 27 and 28. Conveying mechanism 29 has a pair of longitudinal belts 29A and a pair of transverse lifting belts 29B and 29C. The pair of longitudinal belts 29A are located at both ends of the conveying mechanism 29 in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction. The pair of longitudinal belts 29A convey the impression plate 50 forward. The pair of transverse lifting belts 29B and 29C are arranged between the pair of longitudinal belts 29A and can move up and down on the left side of the conveying mechanisms 28 and 21, respectively. The pair of transverse lifting belts 29B conveys the impression plate 50 to the left, and the pair of transverse lifting belts 29C conveys the impression plate 50 to the right.

[0040] Imprinting plate conveying mechanism 10 is equipped with Figure 3The diagram shows a longitudinal belt motor 131, a transverse belt motor 132, a transverse lifting belt motor 133, a transverse conveyor belt motor 134, a first lifting motor 135, a second lifting motor 136, and a conveyor motor 137. The longitudinal belt motor 131 is correspondingly installed with the longitudinal belts 14A and 29A, driving each belt. The transverse belt motor 132 is correspondingly installed with the transverse belts 11A, 12A, 27A, and 28A, driving each belt. The transverse lifting belt motor 133 is correspondingly installed with the transverse lifting belts 14B to 14E, driving each belt. The transverse conveyor belt motor 134 is correspondingly installed with the transverse conveyor belts 15A, 17A, and 19A, driving each belt. The first lifting motor 135 is correspondingly installed with the transverse lifting belts 14B to 14E and 14K, lifting each belt. The second lifting motor 136 is correspondingly installed with the transverse conveyor belts 15A, 17A, and 19A, lifting each belt.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, a waiting position 14F is provided at the exit of the pre-processing unit 2 of the transport mechanism 14. The pre-processed printing plate 50 can wait at the waiting position 14F before being transported to one of the printers 3 to 5. In the following description, the section from the waiting position 14F to the transverse lifting belt 14C in the transport mechanism 14 is referred to as the first transport path 14G. The end of the transport mechanism 15 from the left side of the transverse lifting belt 14C to the right side of the printer 3 is referred to as the second transport path 15B. The section of the transport mechanism 14 from the rear side of the transverse lifting belt 14C to the transverse lifting belt 14D is referred to as the third transport path 14H. The end of the transport mechanism 17 from the left side of the transverse lifting belt 14D to the right side of the printer 4 is referred to as the fourth transport path 17B. The section of the transport mechanism 14 from the rear side of the transverse lifting belt 14D to the transverse lifting belt 14E is referred to as the fifth transport path 14I. The end of the transport mechanism 19 from the left side of the transverse lifting belt 14E to the right side of the printer 5 is referred to as the sixth transport path 19B. The remaining portion of the transport mechanism 14 from the rear of the transverse lifting belt 14E to the transverse lifting belt 14K is referred to as the seventh transport path 14J.

[0042] <Imprint plate transport action>

[0043] Reference Figure 1This describes an example of the printing plate transport operation based on the printing plate transport mechanism 10. Sensors (not shown) are positioned at the locations of each transverse lifting belt to detect the presence or absence of the printing plate 50. The CPU 101 controls the drive and lifting of each belt based on the output from each sensor. When instructed to transport the printing plate 50 from the preparation position 100, the transverse belt 11A is driven, transporting the printing plate 50 to the right. At this time, the transverse lifting belt 14B is positioned at the same height as the transverse belt 11A, delivering the printing plate 50 from the transverse belt 11A to the transverse lifting belt 14B. Then, the transverse lifting belt 14B stops driving and descends. Simultaneously, the longitudinal belt 14A is driven. The transverse lifting belt 14B descends before the longitudinal belt 14A, and the printing plate 50 is placed on the longitudinal belt 14A. The longitudinal belt 14A transports the printing plate 50 rearward, transporting the printing plate 50 to the pre-processing device 2. The pre-processing device 2 performs pre-processing on the fabric P. Subsequently, the longitudinal belt 14A further transports the imprint plate 50 toward the rear, where the imprint plate 50 waits in the waiting position 14F.

[0044] When transporting the impression platen 50 to the printer 3, if the impression platen 50 reaches the transverse lifting belt 14C, the drive of the longitudinal belt 14A stops, and the transverse lifting belt 14C begins to rise. The transverse lifting belt 14C rises higher than the longitudinal belt 14A and stops at the same height as the transverse conveyor belt 15A. The transverse conveyor belt 15A and the transverse lifting belt 14C are driven to deliver the impression platen 50 from the transverse lifting belt 14C to the transverse conveyor belt 15A. The transverse conveyor belt 15A is driven to transport the impression platen 50 toward the printer 3. The impression platen 50 is delivered from the transverse conveyor belt 15A to the impression platen support member 60, which is described later and is located inside the printer 3. When transporting the impression platen 50 to the printer 4, if the impression platen 50 reaches the transverse lifting belt 14D, the drive of the longitudinal belt 14A stops, and the transverse lifting belt 14D begins to rise. The transverse lifting belt 14D rises higher than the longitudinal belt 14A and stops at the same height as the transverse conveyor belt 17A. The transverse conveyor belt 17A and the transverse lifting belt 14D are driven to deliver the impression platen 50 from the transverse lifting belt 14D to the transverse conveyor belt 17A. When the impression platen 50 is being transported to the printer 5, if it reaches the transverse lifting belt 14E, the drive of the longitudinal belt 14A stops, and the transverse lifting belt 14E begins to rise. The transverse lifting belt 14E rises higher than the longitudinal belt 14A and stops at the same height as the transverse conveyor belt 19A. The transverse conveyor belt 19A and the transverse lifting belt 14E are driven to deliver the impression platen 50 from the transverse lifting belt 14E to the transverse conveyor belt 19A.

[0045] As the impression platen 50 is transported to the printer 3, the impression platen support member 60 supports it. The impression platen support member 60 transports the impression platen 50 to the left. The impression platen 50 passes inside the printer 3 and stops at the left end. When printing is complete, the impression platen support member 60 transports the impression platen 50 to the right, delivering it to the transverse conveyor belt 15A. The transverse conveyor belt 15A drives to the right, transporting the impression platen 50 to the right. The transverse lifting belt 14C drives to the right, delivering the impression platen 50 from the transverse conveyor belt 15A to the transverse lifting belt 14C. The transverse lifting belt 14C stops driving to the right and descends, placing the impression platen 50 onto the longitudinal belt 14A. Next, the longitudinal belt 14A transports the impression platen 50 toward the transverse lifting belt 14K.

[0046] Subsequently, although not described in detail, the impression plate 50 is delivered sequentially from the processing line 202 to the first return line 204, from the first return line 204 to the second return line 205, and then to the transport mechanism 11 of the sending line 201, returning to the ready position 100 through the same delivery operation as described above. The impression plate 50 also undergoes the same operation when transported toward the printer 4 or 5.

[0047] Reference Figure 2 The structure of the printing plate 50 is explained below. The printing plate 50 includes a base 51, a right side panel 52, a left side panel 53, a lower plate (not shown), an upper plate (not shown), and a mounting plate 56. The base 51 is rectangular in shape when viewed from above. At approximately the center of the upper surface of the base 51 in the left-right direction, a pair of L-shaped support members (not shown) extending in the front-back direction are fixed at a position separated from each other in the left-right direction. The right side panel 52 is inverted L-shaped when viewed from the right side. The right side panel 52 is fixed to the inner surface of the right support member (not shown) at the upper surface of the base 51 by screws (not shown) via an elongated plate-shaped spacer 571 extending in the front-back direction. Thus, the right side panel 52 is erected on the upper surface of the base 51. The operator attaches fabric P to the mounting plate 56. For example, when fabric P is a T-shirt, the operator attaches the T-shirt to the mounting plate 56 with the neckline side of the T-shirt as the front and the hem side as the back.

[0048] Like the right panel 52, the left panel 53 is fixed to the upper surface of the base 51 by screws (not shown) via an elongated plate-shaped spacer 581 extending in the front-back direction. Thus, the left panel 53 is erected on the upper surface of the base 51, parallel to the right panel 52.

[0049] <Electrical Structure of Printing System 1>

[0050] Reference Figure 3The electrical structure of printing system 1 is described below. Printing system 1 includes at least a transport control device 1A. Transport control device 1A includes a CPU 101, ROM 102, RAM 103, and drive circuits 121-127, which are interconnected via a bus. Connected to transport control device 1A are a storage unit 104, a pre-processing unit 2, printers 3-5, an operation unit 110, an input / output unit 111, non-contact sensors 70-77, a barcode reader 95, a longitudinal belt motor 131, a transverse belt motor 132, a transverse lifting belt motor 133, a transverse conveyor belt motor 134, a first lifting motor 135, a second lifting motor 136, and a transport motor 137.

[0051] CPU 101 controls the operation of printing system 1. ROM 102 stores various programs. RAM 103 is a working memory that temporarily stores various information. Storage unit 104 is a non-volatile flash memory that stores various information such as the priority table 104A (described later). Operation unit 110 accepts various inputs from the operator. Operation unit 110 may be a touch panel (not shown), or it may display various information in addition to accepting various inputs. Input / output unit 111 includes an SD memory card slot, a USB port, and other standard serial ports.

[0052] Drive circuit 121 controls the operation of the longitudinal belt motor 131 based on control instructions from CPU 101. Drive circuit 122 controls the operation of the transverse belt motor 132 based on control instructions from CPU 101. Drive circuit 123 controls the operation of the transverse lifting belt motor 133 based on control instructions from CPU 101. Drive circuit 124 controls the operation of the transverse conveyor belt motor 134 based on control instructions from CPU 101. Drive circuit 125 controls the operation of the first lifting motor 135 based on control instructions from CPU 101. Drive circuit 126 controls the operation of the second lifting motor 136 based on control instructions from CPU 101. Drive circuit 127 controls the operation of the conveyor motor 137 based on control instructions from CPU 101.

[0053] Non-contact sensors 70-77 are respectively positioned at the waiting position 14F, the first transport path 14G, the second transport path 15B, the third transport path 14H, the fourth transport path 17B, the fifth transport path 14I, the sixth transport path 19B, and the seventh transport path 14J. The non-contact sensors 70-77 detect the impression platen 50 and send detection signals to the CPU 101. It should be noted that stepper motors can be used as the motors constituting the impression platen transport mechanism 10. In this case, encoders are connected to each motor, and the position information of the motors is sent from each encoder to the CPU 101, thereby allowing the CPU 101 to identify the position of each motor.

[0054] <Transportation Control Processing and Destination Determination Processing>

[0055] Next, refer to Figures 4-7 The process of transport control and destination determination is explained. It should be noted that, as an example, this embodiment describes the case in which the printing plate 50 with the fabric P installed is transported sequentially to the sending line 201, the processing line 202 (pre-processing device 2, printer 3 to 5), the first return line 204, and the second return line 205.

[0056] First, when the power to the printing system 1 is turned on, the CPU 101 reads from the ROM 102. Figure 4 The procedures for transport control processing shown are as follows: Figure 5 The procedure for determining the destination shown executes both the delivery control process and the destination determination process. (Refer to...) Figure 4 The following describes the transport control process. First, the CPU 101 determines whether it has received an installation completion command indicating that fabric P is placed on the printing plate 50 located at the preparation position 100 (S9). For example, when an operator uses a barcode reader 95 to read the identification information of fabric P from the barcode or RFID tag on the printing plate 50, the barcode reader 95 sends the identification information to the CPU 101. When the CPU 101 receives the identification information of fabric P from the barcode reader 95, it determines that fabric P is placed on the printing plate 50 (S9: Yes). If the CPU 101 does not determine "Yes" in S9, it continues the determination in S9. Next, the CPU 101 stores the identification information of fabric P received from the barcode reader 95 in RAM 103 (S10). Next, the CPU 101 executes the first transport process (S11). The first transport process is the process of transporting the printing plate 50 set at the preparation position 100 to the start position of the processing line 202. For example, the starting position is the position of the transverse lifting belt 14B of the conveying mechanism 14. It should be noted that the processing of S10 can be performed before S9.

[0057] Next, CPU 101 performs preprocessing based on preprocessing device 2 (S12). CPU 101 transports the printing plate 50 via transport mechanism 14, and performs preprocessing on the fabric P mounted on the printing plate 50 by passing it through the preprocessing device 2. CPU 101 stops the printing plate 50, which has passed through the preprocessing device 2, at the waiting position 14F. At this time, CPU 101 performs... Figure 5The destination determination process, as described below, determines the printer from printers 3 to 5 to transport the printing platen 50. Next, CPU 101 transports the printing platen 50 to the printer determined by the destination determination process and prints the fabric P placed on the printing platen 50 (S13). Next, CPU 101 executes a second transport process (S15) that returns the printed printing platen 50 to the preparation position 100 via the first return line 204 and the second return line 205. It should be noted that the preprocessing shown in S12 can be executed under the control of the CPU (not shown) provided in the preprocessing unit 2, and the printing process shown in S13 can be executed under the control of the CPUs (not shown) provided in printers 3 to 5 respectively. In this case, in the preprocessing shown in S12, CPU 101 sends a preprocessing execution instruction to the preprocessing unit 2, and the preprocessing unit 2, during the preprocessing process, transports status information such as preprocessing completion to the CPU 101 of the transport control device 1A. When CPU 101 receives preprocessing completion status information from preprocessing device 2, it executes printing process S13. Printing process S13 also involves CPU 101 sending print processing execution instructions to printers 3-5. During printing, printers 3-5 transmit status information such as printing completion to CPU 101 of transport control device 1A. CPU 101 can also execute the second transport process S15 when it receives printing completion status information from printers 3-5.

[0058] Reference Figure 5 The process for determining the destination is as follows: First, the CPU 101 obtains the positions of the previously dispatched and currently being transported printing plates 50 from the non-contact sensors 70-77 and the printers 3-5 of the printing platen transport mechanism 10 of the printing system 1 (S21). Next, the CPU 101 determines whether a printing plate 50 exists at the waiting position 14F (S22). For example, when the CPU 101 receives a detection signal of a printing plate 50 from the non-contact sensor 70 at the waiting position 14F, it determines that a printing plate 50 exists at the waiting position 14F. When the CPU 101 determines that a printing plate 50 does not exist at the waiting position 14F (S22: No), the process proceeds to S21.

[0059] When CPU101 determines that an impression platen 50 exists at waiting position 14F (S22: Yes), it selects the printer from printers 3 to 5 as the object of the first determination (S23). In S24, described later, CPU101 determines whether to deliver the impression platen 50 to the printer determined by S23. The determination in S24 is referred to as the first determination. CPU101 then selects the printer from... Figure 6The priority table 104A shown selects and determines the printer with the highest priority as the first decision. Priority table 104A is used by CPU 101 to determine which printer should be prioritized for transporting the impression platen 50. (See reference...) Figure 6 Here is an example of a priority table 104A. Priority table 104A is pre-created and stored in storage unit 104. Priority table 104A stores the printer's status, priority, status details, and supplementary information. Printers include those displaying a printable status and those displaying a non-printable status. For example, printers displaying a printable status have priority levels 1 to 5, with lower numbers indicating higher priority. Priority level 1 means the printer can print immediately, and the impression platen 50 is not present in the printer. Priority level 2 means the printer takes less than 20 seconds to complete the printing process. Priority level 3 means the printer takes less than 40 seconds but longer than 20 seconds to complete the printing process. Priority level 4 means the printer takes 10 seconds to transport the impression platen 50 into the printer, and then the time to complete the printing is less than 60 seconds but longer than 40 seconds. Priority 5 refers to actions performed by the printer other than printing operations, such as maintenance actions, that take approximately 30 seconds, and the time to complete printing is between 60 and 40 seconds. Examples of maintenance actions include pre-printing ink flushing and printhead wiping. Maintenance actions are performed every 20 pages. The printable state is predetermined, for example, based on the time to complete printing. Printable states include: the printer can start printing immediately; and although it cannot start printing immediately during other printing processes, it can start a new print job after a specified time and complete printing within that time. The non-printable state is any state other than the printable state.

[0060] Printers displaying a "cannot print" status have priority levels 6-8 and three additional objects (× mark). The smaller the number, the higher the priority. The actions causing printers 3-5 to fail to print include periodically performed actions and irregularly performed actions. Periodically performed actions have predictable end times, while irregularly performed actions do not. Periodically performed actions are, for example, related actions whose end time can be calculated. Related actions include, for example, periodically replenishing ink to printers 3-5 and maintenance actions of printers 3-5. Maintenance actions that end within 30 seconds can correspond to priority level 5. Maintenance actions include, for example, periodically cleaning actions that draw ink from the nozzles (not shown), periodically rinsing actions that eject ink from the nozzles, periodically wiping actions that wipe the nozzle surfaces (not shown) of the printer head with a wiper, periodically circulating actions that circulate ink in the ink supply path (not shown) and within the printer head, and periodically agitating actions that stir ink in the ink tank (not shown). Maintenance actions can be periodically performed regardless of the maintenance completion time. The associated action is the feeding or feeding action of the imprinting plate 50 at position 100.

[0061] Priority 6 indicates the process of periodically replacing ink cartridges or replenishing ink in the ink reservoir. Priority 7 indicates the process of ejecting the impression platen 50 from the printer. Priority 8 indicates the process of flushing the ink from the beginning (illustration omitted). Regular flushing, for example, is performed every 6-7 hours and takes approximately 5-6 minutes. Priorities 6-8 represent regular printer actions. Objects outside the printer's range (× mark) indicate irregular actions, such as printer power off, empty ink (MACHINE ERROR), or the printer cover being open.

[0062] In the decision made in S23, CPU 101 communicates with printers 3-5 to receive status information from them, obtains the status of printers 3-5, and determines which priority level in priority table 104A corresponds to it. Furthermore, CPU 101 selects the printer with the smaller priority number (the printer with the higher priority) as the printer for the first decision. For example, when printers 3-5 are printing to the previously transported impression platen 50, CPU 101 can calculate the time it takes for the printing process to be completed on the previously transported impression platen 50, calculate the time from the start of printing, and determine which priority level in priority table 104A corresponds to 2-5. For example, when printer 3 is priority 3, printer 4 is priority 1, and printer 5 is priority 5, CPU 101 selects printer 4, which has priority 1, as the printer for the first decision (S23). When printers have the same priority, CPU 101, for example, selects the printer closest to waiting position 14F as the printer for the first decision. Furthermore, the priority table 104A preferably categorizes and predetermines all states of printers 3 to 5. However, assuming that in the decision of S23, the state of printers 3 to 5 does not correspond to any state in the priority table 104A, the CPU 101 may, for example, process the priority of printers 3 to 5 as "×". In this case, the CPU 101 may proceed to S24 or proceed to S21 without proceeding to S24.

[0063] Next, CPU101 determines whether printer 4, as determined in S23, meets the shipping conditions (S24). (See reference...) Figure 7 (A) to (C) describe the transport conditions under which the impression plate 50 can be transported to each of the printers 3 to 5. Figure 7 Tables (A) to (C) represent the shipping conditions for printers 3 to 5. Figure 7 The tables shown in (A) to (C) are pre-made and stored in the storage unit 104. Figure 7In the table, (In) refers to the transport path used for the impression platen 50 facing the printer. (Out) refers to the transport path used for the impression platen 50 ejected from the printer. "-" indicates that there is no impression platen 50 at the waiting position 14F. "×" indicates that the impression platen 50 at the waiting position 14F will not be transported to the printer when the impression platen 50 is present in the transport path or printer. "Any" indicates that the impression platen 50 at the waiting position 14F is not considered as a factor in determining whether it will be transported. That is, it means that it can be transported regardless of whether there is another impression platen 50 in the transport path or printer. "GO" indicates that although there is another impression platen 50 in the transport path or printer, it can be transported as long as certain conditions are met. Therefore, "×" is marked when there is another impression platen 50 in the transport path or printer, but certain conditions are not met.

[0064] For example, such as Figure 7 As shown in (B), the conditions under which the CPU 101 can transport the impression plate 50 from the waiting position 14F to the printer 4 are as follows: There is no impression plate 50 on the first transport path 14G. There is no impression plate 50 facing the printer 3 on the second transport path 15B. There is no impression plate 50 on the printer 3 after printing has finished. There is no impression plate 50 discharged from the printer 3 on the second transport path 15B. There is no impression plate 50 facing the fourth transport path 17B on the third transport path 14H. There is no impression plate 50 facing the printer 4 on the fourth transport path 17B. There is no impression plate 50 on the printer 4. Furthermore, the presence of the impression plate 50 in the fourth transport path 17B (out), fifth transport path 14I, sixth transport path 19B (in), printer 5, sixth transport path 19B (out), and seventh transport path 14J marked "Any" is not a factor in determining the transport of the impression plate 50 in the waiting position 14F, as it is irrelevant to the condition that the impression plate 50 can be transported from the waiting position 14F to the printer 4.

[0065] It should be noted that when printer 3 is in the process of printing, maintenance, or malfunction, it is marked "GO," thus enabling CPU 101 to transport the impression platen 50 to printer 4. Similarly, even when there is an impression platen 50 on the third transport path 14H heading towards the fifth transport path 14I, it is marked "GO," thus enabling CPU 101 to transport the impression platen 50 to printer 4. Figure 7 Under the shipping conditions shown in (B), if an impression plate 50 is present in the printer 4, the shipping conditions are not met, but this is not a limitation. Figure 7 (A) shows the corresponding parts of printer 3 under the transport conditions to printer 3. Figure 7 (B) shows the corresponding parts of printer 4 under the transport conditions to printer 4. Figure 7(C) The corresponding part of printer 5 under the delivery conditions shown in the diagram can be "Any". These corresponding parts can be... Figure 6 The priority table 104A shown is established in a related manner. For example, it could be... Figure 6 The priority order 1 to 3 shown is in Figure 7 The middle character is "GO". Figure 6 The priority order shown is 4-8 and "×" is in Figure 7 The middle part is marked with "×".

[0066] If the transport conditions for the position of the impression platen obtained in S21 are both "GO" or "Any", CPU101 determines that printer 4, as determined in S23, meets the transport conditions (S24: Yes). Therefore, CPU101 determines printer 4 as the transport destination of impression platen 50 (S24: Yes). Next, CPU101 transports impression platen 50 from waiting position 14F toward printer 4 (S25). Impression platen 50 moves from waiting position 14F toward printer 4 via first transport path 14G, third transport path 14H, and fourth transport path 17B. If CPU101 determines "No" based on the judgment in S24, it determines the printer as the object of the second judgment (S26). In S27, CPU101 determines whether to transport impression platen 50 to the printer determined in S26. The judgment in S27 is referred to as the second judgment. The processing of S26 is the same as that in S23. For example, if printer 3 has priority 3, printer 4 has priority 1, and printer 5 has priority 5, CPU 101 will determine printer 3, which has the highest priority after printer 4, as the printer to be judged in the second step (S26). Next, CPU 101 will determine whether printer 3, determined by S26, meets the delivery conditions (S27).

[0067] For example, such as Figure 7 As shown in (A), the conditions under which the CPU 101 can transport the impression plate 50 from the waiting position 14F to the printer 3 are as follows: The impression plate 50 is not present at the waiting position 14F. The impression plate 50 is not present on the first transport path 14G. The impression plate 50 facing the printer 3 is not present on the second transport path 15B. The impression plate 50 is not present on the printer 3, and the impression plate 50 discharged from the printer 3 is not present on the second transport path 15B. Furthermore, whether the third transport path 14H, the fourth transport path 17B (in), the printer 4, the fourth transport path 17B (out), the fifth transport path 14I, the sixth transport path 19B (in), the printer 5, the sixth transport path 19B (out), and the seventh transport path 14J (marked "Any") has an impression plate 50 is irrelevant to the conditions under which the impression plate 50 can be transported from the waiting position 14F to the printer 3, and therefore is not considered a determining factor for transporting the impression plate 50 at the waiting position 14F.

[0068] If the transport conditions for the position of the imprint platen obtained in S21 are all "GO" or "Any", then CPU101 determines that printer 3, determined in S26, meets the transport conditions (S27: Yes). Therefore, CPU101 determines printer 3 as the transport destination of imprint platen 50 (S27: Yes). Next, CPU101 transports imprint platen 50 from waiting position 14F toward printer 3 (S28). Imprint platen 50 is transported from waiting position 14F to printer 3 via first transport path 14G and second transport path 15B. If CPU101 determines "No" in the judgment of S27, it determines the printer as the object of the third judgment (S29). In S30, CPU101 determines whether to transport imprint platen 50 to the printer determined in S29. The judgment in S30 is called the third judgment. The processing of S29 is the same as that of S23 and S26. When printer 3 is priority 3, printer 4 is priority 1, and printer 5 is priority 5, CPU 101 determines printer 5, which has the highest priority after printer 3, as the printer to be judged as the third printer (S29). Next, based on the position of the printing plate obtained in S21, CPU 101 determines whether printer 5, determined in S29, meets the transportation conditions (S30).

[0069] like Figure 7As shown in (C), the conditions under which the CPU 101 can transport the impression plate 50 from the waiting position 14F to the printer 5 are as follows: There is no impression plate 50 at the waiting position 14F. There is no impression plate 50 on the first transport path 14G. The impression plate 50 of the printer 3 towards the second transport path 15B is not considered a determining factor. There is no impression plate 50 after printing has finished on the printer 3. There is no impression plate 50 discharged from the printer 3 on the second transport path 15B. There is no impression plate 50 towards the sixth transport path 19B on the third transport path 14H. The impression plate 50 of the printer 4 towards the fourth transport path 17B is not considered a determining factor. There is no impression plate 50 after printing has finished on the printer 4. The fourth transport path 17B (out) is not considered a determining factor. There is no impression plate 50 towards the sixth transport path 19B on the fifth transport path 14I. There is no impression plate 50 on the sixth transport path 19B (in) and on the printer 5. The sixth transport path 19B (out) and the seventh transport path 14J are not considered as decision factors. It should be noted that when printer 3 is in the process of printing, maintenance, or malfunction, it is marked "GO," therefore CPU 101 can transport the impression platen 50 to printer 5. Similarly, even if there is an impression platen 50 on the third transport path 14H facing the fourth transport path 17B or the seventh transport path 14J, due to the "GO" marking, CPU 101 can still transport the impression platen 50 to printer 5. When printer 4 is in the process of printing, maintenance, or malfunction, it is marked "GO," therefore CPU 101 can transport the impression platen 50 to printer 5. When there is an impression platen 50 on the fifth transport path 14I facing the seventh transport path 14J, it is marked "GO," therefore CPU 101 can transport the impression platen 50 to printer 5.

[0070] If the transport conditions for the position of the impression platen obtained through S21 are all "GO" or "Any", then CPU101 determines that all printers 5 determined through S29 meet the transport conditions (S30: Yes). Therefore, CPU101 determines printer 5 as the transport destination of impression platen 50 (S30: Yes). Next, CPU101 transports impression platen 50 from waiting position 14F toward printer 5 (S31). Impression platen 50 is transported from waiting position 14F to printer 5 via first transport path 14G, third transport path 14H, fifth transport path 14I, and sixth transport path 19B. If CPU101 determines "No" through S30, the process returns to S21. Therefore, CPU101 repeatedly performs the same processes S21 to S30 before determining which printer can be transported. After processing S25, S28, and S31, CPU101 also returns the process to S21, and then determines the transport destination of impression platen 50 that has arrived at waiting position 14F.

[0071] As described above, the CPU 101 of the printing system 1 in this embodiment executes determination steps S24, S27, and S30 to determine which of the multiple printers 3 to 5 the impression plate 50 should be delivered to. Therefore, the delivery destinations of the impression plate 50 are divided among the multiple printers 3 to 5. This avoids the situation where the impression plate 50 is delivered only to a specific printer, thus increasing the number of print jobs within a given period.

[0072] In the judgment steps S24, S27, and S30, CPU101 determines the destination of the printing platen 50 based on the status of multiple printers 3 to 5. Therefore, based on the status of printers 3 to 5, the destination of the printing platen 50 can be separated, and the number of print processing within a certain period increases.

[0073] In the processes of S23, S26, and S29, CPU101 determines the destination of the printing platen 50 by referring to the priority table 104A. The priority table 104A determines the time until printing is completed, the delivery time, and the maintenance time, which are related to the time remaining until printing starts for the printing platen 50 at waiting position 14F. Therefore, the destination of the printing platen 50 is determined based on the time remaining until printing starts. If the printing platen 50 is delivered to a printer with a shorter time remaining until printing starts, the number of print jobs within a certain period increases.

[0074] In the processes of S23, S26, and S29, CPU101 obtains the status of printers 3 to 5, calculates the completion time of printing on the previously transported impression platen 50, and determines the destination of the impression platen 50 based on the printer's time since printing began. Therefore, if the impression platen 50 is transported to a printer with a shorter printing completion time, the number of print runs within a certain period increases.

[0075] In the processes of S23, S26, and S29, CPU101 can determine only one of the printers that shows a printable state as the destination for transporting the impression platen 50, and not determine the printers that do not show a printable state as the destination for transporting the impression platen 50. In this case, the possibility of a decrease in the number of print jobs within a certain period of time due to transporting the impression platen 50 to printers that cannot print is reduced.

[0076] In the process of S21, CPU101 obtains the position of the impression platen 50 previously transported by the impression platen transport mechanism 10. In the determinations of S24, S27, and S30, based on the position of the impression platen 50 obtained in S21, it transports the impression platen 50 to one of the multiple printers 3 to 5. Therefore, it is possible to avoid collisions between the impression plates 50 and reduce the possibility of a decrease in the number of print runs within a certain period of time caused by collisions between the impression plates 50.

[0077] In the judgments of S24, S27, and S30, CPU101 is based on Figure 7 The transport conditions shown in (A) to (C) indicate that the transport path of the previously transported printing platen 50 is identical to that of the subsequently transported printing platen 50. Therefore, the printing platen 50 is transported along the transport path without colliding with the previously transported printing platen 50. "Transport path" refers to the transport path in which the printing platen 50 is transported from the transport start position (i.e., preparation position 100) via the pre-processing device 2 to one of the printers 3 to 5, and then returns to the preparation position 100. This reduces the likelihood of a collision between the previously transported printing platen 50 and the printing platen 50 transported from the waiting position 14F, increasing the number of print runs within a given period.

[0078] In the decision-making steps S24, S27, and S30, the CPU 101 determines the printer to be judged first, second, and third based on the status of multiple printers and by referring to the priority table 104A. That is, the CPU 101 changes the order in which the decision (S24, S27, S30) regarding which printer to deliver the impression platen 50 is made based on the status of multiple printers. Therefore, the CPU 101 can determine whether to deliver the impression platen 50 starting with the printer with the highest probability of being able to perform printing.

[0079] In the above embodiments, the transport control device 1A is an example of the "transport control device" of the present invention. The CPU 101 is an example of the "computer" of the present invention. Steps S24, S27, and S30 are examples of the "determination steps" of the present invention. The printer with the smaller priority number is an example of the "printer with a short printing processing completion time" of the present invention. The printer with priorities of 6 to 8 is an example of the "printer that cannot print due to periodic operation" of the present invention. The printing platen transport mechanism 10 is an example of the "transport unit" of the present invention. The preparation position 100 is an example of the "transport start position" of the present invention.

[0080] This invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and various modifications are possible. In the above-described embodiments, when the CPU 101 determines that the printer in the third determination also does not meet the delivery conditions (30: No), the process returns to S21. However, the CPU 101 may, in determination steps S24, S27, and S30, determine that a printer displaying a printable state does not exist, deliver the impression platen 50 to a printer that cannot print due to periodic operation. This reduces the possibility that the number of print runs will decrease over a certain period of time due to the impression platen 50 not being delivered to the printer.

[0081] CPU101 in Figure 8When the printer that is determined to be able to print does not exist in the determination steps shown (S24: No, S26, S27: No, S29, S30: No), the printer to be determined in the first to third determinations can be determined without using the priority table 104A, as described below. For example, CPU 101 calculates the end time of the associated action related to the printing function of each printer 3 to 5 (S32). Next, CPU 101 can deliver the impression plate 50 to the printer that cannot print at present due to the associated action but has the earliest end time of the associated action (S33). When the end time of the associated actions is the same, CPU 101 can deliver the impression plate 50 to the printer that is closer to the waiting position 14F. When the end time of the associated actions is the same, CPU 101 can deliver the impression plate 50 to the pre-specified printer. Therefore, when the printer that is determined to print does not exist, CPU 101 delivers the impression plate 50 to the printer that is determined to be unable to print due to a periodic action that is associated with the printing function of the printer and whose end time can be calculated. Therefore, the possibility of a decrease in the number of print runs within a certain period is reduced due to the printing platen 50 not being delivered to the printer.

[0082] In the determination of S23, CPU101 can calculate the completion time of printing processing on the previously transported impression platen 50 without using priority table 104A, and determine the printer to be the first decision based on the printer's time since printing started. The printing system 1 of the above embodiment may include a post-processing device in the seventh transport path 14J. The post-processing device is arranged behind printers 3 to 5 and heats the printed fabric P placed on the impression platen 50 at a high temperature. As a result, the ink dries and the fixing of the ink onto the fabric P is improved. The pre-processing device 2 may be only a coating section. The impression platen transport mechanism 10 may be located on the right side of the processing line 202, symmetrically arranged with a right-side processing line that also has three printers, similar to the processing line 202. Alternatively, it may have another set of processing lines 202 and a right-side processing line.

[0083] Non-contact sensors 70-77 can be infrared sensors. Figure 5 The process for obtaining the position of the imprinting plate in the destination determination process shown (S21) can estimate and determine the position based on the transport volume of each imprinting plate 50 without relying on the non-contact sensors 70-77. The priority table 104A is not limited to Figure 6 The situation is as shown. This can be achieved as long as the operator prepares appropriately beforehand. In the processes of S23, S26, and S29, when multiple printers have the same priority, CPU101 may choose the printer with the pre-assigned selection priority instead of the one closest to the waiting position 14F. The transport conditions for delivering the impression platen 50 to each printer 3-5 are not limited to... Figure 7 (A)~(C). The condition is that the previously transported impression platen 50 and the subsequently transported impression platen 50 do not collide. In the decision made in S23, if printers 3 to 5 are all printers displaying a "cannot print" status, the CPU 101 can select the printer with the highest priority from, for example, printers displaying a "cannot print due to periodic operation" status from priority 6 to 8, as the first printer to be determined. The processing in S26 and S29 is the same.

[0084] Figure 5 The destination determination process is executed by CPU 101, but CPUs different from CPU 101 can also be set in transport mechanisms 14, 15, 17, and 19 and determined by these CPUs. The number of printers on processing line 202 is not limited to three; two, four, five, or any other number can be set. If the number of printers increases, the number of print processing operations within a certain period increases. Three determination steps (S24, S27, S30) are set, but they are not necessarily limited to three; one or two steps can be used. The number of determination steps can be the same as the number of printers on processing line 202. If there are five printers, the number of determination steps can also be five. Even if there are five printers, the number of determination steps can be three or four. The determination (S9) of whether fabric P is mounted on the printing platen 50 can be based on the operator placing fabric P on the printing platen 50 and inputting a mounting completion command from the operation unit 110, and the CPU 101 receiving the mounting completion command. In the S23 judgment, CPU101 obtains the status of printer 3 to 5, but it can also obtain the status of printer 3 to 5 in S26 and S29 and use it for processing in S26 and S29.

Claims

1. A transport control device (1A) comprising a computer (101) for controlling a transport unit (10), wherein, The transport unit (10) transports the impression platen (50) from the transport start position (100) of the impression platen (50) to one of a plurality of printers (3-5) via a pre-processing device (2) that pre-processes the recording medium (P) placed on the impression platen. The transport unit includes a first transport mechanism (14) and a plurality of second transport mechanisms (15, 17, 19) branching from the first transport mechanism. Each of the plurality of second transport mechanisms is connected at one end to the first transport mechanism and at the other end to a corresponding printer among the plurality of printers. Any of the plurality of printers configured to transport the impression platen is transported via a second transport mechanism connected to the printer whose destination is determined, and is not transported via a second transport mechanism connected to the printer whose destination is not determined. The computer performs a determination step of deciding which of the plurality of printers to deliver the printing plate.

2. The transport control device according to claim 1, wherein, In the determination step, the computer determines, based on the status of the multiple printers, which of the multiple printers to deliver the printing plate to.

3. The transport control device according to claim 2, wherein, In the determination step, the computer determines which of the plurality of printers, which is in a printable state, to deliver the printing platen.

4. The transport control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The computer determines which of the plurality of printers to deliver the printing plate to based on the position of the printing plate previously delivered by the delivery unit.

5. The transport control device according to claim 4, wherein, In the determination step, the computer determines that the imprinting plate is being transported along the transport path without colliding with the previously transported imprinting plate.

6. The transport control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, In the determination step, the computer changes the order in which it determines which of the printers to deliver the impression platen, based on the status of the multiple printers.

7. A transport control method comprising a computer (101) controlling a transport unit (10) that transports an impression platen (50) to one of a plurality of printers (3-5) via a preprocessing device (2) that preprocesses a recording medium placed on the impression platen from a transport start position (100) of the impression platen to one of the transport start position (100), wherein, The transport unit includes a first transport mechanism (14) and a plurality of second transport mechanisms (15, 17, 19) branching from the first transport mechanism. Each of the plurality of second transport mechanisms is connected at one end to the first transport mechanism and at the other end to a corresponding printer among the plurality of printers. Any of the plurality of printers configured to transport the impression platen is transported via a second transport mechanism connected to the printer whose destination is determined, and is not transported via a second transport mechanism connected to the printer whose destination is not determined. The transport control method includes a determination step of determining which of the plurality of printers to transport the printing platen to.

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