Conveying device, printing device, and conveying control method

Abstract

The present application provides a kind of conveying device, printing device and conveying control method, for solving the problem of the precision of the conveying control of the medium using the driving force applied to the holding part is reduced due to inertia when the inertia of the rotating roll body is increased.The conveying device of the present application comprises: a holding part rotatably holding a roll body wound with a medium; a conveying part conveying the medium pulled out from the roll body; a tension applying part pressing the medium between the holding part and the conveying part to apply tension to the medium; a driving part applying driving force to the tension applying part; a control part controlling the conveying part and the driving part; a detection part detecting the load applied to the conveying part, the control part adjusts the tension applied to the medium by controlling the driving force applied by the driving part, and controls the driving force applied by the driving part based on the load detected by the detection part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a conveying device, a printing device, and a conveying control method. Background Technology

[0002] A conveying device for conveying a medium wound on a roll is known. In the conveying device of Patent Document 1, the roll is held by a holding part that can rotate using a driving force. When conveying the medium, the conveying device detects the tension applied to the medium. Based on the detected tension, the conveying device controls the driving force applied to the holding part.

[0003] However, if the conveying device is enlarged, the diameter of the drum body mounted on the holding section will increase. If the diameter of the drum body increases, the inertia of the drum body during rotation will also increase. This inertia will reduce the accuracy of conveying control of the medium that uses the driving force applied to the holding section.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-33163 Summary of the Invention

[0005] The conveying device disclosed herein includes: a holding section that rotatably holds a roll of medium wound on it; a conveying section that conveys the medium pulled out from the roll; a tension applying section that presses the medium between the holding section and the conveying section to apply tension to the medium; a driving section that applies a driving force to the tension applying section; a control section that controls the conveying section and the driving section; and a detection section that detects the load applied to the conveying section. The control section adjusts the tension applied to the medium by controlling the driving force applied by the driving section, and controls the driving force applied by the driving section based on the load detected by the detection section.

[0006] The conveying apparatus disclosed herein comprises: a conveying section for conveying a medium in a conveying direction; a winding section for winding the medium conveyed by the conveying section; a tension applying section for pressing the medium between the conveying section and the winding section to apply tension to the medium; a driving section for applying a driving force to the tension applying section; a control section for controlling the conveying section and the driving section; and a detection section for detecting a load applied to the conveying section, wherein the control section controls the driving force applied by the driving section based on the load detected by the detection section.

[0007] The printing apparatus disclosed herein includes: a holding section for rotatably holding a roll of media wound on it; a conveying section for conveying the media pulled out from the roll of media; a printing section for printing on the media conveyed by the conveying section; a tension applying section for pressing the media between the holding section and the conveying section to apply tension to the media; a driving section for applying a driving force to the tension applying section; a control section for controlling the conveying section and the driving section; and a detection section for detecting a load applied to the conveying section, wherein the control section controls the driving force applied by the driving section based on the load detected by the detection section.

[0008] The conveying control method disclosed herein includes conveying a medium wound on a roll held by a holding part by a conveying part, applying tension to the medium by pressing the medium through a tension applying part between the holding part and the conveying part, detecting the load applied to the conveying part, and controlling a drive part that applies a driving force to the tension applying part based on the detected load. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a printer.

[0010] Figure 2 A diagram illustrating the structure of the drive supply rod assembly.

[0011] Figure 3 A diagram representing the function blocks of a printer.

[0012] Figure 4 A diagram illustrating the operation of the supply unit during media delivery.

[0013] Figure 5 A diagram showing the position of the supply rod component.

[0014] Figure 6 A diagram showing the position of the supply rod component.

[0015] Figure 7 A diagram showing the position of the supply rod component.

[0016] Figure 8 A diagram illustrating the operation of the supply unit during media delivery.

[0017] Figure 9 This diagram illustrates the operation of the winding unit during media transport. Detailed Implementation

[0018] 1. Structure of Printer 10

[0019] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the structure of printer 10. Printer 10 is an inkjet printer that sprays ink onto a medium M to perform printing. Printer 10 includes: a printing unit 20, a supply unit 30 for feeding out the medium M, and a rewind unit 40. Printer 10 corresponds to an example of a printing apparatus. Medium M corresponds to an example of a medium.

[0020] Including Figure 1 The XYZ coordinate system is shown in some of the accompanying drawings. The X, Y, and Z axes are orthogonal to each other. The X-axis is parallel to the mounting surface of the printer 10 and corresponds to the width of the printer 10. The Y-axis is parallel to the mounting surface of the printer 10 and corresponds to the depth of the printer 10. The Z-axis is perpendicular to the mounting surface of the printer 10 and corresponds to the height of the printer 10.

[0021] From now on, when representing the XYZ coordinate system, the +X direction, parallel to the X-axis, represents the direction from the supply unit 30 toward the take-up unit 40. Figure 1 In this case, the +X direction indicates a direction from the center of the diagram to the left. The -X direction, parallel to the X-axis, indicates a direction from the winding unit 40 towards the supply unit 30. Figure 1 In this case, the -X direction of the X-axis represents the direction from the center of the attached figure to the right. The +Y direction, parallel to the Y-axis, represents the direction from the inside of the printer 10 towards the near front when the take-up unit 40 is positioned on the left side relative to the printing unit 20. Figure 1 In this case, the +Y direction, parallel to the Y-axis, represents the direction towards the near front side of the attached figure. The -Y direction, parallel to the Y-axis, represents the direction from the near front side of the printer 10 towards the inward side when the take-up unit 40 is positioned on the left side relative to the printing unit 20. Figure 1 In this case, the -Y direction, parallel to the Y-axis, indicates a direction towards the inside of the attached diagram. The +Z direction, parallel to the Z-axis, indicates a direction upwards from the setting surface of printer 10. Figure 1 In this case, the +Z direction, parallel to the Z-axis, represents the direction upwards from the center of the attached diagram. The -Z direction, parallel to the Z-axis, represents the direction from above the printer 10 towards the setting surface. Figure 1 In this case, the -Z direction, which is parallel to the Z-axis, represents the direction downwards from the center of the attached figure.

[0022] The printing unit 20 includes: a supply guide frame 21, a pair of conveyor rollers 24 having a first conveyor roller 22 and a second conveyor roller 23, an impression plate 25, a printing head 26, a carriage 27, an discharge guide frame 29, a control unit 50, and a load detection sensor 80.

[0023] The supply guide frame 21 guides the medium M fed from the supply unit 30 to the conveying roller pair 24. The supply guide frame 21 guides the medium M in an inclined direction that intersects the +X and +Z directions. The supply guide frame 21 can be composed of a single component or multiple components.

[0024] The transport roller pair 24 has a first transport roller 22 and a second transport roller 23, and is capable of transporting the medium M. The transport roller pair 24 corresponds to an example of a transport section. The first transport roller 22 is positioned relative to the medium M in the +Z direction. The second transport roller 23 is positioned relative to the medium M in the -Z direction. The first transport roller 22 or the second transport roller 23 is driven to rotate by a driving force from the transport roller drive mechanism 126 described later. The first transport roller 22 and the second transport roller 23 transport the medium M to the print head 26 while holding it by pressing it against each other.

[0025] The impression plate 25 is positioned in the -Z direction relative to the print head 26. The impression plate 25 is a flat plate that supports the medium M being conveyed by the conveyor rollers 24. When a suction fan is provided at the -Z direction position relative to the impression plate 25, through holes are provided on the impression plate 25 to allow airflow. The medium M is drawn onto the impression plate 25 by the airflow from the suction fan.

[0026] The print head 26 is capable of ejecting ink onto the medium M supported by the impression plate 25 to perform printing. The print head 26 is an inkjet head. By ejecting ink, the print head 26 forms an image on the medium M. The print head 26 corresponds to an example of a printing unit.

[0027] The carriage 27 supports the print head 26. The carriage 27 moves along an axis parallel to the Y-axis. As the carriage 27 moves along the axis parallel to the Y-axis on the medium M, the print head 26 forms an image on the medium M by ejecting ink onto the medium M.

[0028] The discharge guide frame 29 guides the printed medium M, which has been printed by the print head 26, towards the take-up unit 40. The discharge guide frame 29 guides the medium M in an inclined direction that intersects the +X and -Z directions. The discharge guide frame 29 can be composed of a single component or multiple components.

[0029] A drying unit (not shown) may also be provided at a position opposite to the discharge guide frame 29. This drying unit may include, for example, a heater as a heat source. The drying unit heats the medium M on the discharge guide frame 29, thereby causing the ejected ink to fix onto the medium M.

[0030] The control unit 50 performs various controls, such as transport control of the medium M and printing control of the medium M. The control unit 50 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and other memory (not shown). The control unit 50 acquires detection results from various sensors and performs various controls. The control unit 50 can also acquire printing data and perform various controls based on the acquired printing data. The control unit 50 can also be composed of one or more units. The control unit 50 corresponds to an example of a control unit.

[0031] The load detection sensor 80 detects the load applied to the opposite conveyor roller pair 24. Figure 1 The load detection sensor 80 shown detects the transport current I when the transport rollers 24 transport the medium M. The detection data detected by the load detection sensor 80 is sent to the control unit 50. The load detection sensor 80 corresponds to one example of a detection unit. The load detection sensor 80 is not limited to a device that measures the transport current I. For example, it can also be a tension measuring device that measures the tension of the medium M transported from the supply unit 30 to the printing unit 20.

[0032] The supply unit 30 includes: a media reel support shaft 31, a media reel drive mechanism 32, a supply guide member 33, a supply rod member 34, a supply rod support member 35, and a supply rod drive mechanism 36. In the supply unit 30, a media reel 60 for winding media M into a reel shape is supplied. The media reel 60 corresponds to an example of a reel body.

[0033] The media reel support shaft 31 supports the media reel 60. The media reel support shaft 31 is rotatably supported on a frame (not shown) located at the +Y and -Y direction ends of the supply unit 30. Rotation of the media reel support shaft 31 causes the media reel 60 to rotate. Rotation of the media reel 60 causes the media M to be unwound. The media reel support shaft 31 corresponds to one example of a holding section.

[0034] The media reel drive mechanism 32 rotates the media reel support shaft 31 under the control of the control unit 50. The media reel drive mechanism 32 includes a drive source such as a motor (not shown), a transmission mechanism for transmitting the driving force from the drive source, and a control circuit that operates the drive source based on signals from the control unit 50.

[0035] The supply guide member 33 guides the medium M being unwound from the medium reel 60. The supply guide member 33 guides the medium M in an inclined direction intersecting the +X and -Z directions. The supply guide member 33 is, as an example, a reel component. The reel component can be supported in a rotatable or non-rotatable manner. To improve the slippage of the medium M, it is preferable that the reel component is supported in a rotatable manner.

[0036] The supply rod component 34 is supported by the supply rod support component 35. The supply rod component 34 winds the medium M guided by the supply guide component 33, thereby applying tension to the medium M. The supply rod component 34 is disposed between the medium reel support shaft 31 and the conveying roller pair 24 in the conveying path in which the medium M is conveyed. The supply rod component 34 contacts the medium M directly or via a cover component (not shown). The cover component is, for example, a friction component for applying a predetermined frictional force to the medium M. That is, the supply rod component 34 can contact the medium M directly or indirectly. The supply rod component 34 guides the medium M to the conveying roller pair 24 via the supply guide frame 21. The supply rod component 34 guides the medium M in a generally +Z direction. When the supply rod drive mechanism 36, described later, is not in operation, the supply rod component 34 applies tension to the medium M by its own weight. Although the supply rod component 34 can be shaped as long as it can apply tension to the medium M, its shape is preferably a cylinder or column extending in the direction along the Y-axis. The supply rod component 34 is an extruded component made of metal materials such as aluminum or SUS, or a tubular component made of metal materials such as aluminum or SUS. The supply rod component 34 corresponds to an example of a tension rod.

[0037] The supply rod support member 35 is disposed relative to the supply rod member 34 at positions in the +Y and -Y directions, clamping the supply rod member 34. The supply rod support member 35 supports the supply rod member 34 in a movable manner. The supply rod member 34 and the supply rod support member 35 correspond to an example of a tension application section.

[0038] The supply rod drive mechanism 36, based on the control unit 50, applies a driving force to the supply rod support member 35. The supply rod drive mechanism 36 has a supply rod drive source that generates the driving force described later. When the driving force is applied, the supply rod support member 35 and the supply rod member 34 supported by the supply rod support member 35 oscillate as the medium M is conveyed. Figure 1In this case, the supply rod drive mechanism 36 oscillates the supply rod support member 35 and the supply rod member 34 supported by the supply rod support member 35 around an imaginary supply rod swing axis (not shown). That is, the supply rod drive mechanism 36 can adjust the force applied by the supply rod member 34 to the medium M. The supply rod swing axis is not aligned with the rotation axis (not shown) of the medium reel support shaft 31. The supply rod swing axis may also be aligned with the rotation axis of the medium reel support shaft 31. The supply rod drive mechanism 36 adjusts the tension applied to the medium M along with the swing of the supply rod member 34 by adjusting the driving force provided to the supply rod support member 35. The supply rod drive mechanism 36 adjusts the tension acting on the medium M from the medium reel 60 to the conveying roller pair 24. The supply rod drive mechanism 36 corresponds to an example of a drive unit. Although Figure 1 The supply rod drive mechanism 36 shown causes the supply rod support member 35 and the supply rod member 34 to swing, but it is not limited to this. The supply rod drive mechanism 36 can also cause the supply rod support member 35 and the supply rod member 34 to move in parallel along an axis parallel to the Z-axis. The track of the supply rod support member 35 and the supply rod member 34 when moving in parallel is not limited to an axis parallel to the Z-axis, and can be appropriately changed according to the path of the medium M.

[0039] Furthermore, although the supply rod component 34 applies tension to the medium M by winding it around the medium M, it is not limited to this. For example, tension can also be applied to the medium M by pressing it with line contact or point contact.

[0040] Figure 2 An example of the structure of the drive supply rod component 34 is shown. Figure 2 An example of a feed rod assembly 34, a feed rod support assembly 35, and a feed rod drive mechanism 36 is shown. The feed rod assembly 34 has a feed rod shaft 34A.

[0041] The supply rod shaft 34A extends from one end of the supply rod component 34 to the other end along an axis parallel to the Y-axis. The supply rod shaft 34A is supported by at least one supply rod support member 35. The supply rod shaft 34A forms part of the tension rod. The at least one supply rod support member 35 includes a first support member 35A and a second support member 35B. The first support member 35A supports the supply rod shaft 34A located at one end of the supply rod component 34. The second support member 35B supports the supply rod shaft 34A located at the other end of the supply rod component 34. The first support member 35A and the second support member 35B support the supply rod component 34 by supporting the supply rod shaft 34A. The first support member 35A and the second support member 35B may also support the supply rod shaft 34A via bearings (not shown). The first support member 35A and the second support member 35B support the supply rod shaft 34A via bearings, thereby allowing the supply rod member 34 to be rotatably supported by the supply rod support member 35. The supply rod support member 35 may also support the supply rod member 34 in a non-rotatable manner. The first support member 35A corresponds to an example of the first arm. The second support member 35B corresponds to an example of the second arm. Alternatively, the supply rod shaft 34A may be omitted.

[0042] The feed rod drive mechanism 36 has a feed rod drive source. Figure 2In this design, the supply rod drive source includes a first supply rod drive source 36A and a second supply rod drive source 36B. The first supply rod drive source 36A and the second supply rod drive source 36B are, for example, motors. Supply rod drive current is applied to the first supply rod drive source 36A and the second supply rod drive source 36B under the control of the controller 150 described later. The first supply rod drive source 36A and the second supply rod drive source 36B generate driving force by the applied supply rod drive current. Furthermore, the supply rod drive mechanism 36 includes a first drive shaft 36C and a second drive shaft 36D. The first drive shaft 36C is connected to the first supply rod drive source 36A and a first support member 35A. The first drive shaft 36C transmits the driving force generated by the first supply rod drive source 36A to the first support member 35A. The first support member 35A rotates about the first drive shaft 36C by the transmitted driving force. The second drive shaft 36D is connected to the second supply rod drive source 36B and the second support member 35B. The second drive shaft 36D transmits the driving force generated by the second supply rod drive source 36B to the second support member 35B. The second support member 35B rotates about the second drive shaft 36D by the transmitted driving force. The first supply rod drive source 36A and the second supply rod drive source 36B correspond to an example of a drive unit and a second drive unit, respectively. Furthermore, the driving force generated by the second supply rod drive source 36B corresponds to an example of a second driving force.

[0043] The supply lever drive mechanism 36 may also be composed of only one of the first supply lever drive source 36A and the second supply lever drive source 36B. However, it is preferable that the supply lever drive mechanism 36 is composed of both the first supply lever drive source 36A and the second supply lever drive source 36B. When the supply lever drive mechanism 36 includes both the first supply lever drive source 36A and the second supply lever drive source 36B, the controller 150 controls both the first supply lever drive source 36A and the second supply lever drive source 36B. Specifically, the controller 150 controls the first supply lever drive source 36A and the second supply lever drive source 36B in such a way that the driving force from the second supply lever drive source 36B becomes equal to the driving force from the first supply lever drive source 36A.

[0044] As described above, the conveying device includes a first supply rod drive source 36A that applies a driving force to the first support member 35A, and a second supply rod drive source 36B that applies a driving force to the second support member 35B. The supply rod support member 35 includes a supply rod member 34 for winding the medium M, a first support member 35A that supports one end of the supply rod member 34, and a second support member 35B that supports the other end of the supply rod member 34. The control unit 50 controls the first supply rod drive source 36A and the second supply rod drive source 36B so that the driving force applied by the second supply rod drive source 36B is equal to the driving force applied by the first supply rod drive source 36A.

[0045] When conveying a medium M with a relatively wide width, the conveying device can suppress tilting or meandering during conveying. For example, the conveying device can suppress tilting or meandering caused by the torsion of the second support member 35B relative to the first support member 35A.

[0046] The winding unit 40 includes: a winding component 41, a winding component drive mechanism 42, a guide rod component 43, a winding guide component 44, a guide rod support component 46, and a guide rod drive mechanism 49. The winding unit 40 winds up the medium M that has been printed by the printing unit 20.

[0047] The winding member 41 is capable of winding the printed medium M onto the roll core 71. The roll core 71 is disposed on the winding member 41 and winds the medium M. The winding member 41 is disposed downstream of the conveying roller pair 24 in the conveying direction of the medium M. The winding member 41 is capable of rotating about a winding member rotation axis (not shown). The winding member 41 supports the printing medium roll 70 on which the printed medium M, which has been printed by the printing unit 20, is wound. Figure 1 The printing media roll 70 shows a hypothetical state with the media M wound up. The winding member 41 is rotatably supported by frames (not shown) disposed at the +Y direction end and the -Y direction end of the winding unit 40. The winding member 41 corresponds to an example of the winding section.

[0048] The winding member drive mechanism 42 rotates the winding member 41 under the control of the control unit 50. The winding member drive mechanism 42 includes a drive source (not shown), such as a motor, a transmission mechanism for transmitting the driving force from the drive source, and a control circuit that operates the drive source based on signals from the control unit 50. By rotating the winding member 41, the winding member drive mechanism 42 causes the winding member 41 to wind up the medium M, thereby forming a printing medium roll 70. By winding up the medium M, the roll diameter of the printing medium roll 70 is increased. Roll diameter refers to the diameter.

[0049] The guide rod component 43 is wound around the printed surface of the medium M, which has been printed by the print head 26. The guide rod component 43 is positioned between the transport roller pair 24 and the take-up component 41 within the transport path in which the medium M is transported. The guide rod component 43 contacts the printed surface directly or via a cover component (not shown). The cover component is, for example, a friction component used to provide a predetermined frictional force to the medium M. That is, the guide rod component 43 can contact the printed surface directly or indirectly. The guide rod component 43 applies tension to the medium M. While the shape of the guide rod component 43 is not important as long as it can apply tension to the medium M, it is preferably a cylinder or column extending in the direction along the Y-axis. The guide rod component 43 may be an extruded component made of a metal such as aluminum or SUS, or a tubular component made of a metal such as aluminum or SUS. The guide rod component 43 corresponds to an example of a tension rod.

[0050] The guide rod support member 46 is positioned relative to the guide rod member 43 in both the +Y and -Y directions, clamping it in place. The guide rod support member 46 supports the guide rod member 43 in a movable manner. The guide rod member 43 and the guide rod support member 46 correspond to an example of a tension application section.

[0051] The guide rod drive mechanism 49, based on the control unit 50, applies a driving force to the guide rod support member 46. The guide rod drive mechanism 49 has a guide rod drive source (not shown) that generates the driving force. When the driving force is applied, the guide rod support member 46 and the guide rod member 43 supported by the guide rod support member 46 oscillate as the medium M is conveyed. Figure 1 In this case, the guide rod drive mechanism 49 oscillates the guide rod support member 46 and the guide rod member 43 supported by the guide rod support member 46 around an imaginary guide rod swing axis (not shown). That is, the guide rod drive mechanism 49 can adjust the force applied to the medium M by the guide rod member 43. The guide rod swing axis is not aligned with the rotation axis (not shown) of the winding member 41. The guide rod swing axis may also be aligned with the rotation axis of the winding member 41. The guide rod drive mechanism 49 adjusts the tension applied to the medium M as the guide rod member 43 oscillates by adjusting the driving force provided to the guide rod support member 46. The guide rod drive mechanism 49 adjusts the tension acting on the portion of the medium M from the conveyor roller pair 24 to the printing medium roll 70. The guide rod drive mechanism 49 corresponds to an example of a drive unit. Although Figure 1The guide rod drive mechanism 49 shown causes the guide rod support member 46 and the guide rod member 43 to swing, but is not limited thereto. The guide rod drive mechanism 49 can also cause the guide rod support member 46 and the guide rod member 43 to move in parallel along an axis parallel to the Z-axis. The track of the guide rod support member 46 and the guide rod member 43 during parallel movement is not limited to an axis parallel to the Z-axis, and can be appropriately modified according to the path of the medium M.

[0052] The printer 10 transports media M unwound from a media roll 60 supported by a media roll support shaft 31 along the following transport path. The media M unwound from the media roll 60 is transported to the printing unit 20 via a supply guide member 33 and a supply rod member 34. The printing unit 20 uses a supply guide frame 21, a transport roller pair 24, an impression plate 25, and an exit guide frame 29 to transport the media M to the take-up unit 40. The take-up unit 40 takes the media M, which has passed through the guide rod member 43 and the take-up guide member 44, onto a printing media roll 70 supported by the take-up member 41. The device including the media roll support shaft 31, the supply rod member 34, the supply rod support member 35, the supply rod drive mechanism 36, and the transport roller pair 24 corresponds to one example of a transport device. Furthermore, the device including the transport roller pair 24, the guide rod member 43, the guide rod support member 46, the guide rod drive mechanism 49, and the take-up member 41 corresponds to one example of a transport device.

[0053] Figure 3 The function blocks of printer 10 are shown. Figure 3 The functional units involved in the drive control of the printer 10 are shown.

[0054] The printing unit 20 includes a control panel 122, a printhead drive mechanism 124, a transport roller drive mechanism 126, and a load detection sensor 80. The control panel 122 receives input from the user. The control panel 122 corresponds to one example of a receiving unit. The user uses the control panel 122 to input various settings related to printing. These settings include, for example, the size of the medium M, the type of medium M, the thickness of the medium M, the printing resolution, and the printing mode. The size of the medium M, the type of medium M, and the thickness of the medium M are examples of media types. The function unit for receiving input from the user is not limited to the control panel 122. A communication interface that receives data from an external device such as a computer can also be a function unit for receiving input from the user. The user sends the printing-related settings input to the external device to the printer 10. The printer 10 receives the printing-related settings through the communication interface.

[0055] The printhead drive mechanism 124 controls the printhead 26 and the carriage 27. Under the control of the control unit 50, the printhead drive mechanism 124 causes the printhead 26 to eject ink. Under the control of the control unit 50, the printhead drive mechanism 124 also causes the carriage 27 to move.

[0056] The conveyor roller drive mechanism 126 actuates the conveyor roller pair 24. The conveyor roller drive mechanism 126 drives at least one of the first conveyor roller 22 and the second conveyor roller 23 under the control of the control unit 50. The conveyor roller drive mechanism 126 causes the conveyor roller pair 24 to perform intermittent conveying, alternating between conveying and stopping actions. The conveying action is the action of conveying a predetermined amount of medium M through the conveyor roller pair 24. This conveying action corresponds to an example of a medium conveying action. The stopping action is the action of stopping the conveying of medium M by stopping the conveyor roller pair 24. This stopping action corresponds to an example of a medium stopping action.

[0057] The supply unit 30 includes a media reel drive mechanism 32, a supply rod drive mechanism 36, and a supply rod detection mechanism 132. The supply rod detection mechanism 132 detects the position of the supply rod component 34. Figure 1 As shown, when the supply rod support member 35, which supports the supply rod member 34, swings around the supply rod support axis, the supply rod detection mechanism 132 detects the swing angle of the supply rod support member 35. By detecting the swing angle of the supply rod support member 35, the supply rod detection mechanism 132 can calculate the position of the supply rod member 34. The supply rod detection mechanism 132 is not limited to a mechanism that detects the swing angle of the supply rod support member 35. For example, the supply rod detection mechanism 132 could also be a sensor that directly detects the position of the supply rod member 34.

[0058] The winding unit 40 includes: a winding component drive mechanism 42, a winding amount detection mechanism 142, a guide rod drive mechanism 49, and a guide rod detection mechanism 144.

[0059] The winding amount detection mechanism 142 detects the winding amount of the medium M wound onto the roll core 71. The winding amount of the medium M is related to the roll diameter of the printing medium roll 70. As an example, the winding amount detection mechanism 142 is a sensor that detects the roll diameter of the printing medium roll 70. The winding amount detection mechanism 142 can also calculate the winding amount of the medium M based on the cumulative value of the length of the medium M conveyed by the conveyor roller pair 24 and the rotation angle of the printing medium roll 70. The rotation angle of the printing medium roll 70 can also be detected by, for example, a rotary encoder (not shown). The winding amount detected by the winding amount detection mechanism 142 is sent to the control unit 50. The control unit 50 controls the guide rod drive mechanism 49 based on the received winding amount, thereby adjusting the tension applied to the medium M between the conveyor roller pair 24 and the winding member 41.

[0060] The guide rod detection mechanism 144 detects the position of the guide rod component 43. For example... Figure 1 As shown, when the guide rod support member 46, which supports the guide rod member 43, swings around the guide rod swing axis, the guide rod detection mechanism 144 detects the swing angle of the guide rod support member 46. By detecting the swing angle of the guide rod support member 46, the guide rod detection mechanism 144 can calculate the position of the guide rod member 43. The guide rod detection mechanism 144 is not limited to a mechanism that detects the swing angle of the guide rod support member 46. The guide rod detection mechanism 144 can also be, for example, a sensor that directly detects the position of the guide rod member 43.

[0061] The control unit 50 includes a controller 150, a memory 152, and an interface 154. The controller 150 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a processor. The controller 150 controls the driving of the printhead drive mechanism 124, the conveyor roller drive mechanism 126, the media roll drive mechanism 32, the take-up component drive mechanism 42, and the guide rod drive mechanism 49. The controller 150 outputs signals to control the drives. The controller 150 implements control based on various information sent from the load detection sensor 80, the feed rod detection mechanism 132, the take-up amount detection mechanism 142, and the guide rod detection mechanism 144.

[0062] The memory 152 includes semiconductor memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) or RAM (Random Access Memory), and memory such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The memory 152 stores various programs that operate in the controller 150. The memory 152 also stores information sent from various detection mechanisms.

[0063] Interface 154 is connected to various drive mechanisms and detection mechanisms. Interface 154 sends control signals from controller 150 to the drive mechanism that is being controlled. Interface 154 also sends information from various detection mechanisms to controller 150.

[0064] 2. Supply and transport control of medium M

[0065] First Implementation Method

[0066] Figure 4 The operation of the first embodiment of the printer 10 when conveying the medium M is shown. Figure 4 The time-varying variations in conveying speed, conveying current, feed rod drive current, feed rod position, and drum circumferential speed are shown. Figure 4 In the text, the supply rod component 34 is designated as SB.

[0067] The conveying speed V is the moving speed of medium M when the conveying roller is conveying medium M to medium M. Figure 4 The conveying speed of medium M when it is in a stopped state is represented as 0. Figure 4 The conveying speed of the 24 pairs of conveying rollers conveying medium M from the supply unit 30 to the winding unit 40 along the conveying path is denoted as +V.

[0068] The transport current is the current applied to the drive source included in the transport roller drive mechanism 126 when the transport roller pair 24 transports the medium M. The transport current is detected by the load detection sensor 80. The transport current represents the transport load applied to the transport roller pair 24 when the printer 10 transports the medium M at the desired transport speed. The transport load applied to the transport roller pair 24 corresponds to an example of the load applied to the transport section. Figure 4 In this context, the conveying current when the conveying rollers are conveying medium M is represented as +I.

[0069] Figure 4The target current Im is shown. The target current Im is the target value of the conveying current applied to the drive source included in the conveying roller drive mechanism 126 when the conveying roller pair 24 conveys the medium M. The target current Im is predetermined for each type of medium M, including its size, type, and thickness, and is stored in the memory 152. The controller 150 receives the conveying current detected by the load detection sensor 80. The controller 150 compares the received conveying current with the target current Im stored in the memory 152. If the received conveying current is greater than the target current Im, the controller 150 determines that the load applied to the conveying roller pair 24 due to the tension of the medium M is too large. If the received conveying current is less than the target current Im, the controller 150 determines that the load applied to the conveying roller pair 24 due to the tension of the medium M is too small.

[0070] The supply rod drive current is the current applied to the drive source included in the supply rod drive mechanism 36 when the supply rod component 34 applies tension to the medium M. Figure 4 In this context, the supply rod drive current applied to the supply rod drive source (described later) included in the supply rod drive mechanism 36 when the supply rod component 34 increases the tension applied to the medium M is denoted as +It. Figure 4 In this embodiment, the supply rod drive current applied to the supply rod drive source when the tension applied to the medium M by the supply rod component 34 is reduced is denoted as -It. The supply rod drive mechanism 36 adjusts the tension applied to the medium M by the supply rod component 34 by driving the supply rod support component 35. In this embodiment, in order to compensate for the excessive applied force, i.e., tension, caused by the weight of the supply rod component 34, the applied supply rod drive current is a negative current. That is, the controller 150 can control the applied force applied to the medium M by the supply rod component 34 by adjusting the supply rod drive current It. In addition, when the mass of the supply rod component 34 is relatively light, the applied supply rod drive current can also be a positive current.

[0071] The supply rod position indicates the position of the supply rod component 34. The supply rod component 34 moves in the +Z and -Z directions via the swinging of the supply rod support component 35. Figure 4 In this embodiment, the position of the supply rod member 34 when the supply rod support member 35 is located at the swing center is denoted as the swing center position P0. In this embodiment, when the supply rod support member 35 is in an orientation along an axis parallel to the X-axis, the supply rod member 34 is located at the swing center position P0. Figure 4 In this context, when the supply rod component 34 is located in the +Z direction compared to the swing center position P0, it is denoted as the +Z position. Figure 4In this context, when the supply rod component 34 is located in the -Z direction compared to the swing center position P0, it is denoted as the -Z position.

[0072] The circumferential speed of the media reel 60 represents the circumferential speed of the media reel 60. The media reel drive mechanism 32 adjusts the circumferential speed of the media reel 60 according to the control of the controller 150. The circumferential speed of the media reel 60 is related to the amount of media M being unwound from the media reel 60. The amount of media M being unwound from the media reel 60 is related to the tension of the media M between the media reel 60 and the conveying roller pair 24. Figure 4 In this process, the predefined circumferential speed is represented as the reference circumferential speed Vr0. The reference circumferential speed Vr0 is pre-stored in memory 152. Figure 4 In this context, the circumferential velocity that is faster than the reference circumferential velocity Vr0 is denoted as +Vr. Figure 4 In this context, the circumferential velocity that is slower than the reference circumferential velocity Vr0 is represented as -Vr.

[0073] At time t0, the controller 150 controls the conveyor roller drive mechanism 126, thereby driving the conveyor roller pair 24. The conveyor roller drive mechanism 126 applies a conveying current to the drive source contained within it, to achieve a target conveying speed V1 for the medium M conveyed by the conveyor roller pair 24. Figure 4 In the middle, the conveyor roller drive mechanism 126 applies a conveying current I1 to the drive source.

[0074] The load sensing sensor 80 detects the current I1 applied to the drive source. The controller 150 receives the current I1 detected by the load sensing sensor 80.

[0075] At time t0, the controller 150 controls the print head drive mechanism 124, thereby causing the print head 26 to perform printing. The print head drive mechanism 124 drives the print head 26 and the carriage 27, thereby performing printing.

[0076] Furthermore, at time t0, the controller 150 adjusts the tension applied to the medium M by the supply rod component 34 by controlling the supply rod drive mechanism 36. Figure 4 In this process, controller 150 applies a supply rod drive current It1 to the supply rod drive source included in the supply rod drive mechanism 36. For example, by implementing feedback control based on the deviation between the target current Im and the actual delivery current during the delivery action prior to time t0, the supply rod drive current It1 is applied to the supply rod drive source in a manner that provides a force to the medium M to bring the delivery current closer to the target current Im. Figure 4The graphs related to the conveying action before time t0 are omitted. The supply rod drive source will be described later. The supply rod drive mechanism 36 reduces the tension applied to the medium M by the supply rod component 34 by applying a supply rod drive current It1.

[0077] Alternatively, an eccentric profile curve can be created by pre-measuring the eccentricity of the roll body, based on the shape of the eccentricity. Feedforward control is then implemented based on this eccentric profile curve, thereby applying a supply rod drive current It to the supply rod drive source in a manner that provides a force to the medium M to bring the transport current close to the target current Im. In this case, the eccentric profile curve is created based on the shift in the transport current applied to the drive source included in the transport roller drive mechanism 126 relative to the rotation angle of the roll body, with the drive force from the medium roll drive mechanism 32 set to a fixed state and the amount of medium M unwound from the medium roll 60 in each transport operation set to a fixed state.

[0078] Figure 5 The position of the supply rod component 34 at time t0 is shown in summary. Figure 5 A horizontal line HL, parallel to the X-axis, is shown passing through the swing axis of the supply rod (not shown). In this embodiment, the supply rod support member 35 is aligned with the horizontal line HL when it is located at the swing center.

[0079] At time t0, the supply rod support component 35 swings around the supply rod swing axis by an angle θ-α. The supply rod component 34 is located at the lower limit position Pm. The circumferential speed of the media roll 60 is rotating at the lower limit circumferential speed Vr2. Since the conveyor roller pair 24 has not been conveying the media M before time t0, the controller 150 controls the media roll drive mechanism 32 to reduce the circumferential speed of the media roll 60. The amount of media M unwound from the media roll 60 rotating at the lower limit circumferential speed Vr2 is less than the amount of media M conveyed by the printer 10 during printing.

[0080] After the conveying roller drive mechanism 126 applies a conveying current I1 to the drive source, the conveying speed of the medium M increases to the target conveying speed V1. After reaching the target conveying speed V1, the conveying roller pair 24 continues to convey the medium M at the target conveying speed V1.

[0081] After the conveying roller pair 24 begins conveying the medium M, the position of the supply rod component 34 moves in the +Z direction. The medium M is conveyed by the conveying roller pair 24, causing the supply rod component 34 to move in the +Z direction. At this time, the supply rod component 34, driven by the supply rod drive mechanism 36, reduces the tension applied to the medium M.

[0082] At time t1, the supply rod support member 35 is located at the swing center. At time t1, the controller 150 continues to apply the supply current I1 to the drive source included in the supply roller drive mechanism 126. The controller 150 also continues to apply the supply rod drive current It1 to the supply rod drive source included in the supply rod drive mechanism 36. Figure 6 The position of the supply rod component 34 at time t1 is shown in summary.

[0083] At time t1, the supply rod support member 35 is positioned along the horizontal line HL. The swing angle of the supply rod support member 35 is 0°. The supply rod member 34 is located at the center position P0. The controller 150 controls the circumferential speed of the medium reel 60 based on the position of the supply rod member 34. From time t0 to time t1, the medium M passes through the medium, causing the position of the supply rod member 34 to rise from the lower limit position Pm to the center position P0. When the position of the supply rod member 34 moves in the +Z direction, the controller 150 controls the supply rod drive mechanism 36, thereby increasing the circumferential speed of the medium reel 60. At time t1, the circumferential speed of the medium reel 60 becomes the reference circumferential speed Vr0.

[0084] At time t2, controller 150 stops the application of conveying current I1 to the drive source included in conveying roller drive mechanism 126. At this time, controller 150 also stops the application of supply rod drive current It1 to the supply rod drive source included in supply rod drive mechanism 36. Figure 7 The position of the supply rod component 34 at time t2 is shown in summary.

[0085] At time t2, the supply rod support component 35 swings around the supply rod swing axis by an angle θ+α. The supply rod component 34 is located at the upper limit position P+m. From time t0 to time t2, the conveying roller pair 24 continues to convey the medium M, thereby reducing the amount of medium M in the conveying path from the medium drum 60 to the conveying roller pair 24. Due to the reduction in the amount of medium M in the conveying path, the supply rod component 34 moves in the +Z direction. Due to the movement of the supply rod component 34 in the +Z direction, the conveying path of medium M from the medium drum 60 to the conveying roller pair 24 becomes shorter. The controller 150 controls the medium drum drive mechanism 32 to increase the drum circumferential speed of the medium drum 60 during the period from time t0 to time t2. Specifically, the controller 150 controls the media reel drive mechanism 32 such that the circumferential speed of the media reel 60 is the lower limit circumferential speed Vr2 at time t0 and the upper limit circumferential speed Vr1 at time t2. By increasing the circumferential speed of the media reel 60, the controller 150 suppresses the supply rod component 34 from moving in the +Z direction beyond the upper limit position P+m.

[0086] At time t2, controller 150 stops the application of the supply rod drive current It1 to the supply rod drive source included in the supply rod drive mechanism 36. By stopping the application of the supply rod drive current It1, controller 150 increases the tension applied to the medium M by the supply rod component 34. By stopping the application of the supply rod drive current It1, the supply rod component 34 applies tension to the medium M by its own weight.

[0087] At time t2, the controller 150 controls the print head drive mechanism 124, thereby stopping the printing performed by the print head 26. The print head drive mechanism 124 drives the carriage 27, thereby moving the print head 26 toward a maintenance unit (not shown).

[0088] During the period from time t2 to time t4, the conveying roller pair 24 stops conveying the medium M. On the other hand, the controller 150 controls the medium drum drive mechanism 32 to continue rotating the medium drum 60. By continuing to rotate, the medium drum 60 unwinds the medium M onto the conveying path. By unwinding the medium M onto the conveying path, the amount of medium M on the conveying path within the interval from the medium drum 60 to the conveying roller pair 24 increases. This increase in the amount of medium M causes the position of the supply rod member 34 to move in the -Z direction.

[0089] At time t3, the supply rod component 34 is located at Figure 6The center position P0 is shown. The controller 150 controls the circumferential speed of the medium reel 60 to a reference circumferential speed Vr0 based on the position of the supply rod component 34.

[0090] During the period from time t2 to time t4, controller 150 controls the media drum drive mechanism 32, thereby reducing the circumferential speed of the media drum 60. Specifically, controller 150 controls the media drum drive mechanism 32 such that the circumferential speed of the media drum 60 is the upper limit circumferential speed Vr1 at time t2 and the lower limit circumferential speed Vr2 at time t4. By reducing the circumferential speed of the drum, controller 150 reduces the supply amount of media M being unwound along the conveying path from the media drum 60 to the conveying roller pair 24. By reducing the supply amount of media M, it is possible to suppress the situation where the supply rod member 34 moves in the -Z direction beyond the lower limit position Pm.

[0091] During the period from time t2 to time t4, controller 150 calculates the supply rod drive current. Controller 150 calculates the supply rod drive current based on the delivery current detected by load detection sensor 80, i.e., the actual delivery current, and the target current Im stored in memory 152. For example, by implementing feedback control based on the deviation between the target current Im and the actual delivery current during the period from time t2 to time t4, controller 150 calculates a value for the supply rod drive current that provides a force to the medium M to make the subsequent delivery operation, i.e., the delivery current from time t4 to time t6, approach the target current Im. The supply rod drive current calculated during the period from time t2 to time t4 is the supply rod drive current It2, described later.

[0092] Furthermore, the supply rod drive current can be calculated at any time during the period from time t0 to time t2. For example, the detection of the supply current performed by the load detection sensor 80 can end at time t1, and the supply rod drive current can be calculated during the period from time t1 to time t2.

[0093] For example, when the detected conveying current is greater than the target current Im, the controller 150 determines that the load applied to the conveying roller pair 24 is greater than the expected situation. When the controller 150 determines that the load is greater than the expected situation, it reduces the supply rod drive current. By reducing the supply rod drive current, the tension applied to the medium M by the supply rod component 34 is reduced. By reducing the tension applied to the medium M, the load applied to the conveying roller pair 24 is reduced.

[0094] When the detected conveying current is less than the target current Im, the controller 150 determines that the load applied to the conveying roller pair 24 is less than the expected value. When the controller 150 determines that the load is less than the expected value, it increases the supply rod drive current. By increasing the supply rod drive current, the tension applied to the medium M by the supply rod component 34 is increased. By increasing the tension applied to the medium M, the load applied to the conveying roller pair 24 is increased.

[0095] The controller 150 can also adjust the supply rod drive current for each type of medium M, such as its size, type, and thickness. For example, the controller 150 reduces the supply rod drive current when the medium M is thin paper compared to when it is standard paper. When the supply rod drive current decreases, the driving force generated in the supply rod drive source included in the supply rod drive mechanism 36 decreases. When the driving force decreases, the tension applied to the medium M by the supply rod component 34 decreases, making the medium M less prone to breakage.

[0096] The conveying device includes a control panel 122 that accepts input related to the type of medium M. The control unit 50 corrects the driving force generated by the supply rod drive mechanism 36 based on the type of medium M received through the control panel 122.

[0097] The conveying device can suppress the decrease in conveying accuracy caused by the type of medium M. This improves the medium compatibility of the conveying device.

[0098] At time t4, controller 150 controls conveyor roller drive mechanism 126, thereby driving conveyor roller pair 24. Conveyor roller drive mechanism 126 applies a conveying current to the drive source included in conveyor roller drive mechanism 126, causing the conveying speed of medium M achieved by conveyor roller pair 24 to reach the target conveying speed V1. Furthermore, controller 150 applies supply rod drive current It2 to the supply rod drive source included in supply rod drive mechanism 36. Supply rod drive current It2 is a smaller value compared to supply rod drive current It1.

[0099] After the delivery current and the supply rod drive current are applied, the load detection sensor 80 detects the delivery current. Figure 4 In this process, the applied conveying current is consistent with the target current Im. The controller 150 reduces the load applied to the conveying roller pair 24 and makes the conveying current consistent with the target current Im by adjusting the drive current of the supply rod. The controller 150 enables the conveying roller pair 24 to convey the medium M with high precision by adjusting the load of the tension applied to the medium M by the supply rod component 34.

[0100] During the period from time t4 to time t6, the conveyor rollers 24 convey the medium M. The print head 26 and carriage 27 are driven by the print head drive mechanism 124, thereby performing printing. At time t5, the supply rod assembly 34... Figure 5 The lower limit position Pm shown rises, thus being located at Figure 6 The center position P0 is shown. The circumferential speed of the medium reel 60 varies depending on the position of the supply rod component 34. The circumferential speed of the medium reel 60 increases from the lower limit circumferential speed Vr2 to the reference circumferential speed Vr0.

[0101] At time t6, controller 150 stops the delivery of media M and the printing performed by printhead 26. The delivery current is switched from target current Im to current 0. The supply rod drive current is switched from supply rod drive current It2 to supply rod drive current 0. Supply rod component 34 is located at the upper limit position P+m. The circumferential speed of media reel 60 is controlled to the upper limit circumferential speed Vr1.

[0102] During the period from time t6 to time t8, controller 150 maintains the delivery current 0 and the supply rod drive current 0. The supply rod component 34 descends from the upper limit position P+m to the lower limit position Pm. The circumferential speed of the medium reel 60 decreases from the upper limit circumferential speed Vr1 to the lower limit circumferential speed Vr2. Controller 150 receives the delivery current during the period from time t4 to time t6 and compares the received delivery current with the target current Im stored in memory 152. Based on the comparison result, controller 150 calculates the supply rod drive current applied to the supply rod drive source included in the supply rod drive mechanism 36 after time t8.

[0103] At time t7, between time t6 and time t8, the supply rod component 34 is located at the center position P0. The circumferential speed of the medium reel 60 is controlled to the reference circumferential speed Vr0.

[0104] At time t8, controller 150 controls conveyor roller drive mechanism 126, thereby driving conveyor roller pair 24. Conveyor roller drive mechanism 126 applies a conveying current to the drive source included in conveyor roller drive mechanism 126, causing the conveying speed of medium M achieved by conveyor roller pair 24 to reach the target conveying speed V1. Furthermore, controller 150 applies supply rod drive current It2 to the supply rod drive source included in supply rod drive mechanism 36.

[0105] As described above, the conveying device includes: a media reel support shaft 31 that rotatably holds a media reel 60 wound with media M; a pair of conveying rollers 24 that conveys the media M pulled from the media reel 60; a supply rod member 34 and a supply rod support member 35 that wind the media M between the media reel support shaft 31 and the pair of conveying rollers 24, thereby applying tension to the media M; a supply rod drive mechanism 36 that applies a driving force to the supply rod support member 35; a control unit 50 that controls the pair of conveying rollers 24 and the supply rod drive mechanism 36; and a load detection sensor 80 that detects the load applied to the pair of conveying rollers 24. The control unit 50 adjusts the tension applied to the media M by controlling the driving force applied by the supply rod drive mechanism 36. The control unit 50 controls the driving force applied by the supply rod drive mechanism 36 based on the load detected by the load detection sensor 80.

[0106] For the conveying device, since the supply rod component 34 is located between the media drum support shaft 31 and the conveying roller pair 24, the effect of inertia on the conveying roller pair 24 is easily eliminated. The conveying device implements control based on the detected load using the supply rod drive mechanism 36, thereby enabling control that reduces the effect of inertia on the media drum 60. The conveying device can control the conveying of the media M with high precision.

[0107] Furthermore, the printer 10 includes: a media roll support shaft 31 that rotatably holds a media roll 60 on which media M is wound; a pair of transport rollers 24 that transports the media M pulled out from the media roll 60; a print head 26 that prints on the media M transported by the pair of transport rollers 24; a supply rod member 34 and a supply rod support member 35 that wind the media M between the media roll support shaft 31 and the pair of transport rollers 24, thereby applying tension to the media M; a supply rod drive mechanism 36 that applies a driving force to the supply rod support member 35; a control unit 50 that controls the pair of transport rollers 24 and the supply rod drive mechanism 36; and a load detection sensor 80 that detects the load applied to the pair of transport rollers 24. The control unit 50 controls the driving force applied by the supply rod drive mechanism 36 based on the load detected by the load detection sensor 80.

[0108] For printer 10, since the feed rod component 34 is located between the media roll support shaft 31 and the transport roller pair 24, the effect of inertia on the transport roller pair 24 is easily eliminated. Printer 10 implements control based on the detected load using the feed rod drive mechanism 36, thereby enabling control that reduces the effect of inertia on the media roll 60. Printer 10 can control the transport of the media M with high precision.

[0109] The conveying control method of the conveying device performs the following process: the medium M, which is wound on the medium drum 60 held by the medium drum support shaft 31, is conveyed by the conveying roller pair 24, and the medium M is wound on the supply rod member 34 between the medium drum support shaft 31 and the conveying roller pair 24. Tension is applied to the medium M by rotating the supply rod support member 35, which supports the supply rod member 34. The load applied to the conveying roller pair 24 is detected, and the supply rod drive mechanism 36, which applies driving force to the supply rod support member 35, is controlled based on the detected load.

[0110] For the conveying device, since the supply rod component 34 is located between the media drum support shaft 31 and the conveying roller pair 24, the effect of inertia on the conveying roller pair 24 is easily eliminated. The conveying device implements control based on the detected load using the supply rod drive mechanism 36, thereby enabling control that reduces the effect of inertia on the media drum 60. The conveying device can control the conveying of the media M with high precision.

[0111] Second Implementation Method

[0112] Figure 8 The operation of the second embodiment is shown when the printer 10 is conveying the medium M. Figure 8 The time-varying variations in conveying speed, conveying current, feed rod drive current, feed rod position, and drum circumferential speed are shown. Figure 8 In, with Figure 4 Similarly, the supply rod is denoted as SB.

[0113] In the second embodiment, the timing of applying the supply rod drive current differs from that shown in the first embodiment. The operations other than the timing of applying the supply rod drive current are the same in the second embodiment as in the first embodiment.

[0114] In the second embodiment, the application time t3b for applying the supply rod drive current is between time t3 and time t4. The application time t3b is earlier than time t4 by a differential time Δt. By setting the application time of the supply rod drive current to t3b, the controller 150 causes a change in the tension applied to the medium M by the supply rod component 34 at time t4. Figure 8In the case of time t4, the medium M is subjected to a reduced tension due to the applied supply rod drive current. The tension applied to the medium M by the supply rod member 34 is reduced before conveying begins via the conveyor roller pair 24. The printer 10 is able to reduce the load applied to the conveyor roller pair 24 at the start of conveying the medium M due to the inertia of the supply rod member 34.

[0115] Furthermore, the value of the supply rod drive current during the period from application time t3b to time t4 can be either a value that varies according to feedback control or a fixed value regardless of the feedback control.

[0116] As shown in the second embodiment, the control unit 50 controls the conveying roller pair 24 to alternately perform a medium conveying operation that conveys a predetermined amount of medium M and a medium stopping operation that stops the conveying of medium M. When the medium M stops, the tension applied to the medium M is reduced by controlling the supply rod drive mechanism 36, and the medium M conveying operation is performed again in a state where the tension is reduced.

[0117] The conveying device can suppress the sharp increase in load on the conveying roller pair 24 at the start of the conveying operation of the medium M. The conveying device can control the conveying volume at the start of the conveying operation of the medium M with high precision.

[0118] 3. Control of winding and conveying medium M

[0119] Figure 9 The diagram illustrates the conveying action of the printer 10 as it winds the media M onto the winding member 41. Figure 9 The time-varying variations in conveying speed, conveying current, guide rod drive current, guide rod position, and WR circumferential speed are shown. Figure 9 In this context, the guide rod is represented as GB. The conveying speed and conveying current are related to... Figure 4 The conveying speed and conveying current shown are the same.

[0120] The guide rod drive current is the current applied to a guide rod drive source (not shown) included in the guide rod drive mechanism 49 when the guide rod component 43 applies tension to the medium M. Figure 9 In this context, the guide rod drive current applied to the guide rod drive source when the tension towards the medium M is increased by the guide rod component 43 is denoted as +Ig. Figure 9 In this embodiment, the guide rod drive current applied to the guide rod drive source when the tension to the medium M is reduced by the guide rod component 43 is represented as -Ig. The guide rod drive mechanism 49 adjusts the tension applied to the medium M by the guide rod component 43 by driving the guide rod support component 46. In this embodiment, the applied guide rod drive current is a negative current.

[0121] The guide rod position indicates the position of the guide rod component 43. The guide rod component 43 moves in the +Z and -Z directions via the swing of the guide rod support component 46. Figure 9 In this embodiment, the position of the guide rod support member 46 when it is located at the swing center is denoted as the guide rod swing center position GP0. In this embodiment, when the guide rod support member 46 is in an orientation along an axis parallel to the X-axis, the guide rod member 43 is located at the guide rod swing center position GP0. Figure 9 In this context, when the guide rod component 43 is located in a position closer to the +Z direction than the guide rod swing center position GP0, it is designated as the +Z position. Figure 9 In this context, when the guide rod component 43 is located in the -Z direction relative to the guide rod swing center position GP0, it is denoted as the -Z position.

[0122] WR represents the circumferential speed of the printing media roll 70. The winding component drive mechanism adjusts the circumferential speed of the printing media roll 70 under the control of the controller 150. The circumferential speed of the printing media roll 70 is related to the amount of media M wound on the printing media roll 70. The amount of media M wound on the printing media roll 70 is related to the tension of the media M between the printing media roll 70 and the transport roller pair 24. Figure 9 In this process, the predefined circumferential speed is represented as the reference circumferential speed Vg0. The reference circumferential speed Vg0 is pre-stored in memory 152. Figure 9 In this context, a circumferential velocity that is faster than the reference circumferential velocity Vg0 is denoted as +Vg. Figure 9 In this context, the slower circumferential velocity compared to the reference circumferential velocity Vg0 is represented as -Vg.

[0123] like Figure 4 as well as Figure 9 As shown, the operation of the supply rod drive current and the operation of the guide rod drive current are the same. The time-varying changes in the guide rod position and the circumferential speed of the printing media roll 70 are the same as the time-varying changes in the supply rod position and the roll circumferential speed of the media roll 60. The controller 150 can control the supply rod drive current in the same way as the guide rod drive current. The printer 10 can adjust the tension on the media M applied between the transport roller pair 24 and the printing media roll 70 by controlling the guide rod drive current based on the load applied to the transport roller pair 24.

[0124] Furthermore, although the guide rod component 43 applies tension to the medium M by winding it around the medium M, it is not limited to this. For example, tension can also be applied to the medium M by pressing it with line contact or point contact.

[0125] As described above, the conveying device includes: a pair of conveying rollers 24 that conveys the medium M in the conveying direction; a winding member 41 that winds up the medium M conveyed by the conveying rollers 24; a guide rod member 43 that winds the medium M between the conveying rollers 24 and the winding member 41, thereby applying tension to the medium M; a guide rod drive mechanism 49 that applies a driving force to a guide rod support member 46 that supports the guide rod member 43; a control unit 50 that controls the conveying rollers 24 and the guide rod drive mechanism 49; and a load detection sensor 80 that detects the load applied to the conveying rollers 24. The control unit 50 controls the driving force applied by the guide rod drive mechanism 49 based on the load detected by the load detection sensor 80.

[0126] The conveying device controls the tension of the medium M between the conveying rollers 24 and the printing medium roll 70 within a predetermined range by implementing control based on the detected load. The conveying device can control the conveying of the medium M with high precision.

[0127] The following describes the content derived from the implementation method.

[0128] A conveying device includes: a holding section for rotatably holding a roll of medium wound thereon; a conveying section for conveying the medium pulled out from the roll of medium; a tension applying section for pressing the medium between the holding section and the conveying section to apply tension to the medium; a driving section for applying a driving force to the tension applying section; a control section for controlling the conveying section and the driving section; and a detection section for detecting a load applied to the conveying section. The control section adjusts the tension applied to the medium by controlling the driving force applied by the driving section, and controls the driving force applied by the driving section based on the load detected by the detection section.

[0129] According to this structure, since the tension application section is located between the holding section and the conveying section in the conveying device, the influence of inertia on the conveying section is easily eliminated. The conveying device utilizes a drive section to control the detected load, thereby enabling control that reduces the influence of the drum's inertia. The conveying device can control the conveying of the medium M with high precision.

[0130] In the above-described conveying device, the control unit controls the conveying unit to alternately perform a medium conveying operation that conveys a predetermined amount of the medium and a medium stopping operation that stops the conveying of the medium. When the medium stopping operation is performed, the control unit controls the drive unit to reduce the tension applied to the medium, and the medium conveying operation is performed when the tension is reduced.

[0131] According to this structure, the conveying device can suppress the rapid load increase in the conveying section at the start of the medium conveying operation. The conveying device can also control the conveying volume at the start of the medium conveying operation with high precision.

[0132] The above-described conveying device includes a receiving unit that accepts input related to the type of the medium, and a control unit that corrects the driving force applied by the driving unit based on the type of the medium accepted by the receiving unit.

[0133] Based on this structure, the conveying device can suppress the decrease in conveying accuracy caused by the type of medium. This improves the medium compatibility of the conveying device.

[0134] In the above-described conveying device, a second drive unit is provided, which applies a second driving force to the tension applying unit. The tension applying unit includes: a tension rod that winds the medium; a first arm that supports one end of the tension rod; and a second arm that supports the other end of the tension rod. The drive unit applies the driving force to the first arm, and the second drive unit applies the second driving force to the second arm. The control unit controls the drive unit and the second drive unit in a manner that makes the second driving force and the first driving force equal.

[0135] According to this structure, the conveying device can suppress tilting or meandering when conveying a wide medium. For example, the conveying device can suppress tilting or meandering caused by the torsion of the second arm relative to the first arm.

[0136] A conveying device includes: a conveying section for conveying a medium in a conveying direction; a winding section for winding the medium conveyed by the conveying section; a tension applying section for pressing the medium between the conveying section and the winding section to apply tension to the medium; a driving section for applying a driving force to the tension applying section; a control section for controlling the conveying section and the driving section; and a detection section for detecting a load applied to the conveying section, wherein the control section controls the driving force applied by the driving section based on the load detected by the detection section.

[0137] According to this structure, the conveying device can control the tension of the medium from the conveying section to the winding section within a predetermined range by implementing control based on the detected load. The conveying device can control the conveying of the medium with high precision.

[0138] A printing apparatus comprising: a holding section for rotatably holding a roll of media wound thereon; a conveying section for conveying the media pulled out from the roll of media; a printing section for printing on the media conveyed by the conveying section; a tension applying section for pressing the media between the holding section and the conveying section to apply tension to the media; a driving section for applying a driving force to the tension applying section; a control section for controlling the conveying section and the driving section; and a detection section for detecting a load applied to the conveying section, wherein the control section controls the driving force applied by the driving section based on the load detected by the detection section.

[0139] According to this structure, in the printing apparatus, since the tension application section is located between the holding section and the conveying section, the influence of inertia on the conveying section is easily eliminated. By utilizing the drive section to control the detected load, the printing apparatus can implement control that reduces the influence of the roll's inertia. The printing apparatus can control the delivery of the medium with high precision.

[0140] A conveying control method in which a conveying unit conveys a medium wound on a roll held by a holding unit, a tensioning unit presses the medium by a tensioning unit between the holding unit and the conveying unit to apply tension to the medium, a load applied to the conveying unit is detected, and a drive unit that applies a driving force to the tensioning unit is controlled based on the detected load.

[0141] According to this structure, since the tension application section is located between the holding section and the conveying section in the conveying device, the influence of inertia on the conveying section is easily eliminated. By utilizing the drive section to control the detected load, the conveying device can implement control that reduces the influence of the drum's inertia. The conveying device can control the conveying of the medium with high precision.

[0142] Symbol Explanation

[0143] 10…Printer; 20…Printing unit; 21…Supply guide frame; 22…First conveyor roller; 23…Second conveyor roller; 24…Conveyor roller pair; 25…Impression plate; 26…Print head; 27…Carriage; 29…Discharge guide frame; 30…Supply unit; 31…Media roll support shaft; 32…Media roll drive mechanism; 33…Supply guide component; 34…Supply rod component; 34A…Supply rod shaft; 35…Supply rod support component; 35A…First support component; 35B…Second support component; 36…Supply rod drive mechanism; 36A…First supply rod drive source; 36B…Second supply rod drive source; 36C…First drive shaft; 36D…Second drive shaft; 40…Rewinding unit; 41…Rewinding component; 42…Rewinding component drive mechanism; 43…Guide rod component; 4 4…Rewinding guide component; 46…Guide rod support component; 49…Guide rod drive mechanism; 50…Control unit; 60…Media roll; 70…Printing media roll; 71…Roll core; 80…Load detection sensor; 122…Control panel; 124…Print head drive mechanism; 126…Conveyor roller drive mechanism; 132…Feed rod detection mechanism; 142…Rewinding amount detection mechanism; 144…Guide rod detection mechanism; 150…Controller; 152…Memory; 154…Interface; Im…Target current; HL…Horizontal line; P0…Center position; P+m…Upper limit position; Pm…Lower limit position; V1…Target conveying speed; Vr0…Reference circumferential speed; Vr1…Upper limit circumferential speed; Vr2…Lower limit circumferential speed; GP0…Guide rod swing center position; M…Media.

Claims

1. A conveying device comprising: The holding part holds the roll containing the medium in a rotatable manner; A conveying unit that conveys the medium pulled out from the reel; A tension applying part presses the medium between the holding part and the conveying part, thereby applying tension to the medium; A driving unit that applies a driving force to the tension applying unit; A control unit that controls the conveying unit and the driving unit; The detection unit detects the load applied to the conveying unit. The control unit adjusts the tension applied to the medium by controlling the driving force applied by the drive unit, and controls the driving force applied by the drive unit based on the load detected by the detection unit. The control unit controls the conveying unit to alternately perform a medium conveying operation that conveys a predetermined amount of the medium and a medium stopping operation that stops the conveying of the medium. And when the medium stops operating, the tension applied to the medium is reduced by controlling the drive unit. Furthermore, the medium conveying action is performed while the tension is reduced.

2. The conveying device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, It includes a receiving unit that accepts input related to the type of medium. The control unit corrects the driving force applied by the drive unit according to the type of medium received by the receiving unit.

3. The conveying device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The device includes a second drive unit, which applies a second drive force to the tension application unit. The tension applying part has: Tension bar, which is wound around the medium; The first arm supports one end of the tension bar; The second arm supports the other end of the tension bar. The drive unit applies the driving force to the first arm. The second drive unit applies the second driving force to the second arm. The control unit controls the drive unit and the second drive unit in such a way that the second driving force is equal to the driving force.

4. A conveying device comprising: The conveying unit transports the medium in the conveying direction; A winding section that winds up the medium conveyed by the conveying section; A tension applying section presses the medium between the conveying section and the winding section, thereby applying tension to the medium; A driving unit that applies a driving force to the tension applying unit; A control unit that controls the conveying unit and the driving unit; The detection unit detects the load applied to the conveying unit. The control unit controls the driving force applied by the drive unit based on the load detected by the detection unit. The control unit controls the conveying unit to alternately perform a medium conveying operation that conveys a predetermined amount of the medium and a medium stopping operation that stops the conveying of the medium. And when the medium stops operating, the tension applied to the medium is reduced by controlling the drive unit. Furthermore, the medium conveying action is performed while the tension is reduced.

5. A printing apparatus comprising: The holding part holds the roll containing the medium in a rotatable manner; A conveying unit that conveys the medium pulled out from the reel; A printing unit that performs printing on the medium conveyed by the conveying unit; A tension applying part presses the medium between the holding part and the conveying part, thereby applying tension to the medium; A driving unit that applies a driving force to the tension applying unit; A control unit that controls the conveying unit and the driving unit; The detection unit detects the load applied to the conveying unit. The control unit controls the driving force applied by the drive unit based on the load detected by the detection unit. The control unit controls the conveying unit to alternately perform a medium conveying operation that conveys a predetermined amount of the medium and a medium stopping operation that stops the conveying of the medium. And when the medium stops operating, the tension applied to the medium is reduced by controlling the drive unit. Furthermore, the medium conveying action is performed while the tension is reduced.

6. A conveying control method, in which, The medium wound on the drum body held by the holding part is conveyed by the conveying unit. Tension is applied to the medium by pressing it down through the tension application section between the holding section and the conveying section. The load applied to the conveyor section is detected. Based on the detected load, the drive unit that applies driving force to the tension application unit is controlled. By controlling the conveying unit, it can alternately perform a medium conveying operation that conveys a predetermined amount of the medium, and a medium stopping operation that stops the conveying of the medium. And when the medium stops operating, the tension applied to the medium is reduced by controlling the drive unit. Furthermore, the medium conveying action is performed while the tension is reduced.

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