Printing equipment

Abstract

A printing apparatus includes a transport unit, a printing unit, a platform portion facing the printing unit, a control unit disposed downstream of the printing unit in the transport direction and configured to control the height position of a printing medium, and a guide portion disposed downstream of the platform portion. The guide portion includes a first downward-sloping portion, a second downward-sloping portion disposed downstream of the first downward-sloping portion in the transport direction, and an inclined portion inclined from the second downward-sloping portion towards the downstream side in the transport direction. The downward slope of the second downward-sloping portion is gentler than that of the first downward-sloping portion, and the control unit faces the guide portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a printing device. Background Technology

[0002] Printing equipment performs printing via the printhead when printing media is conveyed between the printhead and the platen. If the printing media is curled, it may rise and contact the printhead during conveying. Printing media curling can occur even on cut sheets. In roll sheets, significant curling tends to occur due to their wound state. Japanese Patent No. 04442456 discloses a technique for suppressing printing media rise by the shape of the guide surface at the leading edge of the printing media. Furthermore, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-160024 discloses a technique for suppressing printing media rise by providing a dedicated ratchet.

[0003] The position at which the leading edge of the printing medium rises before it passes the printhead and reaches the ejector roller can vary depending on the rigidity or curvature of the printing medium. If the position of the rise can be controlled, it is easy to take measures. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a technique for controlling the position where the printing medium rises and suppressing the rise of the printing medium.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a printing apparatus is provided, comprising: a transport unit configured to transport a printing medium along a transport direction; a printing unit configured to print an image on the printing medium transported by the transport unit; a platform portion facing the printing unit and configured to support the printing medium transported by the transport unit from below; a control unit disposed downstream of the printing unit in the transport direction and configured to control the height position of the printing medium from above; and a guide portion disposed downstream of the platform portion in the transport direction and configured to guide the printing medium. The medium delivery, wherein the guide portion includes: a first downward tilting portion that tilts downward from the platform portion toward a downstream side in the delivery direction in a direction away from the support height of the printing medium in the platform portion; a second downward tilting portion that is disposed downstream of the first downward tilting portion in the delivery direction and tilts downward toward a downstream side in the delivery direction in a direction away from the support height; and an inclined portion that tilts downward from the second downward tilting portion toward a downstream side in the delivery direction in a direction close to the support height, the downward tilt of the second downward tilting portion being gentler than the downward tilt of the first downward tilting portion, and the control unit facing the guide portion.

[0006] Other features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments (with reference to the accompanying drawings). Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a printing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0008] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A block diagram of the control unit of the printing device shown;

[0009] Figure 3 It is a plan view of the supporting components;

[0010] Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken from line AA in the diagram;

[0011] Figure 5 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken from line BB in the middle;

[0012] Figures 6A to 6C This is an illustrative diagram showing an example of how the rise of the printing medium is regulated;

[0013] Figure 7A and Figure 7B This is an illustrative diagram showing an example of how the rise of the printing medium is regulated;

[0014] Figure 8 It is a three-dimensional view of the components including the retaining member, the base member, and the height adjustment member;

[0015] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 An exploded perspective view of the components shown;

[0016] Figure 10 yes Figure 8 An enlarged view of part P in the image (with the screws removed); and

[0017] Figure 11 This is an explanatory diagram of the warping of the height adjustment component. Detailed Implementation

[0018] In the following description, embodiments will be detailed with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention. Multiple features are illustrated in the embodiments, but inventions requiring all of these features are not limited, and multiple such features may be suitably combined. Furthermore, in the drawings, identical or similar constructions are given the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0019] <Overview of Printing Equipment>

[0020] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of printing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the application of the present invention to a serial inkjet printing apparatus will be described, but the present invention is also applicable to other types of printing apparatus. In the figure, arrows X and Y indicate horizontal directions that are orthogonal to each other, and arrow Z indicates the vertical direction. The downstream side and upstream side are based on the transport direction of the printing medium.

[0021] Note that "printing" includes not only forming meaningful information such as characters and graphics, but also forming images, diagrams, patterns, etc., on a broadly defined printing medium, or processing the printing medium regardless of whether the information formed is meaningful or meaningless, or whether the information is visible and can be intuitively perceived by a person. Furthermore, in this embodiment, although sheet-like paper is assumed to be the "printing medium" used as the printing target, sheet-like cloth, plastic film, etc., can also be used as the printing medium.

[0022] As a mechanism for conveying printing media, the printing apparatus 1 includes a feed unit 2, a conveying unit 3, and a discharge unit 4 arranged upstream of the printing media conveying direction. In the following description, upstream and downstream are based on the printing media conveying direction. The feed unit 2 includes a feed unit 21 and a feed unit 22. The feed unit 21 feeds a sheet SH1, which is the printing media, and the feed unit 22 feeds a sheet SH2, which is a different printing media than the sheet SH1. In this embodiment, the printing media for printing can be selectively fed by the two feed units 21 and 22.

[0023] The feeding unit 21 includes a feeding tray 210 (stacking section) on which multiple sheets SH1 can be stacked, a feeding roller 211, and a separating section 213. The sheets SH1 are stacked on the feeding tray 210 in an orientation where the width direction of the sheets SH1 matches the Y direction (hereinafter sometimes referred to as cutting sheet SH1). The feeding roller 211 rotates under the driving force of the feeding motor 212 and abuts against the top stacked cutting sheet SH1 on the feeding tray 210, thereby conveying the top cutting sheet to the downstream side. The separating section 213 is provided at the downstream end of the feeding tray 210. The separating section 213 has a structure (e.g., a separating claw) that separates the cutting sheets SH1 one by one on the feeding tray 210 as they are conveyed by the feeding roller 211.

[0024] Sheet SH2 is a roll sheet (sometimes referred to as roll sheet SH2) obtained by winding a sheet around a cylindrical core. Feed unit 22 includes a support portion 221 that rotatably supports the roll sheet SH2. The roll sheet SH2 is supported in an orientation that matches the Y-direction in the width direction (axial direction of the roll). The support portion 221 rotates under the driving force of the feed motor 222, thereby rotating the roll sheet SH2. Depending on the rotation direction of the feed motor 222, feeding operations to the downstream side and winding operations can be performed. Feed unit 22 includes a roller 223, which is pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the roll sheet SH2 by a spring or the like (not shown). The roller 223 is a freely rotating body and presses against the outer peripheral surface of the roll sheet SH2, ensuring stable execution of the feeding and winding operations of the roll sheet SH2.

[0025] The rotation of the support 221 causes the roll sheet SH2 to pass between the sheet guide 10a and the roller 224, which is a free-rotating body arranged facing the sheet guide 10a. The conveying path of the cut sheet SH1 and the conveying path of the roll sheet SH2 merge at the confluence point on the downstream side of the separator 10c. The merged conveying path passes between the sheet guide 10a and the sheet guide 10b facing the sheet guide 10a and reaches the conveying unit 3.

[0026] The conveying unit 3 is located upstream of the print head 6 and conveys the printing medium (cut sheet SH1 or roll sheet SH2) fed by the feeding unit 2 to the print head 6. The conveying unit 3 includes a drive roller 31 and a driven roller 32 (pinch roller) pressed against the drive roller 31 by a spring or the like (not shown). The drive roller 31 rotates under the driving force of the conveying motor 33. The forward rotation of the conveying motor 33 causes the printing medium to be clamped in the clamping part between the drive roller 31 and the driven roller 32, and causes the printing medium (cut sheet SH1 or roll sheet SH2) to be conveyed downstream in the X direction between the print head 6 and the support member 8. During the winding operation of the roll sheet SH2, the reverse rotation of the conveying motor 33 causes the conveying unit 3 to convey the roll sheet SH2 upstream.

[0027] The support member 8 is a component configured to support the printing medium conveyed by the delivery unit 3 from below. In this embodiment, the support member 8 is a single component, but it can be formed by multiple components divided in the X direction. The adjustment member 12 is disposed at a position facing the support member 8 to adjust the height position of the printing medium from above, thereby adjusting the rise of the printing medium.

[0028] The discharge unit 4 is located downstream of the print head 6 and conveys the printing media (cut sheet SH1 or roll sheet SH2) conveyed by the conveying unit 3 to the outside of the device. The discharge unit 4 includes a drive roller 41 and a ratchet 42. The ratchet 42 is configured to face the drive roller 41 and is pressed against the drive roller 41 by a spring or the like (not shown). The drive roller 41 is a rotating member that rotates by the driving force of the conveying motor 33 and conveys the printing media downstream. The ratchet 42 is a rotating member that can rotate together with the drive roller 41. The printing media is clamped in the clamping part between the drive roller 41 and the ratchet 42 and is conveyed.

[0029] Note that in this embodiment, the conveying motor 33 is shared by the conveying unit 3 and the discharge unit 4, but a separate motor can be used.

[0030] A cutting unit 5 is provided downstream of the discharge unit 4. The cutting unit 5 cuts the printed roll sheet SH2. For example, the cutting unit 5 includes a cutter and a moving mechanism (not shown). The cutter includes a circular blade arranged at the top and a circular blade at the bottom. The moving mechanism moves the cutter in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the printing medium (the Y direction in this embodiment). The cutter is stationary outside the transport path of the printing medium. During cutting, the cutter moves transversely to the transport path, thereby cutting the roll sheet SH2.

[0031] The printhead 6 is positioned downstream of the delivery unit 3 and upstream of the discharge unit 4. The printhead 6 performs printing on the printing medium (cut sheet SH1 or roll sheet SH2). In this embodiment, the printhead 6 is an inkjet printhead that performs printing on the printing medium by discharging ink. The printhead 6 is supported by a carriage 7.

[0032] The carriage 7 reciprocates in a direction intersecting the printing medium via the drive unit 11. In this embodiment, the carriage 7 reciprocates in the Y direction via a guide shaft 9 extending in the Y direction. The drive unit 11 is a mechanism using a carriage motor 11a as the drive source, and is, for example, a belt drive mechanism including drive pulleys and driven pulleys spaced apart in the Y direction, and an annular belt wound around these pulleys. The carriage 7 is connected to the annular belt. When the carriage motor 11a rotates the drive pulleys, the annular belt travels, and the carriage 7 moves. The printhead 6 is alternatively attached to the carriage 7.

[0033] As described above, the printing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is a serial printing apparatus in which the printhead 6 is mounted on the carriage 7. Printing control of the printing media is performed through a transport operation (intermittent transport operation) in which the transport unit 3 repeatedly transports a predetermined amount of printing media, and a printing operation performed when the transport unit 3 stops. The printing operation is the operation of discharging ink from the printhead 6 while the carriage 7 on which the printhead 6 is mounted is in a moving state.

[0034] The printing apparatus 1 includes a detection unit 13. The detection unit 13 detects the printing medium at a position upstream of the transport unit 3 and downstream of the feed unit 2. The detection unit 13 is, for example, an optical sensor for detecting the printing medium. Alternatively, the detection unit 13 may be formed, for example, by an arm member and a sensor, the arm member being arranged in a swingable manner in the transport path of the printing medium and swinging due to interference from the printing medium, and the sensor detecting the swinging motion of the arm member.

[0035] <Control Unit>

[0036] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of the control unit 14 of the printing device 1. The MPU 140 is a processor that controls various operations of the printing device 1, including data processing. The MPU 140 controls the entire printing device 1 by executing programs stored in a storage device 141. The storage device 141 is formed, for example, by ROM or RAM. In addition to the programs executed by the MPU 140, the storage device 141 also stores various data required for processing, such as data received from the host computer 15.

[0037] MPU 140 controls printhead 6 via driver 142a. MPU 140 controls carriage motor 11a via driver 142b. MPU 140 also controls transport motor 33, feed motors 212 and 222, and cutter motor 5a via drivers 142c to 142f, respectively. Cutter motor 5a is the drive source for cutting unit 5.

[0038] The host computer 15 is, for example, a personal computer or mobile terminal used by a user (e.g., a smartphone, tablet computer, etc.). The host computer 15 is equipped with a printer driver 15a, which performs communication between the host computer 15 and the printing device 1. The printing device 1 includes an interface unit 143, through which communication between the host computer 15 and the MPU 140 takes place. For example, when a user inputs a print control execution command to the host computer 15, the printer driver 15a collects data about the image to be printed and print settings (such as the quality of the printed image), and instructs the printing device 1 to perform print control. The print control execution command is sometimes referred to as a print job.

[0039] <Rising Inhibition>

[0040] According to Figures 3 to 5 Explain the structure used to suppress the rise of the printing media. Figure 3 This is a plan view of the support member 8, which also shows the ratchet 42 and the adjustment member 12. Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view taken from line AA in the diagram. Figure 5It is along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view taken from line BB in the diagram.

[0041] The support member 8 includes a plurality of ribs 8a and 8b arranged along the Y direction. Ribs 8a and 8b are both plate-like members extending along the X direction, and their tops form a support surface for transporting the printing media. In this embodiment, ribs 8a and ribs 8b have different heights (lengths in the Z direction). A plurality of relatively low ribs 8b are arranged between relatively high ribs 8a. Therefore, even if the printing media stretches when ink is applied, the printing media can be supported along the relatively low ribs 8b. Figure 5 The diagram shows the extended roll sheet SH2 supported by ribs 8a and 8b. This prevents the printing media from stretching and bending upwards, thereby preventing the printing media from contacting the print head 6.

[0042] Note that ribs 8a and 8b differ only in height, but have the same profile shape (profile on the XZ plane). The construction of rib 8a will be mainly described below, but this description also applies to rib 8b.

[0043] Rib 8a includes multiple portions in the X direction. More specifically, rib 8a includes a platform portion 80 and a guide portion 81. The platform portion 80 is the portion facing the print head 6 and forms a support surface that is flat in the X direction.

[0044] The guide section 81 guides the movement of the leading edge of the printing medium that has passed the printhead 6. The guide section 81 includes, sequentially from the upstream side, a downward-sloping section 82, a connecting section 83, a downward-sloping section 84, and an inclined section 85. The downward-sloping section 82 starts in the X direction from a position slightly upstream of the downstream end (the nozzle at the downstream end) of the printhead 6, and slopes downwards in a direction away from the support height H1 of the printing medium in the reference platform section 80. This downward slope is a straight downward slope without bending. The connecting section 83 connects the downward-sloping section 82 and the downward-sloping section 84, and is a flat surface parallel to the support height H1. The downward-sloping section 82 and the downward-sloping section 84 can be formed continuously without the connecting section 83.

[0045] The downward sloping portion 84 slopes downward in a direction away from the support height H1. However, this downward slope is gentler than that of the downward sloping portion 82. This downward slope is a straight downward slope without curvature. The inclined portion 85 slopes downward in a direction close to the support height H1. The inclined portion 85 includes a curved portion 85a located on the upstream side and a straight portion 85b continuously extending downstream from the curved portion 85a. The curved portion 85a extends from the lower end of the downward sloping portion 84 to form an arc, allowing the downward slope to transition smoothly into the inclined portion. The straight portion 85b is a straight inclined surface without curvature.

[0046] In the present embodiment, the regulating member 12 is a rotating member similar in form to the ratchet 42 and can freely rotate about an axis 12a in the Y direction. Note that the regulating member 12 only needs to have a form capable of contacting the print medium and preventing the print medium from rising. Instead of using a rotating member as in the present embodiment, a fixed member can be used. However, if a rotating member is used as in the present embodiment, the conveyance of the print medium whose rising is regulated can continue more smoothly.

[0047] The regulating member 12 is disposed at a position facing the guiding portion 81, and more specifically, at a position facing the inclined portion 84. If disposed at this position, when the leading edge of the print medium moves from the inclined portion 84 to the slanting portion 85 and the print medium rises, the regulating member 12 can more reliably regulate the rising of the print medium. The relationship among the support height H1 of the platen portion 80, the regulating position (regulating height) H2 of the regulating member 12, and the height H3 of the clamping position of the discharging unit 4 is given by H1 < H2 < H3. Due to this height relationship, the regulating member 12 can more reliably regulate the rising of the print medium.

[0048] A plurality of regulating members 12 are provided, and these regulating members are disposed at positions corresponding to the ribs 8a and 8b in the Y direction. More specifically, each regulating member 12 is configured to face one of the ribs 8a and 8b. This can regulate the rising of the print medium at any position in the width direction (Y direction) of the print medium.

[0049] Figures 6A to 7B It is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which the rising of the print medium is regulated. Here, an example of conveying the roll sheet SH2 will be described, and this description also applies to the cut sheet SH1.

[0050] Figure 6A It shows a stage in which the leading edge of the roll sheet SH2 moves on the platen portion 80. In this stage, printing sometimes starts from discharging ink from the print head 6. As Figure 6B shown, when the conveyance of the roll sheet SH2 proceeds, the leading edge of the roll sheet SH2 passes through the inclined portion 82 and reaches the connecting portion 83.

[0051] Since the inclined portion 82 guides the leading edge of the roll sheet SH2 downward, even if the roll sheet SH2 curls downward, it can be prevented from rising toward the print head 6 side. In particular, since the inclined portion 82 is a relatively steep downward slope, even if the curling near the leading edge of the roll sheet SH2 is strong, the rising of the roll sheet SH2 can be reduced.

[0052] As Figure 6CAs shown, when the roll sheet SH2 is being conveyed, the leading edge of the roll sheet SH2 reaches the downward tilting portion 84. The downward tilting portion 84 guides the leading edge of the roll sheet SH2 downward, and the roll sheet SH2 can continue to rise slightly. If the downward tilting portion 84 were a flat surface like the connecting portion 83, the rise of the roll sheet SH2 might increase depending on the curling state of the roll sheet SH2. However, since the relatively gentle downward tilting portion 84 guides the leading edge of the roll sheet SH2, the increase in the rise of the roll sheet SH2 is suppressed. The downward tilting portion 84 is the longest part of the guide portion 81 in the X direction, and it is longer than each of the downward tilting portion 82 and the connecting portion 83, and also longer than the total length of the downward tilting portion 82 and the connecting portion 83. The downward tilting portion 84 ensures the conveying distance from the print head 6 to the discharge unit 4 while suppressing the increase in the rise of the roll sheet SH2.

[0053] like Figure 7A As shown, when the roll sheet SH2 is being conveyed, the leading edge of the roll sheet SH2 reaches the inclined section 85. Therefore, the rise of the roll sheet SH2 increases. However, as... Figure 7A As shown, since the rise of the roll sheet SH2 is controlled by the control component 12, the rise of the roll sheet SH2 directly below the print head 6 can be suppressed.

[0054] In this embodiment, the downward-sloping portion 84 and the inclined portion 85 are continuous in order to control the position of the rising growth of the roll sheet SH2. That is, in the downward-sloping portion 84, the rising growth of the roll sheet SH2 is suppressed by tilting downward. On the other hand, in the inclined portion 85, the rising growth is rapid. In particular, since the curved portion 85a is formed at the upstream end of the inclined portion 85, the rising growth of the roll sheet SH2 is rapid. However, the rising of the roll sheet SH2 can be suppressed by the regulating member 12.

[0055] Therefore, in this embodiment, the position where the roll sheet SH2 rises is structurally restricted, and the rise of the roll sheet SH2 is controlled by the control member 12 corresponding to this position. This prevents the position where the rise occurs from changing depending on the rigidity or curvature of the roll sheet SH2, and allows control over the position where the rise occurs, thereby effectively suppressing the rise.

[0056] like Figure 7B As shown, when the roll sheet SH2 is being conveyed, the leading edge of the roll sheet SH2 reaches the clamping part of the discharge unit 4. Since the height H3 of the clamping position of the discharge unit 4 is higher than the control position H2 of the control member 12, the lifting of the roll sheet SH2 continues to be controlled by the control member 12.

[0057] Therefore, in this embodiment, the position where the printing medium rises is controlled, thereby suppressing the rise. According to this embodiment, even if the platen portion 80 does not have, for example, a structure for attracting the printing medium, the rise of the printing medium can be suppressed, and a low-cost, small-sized printing device 1 can be provided.

[0058] <Height adjustment structure of control components>

[0059] The structure used to adjust the height of the control member 12 will be described. When the height of the control member 12 is adjusted, the rise of the printing medium can be more reliably suppressed. Figure 4 As shown, the regulating member 12 and the ratchet 42 are supported together by the retaining member 16. The ratchet 42 is rotatably supported by the retaining member 16 via the spring shaft 42a, and also applies force to the drive roller 41 via the spring shaft 42a. The regulating member 12 is supported by the retaining member 16 via the shaft 12a.

[0060] A height adjustment member 18 is positioned between a retaining member 16 and a base member 17. The retaining member 16 is supported by the base member 17 via the height adjustment member 18. The base member 17 is fixed to the frame (not shown) of the printing device 1. The height adjustment member 18 includes a plate portion 180 located in the YZ plane and a plate portion 181 bent from the plate portion 180 located in the XY plane, such that the overall upper and lower cross sections are L-shaped. The height adjustment member 18 can be formed from an L-shaped metal sheet member and can be formed to be relatively thin. This prevents the printing device 1 from becoming bulky. The base member 17 and the height adjustment member 18 are fixed in one plate portion 180 by screws 50. The height adjustment member 18 and the retaining member 16 are fixed in another plate portion 181 via shims 19 by screws 51.

[0061] Reference Figures 8 to 10 To provide a more detailed explanation. Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the assembly consisting of retaining member 16, base member 17, and height adjusting member 18. Figure 9 It is its exploded 3D diagram. Figure 8 and Figure 9 The ratchet 42 and the regulating component 12 are not shown in the figure. Figure 10 yes Figure 8 An enlarged view of part P in the image, showing the state where screw 50 has been removed.

[0062] The retaining member 16, the base member 17, and the height adjusting member 18 are all long members extending along the Y direction. In the base member 17, fixing holes 17a are formed at multiple points in the Y direction, each fixing hole 17a being configured to receive the threaded shaft of the screw 50. In the height adjusting member 18, threaded holes 18a are formed at multiple points in the Y direction corresponding to the fixing holes 17a, each threaded hole 18a being configured to thread into the screw 50. The retaining member 16 and the height adjusting member 18 are secured by screws 51 at multiple points in the Y direction.

[0063] The fixing hole 17a is a hole with a diameter larger than the diameter of the threaded shaft of screw 50, and its size allows the position through which the threaded shaft passes to vary in the vertical direction, such as... Figure 10 As indicated by arrow Z1, the relative fixed position between each fixing hole 17a and its corresponding screw hole 18a in the Z direction can be adjusted. This allows adjustment of the position of the retaining member 16 relative to the base member 17 in the height direction. In other words, the height of the regulating member 12 can be adjusted.

[0064] Here, if a wide (Y-direction) printing medium is to be processed, the holding member 16, the base member 17, and the height adjustment member 18 are lengthened in the Y-direction according to the maximum size of the printing medium that the printing device 1 can handle. If these members are lengthened in the Y-direction, the height of the adjusting member 12 becomes unstable due to the warping of these members. In this embodiment, the relative position in the Z-direction between each fixing hole 17a and the corresponding screw hole 18a is adjusted, thereby adjusting the warping of the height adjustment member 18 and the holding member 16 in the Y-direction, thereby adjusting the height of each adjusting member 12.

[0065] In this embodiment, the relationship of bending strength in the Y direction among the retaining member 16, the base member 17, and the height adjusting member 18 is represented by base member 17 > height adjusting member 18 > retaining member 16. Therefore, the height adjusting member 18 can adjust the bending strength in the Y direction according to the following specifications: Figure 11 As shown by the dashed lines M1 or M2, the height adjustment member 16 is fixed relative to the base member 17 in a warped state, and the retaining member 16 can also be fixed in a warped state following the height adjustment member 18. That is, when adjusting the warping of the height adjustment member 18, the height change of each adjustment member 12 can be eliminated. Thus, the height of the adjustment member 12 that suppresses the rise of the printing medium can be adjusted.

[0066] <Controlling page margins>

[0067] If the leading edge of the roll sheet SH2 has a large curl, the amount of blank space at the leading edge of the roll sheet SH2 can be controlled to more reliably prevent contact between the print head 6 and the roll sheet SH2. This will refer to... Figure 6A and Figure 6BThe example shown illustrates this.

[0068] If the leading edge of the roll sheet SH2 has a large curl, then when the leading edge of the roll sheet SH2 is located at the platform section 80 (e.g. Figure 6A Printing does not begin at the stage shown. When the leading edge of the roll sheet SH2 has reached the connecting part 83 (as shown) Figure 6B Printing begins at the stage shown. Therefore, even if the leading edge of the roll sheet SH2 is significantly curled, contact between the print head 6 and the roll sheet SH2 can be more reliably prevented during printing.

[0069] Note that the leading edge margin amount can be controlled based on information recognizable by the control unit 14, such as the type of printing media, printing mode, ambient temperature and humidity at the installation location of the printing device 1, or the remaining amount of roll sheet. For example, for printing media with significant curl, increasing the margin margin allows printing to begin when the leading edge of the printing media has reached the predetermined position of the downward tilt 84 in the X direction. This more reliably prevents contact between the print head 6 and the roll sheet SH2 during printing.

[0070] Similarly, if the ambient temperature and humidity are lower than the assumed temperature and humidity, or if the remaining amount of SH2 sheet on the roll is small, the leading edge curling of the printing media tends to be greater. Therefore, the margin allowance can be increased to begin printing. Additionally, if a low-speed printing mode is used, the margin allowance can be increased because the printing media has more time to rise.

[0071] If this increases the margin blank at the leading edge of the printing medium, the leading edge of the printing medium can be cut off by the cutting unit 5, taking into account the increased margin blank.

[0072] Other implementation methods

[0073] Examples of the present invention can also be implemented by providing software (programs) that perform the functions of the above examples to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer or central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessor unit (MPU) of the system or device reading out and executing the program.

[0074] While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the claims should be given the broadest interpretation to cover all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A printing device, comprising: A conveying unit configured to convey printing media along the conveying direction; A printing unit configured to print an image on the printing medium conveyed by the transport unit; The table section faces the printing unit and is configured to support the printing medium conveyed by the delivery unit from below; A control unit is disposed downstream of the printing unit in the conveying direction and is configured to control the height position of the printing medium from above the printing medium. and A guide section is disposed downstream of the platform section in the conveying direction and is configured to guide the conveying of the printing medium. The guiding portion is characterized in that it comprises: The first downward tilting portion tilts downward from the table portion toward the downstream side in the conveying direction in the direction of the support height of the printing medium in the table portion; A second downward-sloping portion is disposed downstream of the first downward-sloping portion in the conveying direction, and slopes downward toward the downstream side in the conveying direction in a direction away from the support height; and The inclined portion slopes from the second downward-sloping portion toward the downstream side in the conveying direction in a direction close to the support height. The downward tilt of the second downward tilting portion is gentler than that of the first downward tilting portion, and The control unit faces the guide section.

2. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit is positioned facing the second downward tilt.

3. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit is positioned above the height of the support.

4. The printing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a discharge unit disposed downstream of the printing unit in the conveying direction and configured to discharge the printing medium conveyed by the conveying unit. in, The discharge unit includes: First body of revolution; and The second rotating body faces the first rotating body. The printing medium is conveyed while being held between the first rotating body and the second rotating body, and The clamping position between the first rotating body and the second rotating body is located at a position higher than the support height.

5. The printing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a discharge unit disposed downstream of the printing unit in the conveying direction and configured to discharge the printing medium conveyed by the conveying unit. in, The discharge unit includes: First rotating component; and The second rotating member faces the first rotating member. The printing medium is conveyed while being held between the first rotating member and the second rotating member, and The clamping position between the first rotating component and the second rotating component is located at a position higher than the lifting control position of the control unit.

6. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The inclined portion includes a portion that bends and extends from the second downward-sloping portion.

7. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit is configured as a rotatable rotating component.

8. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The platform portion includes a plurality of ribs arranged in a direction intersecting the conveying direction. The plurality of ribs extend in the conveying direction, and The multiple ribs include ribs of different heights.

9. The printing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, The control unit includes multiple rotating components, which are configured to correspond to the multiple ribs in a direction intersecting the conveying direction.

10. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The guide portion includes a connecting portion that extends parallel to the support height and is configured to connect the first downward-sloping portion and the second downward-sloping portion.

11. The printing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, The width of the second downward-sloping portion in the conveying direction is greater than that of the connecting portion.

12. The printing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, The width of the second downward-sloping portion in the conveying direction is greater than the total width of the connecting portion and the first downward-sloping portion.

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