Printing apparatus and printed matter production method

Abstract

A printing device and a printed matter production method are provided. The printing device (1) includes: a printing section (6) that performs printing on a medium (M); a conveying section (18) that conveys the medium (M); a winding section (11) that winds the medium (M) after printing; and a prompting section (46) that prompts a user to fix a leading end (ML) of the medium (M) to a winding core material (15), based on the leading end (ML) of the medium (M) having reached a prompting position (PS1) that is downstream of a printing position (PS0) in the printing section (6).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a printing apparatus and a method for producing printed materials. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a printer that automatically rewinds printed paper for recycling.

[0003] In the aforementioned patent document 1, the front end of the paper needs to be fixed to the winding core before printing begins. Therefore, a large amount of paper consumption is unavoidable whenever printing begins.

[0004] Therefore, in order to save paper consumption, a method was considered where the paper's leading edge is initially fixed to the winding core after printing has begun and when it reaches the winding core, instead of fixing the paper's leading edge to the winding core before printing begins. In this case, since some time is spent before the paper's leading edge reaches the winding core, it is assumed that users will use methods such as proceeding with other operations to pass the time.

[0005] However, there is a possibility that users may become so engrossed in other tasks that they forget they are in the process of printing. In this case, the paper may become soiled as it reaches the floor after being fed from the printer, resulting in wasted paper. Furthermore, even before the paper reaches the floor, if the leading edge of the paper significantly exceeds the winding core, it will require winding, making it difficult to secure the leading edge of the paper to the winding core. Therefore, the printed paper will also become wasted paper in the same way.

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-104589 Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a printing apparatus is provided, comprising: a printing unit that prints onto a medium at a printing position; a conveying unit that conveys the medium; a winding unit that winds up the printed medium; and an urging unit that urges a user to fix the front end of the medium onto the winding unit based on the condition that the front end of the medium has reached an urging position downstream of the printing position.

[0008] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a method for producing printed matter is provided, which produces printed matter by printing on a medium using a printing apparatus, wherein the printing apparatus includes: a printing unit that prints on the medium at a printing position; a conveying unit that conveys the medium; and a winding unit that winds up the printed medium; in the method for producing printed matter, a user is prompted to fix the front end of the medium onto the winding unit based on the condition that the front end of the medium has reached a prompting position downstream of the printing position. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional view of the printing apparatus.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a side view of the printing apparatus.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a side view of the printing apparatus.

[0012] Figure 4 A three-dimensional view of the winding core material with the media fixed at the front end.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a functional block diagram of the printing system.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a data structure diagram for printed output data.

[0015] Figure 7 A graph representing the image data output from the application.

[0016] Figure 8 A graph representing the image data output from the application.

[0017] Figure 9 This is an example of a display showing the action settings screen.

[0018] Figure 10 This is an example of a display showing the start of the winding process.

[0019] Figure 11 A diagram showing the path that the front end of the medium can pass through during the printing process.

[0020] Figure 12 This is the control flowchart for the printing apparatus.

[0021] Figure 13 This is the control flowchart for the printing apparatus. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The following is for reference Figure 1 as well as Figure 2The printing apparatus 1 involved in this disclosure will now be described. Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 The printing apparatus 1 shown is, for example, an inkjet large-format printer that prints on a medium M such as paper by ejecting liquid ink. A large-format printer, for example, refers to a printer capable of printing on a medium M with a short side width of 297 mm or more. Hereinafter, the direction of the short side of the medium M will be referred to as the main scanning direction. The direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction will be referred to as the sub-scanning direction.

[0023] 1. Overview of Printing Apparatus 1

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, the printing apparatus 1 includes a main body 2 and a pair of feet 3. The pair of feet 3 extend downward from the main body 2. The main body 2 is generally rectangular in shape, and a drying section 4 is provided on its front surface side.

[0025] like Figure 2 As shown, the main body 2 includes a guide rail 5 extending in the main scanning direction. The guide rail 5 guides the printing unit 6 so that it can reciprocate along the guide rail 5 in the main scanning direction. A main scanning feed mechanism for reciprocating the printing unit 6 along the guide rail 5 is also provided on the main body 2. The main scanning feed mechanism typically consists of a seamless belt connected to the printing unit 6 and a drive motor for moving the seamless belt. The printing unit 6 consists of a carriage 7 and a head 8. The head 8 has multiple nozzles capable of ejecting ink downwards. A flat paper support 9 extending in the main scanning direction is provided below the printing unit 6. Furthermore, although the printing unit 6 in this embodiment employs a serial head method where the head 8 reciprocates in the main scanning direction, a line head method in which the head 8 extends across a range approximately the same width as the medium M can also be used instead.

[0026] The main body 2 also includes a paper feeding section 10 provided on the rear side of the main body 2 and a winding section 11 provided on the front side of the main body 2 and below the drying section 4.

[0027] The paper feeding unit 10 includes a support mechanism that rotatably supports the paper feeding core 12 and a paper feeding motor 13 that drives the paper feeding core 12 to rotate. A paper feeding roll 14 is formed on the outer periphery of the paper feeding core 12. The paper feeding motor 13 is torque-controlled by applying back tension relative to the medium M unwound from the paper feeding roll 14. The paper feeding core 12 is typically a paper tube.

[0028] The take-up section 11 includes a support mechanism that rotatably supports the take-up core 15 and a take-up motor 16 that drives the take-up core 15 to rotate. A take-up roll 17 is formed on the outer periphery of the take-up core 15. The take-up motor 16 performs torque control by applying a forward tension relative to the medium M wound on the take-up core 15. Although the take-up core 15 is typically a paper tube, it is not limited to this and may also be a resin tube or the like.

[0029] The main body 2 also includes a conveying section 18 for conveying the medium M. The conveying section 18 includes a first conveying roller 19 disposed upstream of the paper support section 9 and a second conveying roller 20 disposed downstream of the drying section 4. The conveying section 18 also includes a first conveying motor 21 that drives the first conveying roller 19 to rotate and a second conveying motor 22 that drives the second conveying roller 20 to rotate.

[0030] The printing device 1 is set on the floor surface F.

[0031] In the above structure, the medium M is pulled out from the paper feed roll 14 of the paper feed section 10, and is printed at the printing section 6 while being transported through the conveying section 18. It then passes through the drying section 4 and is wound onto the winding core material 15 of the winding section 11.

[0032] 2. Research Topic

[0033] In the printing apparatus 1 described above, in order to wind the medium M onto the take-up core material 15, as follows: Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the leading end ML of the medium M in the conveying direction needs to be fixed to the outer peripheral surface 15a of the take-up core material 15 beforehand. Figure 4 As shown, the leading edge ML of the medium M is typically fixed to the outer peripheral surface 15a of the winding core material 15 using several tapes 23. The method for fixing the leading edge ML of the medium M to the outer peripheral surface 15a of the winding core material 15 is not limited to the method described above, as long as the medium M can be wound up. Alternatively, the leading edge ML of the medium M can be fixed to the outer peripheral surface 15a of the winding core material 15 using a quick-drying adhesive instead of the tapes 23. Furthermore, the leading edge ML of the medium M can also be fixed to the outer peripheral surface 15a of the winding core material 15 by clamping the leading edge ML of the medium M using a clamping mechanism provided on the outer peripheral surface 15a of the winding core material 15.

[0034] like Figure 3As shown, assuming that the front end ML of the medium M is fixed to the outer peripheral surface 15a of the winding core 15 before printing begins, the portion of the medium M leading from the printing position will become wasted paper each time printing begins. This wasted paper will accumulate with repeated printing, inevitably leading to a large consumption of the medium M.

[0035] Therefore, in order to save on the consumption of the medium M, a method is considered whereby the leading edge ML of the medium M is initially fixed to the winding core 15 after printing has begun and at the point when it reaches the winding core 15, instead of fixing the leading edge ML of the medium M to the winding core 15 before printing begins. In this case, since a certain amount of time is spent before the leading edge ML of the medium M reaches the winding core 15, it is assumed that users will use methods such as proceeding with other operations to pass the time.

[0036] However, there is a possibility that the user may become so engrossed in other tasks that they forget they are in the process of printing. In this case, if the medium M, fed from the main body 2, is not wound up by the take-up section 11 and the leading edge ML of the medium M has already reached the mounting surface F, the medium M will become soiled, resulting in wasted paper. Furthermore, even if the medium M has not yet reached the mounting surface F, if the leading edge ML of the medium M has significantly passed the take-up section 11, it will be necessary to wind up the medium M, making it difficult to secure the leading edge ML of the medium M to the take-up core 15.

[0037] Therefore, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment has a completely new structure that is not found in the prior art in order to solve the above-mentioned problems. Hereinafter, referring to... Figure 5 The printing system 100 will now be described. The printing system 100 includes a printing apparatus 1 and a computer 30. The printing apparatus 1 and the computer 30 are connected to each other via a wired or wireless connection. The computer 30 outputs printing output data to the printing apparatus 1. The printing apparatus 1 performs main scanning and sub-scanning based on the printing output data input from the computer 30. Here, main scanning refers to the process of spraying ink onto a medium M while the printing unit 6 reciprocates in the main scanning direction, thereby forming an image on the medium M. Sub-scanning refers to the process of transporting the medium M in a direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction.

[0038] 3. Computer 30

[0039] The computer 30 includes a CPU 30a (Central Processing Unit), RAM 30b (Random Access Memory), ROM 30c (Read Only Memory), and HDD 30d (Hard Disc Drive). The computer 30 also includes a communication interface 30e and an LCD 30f (Liquid Crystal Display). The computer 30 communicates with the printing apparatus 1 via the communication interface 30e. Furthermore, by having the CPU 30a read and execute programs stored in the HDD 30d, the program enables the CPU 30a and other hardware to function as an application program 31 and a printer driver 32.

[0040] Application 31 generates image data for printing on a large-format medium M based on drawing instructions from the user. Application 31 then outputs the image data to printer driver 32 based on printing instructions from the user.

[0041] The printer driver 32 includes a color conversion unit 33, a halftone processing unit 34, and a rasterization processing unit 35.

[0042] The color conversion unit 33 converts the color components of the image data from RGB to CMYK format by referring to a color conversion lookup table. The halftone processing unit 34 performs halftone processing on the image data, thereby converting the ink quantity data into two grayscale point data representing the presence or absence of points. The rasterization processing unit 35 performs rasterization processing on the point data generated by the halftone processing to match the main scan cycle of the first 8. The rasterization processing unit 35 outputs the rasterized point data and print output data including the sub-scan feed amount to the printing apparatus 1.

[0043] exist Figure 6 The image shows an example of printed output data. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the print output data includes multiple main scan cycle data 36. Each main scan cycle data consists of a cycle number, a sub-scan feed amount, and dot data within that main scan cycle. The multiple main scan cycle data 36 are executed sequentially according to their cycle numbers. For example, when executing main scan cycle data 36 with cycle number 1, a main scan is performed based on the dot data contained in that main scan cycle data 36, ​​and after the main scan is completed, a sub-scan is performed based on the sub-scan feed amount contained in that main scan cycle data 36.

[0044] In this embodiment, the printer driver 32 generates two types of print output data. The two types of print output data include normal print output data D1 and in-page stop print output data D2. Figure 5 The figure illustrates the normal print output data D1 and the page stop print output data D2, which are output to the printing unit 1 via the printer driver 32 and stored in the printing unit 1. Figure 5 In Chinese, "POD" is an abbreviation for Print Output Data.

[0045] The following is for reference Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 This section explains the standard print output data D1 and the in-page stop print output data D2. Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 The image data output by application 31 to printer driver 32 is shown in the figure.

[0046] like Figure 7 As shown, the image data output by application 31 to printer driver 32 consists of multiple printed pages P. The multiple printed pages P include a first printed page P1 and a second printed page P2.

[0047] like Figure 7 As shown, there is a case where the printed image G1 of the first printed page P1 is composed of printed images G11 and G12, which are separated from each other in the transport direction of the medium M. Printed image G11 is the printed image on the upper side of the first printed page P1. Printed image G12 is the printed image on the lower side of the first printed page P1. The upper end of the first printed page P1 corresponds to the downstream end of the first printed page P1 in the transport direction of the medium M. The lower end of the second printed page P2 corresponds to the upstream end of the first printed page P1 in the transport direction of the medium M. Between printed images G11 and G12, there is a slit C1 in the printed image G1. Slit C1 is the area between printed images G11 and G12, and is an area that is not printed across the entire area of ​​the main scanning direction. Furthermore, the printed images G2 of the second printed page P2 are connected without slits in the transport direction of the medium M. A slit C2 exists between the lower end G1d of the printed image G1 on the first printed page P1 and the upper end G2u of the printed image G2 on the second printed page P2. Like C1, slit C2 is an area that is not printed across the entire area of ​​the main scanning direction.

[0048] Moreover, such as Figure 7 As shown, the printed output data D1 is typically constructed in the following manner.

[0049] • An upper processing UP is performed at the upper end G11a of the printed image G11.

[0050] Intermediate processing MP is performed in the area between the upper end G11a and the lower end G12b of the printed image G11.

[0051] • Lower end processing DP is performed at the lower end G12b of the printed image G12.

[0052] • An upper processing UP is performed at the upper end G2a of the printed image G2.

[0053] Intermediate processing MP is performed in the area between the upper end G2a and the lower end G2B of the printed image G2.

[0054] • Lower end processing DP is performed at the lower end G2b of the printed image G2.

[0055] Here, UP (Upper Processing) and DP (Lower Processing) refer to processes that perform printing with a smaller sub-scan feed rate compared to the sub-scan feed rate in MP (Intermediate Processing). Since UP, DP, and MP are known technologies disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-123033, detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0056] In contrast, such as Figure 8 As shown, the stop printing output data D2 within the page is constructed in the following manner.

[0057] • An upper processing UP is performed at the upper end G11a of the printed image G11.

[0058] Intermediate processing MP is performed in the middle part G11c, which is the area between the upper end G11a and the lower end G11b of the printed image G11.

[0059] • Lower end processing DP is performed at the lower end G11b of the printed image G11.

[0060] • An upper processing UP is performed at the upper end G12a of the printed image G12.

[0061] Intermediate processing MP is performed in the middle part G12c, which is the area between the upper end G12a and the lower end G12b of the printed image G12.

[0062] • Lower end processing DP is performed at the lower end G12b of the printed image G12.

[0063] • An upper processing UP is performed at the upper end G2a of the printed image G2.

[0064] Intermediate processing MP is performed in the area between the upper end G2a and the lower end G2B of the printed image G2.

[0065] • Lower end processing DP is performed at the lower end G2b of the printed image G2.

[0066] Print output data D1 and in-page stop print output data D2 are typically distinguished and used in the following manner. Here, in Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 In the middle, the size of the secondary scanning direction of the head 8 is set to be larger than the size of the secondary scanning direction of the kerf C1.

[0067] When printing is performed using the normal print output data D1, a main scan cycle is executed, simultaneously ejecting ink from the lower end G11b of the printed image G11 and the upper end G12a of the printed image G12. In other words, the main scan cycle is executed across the lower end G11b of the printed image G11 and the upper end G12a of the printed image G12. In this case, if the transport of the medium M is stopped at the timing when the slit C1 reaches the printing position achieved by the printing unit 6, the printing at the lower end G11b of the printed image G11 and the upper end G12a of the printed image G12 will be left in an incomplete state. That is, after stopping, the ink ejected to the lower end G11b of the printed image G11 and the upper end G12a of the printed image G12 will immediately begin to dry. When printing resumes subsequently, the printing at the lower end G11b of printed image G11 and the upper end G12a of printed image G12 will be performed by re-overlapping the liquid ink onto the dried ink. As a result, the print quality at the lower end G11b of printed image G11 and the upper end G12a of printed image G12 may be significantly reduced.

[0068] In contrast, when printing is performed using the in-page stop printing output data D2, the printing of the lower end G11B of the printed image G11 is completed before the printing of the upper end G12a of the printed image G12 begins. Similarly, the printing of the upper end G12a of the printed image G12 begins after the printing of the lower end G11b of the printed image G11 is completed. Therefore, even if the transport of the medium M is stopped at the timing when the slit C1 reaches the printing position achieved by the printing unit 6, the printing that would cause the liquid ink to re-overlap onto the already dried ink will not be performed at the lower end G11b of the printed image G11 and the upper end G12a of the printed image G12.

[0069] In summary, when the delivery of the medium M is stopped at the timing point when the slit C1 reaches the printing position achieved by the printing unit 6, the significant deterioration of the printing quality at the lower end G11b of the printed image G11 and the upper end G12a of the printed image G12 can be suppressed by using the in-page stop printing output data D2.

[0070] 4. Printing apparatus 1

[0071] Return to Figure 5 The printing apparatus 1 includes a CPU 40a (Central Processing Unit), RAM 40b (Random Access Memory), and ROM 40c (Read Only Memory). The printing apparatus 1 also includes a communication interface 40d, an LCD 40e, a touch panel 40f, and a speaker 40g. The printing apparatus 1 communicates with the computer 30 via the communication interface 40d. The LCD 40e and the touch panel 40f are arranged in an overlapping manner. Furthermore, by having the CPU 40a read and execute the program stored in the ROM 40c, the program enables the CPU 40a and other hardware to function as a printing output data receiving unit 41, a buffer unit 42, a printing control unit 43, an action setting unit 44, and a winding start unit 45.

[0072] The print output data receiving unit 41 receives normal print output data D1 and in-page stop print output data D2 from the computer 30. The print output data receiving unit 41 stores the received normal print output data D1 and in-page stop print output data D2 in the buffer unit 42.

[0073] The printing control unit 43 performs the main scan performed by the printing unit 6 and the sub-scan performed by the first transport motor 21 and the second transport motor 22 based on the normal printing output data D1 or the page stop printing output data D2 stored in the buffer unit 42. Furthermore, the printing control unit 43 performs torque control on the paper feed motor 13 and the take-up motor 16.

[0074] The printing control unit 43 includes an urging unit 46 and a stopping unit 47.

[0075] After printing begins as performed by printing unit 6, urging unit 46 urges the user to secure the front end ML of medium M to the take-up core 15 based on the fact that the front end ML of medium M has reached a urging position downstream of the printing position in printing unit 6. In this embodiment, urging unit 46 performs the urging by outputting an urging tone signal to speaker 40g. Detailed operation of urging unit 46 will be explained later with reference to the flowchart described below. Urging unit 46 can serve as a means to solve the problems described above.

[0076] The stop unit 47 stops the transport of the medium M by the transport unit 18 after the leading edge ML of the medium M has reached the upstream end of the fixed working range suitable for the user to fix the leading edge ML of the medium M on the take-up core 15, and the cut of the printed image has reached the printing position in the printing unit 6. The detailed operation of the stop unit 47 will be explained later with reference to the flowchart described below. The stop unit 47 can be a means to solve the problems described above.

[0077] The motion setting unit 44 allows the user to set the operating conditions of the printing device 1. Figure 9 The image shows an example of a motion setting screen. The motion setting unit 44 sets the LCD 40e of the printing apparatus 1 to... Figure 9 The operation setting screen is displayed, allowing the user to set the operation conditions of the printing apparatus 1. In the operation setting screen, settings (1) for (1) whether winding urging is needed, (2) winding urging timing, and (3) whether the automatic stop function is needed can be configured. Winding urging refers to the urging action performed by the urging unit 46. Winding urging timing refers to the timing at which the urging unit 46 outputs an urging tone signal to the speaker 40g. The automatic stop function refers to the function of the stop unit 47 stopping the transport of the medium M. The operation setting unit 44 stores the operation conditions of the printing apparatus 1 input by the user through the operation setting screen into the RAM 40b.

[0078] The take-up start section 45 provides the user with a trigger to begin the take-up process performed by the take-up section 11. Figure 10 The image shows an example of a rewind start screen. The rewind start section 45 activates the LCD 40e of the printing unit 1 to... Figure 10 The winding start screen is displayed to trigger the winding process initiated by the winding unit 11. When the user clicks the winding start button 45a, the winding start unit 45 outputs a winding start command to the printing control unit 43, thus initiating the winding process initiated by the winding unit 11. Upon receiving the winding start command from the winding start unit 45, the printing control unit 43 begins torque control of the winding motor 16. Consequently, the winding core material 15 begins to rotate.

[0079] As mentioned above, the urging unit 46 and the stopping unit 47 perform predetermined actions based on the current position of the front end ML of the medium M. Therefore, as follows, referring to... Figure 11 To represent the constantly changing position of the front end ML of medium M, several terms related to the position of the front end ML of medium M are defined. Figure 11The image shows a side view of the printing apparatus 1 at a point in time after printing by the printing apparatus 1 has begun, and several tens of seconds have passed since the leading edge ML of the medium M passed through the second conveyor roller 20. Figure 11 As shown, the medium M, having passed through the second conveyor roller 20, hangs downwards when viewed from the second conveyor roller 20 due to its own weight. Furthermore, as printing proceeds, the leading edge ML of the medium M gradually approaches the floor surface F. Figure 11 In the diagram, the thick line represents track L1, which the leading edge ML of medium M has already passed through, and the double-dotted line represents track L2, which the leading edge ML of medium M will pass through in the future. Tracks L1 and L2 constitute the medium transport track L. Figure 11 Along the media transport track L, the printing position PS0, the urging position PS1, the fixed working range R1, the upstream end of the fixed working range R1 PS2, the downstream end of the fixed working range R1 PS3, the stop range R2, and the stop position PS4 are shown. The printing position PS0, the urging position PS1, the upstream end PS2, the downstream end PS3, and the stop position PS4 are arranged in the order shown in the diagram, from upstream to downstream, along the media transport track L.

[0080] The printing position PS0 is the position where the printing unit 6 performs printing on the medium M. That is, the printing position PS0 is the position where the printing unit 6 ejects ink from the medium M.

[0081] The urging position PS1 is defined as the position downstream of the printing position PS0. Specifically, the urging position PS1 is located between the printing position PS0 and the upstream position PS2.

[0082] The upstream PS2 and downstream PS3 define the fixed operating range R1.

[0083] The fixed working range R1 is the range suitable for the user to fix the front end ML of the medium M onto the take-up core 15. As an example, the upstream end PS2 and the downstream end PS3 of the fixed working range R1 are defined as follows.

[0084] That is, the position of the front end ML of the medium M, which is hanging directly downward when viewed from the second conveyor roller 20, is brought closer to the winding core material 15, and the front end ML of the medium M reaches the outer peripheral surface 15a of the winding core material 15 to the maximum extent is defined as the upstream end PS2 of the fixed working range R1.

[0085] On the other hand, the downstream end PS3 is defined as a position several tens of centimeters below the upstream end PS2. Several tens of centimeters typically refers to 20 to 30 centimeters, but is not limited to this. Assuming that the leading edge ML of the medium M is located 70 centimeters below the upstream end PS2, the medium M must be wound up in order to fix the leading edge ML of the medium M to the outer peripheral surface 15a of the take-up core 15, resulting in poor workability. Therefore, the downstream end PS3, which is the range of the fixed working range R1 suitable for the user to fix the leading edge ML of the medium M to the take-up core 15, is actually defined with consideration of the workability of the fixed operation.

[0086] The stop position PS4 is defined as the position downstream of the upstream end PS2. Specifically, it will be the position after the front end ML of medium M reaches the upstream end PS2 of the fixed operating range R1. Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 The position of the front end ML of the medium M when the slit C1 or slit C2 reaches the printing position PS0 is defined as the stop position PS4. Although in this embodiment the stop position PS4 is located downstream of the downstream end PS3, it can also be located upstream of the downstream end PS3.

[0087] The stop range R2 is defined as the range from the upstream end PS2 to the set floor surface F. As long as the leading end ML of the medium M that has passed through the upstream end PS2 is within the stop range R2, the medium M will not come into contact with the set floor surface F and thus will not become contaminated.

[0088] 5. Action Description

[0089] Next, refer to Figure 12 as well as Figure 13 The operation of the printing apparatus 1 will now be described. First, the user uses application 31 on computer 30 to create a printable image, pulls the medium M from the paper feed roll 14, and positions the leading edge ML of the medium M at a predetermined position on the main body 2. Furthermore, the user places the take-up core 15 in the take-up section 11. Then, the user executes a print instruction on computer 30. In response, application 31 outputs image data to printer driver 32. Thus, printer driver 32 generates normal print output data D1 and in-page stop print output data D2, and outputs both to printing apparatus 1. Then, the following controls are implemented in printing apparatus 1.

[0090] First, the motion design department 44 will Figure 9The operation setting screen shown is output to LCD 40e (S100). The user inputs the operation conditions of the printing device 1 via the touch panel 40f. The operation setting unit 44 stores the operation conditions input by the user into RAM 40b.

[0091] The reminder department 46 uses the collection reminder time set by the user to... Figure 11 The urging position PS1 shown is set (S110). Specifically, when the winding urging timing is set to "early", the urging unit 46 moves the urging position PS1 upstream compared to the reference position. When the winding urging timing is set to "normal", the urging unit 46 sets the urging position PS1 to the reference position. When the winding urging timing is set to "late", the urging unit 46 moves the urging position PS1 downstream compared to the reference position. As a result of the setting of the urging position PS1 implemented by the urging unit 46, the urging position PS1 can be positioned upstream compared to the second conveyor roller 20, or it can be positioned closer to the upstream end PS2 of the fixed working range R1 compared to the printing position PS0, or it can be positioned closer to the printing position PS0 compared to the upstream end PS2 of the fixed working range R1.

[0092] Next, the print output data receiving unit 41 receives the normal print output data D1 and the in-page stop print output data D2 from the computer 30 (S120). The print output data receiving unit 41 stores the received normal print output data D1 and in-page stop print output data D2 in the buffer unit 42.

[0093] Next, the printing control unit 43 begins printing based on either the normal printing output data D1 or the in-page stop printing output data D2 (S130). The printing control unit 43 can begin printing based on either the normal printing output data D1 or the in-page stop printing output data D2. Typically, the printing control unit 43 begins printing based on the normal printing output data D1. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the printing control unit 43 begins printing based on the normal printing output data D1. It is assumed that at the point at which the printing control unit 43 begins printing, the winding core 15 placed in the winding unit 11 is stationary and does not rotate. Furthermore, when the printing control unit 43 begins printing, the winding start unit 45 causes the LCD 40e to... Figure 10 The rewind start screen shown is displayed.

[0094] Next, the printing control unit 43 determines whether the printing task being performed is a winding task that requires winding of the medium M in the winding unit 11, based on the normal printing output data D1 (S140). If the printing control unit 43 determines that the printing task is a winding task, the printing control unit 43 proceeds the process to S150. If the printing control unit 43 determines that the printing task is not a winding task, the printing control unit 43 proceeds the process to S290.

[0095] As an example, the determination made by the printing control unit 43 is based on the total value of the sub-scan feed amount in the normal print output data D1. That is, in the case of a print job in which the leading edge ML of the medium M reaches the setting floor surface F before the printing control unit 43 completes the print job, the printing control unit 43 determines that the print job is a rewind job. In addition, the sub-scan feed amount corresponds to the length of the sub-scan direction of the print area in the normal print output data D1. Therefore, a determination is made as to whether the length of the sub-scan direction of the print area in the normal print output data D1 is longer than a threshold corresponding to the length of the leading edge ML of the medium M reaching the setting floor surface F before the printing control unit 43 completes the print job. Moreover, it can be configured such that if the length is longer, the printing control unit 43 determines that the print job is a rewind job, and if the length is shorter, it determines that the print job is not a rewind job. Furthermore, the printing control unit 43 can also determine that the print job is a rewind job by... Figure 9 The action setting screen shown prompts the user to determine whether the printing task is a rewinding task in order to perform the aforementioned judgment. Furthermore, the printing control unit 43 can also determine that a printing task being executed is not a rewinding task if it is a test printing task.

[0096] Next, the urging unit 46 refers to RAM 40b to determine whether an urging action implemented by the urging unit 46 is necessary (S150). If the urging unit 46 determines that an urging action is necessary, the urging unit 46 proceeds the process to S160. On the other hand, if the urging unit 46 determines that an urging action is unnecessary, the urging unit 46 proceeds the process to S200.

[0097] Next, the urging unit 46 determines whether the tip ML of the medium M has reached the urging position PS1 (S160). If the urging unit 46 determines that the tip ML of the medium M has not reached the urging position PS1, the urging unit 46 repeats the determination in S160. On the other hand, if the urging unit 46 determines that the tip ML of the medium M has reached the urging position PS1, the urging unit 46 advances the process to S170.

[0098] Here, the urging unit 46 can obtain the current position of the leading edge ML of the medium M through various methods. That is, the urging unit 46 can calculate the current position of the leading edge ML of the medium M based on the transport speed of the medium M and the elapsed time since the start of printing. As another example, the urging unit 46 can calculate the current position of the leading edge ML of the medium M based on the transport distance of the medium M.

[0099] Next, the urging unit 46 determines whether winding has started in the winding unit 11 (S170). If the urging unit 46 determines that winding has started in the winding unit 11, the urging unit 46 proceeds the process to S290. On the other hand, if the urging unit 46 determines that winding has not started in the winding unit 11, the urging unit 46 proceeds the process to S180.

[0100] Here, the urging unit 46 can determine whether the winding process in the winding unit 11 has started using various methods. As an example, if the user clicks the button before the aforementioned determination by the urging unit 46... Figure 10 When the winding start button is pressed, the urging unit 46 can determine that winding in the winding unit 11 has started. As another example, the urging unit 46 can determine whether winding in the winding unit 11 has started based on the current value supplied to the winding motor 16. As yet another example, the urging unit 46 can determine whether winding in the winding unit 11 has started based on the output value of the encoder installed in the winding motor 16.

[0101] Next, the urging unit 46 urges the user by outputting an urging tone signal to the speaker 40g, so that the user fixes the leading edge ML of the medium M onto the take-up core 15 (S180). As mentioned above, since a certain amount of time is spent from the start of printing performed by the printing device 1 until the leading edge ML of the medium M reaches the take-up core 15, the user may kill time by performing other tasks. In this case, the user can understand the situation by hearing the urging tone output from the speaker 40g from a location away from the printing device 1, thus knowing that the leading edge ML of the medium M has reached the vicinity of the take-up core 15. Accordingly, the user can temporarily interrupt other tasks and return to the printing device 1, waiting in front of the printing device 1 until the leading edge ML of the medium M reaches the take-up core 15. Then, after the leading edge ML of the medium M reaches the outer peripheral surface 15a of the take-up core 15, the user fixes the leading edge ML of the medium M onto the take-up core 15, and by... Figure 10The shown winding start screen initiates the winding of the medium M performed by the winding unit 11. Therefore, even if the user is so engrossed in another task that they forget they are in the middle of printing, they can be made aware that printing is in progress. This prevents situations where, for example, the medium M is not wound up by the winding unit 11, causing the leading edge ML of the medium M to reach the installation floor surface F, thus resulting in wasted paper on the printed medium M.

[0102] However, it also takes into account the possibility that users might miss hearing the urging tone output from speaker 40g if they are in a location far from the printing device 1. Alternatively, in specific environments where the urging tone cannot be played, users might... Figure 10 The operation setting screen is set to not require prompting by the urging unit 46. In this case, there is still a possibility that the user may become overly engrossed in other tasks and forget that printing is in progress. In such cases, in order to prevent situations such as the media M not being wound up by the winding unit 11, causing the leading edge ML of the media M to reach the setting floor surface F, thus resulting in a wasted paper, the stopping unit 47 temporarily stops the transport of the media M by the transport unit 18 after the leading edge ML of the media M reaches the upstream end PS2. Specifically, as described below.

[0103] First, the stop unit 47 refers to RAM 40b to determine whether the automatic stop function, which is set to stop the transport of medium M by the stop unit 47, is effective (S200). If the stop unit 47 determines that the automatic stop function, which stops the transport of medium M by the stop unit 47, is effective, the stop unit 47 proceeds to S210. On the other hand, if the stop unit 47 determines that the automatic stop function, which stops the transport of medium M by the stop unit 47, is ineffective, the stop unit 47 proceeds to S290.

[0104] Next, the stop unit 47 refers to the normal print output data D1 or the in-page stop print output data D2 to determine whether there is a cut that reaches the printing position PS0 during the period when the leading edge ML of the medium M is within the stop range R2 (S210). The cut referred to here, for example, means... Figure 7 The cut C1 or cut C2 is shown. If the stop unit 47 determines that a cut leading to the printing position PS0 exists during the period when the leading edge ML of the medium M is within the stop range R2, the stop unit 47 advances the process to S220. On the other hand, if the stop unit 47 determines that no cut leading to the printing position PS0 exists during the period when the leading edge ML of the medium M is within the stop range R2, the stop unit 47 advances the process to... Figure 13 The S400. Alternatively, it may not be necessary to... Figure 7The cut C1 shown is defined as the cut referred to herein, while the cut C2 is defined as the cut referred to herein.

[0105] Next, the stop unit 47 sets the stop position PS4 based on the normal print output data D1 or the page stop print output data D2 (S220).

[0106] Specifically, if only the slit C1 reaches the printing position PS0 while the leading edge ML of the medium M is within the stop range R2, the stop unit 47 sets the stop position PS4 to the position of the leading edge ML of the medium M at the point when the slit C1 reaches the printing position PS0. In this case, the printing control unit 43 continues printing based on the in-page stop printing output data D2. Thus, even if printing is interrupted at the point when the slit C1 reaches the printing position PS0, significant degradation in print quality can be suppressed as described above.

[0107] Furthermore, if only the slit C2 reaches the printing position PS0 while the leading edge ML of the medium M is within the stop range R2, the stop unit 47 sets the stop position PS4 to the position of the leading edge ML of the medium M at the point when the slit C2 reaches the printing position PS0. In this case, the printing control unit 43 continues printing based on the normal printing output data D1.

[0108] Furthermore, if both the slits C1 and C2 reach the printing position PS0 while the leading edge ML of the medium M is within the stop range R2, the stop unit 47 sets the stop position PS4 to the position of the leading edge ML of the medium M at the point when the slit C2 reaches the printing position PS0. In this case, the printing control unit 43 continues printing based on the normal printing output data D1.

[0109] Next, the stop unit 47 determines whether the leading edge ML of the medium M has reached the upstream end PS2 (S230). If the stop unit 47 determines that the leading edge ML of the medium M has reached the upstream end PS2, the stop unit 47 proceeds the process to S240. On the other hand, if the stop unit 47 determines that the leading edge ML of the medium M has not reached the upstream end PS2, the stop unit 47 repeats the process of S230.

[0110] Here, like the urging unit 46, the stopping unit 47 can obtain the current position of the front end ML of the medium M through various methods. The specific methods are as described above.

[0111] Next, the stop unit 47 determines whether winding in the take-up unit 11 has started (S240). If the stop unit 47 determines that winding in the take-up unit 11 has started, the stop unit 47 proceeds the process to S290. On the other hand, if the stop unit 47 determines that winding in the take-up unit 11 has not started, the stop unit 47 proceeds the process to S250.

[0112] Here, like the urging unit 46, the stopping unit 47 can determine whether winding in the winding unit 11 has started using various methods. The specific methods are as described above.

[0113] Next, the stop unit 47 determines whether the leading edge ML of the medium M has reached the stop position PS4 (S250). If the stop unit 47 determines that the leading edge ML of the medium M has reached the stop position PS4, the stop unit 47 advances the process to S260. On the other hand, if the stop unit 47 determines that the leading edge ML of the medium M has not reached the stop position PS4, the stop unit 47 returns the process to S240.

[0114] Next, the stop unit 47 interrupts printing (S260) by stopping the transport of the medium M implemented by the transport unit 18. The transport of the medium M is performed intermittently whenever the main scan cycle is executed. Therefore, stopping the transport of the medium M means prohibiting the intermittent transport of the medium M.

[0115] Here, if the timing of the printing interruption by the stop section 47 allows the leading edge ML of the medium M to be fixed onto the winding core 15, the printed medium M can be prevented from becoming a wasted piece of paper. Furthermore, even if the leading edge ML of the medium M cannot be fixed onto the winding core 15 at the timing of the printing interruption by the stop section 47, or if the leading edge ML of the medium M has reached the floor surface F at the timing of the printing interruption by the stop section 47, causing the medium M to become soiled, since printing is interrupted at least at the point when the slit C2 reaches the printing position PS0, the amount of wasted paper can be minimized. In either case, it can be said that this contributes to the conservation of medium M.

[0116] Furthermore, since the kerf C1 or C2 is located at the printing position PS0 at this time, high print quality can be achieved even if printing is interrupted and then resumed later. Therefore, there is room for restarting printing even if it is interrupted.

[0117] In particular, when the slit C1 is located at the printing position PS0 and the size of the sub-scanning direction of the head 8 is larger than the size of the sub-scanning direction of the slit C1, the printing control unit 43 uses the in-page stop printing output data D2 to perform printing. Therefore, the printing of the lower end G11B of the printed image G11 is completed before the printing of the upper end G12a of the printed image G12 begins. Similarly, the printing of the upper end G12a of the printed image G12 begins after the printing of the lower end G11b of the printed image G11 is completed. Therefore, as described above, even if the transport of the medium M is stopped at the timing when the slit C1 reaches the printing position PS0 implemented by the printing unit 6, printing that would cause liquid ink to re-overlap onto the dried ink is not performed at the lower end G11b of the printed image G11 and the upper end G12a of the printed image G12. In this sense, even if printing is interrupted and then resumed, high print quality can be achieved.

[0118] Next, the stop unit 47 determines whether winding in the take-up unit 11 has started (S270). If the stop unit 47 determines that winding in the take-up unit 11 has started, the stop unit 47 proceeds the process to S280. On the other hand, if the stop unit 47 determines that winding in the take-up unit 11 has not started, the stop unit 47 repeats the process of S270.

[0119] Next, the stop unit 47 restarts printing by resuming the transport of the medium M carried out by the transport unit 18 (S280).

[0120] Next, the printing control unit 43 determines whether the currently executing printing task has been completed (S290). If the printing control unit 43 determines that the currently executing printing task has been completed, the printing control unit 43 ends the process. On the other hand, if the printing control unit 43 determines that the currently executing printing task has not been completed, the printing control unit 43 repeats the process of S290. Moreover, after printing is completed, the user cuts the medium M and recycles the take-up roll 17 from the printing apparatus 1.

[0121] Next, refer to Figure 13 The stop unit 47 determines whether the leading edge ML of the medium M has reached the upstream end PS2 (S400). If the stop unit 47 determines that the leading edge ML of the medium M has reached the upstream end PS2, the stop unit 47 proceeds the process to S410. On the other hand, if the stop unit 47 determines that the leading edge ML of the medium M has not reached the upstream end PS2, the stop unit 47 repeats the process of S400.

[0122] Next, the stop unit 47 determines whether winding has started in the take-up unit 11 (S410). If the stop unit 47 determines that winding has started in the take-up unit 11, the stop unit 47 advances the process to... Figure 12 S290. On the other hand, if the stop unit 47 determines that winding in the winding unit 11 has not started, the stop unit 47 causes the process to proceed to S420.

[0123] Next, the stop unit 47 reduces the transport speed of the medium M carried out by the transport unit 18 (S420). Since the transport of the medium M carried out by the transport unit 18 is intermittent, as an example, the stop unit 47 substantially reduces the transport speed of the medium M carried out by the transport unit 18 by setting an interval of a predetermined length between the main scan and the sub-scan. As a result, the time until the user performs rewinding can be extended.

[0124] Next, the stop unit 47 determines whether winding in the take-up unit 11 has started (S430). If the stop unit 47 determines that winding in the take-up unit 11 has started, the stop unit 47 advances the process to S440. On the other hand, if the stop unit 47 determines that winding in the take-up unit 11 has not started, the stop unit 47 advances the process to S450.

[0125] In S440, the stop unit 47 increases the transport speed of the medium M implemented by the transport unit 18 (S440). As an example, the stop unit 47 substantially increases the transport speed of the medium M implemented by the transport unit 18 by removing the interval of a predetermined length set between the main scan and the sub-scan. Then, the stop unit 47 returns the process to... Figure 12 The S290.

[0126] In step S450, the printing control unit 43 determines whether the currently executing printing task has been completed (S450). If the printing control unit 43 determines that the currently executing printing task has been completed, the printing control unit 43 terminates the process. On the other hand, if the printing control unit 43 determines that the currently executing printing task has not been completed, the printing control unit 43 returns the process to step S430. Furthermore, after printing is completed, the user cuts the media M and recycles the take-up roll 17 from the printing apparatus 1.

[0127] The embodiments of this disclosure have been described above. These embodiments have the following characteristics.

[0128] 6. A technology that features the urging unit 46.

[0129] For example, such as Figure 2 as well as Figure 5 , Figure 11 , Figure 12 As shown, the printing apparatus 1 includes: a printing unit 6 for printing on a medium M; a transport unit 18 for transporting the medium M; a winding unit 11 for rotatably supporting a winding core 15 for winding the printed medium M; and an urging unit 46 for urging the user to fix the front end ML of the medium M onto the winding core 15, based on the condition that the front end ML of the medium M has reached an urging position PS1 downstream of the printing position PS0 in the printing unit 6. According to this structure, even if the user is overly engrossed in another task and forgets that printing is in progress, they can be made aware that printing is in progress. Therefore, for example, situations can be prevented where the medium M is not wound up by the winding unit 11, causing the front end ML of the medium M to reach the setting floor surface F, thus resulting in wasted paper on the printed medium M.

[0130] In addition, such as Figure 11 As shown, although the urging position PS1 can also be located downstream of the upstream end PS2 of the fixed working range R1 suitable for the user to fix the front end ML of the medium M onto the take-up core 15, it is preferable that the urging position PS1 is located upstream of it. According to the above structure, compared to the case where the urging position PS1 is located downstream of the upstream end PS2, the user has more time to fix the front end ML of the medium M onto the take-up core 15.

[0131] In addition, such as Figure 11 As shown, compared to the printing position PS0, the urging position PS1 is closer to the upstream end PS2 of the fixed work range R1. According to the above structure, compared to the case where the urging position PS1 is closer to the printing position PS0 than the upstream end PS2 of the fixed work range R1, the waiting time of the user near the printing device 1 after being called by the user can be shortened, thus contributing to the efficient use of time.

[0132] In addition, such as Figure 12 As shown, the urging unit 46 performs urging when a task requiring winding in the winding unit 11 is being performed (S140: Yes, S180), and does not perform urging when a task not requiring winding in the winding unit is being performed (S140: No). Based on the above structure, urging can be performed appropriately depending on whether winding is required.

[0133] In addition, such as Figure 12As shown, the urging unit 46 performs the urging action when winding in the winding unit 11 has not yet started (S170: No, S180), and does not perform the urging action when winding in the winding unit 11 has started (S170: Yes). In other words, the urging unit 46 performs the urging action when winding in the winding unit 11 is before winding (S170: No, S180), and does not perform the urging action when winding in the winding unit 11 has finished winding (S170: Yes). Based on the above structure, unnecessary urging sounds can be eliminated.

[0134] In addition, such as Figure 12 As shown, the urging unit 46 performs the urging when the user sets it to require urging by the urging unit 46 (S150: Yes, S180), and does not perform the urging when the user sets it to not require urging by the urging unit 46 (S150: No). According to the above structure, the printing device 1 can be used even in special environments where urging sounds are prohibited.

[0135] Furthermore, the urging unit 46 performs the urging by outputting an urging tone signal. Based on the above structure, the urging unit 46 can perform the urging even for a user working in a location far from the printing apparatus 1. However, alternatively, the urging unit 46 can perform the urging by generating a certain action tone through intermittent movement of the movable parts of the printing apparatus 1. The movable parts of the printing apparatus 1 typically include the printing unit 6 and the winding core 15.

[0136] Furthermore, the urging unit 46 can also determine whether the leading edge ML of the medium M has reached the urging position PS1 based on the transport speed of the medium M and the elapsed time. According to the above structure, it is possible to determine whether the leading edge ML of the medium M has reached the urging position PS1 at a low cost, without having to install multiple optical sensors in the printing apparatus 1 to detect the position of the leading edge ML of the medium M. Additionally, the elapsed time typically refers to the time elapsed since the start of printing.

[0137] Furthermore, the urging unit 46 can also determine whether the leading edge ML of the medium M has reached the urging position PS1 based on the transport distance of the medium M. According to the above structure, similarly, it is possible to determine whether the leading edge ML of the medium M has reached the urging position PS1 at a low cost. Additionally, the transport distance typically refers to the transport distance from the start of printing.

[0138] In addition, such as Figure 5 as well as Figure 12As shown, the printing apparatus 1 also includes a stop unit 47, which stops the transport of the medium M by the transport unit 18 when the leading edge ML of the medium M has reached the upstream end PS2 of the fixed working range R1 suitable for the user to fix the leading edge ML of the medium M onto the winding core 15, and the cut of the printed image has reached the printing position PS0. According to the above structure, if the leading edge ML of the medium M can be fixed onto the winding core 15 at the point when the stop unit 47 interrupts printing, the printed medium M can be prevented from becoming a wasted paper. Furthermore, even if the leading edge ML of the medium M cannot be fixed onto the winding core 15 at the point when the stop unit 47 interrupts printing, or if the leading edge ML of the medium M has reached the setting floor F at the point when the stop unit 47 interrupts printing, causing the medium M to become soiled, the amount of wasted paper can be minimized. In either case, it can be said to contribute to the saving of medium M.

[0139] In addition, such as Figure 12 As shown, the stop unit 47 stops the conveying when winding in the take-up unit 11 has not yet started (S240: No), and does not stop the conveying when winding in the take-up unit 11 has started (S240: Yes). In other words, the stop unit 47 stops the conveying when winding in the take-up unit 11 is in the process of winding (S240: No), and does not stop the conveying when winding in the take-up unit 11 has finished winding (S240: Yes). According to the above structure, unnecessary stops in the conveying can be eliminated.

[0140] In addition, such as Figure 12 As shown, the printing production method includes step (S180), which prompts the user to fix the front end ML of the medium M onto the take-up core 15 based on the fact that the front end ML of the medium M has reached the prompt position PS1 downstream of the printing position PS0 in the printing unit 6. According to this method, even if the user is overly engrossed in another task and forgets that printing is in progress, they can be made aware that printing is in progress. Therefore, for example, it is possible to avoid situations where the medium M is not wound up by the take-up unit 11, causing the front end ML of the medium M to reach the setting floor surface F, thus resulting in wasted paper from the printed medium M.

[0141] In addition, such as Figure 12 As shown, the printing production method may further include a step of starting printing (S130) and a step of urging the user (S180).

[0142] 7. A technique that features the stop section 47.

[0143] For example, such as Figure 2 as well as Figure 5 , Figure 11 , Figure 12 As shown, the printing apparatus 1 includes: a printing unit 6 for printing on a medium M; a transport unit 18 for transporting the medium M; a winding unit 11 for rotatably supporting a winding core 15 for winding the printed medium M; and a stop unit 47 for stopping the transport of the medium M by the transport unit 18 when the leading edge ML of the medium M has reached the upstream end PS2 of the fixed working range R1 suitable for the user to fix the leading edge ML of the medium M on the winding core 15, and the cut of the printed image has reached the printing position PS0 in the printing unit 6. According to the above structure, since the stopping unit 47 can fix the leading edge ML of the medium M on the winding core 15 at the point where printing is interrupted, the situation of the printed medium M becoming a wasted paper can be avoided. Furthermore, even if the leading edge ML of the medium M cannot be fixed to the winding core 15 at the point when printing is interrupted by the stop section 47, or if the leading edge ML of the medium M has reached the floor surface F at the point when printing is interrupted by the stop section 47, resulting in the medium M being soiled, the amount of paper lost can be minimized. In either case, it can be said to contribute to the saving of medium M. In addition, since the slit C1 or slit C2 is located at the printing position PS0 at the point when the transport of medium M is stopped by the stop section 47, high print quality can be achieved even if printing is interrupted and then resumed. Therefore, even if printing is interrupted, there is room for restarting printing.

[0144] In addition, such as Figure 12 As shown, the stop unit 47 stops the conveyor when performing a task requiring winding in the winding unit 11 (S140: Yes, S260), and does not stop the conveyor when performing a task that does not require winding in the winding unit 11 (S140: No). Based on the above structure, the conveyor can be stopped appropriately depending on whether winding is required.

[0145] In addition, such as Figure 12 As shown, the stop unit 47 stops the conveying when winding in the take-up unit 11 has not yet started (S240: No, S260), and does not stop the conveying when winding in the take-up unit 11 has started (S240: Yes). In other words, the stop unit 47 stops the conveying when winding in the take-up unit 11 is about to start (S240: No), and does not stop the conveying when winding in the take-up unit 11 has finished (S240: Yes). According to the above structure, unnecessary stops in the conveying can be eliminated.

[0146] In addition, such as Figure 12As shown, the stop unit 47 stops the transport when the user sets it to require a stop performed by the stop unit 47 (S200: Yes, S260), and does not stop the transport when the user sets it not to require a stop performed by the stop unit 47 (S200: No). Based on the above structure, flexible operation of the printing apparatus 1 can be achieved.

[0147] In addition, such as Figure 11 , Figure 12 as well as Figure 13 As shown, if the cutting edge of the media M, ML, has reached the upstream end PS2 of the fixed working range R1 and there is no cut to reach the printing position PS0 during the period when the media M, ML, is located in the predetermined stop range R2 from the upstream end PS2 of the fixed working range R1 towards the downstream (S210: No), the conveying speed of the media M implemented by the conveying unit 18 is reduced at a predetermined time (S420). According to the above structure, the possibility of the user fixing the media M, ML, to the winding core 15 before the media M, ML, reaches the setting floor surface F is increased. Therefore, since the possibility of avoiding the printed media M becoming waste paper is obtained, it is beneficial to save media M as a result.

[0148] In addition, such as Figure 11 As shown, the downstream end of the predetermined stop range R2 is the floor surface F. However, it is also possible to set the downstream end of the predetermined stop range R2 above the floor surface F instead.

[0149] In addition, such as Figure 13 As shown, the predetermined timing is the timing when the front end ML of the medium M arrives at the upstream end PS2 of the fixed operating range R1 (S400: Yes). However, it is also possible to set the predetermined timing before or after the timing when the front end ML of the medium M arrives at the upstream end PS2 of the fixed operating range R1 instead of this method.

[0150] In addition, such as Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 As shown, slits C1 and C2 are areas that are not printed across the entire area spanning the main scanning direction.

[0151] As an example, the slit C2 is located between the lower end G1d of the printed image G1 of the first printed page P1 and the upper end G2u of the printed image G2 of the second printed page P2.

[0152] As an example, such as Figure 7 as well as Figure 8As shown, when the printed images G1 and G2 are configured separately in the transport direction of the medium M on the same page, the slit C1 is located between the printed images G1 and G2.

[0153] In addition, such as Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 As shown, when the stop unit 47 stops the transport of the medium M (S260), the printing control unit 43 performs lower processing DP for the printed image adjacent to the upstream side of the cut, and performs upper processing UP for the printed image adjacent to the downstream side of the cut. Specifically, as Figure 8 As shown, the printing control unit 43 performs lower-end processing DP on the lower end G11b of the printed image G11 adjacent to the upstream side of the slit C1, and performs upper-end processing UP on the upper end G12a of the printed image G12 adjacent to the downstream side of the slit C1. Similarly, the printing control unit 43 performs lower-end processing DP on the lower end G12b of the printed image G12 adjacent to the upstream side of the slit C2, and performs upper-end processing UP on the upper end G2a of the printed image G2 adjacent to the downstream side of the slit C2. With this structure, higher printing quality can be achieved.

[0154] In addition, such as Figure 12 As shown, the printing production method includes step (S260), whereby the transport of the medium M by the transport unit 18 is stopped when the leading edge ML of the medium M has reached the upstream end PS2 of the fixed working range R1 suitable for the user to fix the leading edge ML of the medium M onto the winding core 15, and the cut of the printed image has reached the printing position PS0 in the printing unit 6. According to the above method, if the leading edge ML of the medium M can be fixed onto the winding core 15 at the point when the stop unit 47 interrupts printing, the situation where the printed medium M becomes wasted paper can be avoided. Furthermore, even if the leading edge ML of the medium M cannot be fixed onto the winding core 15 at the point when the stop unit 47 interrupts printing, or if the leading edge ML of the medium M has reached the setting floor surface F at the point when the stop unit 47 interrupts printing, causing the medium M to become soiled, the amount of wasted paper can be minimized. In either case, it can be said to contribute to the saving of medium M. Furthermore, since the slit C1 or slit C2 is located at the printing position PS0 at the point where the transport of the medium M is stopped by the stop section 47, high print quality can be achieved even if printing is interrupted and then resumed. Therefore, there is room for restarting printing even if it is interrupted.

[0155] In addition, such as Figure 12As shown, the printing production method may further include a step of starting printing (S130) and a step of stopping the transport of the medium M carried out by the transport unit 18 (S260).

[0156] 8. Variations

[0157] Although the embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, the above embodiments can be modified in the following ways.

[0158] That is, in the above embodiment, the printing apparatus 1 receives normal printing output data D1 and in-page stop printing output data D2 from the computer 30, and uses the normal printing output data D1 and in-page stop printing output data D2 separately depending on the situation. However, the normal printing output data D1 can be omitted. That is, the printing control unit 43 can also perform printing based on the in-page stop printing output data D2 in any situation. In this case, printing can be interrupted at any time point, whether the slit C1 reaches the printing position PS0 or the slit C2 reaches the printing position PS0, while ensuring high printing quality.

[0159] Furthermore, the stop unit 47 can also stop the transport of the medium M if the leading edge ML of the medium M has reached the setting floor surface F. In this case, although higher print quality cannot be expected even if printing resumes, the loss of paper weight can be effectively suppressed.

[0160] Furthermore, the stop unit 47 can also output a warning sound signal to the speaker 40g when the transport of the medium M is stopped. Based on the above structure, it is possible to prevent the printing apparatus 1 from being left idle for an extended period of time while printing is interrupted.

[0161] Furthermore, the urging from the urging unit 46 and the warning from the stopping unit 47 can be implemented in any way. While it can be implemented using sound by using a speaker 40g, it can also be implemented using light by using a lamp, or it can be implemented by notifying the computer 30 that generated the image data or the user's smartphone through the communication interface 40d.

[0162] A component that was described as a separate component in the above example can be designated as a single component, or a component that was described as a single component can be designated as multiple components.

[0163] In the examples above, programs can be stored and supplied to a computer using a wide variety of types of non-transitory computer-readable media. Non-transitory computer-readable media include a wide variety of tangible storage media. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include magnetic recording media (e.g., floppy disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives) and optomagnetic recording media (e.g., optical disks). Further examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include CD-ROM (Read Only Memory), CD-R, CD-R / W, and semiconductor memory (e.g., mask ROM). Further examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include PROM (Programmable ROM), EPROM (Erasable PROM), flash memory, and RAM (random access memory). Furthermore, programs can also be supplied to a computer via a wide variety of transitory computer-readable media. Examples of transitory computer-readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. Transitory computer-readable media can supply programs to a computer via wired communication paths such as wires and optical fibers, or via wireless communication paths.

[0164] Symbol Explanation

[0165] 1…Printing apparatus; 2…Main body; 3…Feet; 4…Drying section; 5…Guide rail; 6…Printing section; 7…Carriage; 8…Head; 9…Paper support section; 10…Paper feeding section; 11…Wrapping section; 12…Paper feeding core material; 13…Paper feeding motor; 14…Paper feeding roll; 15…Wrapping core material; 15a…Outer peripheral surface; 16…Wrapping motor; 17…Wrapping roll; 18…Conveying section; 19…First conveyor roller; 20…Second conveyor roller; 21…First conveyor motor; 22…Second conveyor motor; 23…Belt; 30…Computer; 31…Application program; 32…Printer driver; 33…Color conversion unit; 34…Halftone processing unit; 35…Rasterization processing unit; 36…Main scan cycle data; 41…Print output data receiving unit; 42…Buffer unit; 43…Print control unit; 44…Motion setting unit; 45…Rewind start unit; 45a…Rewind start button; 46…Accelerator unit; 47…Stop unit; 100…Printing system; M…Media; ML…Front end; F…Setting floor; D1…Normal print output data; D2…Intra-page stop print output data; P…Printed page; P1…First printed page; P2…Second printed page; G1…Printed image; G1d…Lower end; G11…Printed image; G11a…Upper end; G11b…Lower end; G11c…Middle part; G12…Printed image; G12a…Upper end; G12b…Lower end; G12c…Middle section; G2…Printed image; G2u…Upper end; G2a…Upper end; G2b…Lower end; C1…Cut; C2…Cut; L…Media transport track; L1…Track; L2…Track; PS0…Printing position; PS1…Accelerating position; PS2…Upstream end; PS3…Downstream end; PS4…Stop position; R1…Fixed working range; R2…Stop range; UP…Upper processing; MP…Middle processing; DP…Lower processing.

Claims

1. A printing apparatus, comprising: The printing section prints onto the medium at the printing position; A conveying unit that conveys the medium; The winding section winds up the printed medium. The urging unit, after the printing is initiated by the printing unit, urges the user to secure the leading edge of the medium to the winding unit based on the fact that the leading edge of the medium has reached a urging position downstream of the printing position. The urging unit determines whether a task requiring winding in the winding unit is necessary or not, based on the size of the printing area. The urging unit executes the urging when performing a task that requires winding in the winding unit, and does not execute the urging when performing a task that does not require winding in the winding unit. The urging unit performs the urging when the winding unit is before winding at the timing point when the front end of the medium reaches the urging position, and does not perform the urging when the winding unit has finished winding at the timing point when the front end of the medium reaches the urging position.

2. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The urging position is located upstream of the fixed working range suitable for the user to fix the front end of the medium on the take-up section.

3. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein, Compared to the printing position, the urging position is closer to the upstream end of the fixed operation range.

4. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The urging unit performs the urging by outputting urging tone signals.

5. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The urging unit determines whether the front end of the medium has reached the urging position based on the medium's delivery speed and the elapsed time.

6. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The urging unit determines whether the front end of the medium has reached the urging position based on the transport distance of the medium.

7. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, It also includes a stop unit that stops the transport of the medium carried out by the transport unit when the front end of the medium has reached the upstream end of a fixed working range suitable for the user to fix the front end of the medium on the take-up unit and the slit of the printed image has reached the printing position.

8. The printing apparatus of claim 7, wherein, The stopping section stops the conveying before the winding section begins winding, but does not stop the conveying when the winding section has finished winding.

9. A method for producing printed matter, wherein printed matter is produced by printing onto a medium using a printing apparatus, wherein... The printing apparatus includes: A printing unit that prints onto the medium at a printing position; A conveying unit that conveys the medium; The winding section winds up the printed medium. In the method for producing the printed matter, After printing begins by the printing unit, the user is prompted to secure the leading edge of the medium to the take-up unit based on the fact that the tip of the medium has reached a downstream position from the printing position. Based on the size of the printing area, it is determined whether the task requires winding in the winding section or not. The prompt is executed when a task requiring winding in the winding section is performed, but not when a task not requiring winding in the winding section is performed. The urging is performed when the winding section is before winding at the timing point when the front end of the medium reaches the urging position, and the urging is not performed when the winding section has finished winding at the timing point when the front end of the medium reaches the urging position.

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