Reading apparatus and printing apparatus

Abstract

The invention provides a reading device and a printing device which can restrain increase of conveying load of a medium and read images more accurately. A reading device is provided with: an imaging element (80) for imaging a conveyed medium; a first roller (94) disposed on the upstream side of the imaging element (80) in the conveyance direction (F) of the medium; and a second roller (96) disposed on the downstream side of the imaging element (80) in the conveyance direction, the imaging element (80) being disposed so as to face a first surface, which is one surface of the medium, while being separated from the medium, and the first roller (94) and the second roller (96) applying a predetermined tension to the medium in the conveyance direction (F) of the medium by coming into contact with the first surface of the medium from the imaging element (80) side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a reading device. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a printing device that can selectively print on roll paper or single sheets and can be installed in a narrow space. A known technique involves including a reading device in a printing device such as Patent Document 1. The reading device includes an imaging element that reads an image printed on a conveyed medium. The reading device includes a transparent member such as glass disposed between the imaging element and the medium, allowing the medium to be conveyed while in contact with the transparent member. Alternatively, for example, the reading device includes a reflector disposed on the side of the medium opposite to the imaging element, allowing the medium to be conveyed while in contact with the reflector.

[0003] However, in conventional reading devices, since other components such as a reflector and a transparent member come into contact with the medium, friction may occur between the medium and other components, thereby causing a load on the transport of the medium.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-169186 Summary of the Invention

[0005] One way to solve the above-mentioned problem is a reading device, which includes: a shooting element that shoots the conveyed medium; a first roller, which is arranged on the upstream side of the shooting element in the conveying direction of the medium; and a second roller, which is arranged on the downstream side of the shooting element in the conveying direction. The shooting element is arranged to be separated from the medium and opposite to one side of the medium, i.e., the first side. The first roller and the second roller contact the first side of the medium from the side of the shooting element, thereby applying a predetermined tension to the medium along the conveying direction of the medium.

[0006] Another way to solve the above-mentioned problem is a printing device, which includes: the above-mentioned reading device; a conveying unit that conveys the long strip of medium; and a printing unit that is arranged on the upstream side of the reading device on the conveying path of the medium and sprays ink onto one side of the medium conveyed by the conveying unit, namely the first side, to form an image. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 A diagram showing a printing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 2 A side view of the scanner.

[0009] Figure 3A stereoscopic image of the scanner.

[0010] Figure 4 This is a bottom view of the scanner.

[0011] Figure 5 A top view of the scanner.

[0012] Figure 6 for Figure 4 VI-VI cross-sectional view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Structure of printing device

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0015] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing a printing device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] exist Figure 1 The figure shows the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are orthogonal to each other. The Z-axis represents the up-down and vertical directions when the printing device 1 is set up. The X-axis and Y-axis are parallel to the horizontal direction. The X-axis represents the front-to-back direction of the printing device 1. The Y-axis represents the left-to-right direction of the printing device 1. The left-to-right direction of the printing device 1 corresponds to the width of the print medium S. The positive direction of the Z-axis indicates upward. The positive direction of the X-axis indicates rearward. The positive direction of the Y-axis indicates rightward.

[0017] The printing device 1 is an inkjet printer that forms an image by ejecting ink onto a print medium S. Various sheets can be used as the print medium S used in the printing device 1. Examples of the print medium S include paper such as plain paper or high-quality paper, or films made of synthetic resins. The print medium S can be formed using opaque materials such as paper or transparent materials such as films as substrates.

[0018] The printing medium S is an example of “medium”.

[0019] The printing apparatus 1 includes a medium supply unit 2 , a medium conveyance unit 3 , a printing unit 4 , a drying unit 5 , a medium recovery unit 6 , a scanner 70 , a control device 100 , and a housing 10 that accommodates these components.

[0020] The media supply unit 2 supplies print medium S to the printing unit 4. The media supply unit 2 includes a cylindrical or columnar supply shaft 21. The supply shaft 21 rotates using the power of a reel motor M1. A roll 22, which winds the print medium S into a roll shape, is mounted on the supply shaft 21. The rotation of the supply shaft 21 unwinds the print medium S from the roll 22.

[0021] The medium conveying unit 3 conveys the print medium S supplied by the medium supply unit 2 in the conveying direction F. The medium conveying unit 3 includes a plurality of conveying rollers 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , and 40 that contact the print medium S and form a conveying path for the print medium S.

[0022] The transport rollers 30 and 31 transport the print medium S unwound from the medium supply unit 2 toward the printing unit 4 .

[0023] The printing unit 4 prints an image on a label of the printing medium S by ejecting ink toward the printing medium S. The printing unit 4 includes a plurality of ejection heads 41 that eject ink and a carriage 42 that holds the ejection heads 41 .

[0024] The carriage 42 is capable of reciprocating in the X-axis direction along a first guide rail 43, which is provided in the printing device 1 along the X-axis. Alternatively, the carriage 42 can be configured to reciprocate in the Y-axis direction along a second guide rail provided along the Y-axis. The carriage 42 is driven by a first carriage motor M2 and a second carriage motor M3, moving the ejection head 41 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions. In other words, the printing device 1 of this embodiment is a horizontal inkjet printer.

[0025] The printing unit 4 prints across the width of the print medium S by discharging ink while moving the ejection head 41 in the Y-axis direction. The printing unit 4 moves the ejection head 41 in the X-axis direction while the print medium S is stopped, thereby moving the ejection head 41 relative to the print medium S in the X-axis direction. Here, the printing unit 4 prints across the width of the print medium S by moving the ejection head 41 in the Y-axis direction. In this manner, the printing unit 4 prints on an area of ​​the print medium S that extends in the X-axis and Y-axis directions while the medium transport unit 3 stops transporting the print medium S.

[0026] The media conveyor 3 intermittently conveys the print medium S using the power of the conveyor motor M4. Specifically, the media conveyor 3 conveys the print medium S in the conveyance direction F for a predetermined length and then stops the print medium S. The predetermined length is the length in the X-axis direction that the printing unit 4 can print while the print medium S is stopped. The printing unit 4 prints on the printing surface S1 of the stopped print medium S by moving the ejection head 41 in the Y-axis and X-axis directions. When printing by the printing unit 4 is completed, the media conveyor 3 conveys the print medium S in the X-axis direction.

[0027] The printed surface S1 is an example of a “first surface”.

[0028] The printing device 1 includes a medium support unit 44 disposed opposite the printing unit 4. The medium support unit 44 has a rectangular surface arranged parallel to the XY plane. The medium support unit 44 supports the print medium S from the side opposite the printing unit 4. A heater is provided below the medium support unit 44 to heat the medium support unit 44. The print medium S is heated during or before and after printing, accelerating the drying of the ink deposited on the print medium S.

[0029] The print medium S, on which an image is printed, is transported from the printing unit 4 to the drying unit 5 by transport rollers 32, 33, and 34. The drying unit 5 includes, for example, a heater for heating the printing surface S1 of the print medium S and a heater for heating the back surface of the printing surface S1. The drying unit 5 dries the ink adhered to the print medium S by heating the print medium S.

[0030] The print medium S is conveyed from the drying unit 5 to the medium recovery unit 6 by conveying rollers 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, and 40. The medium recovery unit 6 includes a take-up shaft 61 that is rotated by the power of a take-up motor M5. The medium recovery unit 6 rewinds the print medium S dried in the drying unit 5 onto the take-up shaft 61 for recovery.

[0031] In this manner, in the printing device 1 , a transport path R that is a path for transporting the print medium S along the transport direction F is formed.

[0032] The transport roller 40 is formed to be movable along the transport direction F. This can suppress the application of excessive tension to the print medium S.

[0033] A detection sensor 140 for detecting the position of the conveying roller 40 is provided adjacent to the conveying roller 40. As the detection sensor 140, various sensors such as a transmissive optical sensor, a reflective optical sensor, and a switch-type sensor can be used.

[0034] In the transport path R, a scanner 70 is arranged between the transport roller 40 and the medium recovery unit 6 . The scanner 70 is an example of a reading device that reads the printed surface S1 of the print medium S.

[0035] The scanner 70 includes transport rollers 50 and 51 . The print medium S is transported inside the scanner 70 by the transport rollers 50 and 51 and is fed to the medium recovery unit 6 .

[0036] The transport rollers 30, 31, 32, 33, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 50, and 51 all contact one surface of the print medium S, guiding and transporting the print medium S. However, this is a specific example, and the number and structure of the transport rollers included in the medium transport unit 3 can be modified as appropriate. For example, the medium transport unit 3 may include multiple roller pairs that clamp the print medium S.

[0037] The printing device 1 includes an input device 150. The input device 150 is connected to the control device 100. The input device 150 allows a user operating the printing device 1 to perform various input operations on the printing device 1. It can be a switch, keyboard, mouse, or other input device. The input device 150 outputs user-input information to the control device 100.

[0038] In the present embodiment, the user can input information such as the material and color of the print medium S, whether the print medium S is transparent, and the color of ink into the input device 150 .

[0039] In addition, the printing device 1 is provided with an optical sensor, an imaging sensor, etc., and the control device 100 can determine the material and color of the printing medium S, whether the printing medium S is transparent, or the color of the ink based on the signals of the sensor, etc.

[0040] The control device 100 functions as a control unit that controls various components of the printing device 1. The control device 100 includes a processor 110 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (MicroProcessing Unit), and a memory 120.

[0041] The memory 120 is an example of a “storage unit”.

[0042] The processor 110 controls each unit of the printing device 1 by reading and executing a control program 121 stored in the memory 120 . The processor 110 functions as a control unit that controls each unit of the printing device 1 by executing the control program stored in the memory 120 .

[0043] The memory 120 stores control programs related to controlling the printing device 1, image processing programs, configuration data related to the configuration of the printing device 1, and various other data. The memory 120 includes a nonvolatile storage area. The memory 120 may also include a volatile storage area, and constitutes a work area for the processor 110.

[0044] The control device 100 outputs control signals to operate the ejection head 41, the first carriage motor M2, the second carriage motor M3, the transport motor M4, the unwinding motor M1, and the rewinding motor M5. Furthermore, the control device 100 operates the drying unit 5. The transport motor M4 drives the medium transport unit 3 and rotates at least one of the transport rollers 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, and 40.

[0045] The control device 100 drives the ejection head 41 to eject ink toward the print medium S. The control device 100 drives the first carriage motor M2 to move the carriage 42 in the X-axis direction. The control device 100 drives the second carriage motor M3 to move the carriage 42 in the Y-axis direction. The control device 100 alternately repeats main scanning performed by the first carriage motor M2, the second carriage motor M3, and the ejection head 41, and sub-scanning performed by the second carriage motor M3, intermittently transporting the print medium S and intermittently printing on the print medium S.

[0046] The control device 100 drives the transport motor M4 to move the print medium S in the transport direction F. The control device 100 drives the unwinding motor M1 to rotate the supply shaft 21 and unwind the print medium S. The control device 100 drives the rewinding motor M5 to rotate the rewinding shaft 61 and rewind the print medium S. The control device 100 activates the heater of the drying unit 5 to dry the ink attached to the print medium S.

[0047] The control device 100 obtains the type of the print medium S input by the user from the input device 150 , and determines the rotation speeds of the conveying motor M4 , the unwinding motor M1 , and the winding motor M5 according to the type of the print medium S.

[0048] The control device 100 obtains the detection value of the detection sensor 140 and detects the tension applied to the print medium S. The control device 100 determines the rotation speeds of the conveying motor M4 , the unwinding motor M1 , and the winding motor M5 based on the tension applied to the print medium S.

[0049] Scanner structure

[0050] Figure 2 : is a side view of the scanner 70 when viewed from the Y-axis direction. Figure 2 In FIG. 1 , for the sake of convenience, the driving motor M6 is represented by a double-dashed line.

[0051] like Figure 2 As shown, the scanner 70 includes transport rollers 50 and 51 . The transport roller 50 is arranged upstream of the transport roller 51 in the transport path R. The transport roller 51 is arranged above the transport roller 50 .

[0052] The conveyor roller 50 is provided with a drive motor M6 for rotating the conveyor roller 50, and the conveyor roller 51 is provided with a drive motor M7 for rotating the conveyor roller 51. Both the drive motors M6 and M7 are driven to rotate under the control of the control device 100. The control device 100 determines the rotational speeds of the drive motors M6 and M7 based on the detection value of the detection sensor 140 and the type of print medium S.

[0053] The scanner 70 is provided with two driven rollers 52 . Each driven roller 52 is in contact with the peripheral surface of the transport roller 51 . The transport roller 51 and each driven roller 52 sandwich the print medium S and transport it to the medium recovery unit 6 .

[0054] In the transport path R, a reader 72 is provided between the transport rollers 50 and 51 to read the image on the printing surface S1. The reader 72 includes a reader housing 74. The reader housing 74 is located above the transport path R, with its entire lower surface facing the printing surface S1 of the print medium S.

[0055] Figure 3 FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the scanner 70 .

[0056] like Figure 3 As shown, the reading unit housing 74 is formed in a long rectangular parallelepiped shape extending in the Y-axis direction, and its lower surface is arranged substantially parallel to the printing surface S1 of the print medium S. The lower surface of the reading unit housing 74 is formed to be entirely open, and a protective glass cover 79 is embedded therein.

[0057] An imaging unit 76 is housed inside the reading unit housing 74 .

[0058] The imaging unit 76 includes a substrate 78 on which an imaging element 80 is mounted. For example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) can be used as the imaging element 80. The imaging unit 76 may also include a mirror for reflecting incident light or a lens for forming an image of light on the imaging element 80.

[0059] Figure 4 FIG is a bottom view of the scanner 70. Figure 4 In FIG. 8 , the placement portion 82 is omitted and the printing medium S is indicated by a two-dot chain line.

[0060] like Figure 4 As shown, the imaging element 80 is formed into a long rectangular shape extending in the Y-axis direction when viewed from the bottom surface side, and is attached so as to span substantially the entire lengthwise direction of the bottom surface of the reading unit housing 74 .

[0061] A pair of imaging light sources 81 are provided on the lower surface of the reading unit housing 74. The imaging light sources 81 are arranged across the imaging element 80 along the conveying direction F. The imaging light sources 81 are formed as strips extending along the Y-axis and emit light from their entire length toward the printing surface S1 located below. Both imaging light sources 81 are covered from below by a protective glass cover 79.

[0062] The imaging light source 81 of this embodiment can use a light emitting element such as an LED or a semiconductor laser, but is not limited thereto and can use other types of light sources such as an HID lamp.

[0063] The reading unit 72 exposes the printed surface S1 with light emitted from the imaging light source 81, causing the reflected light from the printed surface S1 to form an image on the imaging element 80. Under the control of the control device 100, the imaging unit 76 detects the brightness and chromaticity of the reflected light formed on the imaging element 80 and generates image data based on the image of the document surface. The imaging unit 76 transmits this image data to the control device 100.

[0064] like Figure 2 、 Figure 3 As shown, a placement unit 82 is provided on the opposite side of the reading unit 72 across the transport path R and the print medium S. The placement unit 82 is located below the transport path R and faces the surface of the print medium S opposite to the printing surface S1.

[0065] The mounting portion 82 is provided with an opposing surface 83, which is a flat surface facing the surface opposite to the printing surface S1 of the print medium S. The opposing surface 83 is formed into an elongated shape extending in the Y-axis direction and is arranged substantially parallel to the surface opposite to the printing surface S1 of the print medium S.

[0066] Figure 5 FIG is a top view of the scanner 70. Figure 5 In FIG, the reading unit 72 is omitted, and the printing medium S is indicated by a two-dot chain line.

[0067] like Figure 5 As shown, a reflector 84, which is a long plate-shaped member, is placed on the placement portion 82. One surface of the reflector 84 is formed in white, and the other surface is formed in a color other than white, such as black or gray.

[0068] The reflector 84 is arranged so that one of its planes faces the image pickup element 80 and the surface on the opposite side of the printing surface S1 of the printing medium S when the reflector 84 is placed on the placement portion 82 .

[0069] The reflector 84 is detachably mounted on the mounting portion 82. If the base material of the print medium S is transparent and the printed portion to be read by the reader 72 is formed with white ink, the user places the reflector 84 on the mounting portion 82 so that the surface formed with a color other than white, such as black or gray, faces the imaging element 80. If the print medium S and the color of the ink in the printed portion to be read by the reader 72 are not in this condition, the user places the reflector 84 on the mounting portion 82 so that the surface formed with white faces the imaging element 80.

[0070] Thus, the scanner 70 can read any printed portion of the print medium S even when the base material of the print medium S is transparent and the printed portion to be read by the reading unit 72 is formed with white ink. Therefore, the scanner 70 can read any printed portion of the print medium S regardless of the base material of the print medium S and the color of the ink used for printing.

[0071] Alternatively, the reflective plate 84 may be composed of two plates: one entirely white and one entirely black, gray, or other color. In this case, the user can replace the two reflective plates 84 depending on the base material or ink color of the print medium S. Furthermore, for example, the user can arrange one reflective plate 84 to overlap the top surface of another reflective plate 84 depending on the base material or ink color of the print medium S.

[0072] A pair of reflector light sources 86 are provided on the loading portion 82. The reflector light sources 86 are arranged across the reflector 84 along the conveying direction F. Each reflector light source 86 is formed as a long strip extending along the Y-axis direction, and emits light from the entire longitudinal direction toward the reflector 84. The reflector light sources 86 of this embodiment can use light-emitting elements such as LEDs and semiconductor lasers. However, without limitation, other light sources such as HID lamps can also be used.

[0073] The reflector light source 86 turns on and off according to the control of the control device 100. The control device 100 turns on the reflector light source 86 when the substrate of the print medium S input to the input device 150 is transparent and the printed portion read by the reading unit 72 is formed with ink other than white.

[0074] When the printing medium S and the ink color of the printed portion read by the reading unit 72 are outside of the above conditions, the control device 100 turns off the reflector light source 86 .

[0075] In the scanner 70, if the substrate of the print medium S is transparent and the printed portion to be read by the reader 72 is formed with ink other than white, the light emitted from the imaging light source 81 causes the shadow of the printed portion to fall on the white reflector 84. In the scanner 70 of this embodiment, since the reflector light source 86 illuminates the reflector 84, this shadow can be suppressed from falling on the white reflector 84. Therefore, the scanner 70 can suppress the reduction in accuracy of reading any printed portion of the print medium S, regardless of the substrate used for the print medium S and the color of the ink used.

[0076] like Figure 2 、 Figure 3 As shown, a first roller 94 and a second roller 96 are mounted on the reading unit housing 74 via a mounting member 90. The first roller 94 and the second roller 96 are so-called driven rollers whose rotation shafts, ie, shafts 98, are not equipped with a power source such as a motor.

[0077] The mounting members 90 are mounted on both ends of the longitudinal direction of the reading unit housing 74. The mounting members 90 are provided with arms 91 extending outward from both sides of the reading unit housing 74 along the conveying direction F.

[0078] The first roller 94 and the second roller 96 are attached to the reading unit housing 74 by holding both ends of a shaft 98, which is a rotating shaft, on an arm 91. One end of the shaft 98 is attached to one arm 91 of one mounting member 90, and the other end of the shaft 98 is attached to one arm 91 of the other mounting member 90.

[0079] In this manner, by retaining both ends of the shaft 98 on one arm 91 of each mounting member 90, the first roller 94 is positioned upstream of the reader housing 74 in the transport path R. Similarly, the second roller 96 is positioned downstream of the reader housing 74 in the transport path R. The first and second rollers 94, 96 are positioned in this manner so that their respective longitudinal directions extend approximately parallel to the Y-axis direction, and their lower ends are positioned below the lower surface of the reader housing 74. The first and second rollers 94, 96 are positioned at approximately the same height in the vertical direction.

[0080] like Figure 2 As shown, in the Z-axis direction, the lower end of the first roller 94 is located below the upper end of the conveying roller 50 , and the lower end of the second roller 96 is located below the upper end of the conveying roller 51 .

[0081] In other words, the end of the conveying roller 50 on the side of the imaging element 80 is located closer to the imaging element 80 than the end of the first roller 94 on the side of the printing surface S1, and the end of the conveying roller 51 on the side of the imaging element 80 is located closer to the imaging element 80 than the end of the second roller 96 on the side of the printing surface S1.

[0082] Figure 6 for Figure 4 VI-VI cross-sectional view.

[0083] like Figure 6 As shown, the lower ends of the first roller 94 and the second roller 96 are in contact with the printing surface S1. Consequently, the first roller 94 and the second roller 96 each apply a predetermined tension to the print medium S. This prevents deflection of the print medium S below the scanning unit housing 74, allowing it to extend in a generally straight line when viewed from the Y-axis. Consequently, the print medium S is positioned approximately parallel to the entire surface of the imaging element 80 between the first roller 94 and the second roller 96 in the transport path R. The scanner 70 uses the imaging element 80 to read the printing surface S1 of the print medium S in this state.

[0084] Thus, the scanner 70 can hold the print medium S between the first roller 94 and the second roller 96 in the transport path R so that the distance between the imaging element 80 and the print surface S1 is substantially constant. Therefore, the scanner 70 can suppress a decrease in the reading accuracy of the print surface S1.

[0085] In the transport path R, at least within the range read by the imaging device 80, the reading unit 72 and the placement unit 82 do not contact the print medium S. Within this range, the first roller 94 and the second roller 96 contact the print medium S. This reduces the frictional load applied to the transported print medium S in the transport path R, at least within the range read by the imaging device 80.

[0086] Furthermore, within this range, the first roller 94 and the second roller 96 come into contact with the print medium S from the side where the imaging element 80 is arranged, thereby holding the print medium S.

[0087] Thus, in the scanner 70 , regardless of the thickness of the print medium S, the print medium S can be held so that the distance between the imaging element 80 and the print surface S1 is substantially constant.

[0088] As described above, the first roller 94 and the second roller 96 are integrally mounted on the reading unit housing 74 via the mounting member 90. Thus, even when vibrations are generated as the print medium S is transported, the scanner 70 can hold the print medium S so that the distance between the imaging element 80 and the print surface S1 is substantially constant.

[0089] Scanner Action

[0090] In the printing device 1, if the base material of the print medium S is opaque and the printed portion read by the reading unit 72 is formed with ink other than white, the user places the reflector 84 on the placement unit 82 so that the white surface faces the imaging element 80. In this case, the control device 100 turns off the reflector light source 86.

[0091] If the base material of the print medium S is opaque and the printed portion read by the reading unit 72 is formed with white ink, the user places the reflector 84 on the placement unit 82 so that the white surface faces the imaging element 80. In this case, the control device 100 turns off the reflector light source 86.

[0092] If the base material of the print medium S is transparent and the printed portion read by the reading unit 72 is formed with ink other than white, the user places the reflector 84 on the placement unit 82 so that the white surface faces the imaging element 80. In this case, the control device 100 turns on the reflector light source 86.

[0093] If the substrate of the print medium S is transparent and the printed portion read by the reading unit 72 is formed with white ink, the user places the reflector 84 on the placement unit 82 so that the surface other than the white ink faces the imaging element 80. In this case, the control device 100 turns off the reflector light source 86.

[0094] In this way, in the scanner 70, the reflecting surface of the reflector 84 and the lighting of the reflector light source 86 are switched according to the base material of the printing medium S and the color of the ink of the printed part read by the reading unit 72, so that any printed part of various printing media S can be read.

[0095] The above-described embodiment is an example of one aspect of the present invention, and can be arbitrarily modified and applied without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0096] In the above embodiment, the color of the reflective surface of the reflector 84 can be switched by user operation. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. A switching mechanism whose operation is controlled by the control device 100 may be provided in the scanner 70 to change the color of the reflective surface of the reflector 84 via the switching mechanism.

[0097] Although the above embodiment illustrates a horizontal inkjet printing method for the printing device 1, the printing method of the printing device 1 may also be a line inkjet printing method or a serial inkjet printing method. Furthermore, the printing method of the printing device 1 is not limited to the inkjet printing method, and may also be another printing method such as an electrophotographic method using toner.

[0098] The processor 110 may be composed of multiple processors or a single processor. The processor 110 may also be hardware that is programmed to implement the functions of the various components described below. In other words, the processor 110 may be composed of, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0099] also, Figure 1 The components shown are merely examples, and the specific implementation is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessary to install hardware corresponding to each component individually; a configuration in which a single processor executes a program to implement the functions of each component is also possible. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, some functions implemented by software may be implemented by hardware, or some functions implemented by hardware may be implemented by software. Furthermore, the specific detailed structures of the control device 100 and other components of the printing device 1 may be arbitrarily modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0100] Unless otherwise specified, the horizontal and vertical directions and various shapes in the above-mentioned embodiments include so-called equivalent ranges that exhibit the same functions and effects as those in these directions, values, and shapes.

[0101] Summary of the Disclosure

[0102] Hereinafter, a summary of the present disclosure will be provided.

[0103] Note 1

[0104] A reading device comprises: a photographing element that photographs a conveyed medium; a first roller that is arranged on the upstream side of the photographing element in the conveying direction of the medium; and a second roller that is arranged on the downstream side of the photographing element in the conveying direction. The photographing element is arranged to be separated from the medium and to face a first side of the medium. The first roller and the second roller contact the first side of the medium from the photographing element side, thereby applying a predetermined tension to the medium along the conveying direction of the medium.

[0105] Thus, in the reading device, the print medium can be held so that the distance between the imaging element and the first surface is substantially constant regardless of the thickness of the medium, and an increase in the transport load applied to the medium can be suppressed.

[0106] Note 2

[0107] In the reading device described in Note 1, a shooting light source is provided, which is configured in a manner opposite to the first surface and irradiates light to the first surface. A reflector and a reflector light source that irradiates light to the reflector are provided on the side opposite to the shooting element across the medium.

[0108] This can suppress the shadow from falling on the reflective plate in the reading device, and can suppress the reduction in accuracy of reading any portion of the medium.

[0109] Note 3

[0110] In the reading device described in Note 2, when the medium is a printed medium in which a predetermined image is printed on a transparent substrate with ink other than white, the portion of the reflector that is opposite to the photographing element and that overlaps with the range photographed by the photographing element is formed of white, and the photographing element photographs the first surface when the light source of the reflector is turned on.

[0111] This can prevent the shadow of a portion printed with ink other than white from falling on the reflector in the reading device, thereby preventing a decrease in accuracy in reading any portion of the medium.

[0112] Note 4

[0113] In the reading device described in Note 2 or Note 3, when the medium is a printed medium in which a predetermined image is printed with white ink on a transparent substrate, the portion of the reflector that is opposite to the photographing element and that overlaps with the range photographed by the photographing element is formed by a color other than white, and the photographing element photographs the first surface when the light source of the reflector is off.

[0114] This allows the reading device to read the portion printed with white ink.

[0115] Note 5

[0116] In the reading device described in any one of Notes 2 to 4, when the medium is a printed medium in which a predetermined image is printed with various inks on an opaque substrate, the imaging element images the first surface when the light source of the reflector is off.

[0117] Thus, in the reading device, when a shadow does not fall on the reflector, the reflector light source can be turned off.

[0118] Note 6

[0119] In the reading device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 2 to 5, the reflector is provided so that a portion facing the imaging element and overlapping with a range imaged by the imaging element can be changed to either white or a color other than white.

[0120] This allows the reading device to read any printed portion of various media.

[0121] Note 7

[0122] A printing device comprising: a reading device as described in any one of Notes 1 to 6; a conveying unit that conveys the long strip of medium; and a printing unit that is arranged on the upstream side of the reading device in the conveying path of the medium and ejects ink onto one side of the medium conveyed by the conveying unit, i.e., the first side, to form an image.

[0123] Thus, the printing device achieves the same effect as the above-mentioned reading device.

[0124] Explanation of symbols

[0125] 1…printing device; 21…supply shaft; 50, 51…conveying rollers; 52…driven roller; 70…scanner; 72…reading unit; 74…reading unit housing; 76…imaging unit; 78…substrate; 79…protective glass cover; 80…imaging element; 81…imaging light source; 82…carrying unit; 83…opposing surface; 84…reflecting plate; 86…reflecting plate light source; 90…mounting component; 91…arm; 94…first roller; 96…second roller; 98…shaft; F…conveying direction; M6…drive motor; M7…drive motor; R…conveying path; S…printing medium; S1…printing surface.

Claims

1. A reading device comprising: A photographing element for photographing the conveyed medium; a first roller disposed upstream of the imaging element in a conveying direction of the medium; a second roller arranged on the downstream side of the imaging element in the conveying direction, The imaging element is arranged to be separated from the medium and to face a first surface of the medium. The first roller and the second roller contact the first surface of the medium from the imaging element side, thereby applying a predetermined tension to the medium along the conveyance direction of the medium.

2. The reading device according to claim 1, wherein A shooting light source is provided, the shooting light source is arranged to face the first surface and irradiates light to the first surface, A reflector and a reflector light source for irradiating light onto the reflector are provided on the side opposite to the imaging element across the medium.

3. The reading device according to claim 2, wherein In the case where the medium is a printed medium having a predetermined image printed on a transparent substrate with ink other than white, The portion of the reflector that faces the imaging element and overlaps with the range captured by the imaging element is formed in white. The imaging element images the first surface in a state where the reflector light source is turned on.

4. The reading device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: In the case where the medium is a printed medium having a predetermined image printed on a transparent substrate with white ink, The portion of the reflector that faces the imaging element and overlaps with the range captured by the imaging element is formed of a color other than white. The imaging element images the first surface when the light source of the reflector is off.

5. The reading device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: In the case where the medium is a printed medium in which a predetermined image is printed with various inks on an opaque substrate, The imaging element images the first surface when the light source of the reflector is off.

6. The reading device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The reflector is provided so that a portion facing the imaging element and overlapping with a range captured by the imaging element can be changed to either white or a color other than white.

7. A printing device comprising: The reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 3; a conveying portion for conveying the long strip of medium; The printing unit is provided upstream of the reading device in the medium conveyance path and forms an image by ejecting ink onto the first surface, which is one surface of the medium conveyed by the conveyance unit.

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