Conveying device, cutting method and printing device

Abstract

The present invention provides a conveying device, a cutting method, and a printing apparatus capable of cutting a printing medium (2) while the user is supporting it. The printer (1) includes: a conveying unit (10) for conveying the printing medium (2) unwound from a roll body (R); a cutting unit (40) for cutting the printing medium (2) conveyed by the conveying unit (10); and a control unit (50) for cutting the printing medium (2) by the cutting unit (40) when an operation by a user pulling the printing medium (2) in the conveying direction is detected.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Previously, a technique for cutting media unwound from a roll body was known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus that cuts a roll of paper according to a cutting speed based on the type of media selected using an operation panel.

[0003] In devices that cut the medium, such as those in Patent Document 1, the user may need to support the medium to prevent it from falling. However, since Patent Document 1 does not disclose the timing of cutting the medium, it is possible that the medium could be cut without the user supporting it.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-126585 Summary of the Invention One solution to the above-mentioned problem is a conveying device comprising: a conveying section for conveying a medium unwound from a roll; a cutting section for cutting the medium conveyed by the conveying section; and a control section for cutting the medium by the cutting section upon detecting a user operation that pulls the medium along the conveying direction.

[0005] Another way to solve the above problem is a cutting method, which is a method implemented by a conveying device, wherein the conveying device includes: a conveying section for conveying medium unwound from a roll body; and a cutting section for cutting the medium conveyed by the conveying section, wherein the cutting method cuts the medium by the cutting section when an operation by a user pulling the medium along the conveying direction is detected.

[0006] Another way to solve the above-mentioned problem is a printing apparatus comprising: a conveying unit for conveying printing medium unwound from a roll; a printing unit for printing on the printing medium; a cutting unit for cutting the printing medium conveyed by the conveying unit; and a control unit for cutting the printing medium by the cutting unit upon detecting a user operation that pulls the printing medium along the conveying direction. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a 3D model of the printer.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the main body of the device.

[0009] Figure 3 A block diagram illustrating the structure related to printer control.

[0010] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating the actions of a printer.

[0011] Figure 5 This is an example diagram to show the first screen.

[0012] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the actions of the printer during the rollback process.

[0013] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating the actions of a printer.

[0014] Figure 8 This is an example diagram to illustrate the second screen.

[0015] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating the actions of a printer.

[0016] Figure 10 This is an example diagram to illustrate the third screen. Detailed Implementation

[0017] 1. First Implementation Method First, the first embodiment will be described.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a 3D view of printer 1.

[0019] exist Figure 1 The diagram illustrates the X, Y, and Z axes as three mutually orthogonal axes. In the printer 1 setting, the Z axis corresponds to the vertical direction, while the X and Y axes are along the horizontal plane. The top of each arrow in the diagram is marked "+", and the base is marked "-". The +Z axis direction is upward. The -Z axis direction is downward. The +Y axis direction is forward. The -Y axis direction is backward. The +X axis direction is leftward. The -X axis direction is rightward.

[0020] Printer 1 is an example of a "conveying device" and a "printing device".

[0021] Printer 1 is an apparatus that forms an image on the printing surface 2A of printing medium 2 by spraying ink onto printing medium 2. The printer 1 illustrated in this embodiment is a large-format printer that performs printing on relatively large printing media 2 such as JIS standard A0 or B0 format media.

[0022] In addition, examples of printing media 2 include high-quality paper, cast-coated paper, coated paper, coated paper, synthetic paper, films made of PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) or PP (Polypropylene), and fabrics.

[0023] Printing media is an example of "media".

[0024] The printer 1 has legs 3 and a main body 4 mounted on the legs 3.

[0025] The leg 3 has multiple small casters at its lower end and supports the main body 4 of the device at its upper part.

[0026] The main body 4 of the device internally includes a conveying section 10, a printing section 20, a drying section 30, and a cutting section 40. (See reference...) Figure 2 The internal structure of the main body 4 of the device will now be explained.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the main body 4 of the device.

[0028] exist Figure 2 The diagram shows the relationship with Figure 1 The same three axes.

[0029] like Figure 2 As shown, the conveying unit 10 includes an unwinding unit 11, a first roller pair 12, and a second roller pair 13. The conveying unit 10 forms a conveying path inside the main body 4 through the unwinding unit 11, the first roller pair 12, and the second roller pair 13, guiding the printing medium 2 from the unwinding unit 11 to the discharge port 4A.

[0030] The unwinding section 11 is located inside the main body 4 at the upper rear. The unwinding section 11 unwinds the printing medium 2 toward the printing section 20. The unwinding section 11 includes a cylindrical or cylindrical unwinding shaft 111, a bearing 112 that rotatably supports the unwinding shaft 111, an unwinding motor 113 that rotates the unwinding shaft 111, and a power transmission mechanism that transmits power to the unwinding motor 113. The unwinding shaft 111 holds the strip-shaped printing medium 2 wound into a cylindrical roll R. The unwinding shaft 111 rotates in conjunction with the unwinding motor 113, thereby unwinding the printing medium 2 along the transport direction. The transport direction is indicated by the arrow F, which corresponds to the +Y axis direction.

[0031] In the following text, "upstream" and "downstream" will be used as terms based on the direction of transport.

[0032] The first roller pair 12 and the second roller pair 13 are located downstream of the unwinding section 11 and upstream of the printing section 20.

[0033] The first roller pair 12 is positioned upstream of the second roller pair 13. The first roller pair 12 includes a first conveying roller 121 and a first driven roller 122. The first driven roller 122 rotates drivenly in contact with the printing medium 2. The first conveying roller 121 and the first driven roller 122 clamp the printing medium 2 and rotate it via a drive motor (not shown), thereby conveying the printing medium 2 along the conveying direction.

[0034] The second roller pair 13 includes a second conveying roller 131 and a second driven roller 132. The second driven roller 132 rotates drivenly in contact with the printing medium 2. The second conveying roller 131 and the second driven roller 132 clamp the printing medium 2 and rotate it via a drive motor (not shown), thereby conveying the printing medium 2 along the conveying direction. The position of the second driven roller 132 is changed to a release position or a clamping position by a changing mechanism 14 connected to the second driven roller 132. The changing mechanism 14 includes a gear for changing the position of the second driven roller 132, a gear motor for rotating the gear, and a spring that can periodically change the pressing pressure of the second driven roller 132 on the printing medium 2. When the second driven roller 132 is in the release position, the clamping of the printing medium 2 by the second roller pair 13 is released. Furthermore, when the second driven roller 132 is in the clamping position, the printing medium 2 is clamped by the second roller pair 13.

[0035] Alternatively, the conveying section 10 may include roller pairs other than the first roller pair 12 and the second roller pair 13. For example, the conveying section 10 may also include roller pairs disposed downstream of the printing section 20.

[0036] The printing unit 20 includes a carriage 21 and an inkjet head 22. The carriage 21 reciprocates along a guide shaft 23 mounted inside the main body 4 in a cross direction that intersects the transport direction of the printing medium 2. In this embodiment, the cross direction is orthogonal to the transport direction and corresponds to the X-axis direction. The guide shaft 23 extends and is mounted in the cross direction of the printer 1. Therefore, the carriage 21 reciprocates in the cross direction of the printer 1, i.e., the X-axis direction. The inkjet head 22 is mounted on the carriage 21. In addition to the inkjet head 22, various other devices can also be mounted on the carriage 21.

[0037] The inkjet head 22 has multiple rows of nozzles arranged in a cross direction on the surface opposite to the printing surface 2A of the printing medium 2, extending in the transport direction. To eject blue-green, magenta, yellow, and black inks, the inkjet head 22 of this embodiment has four rows of nozzles corresponding to each of these four colors. The inkjet head 22 is supplied with ink by an ink supply unit (not shown) and ejects the ink onto the printing surface 2A of the printing medium 2.

[0038] Furthermore, the ink ejected by the inkjet head 22 is not limited to the colors described above; for example, it can also be light blue-green, light magenta, orange, green, gray, light gray, white, metallic, or other inks. Moreover, the liquid ejected by the inkjet head 22 is not limited to ink; it can also be a pre-coating liquid or other liquids other than ink.

[0039] Furthermore, the printing unit 20 includes a media support 24 and a fan 25. The media support 24 is positioned opposite the inkjet head 22 and supports the printing medium 2. In this embodiment, the media support 24 is a suction media support with suction holes formed on the support surface of the printing medium 2. By driving the fan 25, the media support 24 allows the printing medium 2 to be adsorbed onto the support surface using the suction holes.

[0040] The drying section 30 dries the ink sprayed onto the printing surface 2A of the printing medium 2. The drying section 30 is located downstream of the printing section 20. The drying section 30 is, for example, a heater, and heats the printing surface 2A under the control of the control section 50, described later. Furthermore, although... Figure 2 The drying section 30 shown is a structure that heats the printing surface 2A from above, but the drying section 30 can also heat the printing medium 2 from the side opposite to the printing surface 2A.

[0041] The cutting section 40 cuts the printing medium 2 under the control of the control section 50, which will be described later. The cutting section 40 is composed of a shear that can move back and forth in the X-axis direction and a drive motor that moves the shear back and forth. The cutting section 40 is located downstream of the drying section 30 and upstream of the discharge port 4A.

[0042] Next, the structure related to the control of printer 1 will be described.

[0043] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the structure related to the control of printer 1.

[0044] The printer 1 includes a transport section 10, a printing section 20, a drying section 30, a cutting section 40, a control section 50, an operation display section 60, a current detector 70, an encoder 80, and a change mechanism 14.

[0045] The operation display unit 60 includes operation buttons and a display panel, and handles user operations on the printer 1. Furthermore, it displays various information via the display panel. Alternatively, the display panel of the operation display unit 60 can also be a touch panel that handles touch operations. Although in Figure 1 The example shown illustrates a case where an operation display unit 60 is provided on the upper surface of the device body 4; however, the location of the operation display unit 60 is not limited to a specific position. Figure 1 The location shown.

[0046] The current detector 70 detects the current value of the unwinding motor 113. The current detector 70 outputs a detection signal indicating the detected current value to the control unit 50.

[0047] The encoder 80 detects the rotational position and direction of rotation of the unwinding shaft 111. The encoder 80 is, for example, a rotary encoder consisting of a disc-shaped scale and a photoelectric interruptor. The encoder 80 outputs the detection signal to the control unit 50.

[0048] The control unit 50 includes a processor 500 (CPU, Microprocessor, MPU), a memory 510, and interface circuits for connecting to other devices and sensors. The control unit 50 controls various parts of the printer 1. Connected to the control unit 50 are a transport unit 10, a printing unit 20, a drying unit 30, a cutting unit 40, an operation display unit 60, a current detector 70, and an encoder 80.

[0049] The memory 510 is a device for storing programs and data. The memory 510 stores control program 511, flags 512, roll diameter data 513, and data to be processed by processor 500. The memory 510 has non-volatile storage areas. In addition, the memory 510 has volatile storage areas and constitutes the working area of ​​processor 500. The memory 510 may be configured as, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory) or RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0050] The control program 511 is a program that is read from the memory 510 by the processor 500 and executed, thereby causing the control unit 50 to perform the actions described below.

[0051] Marker 512 indicates whether the rotational load of the drum body R is above the predetermined load.

[0052] The roll diameter data 513 represents the diameter of the roll body R held on the unwinding shaft 111. The roll diameter data 513 shows that the roll body R can be either a radius or a diameter. The roll diameter data 513 shows that the roll body R is updated appropriately according to the unwinding and rewinding of the printing medium 2.

[0053] The processor 500 executes the control program 511, thereby driving the unwinding motor 113, the drive motor that rotates the first conveyor roller 121, and the drive motor that rotates the second conveyor roller 131. As a result, the control unit 50 unwinds the printing medium 2 from the roll body R and conveys the unwound printing medium 2 along the conveying direction. Furthermore, the control unit 50 rewinds the printing medium 2 unwound from the roll body R back onto the roll body R.

[0054] The processor 500 executes the control program 511, thereby driving the drive electrode that scans the carriage 21 and the inkjet head 22. Thus, the control unit 50 performs printing on the printing medium 2 supported by the media support 24.

[0055] The control unit 50 drives the drying unit 30 by executing the control program 511 through the processor 500, thereby drying the ink sprayed onto the printing surface 2A of the printing medium 2.

[0056] The processor 500 executes the control program 511, thereby the control unit 50 drives the drive motor that moves the shears back and forth, thereby cutting the printing medium 2.

[0057] The control unit 50 executes the control program 511, thereby causing the operation display unit 60 to display various information.

[0058] The control unit 50 executes the control program 511 through the processor 500, thereby receiving various operations from the user via the operation display unit 60.

[0059] The control unit 50 detects the pull-out operation by executing the control program 511 through the processor 500. The pull-out operation is a user operation, which is an operation of pulling the printing medium 2 discharged from the discharge port 4A along the conveying direction. In this embodiment, the control unit 50 detects the pull-out operation when the rotational load of the roll body R becomes a predetermined load or higher while the printing medium 2 is being wound back through the conveyor 10. More specifically, the control unit 50 detects the pull-out operation when the current value detected by the current detector 70 becomes a predetermined value corresponding to the predetermined load while the printing medium 2 is being wound back.

[0060] Next, the operation of the printer 1 according to this embodiment will be explained.

[0061] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the actions of printer 1.

[0062] Figure 4 The action is related to the cutting of the printing medium 2, and is an action that is started when the printing performed by the printing unit 20 and the drying performed by the drying unit 30 have ended.

[0063] In addition, Figure 4 At the start time of the action, mark 512 indicates that the rotational load of the drum body R is not above the predetermined load.

[0064] The control unit 50 drives the fan 25 of the printing unit 20, thereby causing the printing medium 2 to be adsorbed onto the medium support unit 24 (step SA1).

[0065] Next, the control unit 50 transports the printed printing medium 2 to the cutting position via the transport unit 10 (step SA2). In detail, step SA2 is performed by the control unit 50 transporting the printing medium 2 along the transport direction until the upstream end of the printed surface 2A is located at the cutting position, or at a position downstream of the cutting position.

[0066] Next, the control unit 50 conveys a predetermined amount of the printing medium 2 from the cutting position along the conveying direction via the conveying unit 10 (step SA3). For example, 5 mm is used as the predetermined amount. However, this predetermined amount is not limited to 5 mm; it can be less than or greater than 5 mm.

[0067] Next, the control unit 50 causes the operation display unit to display the first screen G1 (step SA4) and starts a countdown until the printing medium 2 is cut (step SA5).

[0068] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the first screen, G1.

[0069] The first screen G1 displays the first guidance information J1 and the remaining time information J2.

[0070] The first guidance information J1 is information that guides the action of pulling the printing medium 2 while supporting it by hand. Figure 5 In the middle, the string "Please support the medium with your hand and pull gently" and the picture schematically showing the content of the string are the first guiding information J1.

[0071] The remaining time information J2 indicates the time remaining until the printing medium 2 is cut. The remaining time shown in the remaining time information J2 decreases each time the countdown begins.

[0072] The control unit 50 determines whether the remaining time until the cutting of the printing medium 2 has reached a predetermined time (step SA6). For example, 2 seconds is used as the predetermined time. However, this predetermined time is not limited to 2 seconds; it can be shorter or longer than 2 seconds.

[0073] If the control unit 50 determines that the remaining time until the cutting of the printing medium 2 has not reached the predetermined time (step SA6: no), it will repeat the determination in step SA6.

[0074] On the other hand, if the control unit 50 determines that the remaining time until the cutting of the printing medium 2 has reached the predetermined time (step SA6: Yes), it performs the rewind process (step SA7).

[0075] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the actions of printer 1 during the rollback process.

[0076] The control unit 50 begins rewinding of the printing medium 2 via the transport unit 10 (step SA71). In detail, step SA71 involves the control unit 50 starting the rewinding of the printing medium 2 at a speed lower than the speed at which the printing medium 2 is transported in the transport direction. The rewinding speed of the printing medium 2 is a predetermined amount of time that will be rewound from the cut position until the printing medium 2 is cut.

[0077] Next, the control unit 50 determines whether the rotational load of the drum body R has reached or exceeded the predetermined load (step SA72).

[0078] When the control unit 50 determines that the rotational load of the roll body R has reached or exceeded a predetermined load (step SA72: Yes), it changes the flag 512 stored in the memory 510 to a flag 512 indicating that the rotational load of the roll body R has reached or exceeded a predetermined load (step SA73).

[0079] Next, the control unit 50 stops the rewinding of the printing medium 2 implemented by the transport unit 10 (step SA74).

[0080] Next, the control unit 50 determines whether the remaining time until the cutting of the printing medium 2 has become 0 seconds (step SA75). If the control unit 50 determines that the remaining time until the cutting of the printing medium 2 has not become 0 seconds (step SA75: No), the control unit 50 performs the determination in step SA75 again. On the other hand, if the control unit 50 determines that the remaining time until the cutting of the printing medium 2 has become 0 seconds, the rewinding process ends.

[0081] Returning to the explanation of step SA72, if the control unit 50 determines that the rotational load of the roll body R has not reached the predetermined load (step SA72: No), it does not change the flag 512 stored in the memory 510 (step SA76).

[0082] Next, the control unit 50 determines whether the remaining time until the printing medium 2 is cut has become 0 seconds (step SA77).

[0083] When the control unit 50 determines that the remaining time until the cutting of the printing medium 2 is 0 seconds (step SA77: Yes), it stops the winding of the printing medium 2 performed by the transport unit 10 (step SA78) and ends the winding process.

[0084] On the other hand, if the control unit 50 determines that the remaining time until the cutting of the printing medium 2 has not reached 0 seconds (step SA75: No), it determines whether the rewind amount of the printing medium 2 has reached the predetermined amount delivered in step SA3 (step SA79). In addition, in step SA79, the control unit 50 determines the rewind amount of the printing medium 2 based on the roll diameter data 513 and the detection signal from the encoder 80.

[0085] When the control unit 50 determines that the amount of rewinding of the printing medium 2 has reached the predetermined amount (step SA79: Yes), it stops the rewinding of the printing medium 2 performed by the transport unit 10 (step SA78) and ends the rewinding process.

[0086] On the other hand, if the control unit 50 determines that the amount of rewinding of the printing medium 2 has not reached the predetermined amount (step SA79: No), the process returns to step SA72.

[0087] Return to Figure 4 As shown in the flowchart, when the rewind process ends, the control unit 50 ends the countdown until the printing medium 2 is cut (step SA8).

[0088] Next, the control unit 50 determines whether the flag 512 stored in the memory 510 indicates that the rotational load of the roll body R is above a predetermined load (step SA9).

[0089] If the control unit 50 determines that the flag 512 does not indicate that the rotational load of the roll body R is above the predetermined load (step SA9: no), it will not perform the cutting of the printing medium 2 (step SA10).

[0090] On the other hand, when the control unit 50 determines that the rotational load of the roll body R is above the predetermined load as indicated by the mark 512 (step SA9: Yes), the cutting unit 40 cuts the printing medium 2 (step SA11).

[0091] Furthermore, the control unit 50 can restart without cutting the printing medium 2. Figure 4 The flowchart shown can also be omitted. Figure 4 The flowchart shown continues until a cut-off execution instruction is issued to the operation display unit 60.

[0092] As explained above, printer 1 includes a transport section 10 for conveying the printing medium 2 unwound from the roll body R. Furthermore, printer 1 includes a cutting section 40 for cutting the printing medium 2 conveyed by the transport section 10. Additionally, printer 1 includes a control section 50 that, upon detecting a pull-out operation, cuts the printing medium 2 via the cutting section 40.

[0093] Therefore, since the printing medium 2 is cut when a pull-out operation is detected, it is possible to cut the printing medium 2 while the user is supporting it. Furthermore, since the printing medium 2 can be cut while the user is supporting it, the possibility of the printing medium 2 falling off the printer 1 can be prevented.

[0094] The control unit 50 detects the pull-out operation based on the rotational load of the drum body R.

[0095] Accordingly, the pull-out operation is detected by a rotational load based on the roll body R, thereby enabling accurate detection of the pull-out operation. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately cut the printing medium 2 while it is being supported by the user.

[0096] The transport unit 10 includes an unwinding unit 11 that rotates the roll body R to unwind the printing medium 2. The control unit 50 winds the printing medium 2 back onto the roll body R via the unwinding unit 11. The control unit 50 detects the pull-out operation based on the rotational load of the roll body R during the period when the printing medium 2 is being wound back.

[0097] Therefore, since the pull-out operation is detected based on the rotational load of the roll body R during the period when the printing medium 2 is being rewound, the operation of being pulled in the opposite direction to rewind can be detected quickly. Thus, the time for rewinding the printing medium 2 can be shortened, thereby reducing the time from when the user supports the printing medium 2 until it is cut off.

[0098] When the rotational load on the roll body R becomes above a predetermined load, the control unit 50 stops the rewinding of the printing medium 2.

[0099] Therefore, it is possible to suppress the situation where the tension applied to the printing medium 2 increases due to the pull-out operation and the rewinding of the printing medium 2. Thus, it is possible to cut off the printing medium 2 while suppressing the impact of the pull-out operation on the printing medium 2.

[0100] The control unit 50 rewinds the printing medium 2 at a lower speed than the speed at which the printing medium 2 is conveyed in the conveying direction.

[0101] Therefore, it is possible to suppress the situation where the tension applied to the printing medium 2 increases due to the pull-out operation and the rewinding of the printing medium 2. Thus, it is possible to cut off the printing medium 2 while suppressing the impact of the pull-out operation on the printing medium 2.

[0102] In the cutting method implemented by printer 1, when a pull-out operation is detected, the printing medium 2 is cut by the cutting section 40.

[0103] Thus, the same effect as printer 1 described above can be achieved.

[0104] 2. Second Implementation Method Next, the second embodiment will be described.

[0105] Comparing the second embodiment with the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the memory 510 does not store the flag 512.

[0106] Furthermore, comparing the second embodiment with the first embodiment, the detection method for the pull-out operation differs in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the control unit 50 detects the pull-out operation based on the rotational load of the roll body R while it is executing the control of not unwinding the printing medium 2 from the roll body R. More specifically, the control unit 50 detects the pull-out operation when a torque in the direction that causes the printing medium 2 to rewind is generated on the roll body R while it is executing the control of not unwinding the printing medium 2. More specifically, the control unit 50 detects the pull-out operation when the current value detected by the current detector 70 is above a predetermined value while it is executing the control of not unwinding the printing medium 2.

[0107] Furthermore, comparing the second embodiment with the first embodiment, the actions related to cutting the printing medium 2 are different in the second embodiment.

[0108] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of printer 1 in the second embodiment.

[0109] Figure 7 The action is related to the cutting of the printing medium 2, and is an action that is started when the printing performed by the printing unit 20 and the drying performed by the drying unit 30 have ended.

[0110] exist Figure 7 In the flowchart shown, for the... Figure 4 The flowcharts shown use the same steps but label them with the same step numbers, and their detailed descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

[0111] When the printing medium 2 is conveyed to the cutting position by the conveying unit 10, the control unit 50 starts to control the printing medium 2 from being unwound from the roll body R (step SB1).

[0112] The control unit 50 controls the unwinding motor 113 based on the detection signal from the encoder 80 to keep the scale position detected by the encoder 80 unchanged. Thus, the control unit 50 executes control to prevent the printing medium 2 from being unwound from the roll body R.

[0113] Next, the control unit 50 sets the position of the second driven roller 132 to the release position by changing the mechanism 14 (step SB2).

[0114] Next, the control unit 50 causes the operation display unit 60 to display the second screen G2 (step SB3).

[0115] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the second screen, G2.

[0116] The second screen G2 displays the second guidance information J3 and the stop button B1.

[0117] The second guidance information J3 is information that guides the printing medium 2 to be pulled for a predetermined time while it is being supported by hand. Figure 8 In the middle, the string "Please support the medium with your hand and pull gently for 1 second" is the second boot message J3.

[0118] The stop button B1 is a software button that receives instructions from the user to stop the cutting of the printing medium 2.

[0119] Return to Figure 7 As illustrated in the flowchart, the control unit 50 determines whether there is a stop request from the user to cut off the printing medium 2 (step SB4). In step SB4, if the control unit 50 receives an operation on the stop button B1, it makes an affirmative determination in step SB4; otherwise, it makes a negative determination in step SB4.

[0120] If the control unit 50 determines that there is a stop request from the user to cut the printing medium 2 (step SB4: Yes), it sets the position of the second driven roller 132 to the clamping position (step SB5) and ends the execution of the control that prevents the printing medium 2 from being unwound (step SB6). Then, the control unit 50 does not perform the cutting of the printing medium 2 (step SB7).

[0121] Returning to the explanation of step SB3, if the control unit 50 determines that there is no interruption request from the user for cutting off the printing medium 2 (step SB3: No), it determines whether a torque in the direction of rewinding the printing medium 2 is generated on the roll body R (step SB8).

[0122] If the control unit 50 determines that no torque is generated on the roll body R in the direction that causes the printing medium 2 to roll back (step SB8: No), the process returns to step SB4.

[0123] On the other hand, when the control unit 50 determines that a torque in the direction of rewinding the printing medium 2 has been generated on the roll body R (step SB8: Yes), it determines whether the torque in the direction of rewinding the printing medium 2 has been generated on the roll body R for a predetermined time (step SB9). One second is used as an example of this predetermined time. However, this predetermined time is not limited to one second; it can be shorter or longer than one second. However, it is preferable that this predetermined time is the same as the number of seconds displayed on the second screen G2.

[0124] If the control unit 50 determines that the torque in the direction that causes the printing medium 2 to roll back is not continuously generated on the roll body R for a predetermined time (step SB9: No), the process returns to step SB8.

[0125] On the other hand, when the control unit 50 determines that the torque in the direction of rewinding the printing medium 2 has been continuously generated on the roll body R for a predetermined time (step SB9: Yes), it sets the position of the second driven roller 132 to the clamping position (step SB10). Then, the control unit 50 ends the execution of the control of not unwinding the printing medium 2 (step SB11) and cuts the printing medium 2 by the cutting unit 40 (step SB12).

[0126] As explained above, the control unit 50 performs control to prevent the printing medium 2 from being unwound from the roll body R. During the period when the control unit 50 is performing control to prevent the printing medium 2 from being unwound from the roll body R, if a torque is generated on the roll body R in the direction that causes the printing medium 2 to rewind, the control unit 50 detects a pull-out operation and cuts off the printing medium 2.

[0127] Therefore, the detection of the pull-out operation can be accurately performed. Thus, the cutting of the printing medium 2 while the user is supporting it can be performed appropriately.

[0128] When the control unit 50 continuously generates torque on the roll body R in the direction of rewinding the printing medium 2 for a predetermined time, it cuts off the printing medium 2.

[0129] Therefore, the detection of the pull-out operation can be performed more accurately. Consequently, the cutting of the printing medium 2 while the user is supporting it can be performed more appropriately.

[0130] 3. Third Implementation Method Next, the third embodiment will be described.

[0131] Comparing the third embodiment with the first embodiment, in the third embodiment, the memory 510 does not store the flag 512.

[0132] Furthermore, comparing the third embodiment with the first embodiment, the detection method for the pull-out operation differs in the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, the control unit 50 detects the pull-out operation when the printing medium 2 is pulled out by a predetermined amount along the transport direction. More specifically, the control unit 50 calculates the unwinding amount of the printing medium 2 based on the detection signal input from the encoder 80 and the roll diameter data 513, and detects the pull-out operation when the calculated unwinding amount is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount.

[0133] Furthermore, comparing the third embodiment with the first embodiment, the operation related to cutting the printing medium 2 is different in the third embodiment.

[0134] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of printer 1 in the third embodiment.

[0135] Figure 9 The action is related to the cutting of the printing medium 2, and is an action that is started when the printing performed by the printing unit 20 and the drying performed by the drying unit 30 have ended.

[0136] exist Figure 9 In the flowchart shown, for the... Figure 4 The flowcharts shown use the same steps but label them with the same step numbers, and their detailed descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

[0137] When the control unit 50 has transported the printing medium 2 to the cutting position using the transport unit 10, it will rewind the printing medium 2 by a predetermined amount via the transport unit 10 (step SC1). This predetermined amount is 5 mm as an example. However, this predetermined amount is not limited to 5 mm; it can be less than or greater than 5 mm. However, this predetermined amount is preferably the amount by which the upstream end of the printed surface 2A has not been transported to the drying unit 30 after printing.

[0138] Next, the control unit 50 can begin to pull out the control execution (step SC2).

[0139] Pull-out control refers to the control that allows the user to pull out the printing medium 2 with appropriate force and speed. In pull-out control, the control unit 50 sets the pressing force of the second driven roller 132 to be stronger than the pressing force during printing, but does not set the pressing force of the second driven roller 132 to the strongest pressing force. Furthermore, in pull-out control, the control unit 50 controls the unwinding motor 113 to unwind the printing medium 2 when the torque generated on the roll body R in the unwinding direction is greater than a predetermined amount.

[0140] Next, the control unit 50 causes the operation display unit 60 to display the third screen G3 (step SC3).

[0141] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the third screen, G3.

[0142] The third screen G3 displays the third guidance information J4 and the stop button B1.

[0143] The third guidance information J4 is information that guides the action of pulling the printing medium 2 while it is being supported by hand. Figure 10 In the middle, the string "Please support the medium with your hand and pull it to a taut state" is the third guiding message J4.

[0144] Return to Figure 7 As illustrated in the flowchart, when the control unit 50 determines that there is a stop request from the user to cut off the printing medium 2 (step SB4: Yes), it terminates the execution of the pull-out control (step SC4). Then, the control unit 50 does not perform the cutting off of the printing medium 2 (step SC5).

[0145] Returning to the explanation of step SB3, if the control unit 50 determines that there is no stop request from the user to cut the printing medium 2 (step SB4: No), it determines whether the printing medium 2 has been pulled out by a predetermined amount along the transport direction (step SC6). That is, in step SC6, the control unit 50 determines whether the unwinding amount of the printing medium 2 has reached the predetermined amount. In addition, the control unit 50 determines the unwinding amount of the printing medium 2 based on the detection signal of the encoder 80 and the roll diameter data 513.

[0146] If the control unit 50 determines that the printing medium 2 has not been pulled out by a predetermined amount along the conveying direction (step SC6: No), the process returns to step SB4.

[0147] On the other hand, if the control unit 50 determines that the printing medium 2 has been pulled out by a predetermined amount along the conveying direction (step SC6: No), it sets the state of the printing medium 2 to a state where it cannot be pulled along the conveying direction (step SC7). If step SC7 is described in detail, the control unit 50 changes the pressing pressure of the second driven roller 132 to the strongest pressing pressure, or locks the unwinding motor 113 to prevent the printing medium 2 from being unwound.

[0148] Next, the control unit 50 performs the cutting of the printing medium 2 via the cutting unit 40 (step SC8).

[0149] As explained above, the control unit 50 detects the pull-out operation based on the amount of unwinding of the printing medium 2 that is unwound from the roll body R.

[0150] Therefore, it is possible to accurately detect the pull-out operation. Consequently, it is possible to properly cut the printing medium 2 while it is being supported.

[0151] When the unwinding amount of the printing medium 2 reaches a predetermined amount, the control unit 50 cuts the printing medium 2 as if detecting a pull-out operation.

[0152] This allows for more accurate detection of the pull-out operation. Consequently, it enables more appropriate cutting of the printing medium 2 while it is being supported.

[0153] When the unwinding amount of the printing medium 2 reaches a predetermined amount, the control unit 50 sets the state of the printing medium 2 to a state where it cannot be pulled along the conveying direction and cuts the printing medium 2.

[0154] Therefore, it is possible to prevent the printing medium 2 from being unnecessarily pulled out and thus unnecessarily consumed.

[0155] 4. Other implementation methods The embodiments described above are preferred embodiments of this disclosure. However, the implementation is not limited to the embodiments described above, but various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0156] In other embodiments, the printer 1 may also include a winding section for winding up the printing medium 2 discharged from the discharge port 4A.

[0157] In other embodiments, the inkjet head 22 may also be a line printhead.

[0158] In other embodiments, the printing method of printer 1 may be other than inkjet printing, such as electronic transfer printing.

[0159] In other embodiments, the printing medium 2 may be cut by moving the carriage 21 and mounting a shear on the carriage 21.

[0160] In other embodiments, the number and configuration of the roller pairs forming the transport path and the motors driving the roller pairs are not limited to the embodiments described above. The number and configuration of the roller pairs and the motors can be appropriately changed to suit the size of the printing medium 2.

[0161] In the embodiments described above, a large-format printer is exemplified as a "printing apparatus". In other embodiments, a "printing apparatus" may simply be a device that unwinds the printing medium 2 from the roll body R and cuts the printing medium 2. For example, in other embodiments, a "printing apparatus" may also be a label printer.

[0162] In the embodiments described above, a device having a printing function was exemplified as a "printing apparatus". In other embodiments, a "printing apparatus" may also be a device having functions other than printing functions, such as scanning functions.

[0163] In the embodiments described above, printer 1 is exemplified as a "conveying device". However, the "conveying device" is not limited to printer 1, and may also be a device that does not have a printing section 20 or a drying section 30. In other words, the "conveying device" is any device that can transport the medium unwound from the roll body R and cut the transported medium.

[0164] The functions of the control unit 50 can also be implemented through multiple processors or semiconductor chips.

[0165] also, Figure 3 The structure of the printer 1 shown represents a functional structure, and the specific installation method is not particularly limited. That is, it is not necessary to install hardware corresponding to each functional unit separately; it can also be configured to implement multiple functions by executing a program through a single processor. Furthermore, some of the functions implemented by software in the above embodiments can be implemented by hardware, or some of the functions implemented by hardware can be implemented by software. In addition, the specific details of the structure of other parts of the printer 1 can be arbitrarily changed without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0166] For example, in order to make the processing of each part of printer 1 easier to understand, thus... Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 as well as Figure 9 The processing units in the flowchart shown are divided according to the main processing content, and this disclosure is not limited to the method or name of the division of processing units. It is also possible to divide into more step units according to the processing content. Furthermore, it is also possible to divide the process in such a way that a single step unit contains more processes. In addition, the order of the steps can be appropriately replaced without affecting the spirit of this disclosure.

[0167] Symbol Explanation 1…Printer (conveying device, printing device); 2…Printing media (medium); 2A…Printing surface; 3…Leg; 4…Main body of the device; 4A…Exhaust port; 10…Conveying section; 11…Unwinding section; 12…First roller pair; 13…Second roller pair; 14…Changing mechanism; 20…Printing section; 21…Carriage; 22…Inkjet head; 23…Guide shaft; 24…Media support section; 25…Fan; 30…Drying section; 40…Cutting section; 50…Control section; 60…Operation display section; 70…Current detector; 80…Encoder; 11 1…Unwinding shaft; 112…Bearing; 113…Unwinding motor; 121…First conveyor roller; 122…First driven roller; 131…Second conveyor roller; 132…Second driven roller; 500…Processor; 510…Memory; 511…Control program; 512…Marker; 513…Drum diameter data; B1…Stop button; G1…First screen; G2…Second screen; G3…Third screen; J1…First guidance information; J2…Remaining time information; J3…Second guidance information; J4…Third guidance information; R…Drum body.

Claims

1. A conveying device comprising: The conveying unit transports the medium that is unwound from the drum. A cutting section that cuts off the medium being conveyed by the conveying section; The control unit, upon detecting a user's operation of pulling the medium along the conveying direction, cuts off the medium via the cutting unit.

2. The conveying device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The control unit detects the user's operation based on the rotational load of the roll body.

3. The conveying device as described in claim 2, wherein, The conveying unit includes an unwinding unit that rotates the roll to unwind the medium. The control unit causes the medium to be wound back onto the roll body via the unwinding unit, and detects the user's operation based on the rotational load of the roll body during the period when the medium is being wound back.

4. The conveying device as described in claim 3, wherein, When the rotational load on the reel becomes above a predetermined load, the control unit stops the rewinding of the medium.

5. The conveying device as described in claim 3 or 4, wherein, The control unit rewinds the medium at a lower speed than the speed at which the medium is conveyed along the conveying direction.

6. The conveying device as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The control unit performs control to prevent the medium from being unwound from the roll. During the period when the control of not unwinding the medium is being executed, if a torque is generated on the roll body in the direction that causes the medium to rewind, the medium is cut off as a result of detecting the user's operation.

7. The conveying device as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The control unit cuts off the medium when a torque in the direction of rewinding the medium is continuously generated on the drum body for a predetermined time.

8. The conveying device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The control unit detects the user's operation based on the amount of the medium being unwound from the roll.

9. The conveying device as claimed in claim 8, wherein, When the unwinding amount of the medium reaches a predetermined amount, the control unit cuts off the medium as if it has detected the user's operation.

10. The conveying device as claimed in claim 9, wherein, When the unwinding amount of the medium reaches the predetermined amount, the control unit sets the state of the medium to a state where it cannot be pulled along the conveying direction and cuts the medium.

11. A cutting method, which is a method performed by a conveying device, wherein, The conveying device includes: The conveying unit transports the medium that is unwound from the drum. The cutting section cuts off the medium being conveyed by the conveying section. In the cutting method, If a user operation is detected that pulls the medium along the conveying direction, the medium is cut off by the cutting part.

12. A printing apparatus comprising: The conveying unit transports the printing media that are unwound from the roll body; A printing unit that performs printing on the printing medium; A cutting section that cuts the printing medium being conveyed by the conveying section; The control unit, upon detecting a user's operation of pulling the printing medium along the conveying direction, cuts the printing medium via the cutting unit.

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