Control method of printing device

Abstract

To provide a control method of a printing device that can determine whether a winding direction of a roll body is properly set.SOLUTION: A control method of a printing device in which winding-direction data showing a winding direction of a roll body wound-up with media is set, includes steps of: rotating a feeding shaft supporting the roll body so that the media are rolled up on the basis the winding-direction data; determining that the winding direction shown by the winding-direction data matches a winding direction of the roll body supported on the feeding shaft, when a tension bar that applies tension to the media between a printing part that performs printing on the media and the feeding shaft, by rotation of the feeding shaft; and determining that the winding direction shown by the winding-direction data does not match the winding direction of the roll body supported on the feeding shaft, when the tension bar is moved downward by the rotation of the feeding shaft.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for controlling a printing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 describes a printing device that includes a payout shaft that pays out media from a roll body, a printing unit that prints on the paid-out media, and a tension bar that applies tension to the media between the payout shaft and the printing unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-254887 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In such printing devices, an inwardly wound roll, with the printing surface facing inward, or an outwardly wound roll, with the printing surface facing outward, is set on the payout spindle. The direction of rotation of the payout spindle when paying out the medium differs between an inwardly wound roll and an outwardly wound roll. For example, when an inwardly wound roll is set on the payout spindle, the medium is paid out when the payout spindle rotates in one direction, and the medium is taken up when the payout spindle rotates in the opposite direction. When an outwardly wound roll is set on the payout spindle, the medium is taken up when the payout spindle rotates in one direction, and the medium is paid out when the payout spindle rotates in the opposite direction.

[0005] Typically, the winding direction of the roll body is set by the user in a printing device, and if the setting is incorrect, the printing device may not operate correctly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A control method for a printing device that solves the above problem is a control method for a printing device in which winding direction data indicating the winding direction of a roll body on which medium is wound is set, and includes: rotating a reel that supports the roll body so as to wind the medium based on the winding direction data; when a tension bar that applies tension to the medium between the reel and a printing unit that prints on the medium moves upward as the reel rotates, determining that the winding direction of the winding direction data matches the winding direction of the roll body supported by the reel; and when the tension bar moves downward as the reel rotates, determining that the winding direction of the winding direction data does not match the winding direction of the roll body supported by the reel.

[0007] A control method for a printing device that solves the above problem is a control method for a printing device in which winding direction data indicating the winding direction of a roll body on which medium is wound is set, and includes: rotating a reel-out shaft that supports the roll body so as to reel out the medium based on the winding direction data; when a tension bar that applies tension to the medium between the reel-out shaft and a printing unit that prints on the medium moves downward as the reel-out shaft rotates, determining that the winding direction of the winding direction data matches the winding direction of the roll body supported by the reel-out shaft; and when the tension bar moves upward as the reel-out shaft rotates, determining that the winding direction of the winding direction data does not match the winding direction of the roll body supported by the reel-out shaft. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating an example of a printing device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the feeding unit. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the determination process. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view of a printing device in which a roll of medium is set in a slack state. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the startup process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An example of a printing device will be described below with reference to the drawings. The printing device is, for example, an inkjet printer that prints images such as text and photographs by ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto a medium such as paper or fabric.

[0010] <Printing device> As shown in FIG. 1, the printing device 11 includes a printing unit 12 and a feeding unit 13. The printing unit 12 is configured to print on a medium 99. The feeding unit 13 is configured to feed the medium 99. More specifically, the feeding unit 13 is configured to feed the medium 99 from a roll R1. The roll R1 is an article in which the medium 99 is wound up. The printing unit 12 and the feeding unit 13 will be described later.

[0011] The printing device 11 may include a take-up unit 14 that takes up the printed medium 99. The take-up unit 14 is attached to the printing unit 12. The printing device 11 may transport the printed medium 99 toward the take-up device. In this case, the printed medium 99 is taken up by the take-up device.

[0012] The printing device 11 includes a setting unit 15. The setting unit 15 is communicably connected to the printing unit 12. The setting unit 15 is configured to set winding direction data. The winding direction data is data that indicates the winding direction of the roll body R1 set in the payout unit 13.

[0013] The setting unit 15 is configured to accept user operations. The setting unit 15 sets the winding direction data by accepting the user operations. The setting unit 15 may include a touch panel, a button, or a lever. The user operates the setting unit 15 to specify the winding direction of the roll body R1 to be set in the payout unit 13. This sets the winding direction data. The setting unit 15 may be an interface that communicates with an external device. In this case, the setting unit 15 sets the winding direction data by accepting the user operations from the external device. The external device is, for example, a personal computer, a smartphone, or a tablet.

[0014] <Printing unit> First, the printing unit 12 will be described. The printing unit 12 prints on the medium 99 that is fed out from the feeding unit 13. After the medium 99 is printed by the printing unit 12, it is taken up by the winding unit 14. The printing unit 12 prints on the medium 99 from when the medium 99 is fed out by the feeding unit 13 until when it is taken up by the winding unit 14. The printing unit 12 prints on the long medium 99 that extends from the feeding unit 13 to the winding unit 14.

[0015] The printing unit 12 includes a housing 21. The printing unit 12 includes legs 22. The legs 22 support the housing 21. The printing unit 12 includes a printing section 23. The printing section 23 is located inside the housing 21. The printing section 23 is configured to print on the medium 99. In one example, the printing section 23 is a head that ejects liquid onto the medium 99. The printing section 23 may be a serial head that scans the medium 99, or a line head that can eject liquid simultaneously across the width of the medium 99. The printing section 23 may print on the medium 99 by toner jet, or may print on the medium 99 by dot impact.

[0016] The printing unit 12 includes a support portion 24. The support portion 24 is located inside the housing 21. The support portion 24 supports the medium 99. The support portion 24 faces the printing portion 23. The support portion 24 supports the area of the medium 99 that is to be printed by the printing portion 23.

[0017] The printing unit 12 may include an upstream support section 25. The upstream support section 25 may be located inside or outside the housing 21. The upstream support section 25 is located upstream of the support section 24 in the transport direction of the medium 99. The upstream support section 25 supports an area of the medium 99 that is located upstream of the area supported by the support section 24. The upstream support section 25 supports the medium 99, thereby guiding the medium 99 from the feed unit 13 to the support section 24.

[0018] The printing unit 12 may include a downstream support section 26. The downstream support section 26 may be located inside or outside the housing 21. The downstream support section 26 is located downstream of the support section 24 in the conveyance direction. The downstream support section 26 supports an area of the medium 99 that is located downstream of the area supported by the support section 24. By supporting the medium 99, the downstream support section 26 guides the medium 99 from the support section 24 to the winding unit 14.

[0019] The printing unit 12 includes a transport unit 27. The transport unit 27 is configured to transport the medium 99. The transport unit 27 is located within the housing 21. The transport unit 27 transports the medium 99 to the printing unit 23. The transport unit 27 transports the medium 99 fed out from the feeding unit 13. The transport unit 27 transports the medium 99 from the feeding unit 13 towards the winding unit 14. In one example, the transport unit 27 is located between the support unit 24 and the upstream support unit 25. The transport unit 27 is composed of, for example, a pair of rollers. In this case, the transport unit 27 transports the medium 99 by rotating while sandwiching the medium 99.

[0020] The printing unit 12 includes a control unit 28. The control unit 28 is configured to control the printing unit 12. The control unit 28 controls, for example, the printing unit 23 and the transport unit 27. The control unit 28 is configured to control the feeding unit 13. The control unit 28 is configured to control the winding unit 14.

[0021] The control unit 28 may be configured with one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program. The control unit 28 may be configured with one or more dedicated hardware circuits, such as application specific integrated circuits, that execute at least some of the various processes. The control unit 28 may be configured with a circuit that includes a combination of a processor and a hardware circuit. The processor includes a CPU and memory, such as RAM and ROM. The memory stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute processes. The memory, i.e., computer-readable medium, includes any readable medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0022] The control unit 28 is connected to the setting unit 15. The control unit 28 stores the winding direction data. The control unit 28 executes a process to determine whether or not the winding direction indicated by the winding direction data matches the winding direction of the roll body R1 set in the payout unit 13. The process executed by the control unit 28 will be described later.

[0023] <Feeding unit> Next, the feeding unit 13 will be described. The feeding unit 13 is attached to the printing unit 12. In one example, the feeding unit 13 is attached to the legs 22. The feeding unit 13 is located below the support 24. Therefore, the feeding unit 13 feeds the medium 99 upward toward the printing unit 12.

[0024] The feeding unit 13 includes a frame 31. The frame 31 is attached to, for example, the leg portion 22. The frame 31 holds various components of the feeding unit 13. The payout unit 13 includes a payout spindle 32. The payout spindle 32 is a spindle that supports the roll R1. The roll R1 is set in the payout unit 13 by being supported by the payout spindle 32. As the payout spindle 32 rotates, the medium 99 is paid out from the roll R1. The payout spindle 32 is attached to a frame 31.

[0025] The payout spindle 32 is configured to be rotatable in both a first direction D1 and a second direction D2. The second direction D2 is the opposite direction to the first direction D1. In FIG. 1, the first direction D1 is the clockwise direction, and the second direction D2 is the counterclockwise direction. In addition to paying out the medium 99, the payout spindle 32 can also take up the medium 99.

[0026] The payout unit 13 includes a drive unit 33. The drive unit 33 is configured to rotate the payout spindle 32. The drive unit 33 rotates the payout spindle 32 in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2. The drive unit 33 includes, for example, a motor. The drive unit 33 is connected to the payout spindle 32. When the drive unit 33 rotates the payout spindle 32, the medium 99 is paid out from the roll R1 or taken up onto the roll R1.

[0027] The payout unit 13 includes a guide roller 34. The guide roller 34 is attached to the frame 31. The medium 99 paid out from the roll R1 is wound around the guide roller 34. In one example, the medium 99 is wound around the guide roller 34 from above. The guide roller 34 guides the medium 99 paid out from the roll R1. More specifically, the guide roller 34 guides the medium 99 to the tension applying unit 35, which will be described later.

[0028] The feeding unit 13 includes a tension applying unit 35. The tension applying unit 35 is configured to apply tension to the medium 99. More specifically, the tension applying unit 35 applies tension to the medium 99 by contacting the medium 99 between the feeding spindle 32 and the arrival of the medium 99 at the printing unit 23. In one example, the tension applying unit 35 applies tension to the medium 99 by contacting the medium 99 between the feeding spindle 32 and the conveying unit 27. The tension applying unit 35 applies appropriate tension to the medium 99, allowing the medium 99 to be smoothly fed from the feeding unit 13 towards the printing unit 12.

[0029] The tension applying unit 35 has a tension bar 36. The tension bar 36 comes into contact with the medium 99. The tension bar 36 applies tension to the medium 99 between the feed spindle 32 and the printing unit 23. The medium 99 is wound around the tension bar 36. More specifically, the medium 99, guided by the guide roller 34, is wound around the tension bar 36. The tension bar 36 is positioned so that the medium 99 is wound around it from below. Therefore, the tension bar 36 applies tension to the medium 99 by pushing the medium 99 downward. The tension bar 36 applies a constant tension to the medium 99 by its own weight.

[0030] The tension bar 36 is configured to be displaceable up and down. The tension bar 36 displaces while applying a constant tension to the medium 99. The tension bar 36 displaces according to the difference between the transport speed of the medium 99 by the transport unit 27 and the payout speed of the medium 99 by the payout spindle 32. When the transport speed is faster than the payout speed, the medium 99 is pulled by the transport unit 27. In this case, the tension bar 36 moves upward as the transport unit 27 pulls the medium 99. When the transport speed is slower than the payout speed, the medium 99 sags. In this case, the tension bar 36 moves downward as the medium 99 sags.

[0031] The control unit 28 controls the payout speed of the payout spindle 32 so that the tension bar 36 is located at a predetermined position. More specifically, the control unit 28 controls the payout speed of the payout spindle 32 so that the position of the tension bar 36 falls within a predetermined range. By being located at a predetermined position, the tension bar 36 can apply appropriate tension to the medium 99. For example, if the tension bar 36 is located above the predetermined position, the payout unit 13 increases the payout speed. If the tension bar 36 is located below the predetermined position, the payout unit 13 decreases the payout speed. This keeps the tension bar 36 located at the predetermined position.

[0032] The tension bar 36 is a roller. Therefore, the tension bar 36 rotates as the medium 99 is unwound. This reduces friction between the tension bar 36 and the medium 99, allowing the medium 99 to be transported smoothly. The tension bar 36 may be configured, for example, as a non-rotatable rod.

[0033] 2, the tension applying unit 35 has an arm 37. The arm 37 supports a tension bar 36. More specifically, the tension bar 36 is attached to the tip of the arm 37.

[0034] The arm 37 is configured to rotate. More specifically, the arm 37 rotates around its base end portion as an axis. The arm 37 displaces the tension bar 36 by rotating. That is, the rotation of the arm 37 causes the tension bar 36 to move up and down.

[0035] The tension applying unit 35 has a rotation mechanism 38. The rotation mechanism 38 is a mechanism for rotating the arm 37. The rotation mechanism 38 has a motor 39. The rotation mechanism 38 may have a plurality of motors 39. The motor 39 rotates the arm 37. The motor 39 displaces the tension bar 36. The motor 39 may constitute the drive unit 33.

[0036] The rotation mechanism 38 has a transmission mechanism 40. The transmission mechanism 40 is a mechanism that transmits the power of the motor 39 to the arm 37. The transmission mechanism 40 has a drive gear 41, a driven gear 42, and a transmission belt 43. The transmission belt 43 is wound around the drive gear 41 and the driven gear 42. The drive gear 41 is connected to the motor 39. The drive gear 41 is rotated by the motor 39. The driven gear 42 is connected to the drive gear 41 by the transmission belt 43. As a result, the driven gear 42 rotates relative to the drive gear 41. The driven gear 42 rotates as the drive gear 41 rotates.

[0037] The driven gear 42 has a rotation shaft 44. The driven gear 42 rotates around the rotation shaft 44. The arm 37 is attached to the rotation shaft 44. The rotation shaft 44 is attached to the base end portion of the arm 37. When the rotation shaft 44 rotates, the arm 37 rotates. Therefore, the driven gear 42 moves in conjunction with the arm 37. The rotation shaft 44 may be located coaxially with the payout spindle 32.

[0038] The tension applying unit 35 has a detection unit 45. The detection unit 45 is configured to detect movement of the tension bar 36. The detection unit 45 is configured to detect upward movement of the tension bar 36 and downward movement of the tension bar 36.

[0039] The detection unit 45 detects the movement of the tension bar 36 by detecting the rotation angle of the arm 37. For example, the detection unit 45 includes an encoder. In one example, the detection unit 45 detects the rotation angle of the driven gear 42. The detection unit 45 converts the rotation angle of the driven gear 42 into the rotation angle of the arm 37. The detection unit 45 detects a change in the rotation angle of the arm 37 by detecting the rotation angle of the arm 37. In this way, the detection unit 45 detects the movement of the tension bar 36. The detection unit 45 is not limited to detecting the rotation angle of the driven gear 42, but may also detect the rotation angle of the drive gear 41.

[0040] The detection unit 45 may detect the position of the tension bar 36 in addition to detecting the movement of the tension bar 36. For example, the detection unit 45 detects the position of the tension bar 36 from the rotation angle of the arm 37. The position of the tension bar 36 is controlled by the detection unit 45 detecting the position of the tension bar 36. The rotation of the payout spindle 32 is controlled based on the position of the tension bar 36. More specifically, the rotation of the payout spindle 32 is controlled so that the tension bar 36 is positioned at a predetermined position. The control unit 28 controls the motor 39 to control the payout speed of the payout spindle 32.

[0041] The detection unit 45 may include multiple position sensors. The detection unit 45 may detect the movement of the tension bar 36 by detecting the position of the tension bar 36 using the multiple position sensors. The detection unit 45 may include a distance sensor. The detection unit 45 may detect the movement of the tension bar 36 by detecting the distance between the distance sensor and the tension bar 36.

[0042] The tension applying unit 35 may have one or more stoppers. In one example, the tension applying unit 35 has an upper stopper 46 and a lower stopper 47. The stoppers restrict the movement of the tension bar 36 and the arm 37 by coming into contact with the tension bar 36 or the arm 37. In other words, the stoppers limit the movement range of the tension bar 36. The upper stopper 46 and the lower stopper 47 are positioned so as to sandwich the tension bar 36 from above and below. The movement range of the tension bar 36 is between the upper stopper 46 and the lower stopper 47.

[0043] The upper stopper 46 comes into contact with the tension bar 36 or the arm 37. In one example, the upper stopper 46 comes into contact with the tension bar 36. More specifically, the upper stopper 46 comes into contact with the tension bar 36 from above. In this way, the upper stopper 46 restricts the tension bar 36 and the arm 37 from moving upward.

[0044] The lower stopper 47 comes into contact with the tension bar 36 or the arm 37. In one example, the lower stopper 47 comes into contact with the tension bar 36. More specifically, the lower stopper 47 comes into contact with the tension bar 36 from below. In this way, the lower stopper 47 restricts the tension bar 36 and the arm 37 from moving downward.

[0045] The control unit 28 may determine the reference angle of the arm 37 based on the upper stopper 46 or the lower stopper 47 restricting the movement of the tension bar 36. For example, the control unit 28 may determine the rotation angle of the arm 37 when the tension bar 36 contacts the upper stopper 46 as the reference angle. The control unit 28 may determine the rotation angle of the arm 37 when the tension bar 36 contacts the lower stopper 47 as the reference angle. If the detection unit 45 is a rotary encoder, a reference angle of the arm 37 is required as a measurement reference for the detection unit 45. The detection unit 45 detects the rotation angle of the arm 37 by counting encoder pulses from the reference angle. The reference angle may be stored in advance in the control unit 28. The reference angle may be updated based on the upper stopper 46 or the lower stopper 47 restricting the movement of the tension bar 36.

[0046] The control unit 28 controls the motor 39 to bring the tension bar 36 into contact with the upper stopper 46 or the lower stopper 47. At this time, the control unit 28 detects that the movement of the tension bar 36 is restricted by the stopper based on the torque of the motor 39, for example, the load current of the motor 39. More specifically, the control unit 28 detects that the movement of the tension bar 36 is restricted by the stopper when a load current that causes the torque of the motor 39 to be equal to or greater than a predetermined value flows through the motor 39. Therefore, the control unit 28 determines, as the reference angle, the rotation angle of the arm 37 detected by the detection unit 45 when a load current that causes the torque of the motor 39 to be equal to or greater than a predetermined value flows through the motor 39.

[0047] <Printing device control> Next, the control of the printing device 11 will be described. An inwardly wound roll R1 or an outwardly wound roll R1 is set in the payout unit 13. In the case of an inwardly wound roll R1, the medium 99 is wound so that the printed surface faces inward. In the case of an outwardly wound roll R1, the medium 99 is wound so that the printed surface faces outward. The printed surface is the surface that is printed by the printing unit 23. The medium 99 needs to be paid out so that the printed surface faces the printing unit 23. In the example shown in FIG. 1, an inwardly wound roll R1 is set in the payout unit 13. When an outwardly wound roll R1 is set in the payout unit 13, the medium 99 extends from the roll R1 as shown by the dashed line in FIG. 1.

[0048] In the payout unit 13, the rotation direction of the payout spindle 32 when paying out the medium 99 differs depending on whether an inwardly wound roll R1 is set or an outwardly wound roll R1 is set. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 , when an inwardly wound roll R1 is set, the payout spindle 32 rotates in a first direction D1 to pay out the medium 99. When an outwardly wound roll R1 is set, the payout spindle 32 rotates in a second direction D2 to pay out the medium 99. For this reason, the control unit 28 needs to know the winding direction of the roll R1 supported by the payout spindle 32.

[0049] The control unit 28 determines the winding direction of the roll R1 from the winding direction data. However, there is a risk that the user may set the wrong winding direction data. Therefore, the control unit 28 determines whether the winding direction data of the roll R1 matches the winding direction of the roll R1 supported by the payout spindle 32.

[0050] The control unit 28 determines whether the winding direction data of the roll R1 matches the winding direction of the roll R1 supported by the payout spindle 32, based on the movement of the tension bar 36 accompanying the rotation of the payout spindle 32. For example, the control unit 28 rotates the payout spindle 32 so as to wind the medium 99 based on the winding direction data. When the tension bar 36 moves upward as the payout spindle 32 rotates, the control unit 28 determines that the winding direction set in the winding direction data matches the winding direction of the roll R1 supported by the payout spindle 32. When the tension bar 36 moves downward as the payout spindle 32 rotates, the control unit 28 determines that the winding direction set in the winding direction data does not match the winding direction of the roll R1 supported by the payout spindle 32. This is because when the payout spindle 32 winds the medium 99, the tension bar 36 is lifted by the medium 99 and moves upward, and when the payout spindle 32 pays out the medium 99, the medium 99 slackens and the tension bar 36 moves downward. In this way, by rotating the payout spindle 32, the control unit 28 can determine whether the winding direction data of the roll R1 matches the winding direction of the roll R1 supported by the payout spindle 32. The control unit 28 can determine the winding direction of the roll R1 based on the behavior of the tension bar 36 caused by the rotation of the payout spindle 32.

[0051] Next, an example of the determination process will be described. The determination process is a process for determining whether the winding direction data of the roll R1 matches the winding direction of the roll R1 supported by the payout spindle 32. The determination process is executed by the control unit 28. The determination process is executed based on a user instruction. For example, the determination process is executed before printing starts by the user operating the setting unit 15.

[0052] 3, in step S11, the control unit 28 rotates the payout spindle 32 so as to take up the medium 99 based on the winding direction data. That is, in the example shown in Fig. 1, if the winding direction data indicates inward winding, the control unit 28 rotates the payout spindle 32 in the second direction D2. In the example shown in Fig. 1, if the winding direction data indicates outward winding, the control unit 28 rotates the payout spindle 32 in the first direction D1.

[0053] In step S12, the control unit 28 determines whether the detection unit 45 has detected movement of the tension bar 36. If the detection unit 45 has detected movement of the tension bar 36, the control unit 28 proceeds to step S13. If the detection unit 45 has not detected movement of the tension bar 36, the control unit 28 proceeds to step S15.

[0054] In step S13, the control unit 28 determines whether the movement direction of the tension bar 36 is upward or downward. The control unit 28 determines whether the movement direction of the tension bar 36 is upward or downward based on the detection result of the detection unit 45. When the medium 99 is wound onto the payout spindle 32, the tension bar 36 is lifted by the medium 99. If the winding direction of the winding direction data matches the winding direction of the roll R1 supported by the payout spindle 32, the tension bar 36 moves upward. Therefore, if the movement direction of the tension bar 36 is upward, the control unit 28 determines that the winding direction of the winding direction data matches the winding direction of the roll R1 supported by the payout spindle 32. In this case, the control unit 28 determines that the winding direction of the roll R1 is set correctly. If the control unit 28 determines that the winding direction of the winding direction data matches the winding direction of the roll R1 supported by the payout spindle 32, it ends the determination process. At this time, the control unit 28 may notify the user that the winding direction of the winding direction data matches the winding direction of the roll body R1 supported by the payout spindle 32.

[0055] In step S13, if the moving direction of the tension bar 36 is downward, the control unit 28 determines that the winding direction of the winding direction data does not match the winding direction of the roll body R1 supported by the payout spindle 32. If the moving direction of the tension bar 36 is downward, the control unit 28 proceeds to step S14.

[0056] In step S14, the control unit 28 notifies the user that the winding directions do not match. Specifically, the control unit 28 notifies the user that the winding direction of the winding direction data does not match the winding direction of the roll body R1 supported by the payout spindle 32. The control unit 28 notifies the user, for example, through the setting unit 15. After notifying the user, the control unit 28 ends the determination process.

[0057] In step S15, the control unit 28 determines whether the amount of rotation of the payout spindle 32 has reached a first predetermined amount. If the amount of rotation of the payout spindle 32 has reached the first predetermined amount, the control unit 28 stops the payout spindle 32. That is, if the amount of rotation of the payout spindle 32 has reached the first predetermined amount but movement of the tension bar 36 is not detected, the control unit 28 stops the payout spindle 32. After stopping the payout spindle 32, the control unit 28 proceeds to step S16. If the amount of rotation of the payout spindle 32 has not reached the first predetermined amount, the control unit 28 returns the process to step S12. In steps S12 and S15, the control unit 28 rotates the payout spindle 32 until movement of the tension bar 36 is detected or until the amount of rotation of the payout spindle 32 reaches the first predetermined amount.

[0058] If the winding direction of the winding direction data does not match the winding direction of the roll body R1 supported by the payout spindle 32, the medium 99 is paid out in steps S12 and S15. In this case, there is a risk that the medium 99 will slacken and come into contact with the floor surface. Therefore, the control unit 28 limits the amount of rotation of the payout spindle 32 to a first predetermined amount. The first predetermined amount is an amount at which the medium 99 is not expected to come into contact with the floor surface when paid out.

[0059] In step S16, the control unit 28 rotates the payout spindle 32 in the reverse direction. More specifically, the control unit 28 rotates the payout spindle 32 in the direction opposite to the rotation direction in step S11. That is, when the control unit 28 rotates the payout spindle 32 so that the payout spindle 32 takes up the medium 99 based on the winding direction data, if the tension bar 36 does not move even when the amount of rotation of the payout spindle 32 reaches a first predetermined amount, the control unit 28 rotates the payout spindle 32 in the reverse direction. In other words, in step S16, the control unit 28 rotates the payout spindle 32 so that the medium 99 is paid out based on the winding direction data. In the example shown in FIG. 1, if the winding direction data indicates inward winding, the control unit 28 rotates the payout spindle 32 in the first direction D1. In the example shown in FIG. 1, if the winding direction data indicates outward winding, the control unit 28 rotates the payout spindle 32 in the second direction D2.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 4, the roll R1 may be set in the payout unit 13 with the medium 99 in a slack state. When the roll R1 is set in the payout unit 13 with the medium 99 in a slack state, the tension bar 36 may come into contact with the lower stopper 47. In this case, even if the payout spindle 32 rotates to pay out the medium 99, the tension bar 36 does not move downward. In other words, if the winding direction of the winding direction data does not match the winding direction of the roll R1 supported by the payout spindle 32, the tension bar 36 may not move downward even if the payout spindle 32 rotates to pay out the medium 99 in step S11. In this case, the movement of the tension bar 36 is not detected in step S12. Therefore, the control unit 28 reverses the rotation of the payout spindle 32 in step S16.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 3, in step S17, the control unit 28 determines whether the tension bar 36 has moved upward. The control unit 28 determines whether the tension bar 36 has moved upward based on the detection result of the detection unit 45. If the winding direction of the winding direction data does not match the winding direction of the roll R1 supported by the payout spindle 32, the medium 99 may be wound onto the payout spindle 32 when the payout spindle 32 rotates in the reverse direction. When the medium 99 is wound onto the payout spindle 32, the tension bar 36 moves upward. Therefore, if the tension bar 36 has moved upward, the control unit 28 determines that the winding direction indicated by the winding direction data does not match the winding direction of the roll R1 supported by the payout spindle 32. In this case, the control unit 28 proceeds to step S14. If the tension bar 36 has not moved upward, the control unit 28 proceeds to step S18.

[0062] In step S18, the control unit 28 determines whether the amount of reverse rotation of the payout spindle 32 has reached the second predetermined amount. If the amount of reverse rotation of the payout spindle 32 has not reached the second predetermined amount, the control unit 28 returns the process to step S17. In steps S17 and S18, the control unit 28 rotates the payout spindle 32 in the reverse direction until the tension bar 36 moves upward or until the amount of reverse rotation of the payout spindle 32 reaches the second predetermined amount.

[0063] The second predetermined amount is greater than the first predetermined amount. Therefore, when the payout spindle 32 rotates reversely by the second predetermined amount in steps S17 and S18, the phase of the payout spindle 32 is displaced in the opposite direction from when the determination process started. More specifically, the second predetermined amount is twice the first predetermined amount. The first and second predetermined amounts are expressed as absolute values. In steps S17 and S18, the control unit 28 rotates the payout spindle 32 reversely by the first predetermined amount. This returns the phase of the payout spindle 32 to the phase at the start of the determination process. In steps S17 and S18, the control unit 28 further rotates the payout spindle 32 reversely by the first predetermined amount. This displaces the phase of the payout spindle 32 in the opposite direction.

[0064] In step S18, the control unit 28 determines that an error has occurred if the amount of reverse rotation of the payout spindle 32 reaches a second predetermined amount. That is, if the tension bar 36 does not move upward even when the amount of reverse rotation of the payout spindle 32 reaches the second predetermined amount, the control unit 28 determines that an error has occurred. The error here includes, for example, the roll R1 not being supported by the payout spindle 32, the medium 99 being torn between the roll R1 and the tension bar 36, or the medium 99 jamming between the roll R1 and the tension bar 36, but does not include a mismatch between the winding direction data of the roll R1 and the winding direction of the roll R1 supported by the payout spindle 32. When the amount of reverse rotation of the payout spindle 32 reaches the second predetermined amount, the control unit 28 stops the payout spindle 32. After stopping the payout spindle 32, the control unit 28 proceeds to step S19.

[0065] In step S19, the control unit 28 notifies the user that an error has occurred. The control unit 28 notifies the user, for example, through the setting unit 15. After notifying the user, the control unit 28 ends the determination process.

[0066] Next, an example of the startup process will be described. The startup process is executed when the printer 11 is powered on. Like the determination process, the startup process includes a process for determining whether the winding direction data of the roll R1 matches the winding direction of the roll R1 supported by the payout spindle 32. When the printer 11 is powered on, inspections of the printing unit 23, the medium 99, the roll R1, and so on are performed in addition to the winding direction of the roll R1. For this reason, the startup process is required to be completed in a shorter time than the determination process. By completing the startup process in a shorter time, the time required to start the printer 11 can be shortened.

[0067] The startup process is basically the same as the determination process. Specifically, the startup process differs from the determination process only in the predetermined amount. Specifically, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, only the processes of steps S21 and S22 are different. Therefore, the startup process will be mainly described in terms of the differences from the determination process.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 5, when the power of the printing device 11 is turned on, in step S11, the control unit 28 rotates the payout spindle 32 so as to wind up the medium 99 based on the winding direction data.

[0069] In step S21, the control unit 28 determines whether the amount of rotation of the payout spindle 32 has reached a third predetermined amount. If the amount of rotation of the payout spindle 32 has reached the third predetermined amount, the control unit 28 stops the payout spindle 32. That is, if the amount of rotation of the payout spindle 32 has reached the third predetermined amount but movement of the tension bar 36 is not detected, the control unit 28 stops the payout spindle 32. After stopping the payout spindle 32, the control unit 28 proceeds to step S16. If the amount of rotation of the payout spindle 32 has not reached the third predetermined amount, the control unit 28 returns the process to step S12. In steps S12 and S21, the control unit 28 rotates the payout spindle 32 until movement of the tension bar 36 is detected or until the amount of rotation of the payout spindle 32 reaches the third predetermined amount.

[0070] The third predetermined amount is smaller than the first predetermined amount. Therefore, the startup process requires a smaller amount of rotation of the payout spindle 32 than the determination process. As a result, the startup process takes less time than the determination process.

[0071] In step S16, the control unit 28 reversely rotates the payout spindle 32. That is, if the tension bar 36 does not move even after the payout spindle 32 has rotated the third predetermined amount in step S21, the control unit 28 reversely rotates the payout spindle 32 in step S16.

[0072] In step S22, the control unit 28 determines whether the amount of rotation of the payout spindle 32 has reached a fourth predetermined amount. If the amount of rotation of the payout spindle 32 has reached the fourth predetermined amount, the control unit 28 determines that an error has occurred. That is, if the amount of reverse rotation of the payout spindle 32 has reached the fourth predetermined amount but the tension bar 36 has not moved upward, the control unit 28 determines that an error has occurred. If the amount of rotation of the payout spindle 32 has reached the fourth predetermined amount, the control unit 28 stops the payout spindle 32. After stopping the payout spindle 32, the control unit 28 proceeds to step S19. If the amount of rotation of the payout spindle 32 has not reached the fourth predetermined amount, the control unit 28 returns the process to step S17. In steps S17 and S22, the control unit 28 rotates the payout spindle 32 in the reverse direction until the tension bar 36 moves upward or until the amount of rotation of the payout spindle 32 reaches the fourth predetermined amount.

[0073] The fourth predetermined amount is greater than the second predetermined amount. Therefore, the startup process requires a smaller amount of reverse rotation of the payout shaft 32 than the determination process. This reduces the time required for the startup process compared to the determination process. In one example, the fourth predetermined amount is twice the third predetermined amount. The third predetermined amount and the fourth predetermined amount are expressed as absolute values.

[0074] <Actions and Effects of the Example> Next, the operation and effects of the above embodiment will be described. (1) The control unit 28 rotates the payout spindle 32 to wind the medium 99 based on the winding direction data. When the tension bar 36 moves upward as the payout spindle 32 rotates, the control unit 28 determines that the winding direction of the winding direction data matches the winding direction of the roll R1 supported by the payout spindle 32. When the tension bar 36 moves downward as the payout spindle 32 rotates, the control unit 28 determines that the winding direction of the winding direction data does not match the winding direction of the roll R1 supported by the payout spindle 32. When the payout spindle 32 rotates to wind the medium 99, the medium 99 is pulled, causing the tension bar 36 to move upward. When the payout spindle 32 rotates to unwind the medium 99, the medium 99 slackens, causing the tension bar 36 to move downward. According to the above method, it is possible to determine whether the winding direction of the winding direction data matches the winding direction of the roll R1 supported by the payout spindle 32, based on the movement of the tension bar 36. Therefore, it can be determined that the winding direction of the roll body R1 is set correctly.

[0075] (2) When the control unit 28 rotates the payout spindle 32 to wind the medium 99 based on the winding direction data, if the tension bar 36 does not move even when the amount of rotation of the payout spindle 32 reaches a first predetermined amount, the control unit 28 rotates the payout spindle 32 in the reverse direction. If the tension bar 36 moves upward as a result of the payout spindle 32 rotating in the reverse direction, the control unit 28 determines that the winding direction of the winding direction data does not match the winding direction of the roll R1 supported by the payout spindle 32. If the medium 99 is slack between the payout spindle 32 and the printing unit 23, the tension bar 36 may not move downward even when the payout spindle 32 rotates to unwind the medium 99 from the roll R1. Therefore, it may not be possible to determine that the winding direction of the winding direction data does not match the winding direction of the roll R1 supported by the payout spindle 32. According to the above method, when the payout spindle 32 rotates in the reverse direction to wind the medium 99, the tension bar 36 moves upward. Therefore, by rotating the payout spindle 32 in the reverse direction, it can be determined that the winding direction of the winding direction data does not match the winding direction of the roll body R1 supported by the payout spindle 32.

[0076] (3) The control unit 28 determines that an error has occurred if the tension bar 36 does not move even when the amount of reverse rotation of the payout spindle 32 reaches a second predetermined amount that is greater than the first predetermined amount. If the tension bar 36 does not move even when the payout spindle 32 is rotated in both directions, there is a high possibility that an error has occurred. According to the above method, it is possible to determine that an error has occurred.

[0077] (4) When the printer 11 is powered on, the control unit 28 rotates the payout spindle 32 to wind the medium 99 based on the winding direction data. If the tension bar 36 does not move even when the amount of rotation of the payout spindle 32 reaches a third predetermined amount, which is smaller than the first predetermined amount, the control unit 28 rotates the payout spindle 32 in the reverse direction. If the tension bar 36 does not move even when the amount of reverse rotation of the payout spindle 32 reaches a fourth predetermined amount, which is larger than the third predetermined amount, the control unit 28 determines that an error has occurred. When the payout spindle 32 rotates for a long time after power is turned on, the time required for startup of the printer 11 increases. With the above configuration, the amount of rotation and the amount of reverse rotation of the payout spindle 32 are small when power is turned on, so the time required for startup of the printer 11 is short.

[0078] <Example of change> The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0079] The control unit 28 may rotate the payout spindle 32 to pay out the medium 99 based on the winding direction data. When the tension bar 36 moves downward as the payout spindle 32 rotates, the control unit 28 may determine that the winding direction of the winding direction data matches the winding direction of the roll R1 supported by the payout spindle 32. When the tension bar 36 moves upward as the payout spindle 32 rotates, the control unit 28 may determine that the winding direction of the winding direction data does not match the winding direction of the roll R1 supported by the payout spindle 32. Even in this modified example, the control unit 28 can determine whether the winding direction of the roll R1 is set correctly.

[0080] The printing device 11 may be controlled by an external device. In this case, the external device may execute the determination process and the startup process. The winding direction data may also be set in the external device.

[0081] The liquid ejected by the printing unit 23 is not limited to ink, and may be, for example, a liquid in which particles of a functional material are dispersed or mixed in a liquid. For example, the printing unit 23 may eject a liquid containing, in a dispersed or dissolved form, a material such as an electrode material or a pixel material used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, electroluminescent displays, and surface-emitting displays.

[0082] <Technical philosophy> The technical concepts and effects that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described below.

[0083] (A) A control method for a printing device includes setting winding direction data indicating the winding direction of a roll of medium wound on the roll, and includes: rotating a feeding spindle supporting the roll to wind the medium based on the winding direction data; determining that the winding direction of the winding direction data matches the winding direction of the roll supported by the feeding spindle when a tension bar that applies tension to the medium between the feeding spindle and a printing unit that prints on the medium moves upward as the feeding spindle rotates; and determining that the winding direction of the winding direction data does not match the winding direction of the roll supported by the feeding spindle when the tension bar moves downward as the feeding spindle rotates. When the feeding spindle rotates to wind the medium, the tension bar moves upward as the medium is pulled. When the feeding spindle rotates to unwind the medium, the tension bar moves downward as the medium slackens. According to the above method, it is possible to determine whether the winding direction of the winding direction data matches the winding direction of the roll supported by the feeding spindle based on the movement of the tension bar. Therefore, it is possible to determine that the winding direction of the roll is set correctly.

[0084] (B) The control information of the printing device may include, when rotating the payout spindle to wind the medium based on the winding direction data, rotating the payout spindle in the reverse direction if the tension bar does not move even when the payout spindle has rotated a predetermined amount, and determining that the winding direction of the winding direction data does not match the winding direction of the roll body supported by the payout spindle when the tension bar moves upward as the payout spindle rotates in the reverse direction. If the medium is slack between the payout spindle and the printing unit, the tension bar may not move downward even when the payout spindle rotates to unwind the medium from the roll body. Therefore, it may be impossible to determine that the winding direction of the winding direction data does not match the winding direction of the roll body supported by the payout spindle. According to the above method, when the payout spindle rotates in the reverse direction to wind the medium, the tension bar moves upward. Therefore, by rotating the payout spindle in the reverse direction, it is possible to determine that the winding direction of the winding direction data does not match the winding direction of the roll body supported by the payout spindle.

[0085] (C) In the above-described control method for a printing device, the predetermined amount may be a first predetermined amount, and the control method for a printing device may include determining that an error has occurred if the tension bar does not move even when the amount of reverse rotation of the payout spindle reaches a second predetermined amount that is greater than the first predetermined amount. If the tension bar does not move even when the payout spindle is rotated in both directions, there is a high possibility that an error has occurred. According to the above-described method, it is possible to determine that an error has occurred.

[0086] (D) The control method for the printing device may include, when the printing device is powered on, rotating the payout spindle to wind the medium based on the winding direction data; rotating the payout spindle to wind the medium based on the winding direction data when the printing device is powered on, if the tension bar does not move even when the amount of rotation of the payout spindle reaches a third predetermined amount smaller than the first predetermined amount, rotating the payout spindle in the reverse direction; and determining that the error has occurred if the tension bar does not move even when the amount of reverse rotation of the payout spindle reaches a fourth predetermined amount larger than the third predetermined amount. When the power is turned on, if the payout spindle rotates for a long time, the time required for startup of the printing device increases. According to the above configuration, when the power is turned on, the amount of rotation and the amount of reverse rotation of the payout spindle are small, so the time required for startup of the printing device is short.

[0087] (E) A control method for a printing device includes setting winding direction data indicating the winding direction of a roll of medium wound on the roll, and includes: rotating a feed spindle supporting the roll to unwind the medium based on the winding direction data; determining, when the rotation of the feed spindle causes a tension bar that applies tension to the medium between the feed spindle and a printing unit that prints on the medium to move downward, that the winding direction indicated by the winding direction data matches the winding direction of the roll supported by the feed spindle; and determining, when the rotation of the feed spindle causes the tension bar to move upward, that the winding direction indicated by the winding direction data does not match the winding direction of the roll supported by the feed spindle. When the feed spindle rotates to unwind the medium, the medium slackens, causing the tension bar to move downward. When the feed spindle rotates to wind the medium, the medium is pulled, causing the tension bar to move upward. According to the above method, it is possible to determine, based on the movement of the tension bar, whether the winding direction indicated by the winding direction data matches the winding direction of the roll supported by the feed spindle. Therefore, it is possible to determine that the winding direction of the roll is set correctly. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 11...printing device, 12...printing unit, 13...feeding unit, 14...winding unit, 15...setting section, 21...housing, 22...leg section, 23...printing section, 24...support section, 25...upstream support section, 26...downstream support section, 27...conveying section, 28...control section, 31...frame, 32...feeding shaft, 33...drive section, 34...guide roller, 35...tension applying section, 36...tension bar, 37...arm, 38...rotation mechanism, 39...motor, 40...transmission mechanism, 41...drive gear, 42...driven gear, 43...transmission belt, 44...rotation shaft, 45...detection section, 46...upper stopper, 47...lower stopper, 99...medium, D1...first direction, D2...second direction, R1...roll body.

Claims

1. A control method for a printing device, comprising: setting winding direction data indicating a winding direction of a roll body on which a medium is wound, Rotating a feed shaft supporting a roll body so as to wind the medium based on the winding direction data; When a tension bar that applies tension to the medium between the printing unit that prints on the medium and the payout spindle moves upward as the payout spindle rotates, determining that the winding direction of the winding direction data matches the winding direction of the roll body supported by the payout spindle, and when the tension bar moves downward as the payout spindle rotates, determining that the winding direction of the winding direction data does not match the winding direction of the roll body supported by the payout spindle.

2. When the feeding spindle is rotated so as to wind the medium based on the winding direction data, if the tension bar does not move even when the amount of rotation of the feeding spindle reaches a predetermined amount, rotating the feeding spindle in the opposite direction; 2. The control method for a printing device according to claim 1, further comprising: determining, when the tension bar moves upward due to the rotation of the payout spindle in the reverse direction, that the winding direction of the winding direction data does not match the winding direction of the roll body supported by the payout spindle.

3. the predetermined amount is a first predetermined amount, 3. The control method for a printing device according to claim 2, further comprising determining that an error has occurred when the tension bar does not move even when the amount of reverse rotation of the payout spindle reaches a second predetermined amount that is greater than the first predetermined amount.

4. When the power supply of the printing device is turned on, the feeding shaft is rotated so as to wind up the medium based on the winding direction data. when the power supply of the printing device is turned on, the feeding spindle is rotated so as to wind the medium based on the winding direction data, and when the tension bar does not move even when the rotation amount of the feeding spindle reaches a third predetermined amount that is smaller than the first predetermined amount, the feeding spindle is rotated in the reverse direction; and determining that the error has occurred when the tension bar does not move even when the amount of reverse rotation of the payout spindle reaches a fourth predetermined amount that is greater than the third predetermined amount.

5. A control method for a printing device, comprising: setting winding direction data indicating a winding direction of a roll body on which a medium is wound, Rotating a feed shaft supporting a roll body so as to feed the medium based on the winding direction data; a control method for a printing device, comprising: determining, when a tension bar that applies tension to the medium between the printing unit that prints on the medium and the payout spindle moves downward as the payout spindle rotates, that the winding direction of the winding direction data matches the winding direction of the roll body supported by the payout spindle; and determining, when the tension bar moves upward as the payout spindle rotates, that the winding direction of the winding direction data does not match the winding direction of the roll body supported by the payout spindle.

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