Printer and printing system

Abstract

To provide a printer which improves productivity without increasing costs and an installation space, and which allows flexible application.SOLUTION: A printer comprises: a head 30 for discharging liquid onto a medium M held by medium holding means 10; a carriage 20 for carrying the head 30 to reciprocally moving it in a main scanning direction; and conveyance means for conveying the medium holding means 10 in a sub-scanning direction according to scanning of the head 30. The medium holding means 10 is attachable to and detachable from the conveyance means in a state of holding the medium M. The conveyance means is a conveyor capable of being rotated and driven normally and reversely. The printer is capable of executing: a front operation mode in which the single medium holding means 10 is inserted from a front face side of the device, and the medium holding means 10 is caused to move reciprocally according to the conveyance means; and a continuous printing mode in which a plurality of pieces of medium holding means 10 are sequentially inserted from a rear face side of the device, and the medium holding means 10 are caused to move in one direction according to the conveyance means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing device and a printing system. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art DTG (Direct To Garment) printers are known that use an inkjet system to print directly onto clothing such as T-shirts, tote bags, hats, shoes, and other fabrics.

[0003] When printing with a conventional standalone DTG printer, a medium such as a T-shirt is loaded onto the platen stage from the front of the device, ink is applied by repeatedly reloading the medium, and the printed medium is then removed from the front of the device.When printing on multiple media, printing on subsequent media can only be carried out after printing on the previous media has been completed, which results in low productivity when printing large quantities.

[0004] To address this issue, a system has been proposed that includes multiple printers and a platen transport mechanism, in which a CPU executes a decision step to determine to which of the multiple printers the platen should be transported, thereby avoiding the platen being transported to only a specific printer and increasing the number of print processes in a given period of time (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The system of Patent Document 1 is expected to improve productivity and reduce the workload of operators by automatically controlling the conveyance of the platen. However, since this is an automatically controlled system that links multiple printers, it requires high installation costs and a large installation space. On the other hand, if the number of print processes is small, some printers will not be in operation, making it difficult to operate flexibly in line with the scale of the system.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a printing apparatus that can improve productivity without increasing costs or installation space, and that can be operated flexibly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the printing device of the present invention is a printing device comprising a head that ejects liquid onto a medium held by a medium holding means, a carriage that carries the head and moves back and forth in the main scanning direction, and a transport means that transports the medium holding means in the sub-scanning direction in response to the scanning of the head, wherein the medium holding means is detachable from the transport means while holding the medium, the transport means is a conveyor that can be driven in both forward and reverse rotation, and is capable of implementing a front operation mode in which a single medium holding means is inserted from the front side of the device and the transport means moves the medium holding means back and forth, and a continuous printing mode in which multiple medium holding means are inserted sequentially from the back side of the device and the transport means moves the medium holding means in one direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a printing apparatus that can improve productivity without increasing costs or installation space, and that can be operated flexibly. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a conventional DTG printer. [Figure 2] 1 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a printing device according to the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a printing device according to the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating an example of a printing system in which a printing device according to the present invention is combined with a conveyor heater. [Figure 5]10(A) and 10(B) are perspective views showing an example of a medium holding means, and 10(C) is a photograph showing a state in which a medium is attached to the medium holding means. [Figure 6] 1A is a schematic diagram showing an example of an operation panel, and FIG. 1B is a photograph showing the same. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing the relationship between the position of the medium holding means on the transport surface and the amount of line feed. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing the relationship between the position of the medium holding means on the transport surface and the amount of line feed. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a guide means. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing an example of a surface of a guide unit and a medium holding unit that faces a transport surface. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing an example of a surface of a guide unit and a medium holding unit that faces a transport surface. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing an example of a surface of a guide unit and a medium holding unit that faces a transport surface. [Figure 13] 1 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a printing device according to the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a guide means. [Figure 15] 1 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a printing device according to the present invention. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of determining a print mode. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of a control unit of the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 18] 1A is a perspective view showing an example of a printing unit provided in a printing device of the present embodiment, and FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram of an example of the configuration of a head. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The printing device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and other modifications, additions, corrections, deletions, and other changes can be made within the scope of what a person skilled in the art can conceive. Any modification that achieves the functions and effects of the present invention is within the scope of the present invention. In addition, in the present application, the terms image formation, recording, printing, printing, etc. are all synonymous.

[0011] The printing device of this embodiment is a serial inkjet printer, for example, a DTG printer that forms an image on a fabric medium such as a T-shirt, etc. Hereinafter, the printing device of this embodiment will also be referred to as a "DTG printer."

[0012] An example of the printing unit included in the printing device of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 18A is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the printing means of this embodiment. In FIG. 18A, X indicates the main scanning direction, Y indicates the sub-scanning direction, and Z indicates the up-down direction (vertical direction, height direction).

[0013] The printing device of this embodiment includes a head 30 that ejects liquid onto a medium held by a medium holding means 10, a carriage 20 that carries the head 30 and moves back and forth in the main scanning direction X, and a transport means that transports the medium holding means 10 in the sub-scanning direction Y in accordance with the scanning of the head 30. The medium holding means 10 is detachable from the transport means while holding the medium. Although FIG. 18A shows an example in which two carriages 20 (20a, 20b) are provided, the number of carriages is not limited to this, and may be one, or three or more.

[0014] The guide rods (main guide rod 21 and sub guide rod 22) hold the carriage 20 so that it can move back and forth in the main scanning direction X. Note that Figure 18(A) shows an example in which the carriage 20 is held by a main guide rod 21 and a secondary guide rod 22, but the configuration of the guide rods is not limited to this, and the carriage 20 may be held by a single guide rod.

[0015] The carriage 20 is connected to a timing belt 27 that is wound between drive pulleys rotated by a main scanning motor that can rotate in both forward and reverse directions. By driving the main scanning motor, the carriage 20 moves back and forth in the main scanning direction X.

[0016] The encoder sheet 25 is arranged along the main scanning direction X. Periodic slits are provided in the encoder sheet 25, and a reading sensor is provided in the carriage 20 to read the slits in the encoder sheet 25. The position of the carriage 20 in the main scanning direction X can be detected from the reading result of the sensor.

[0017] The controller board 7 is a means for processing and controlling the operation (output) of motors, solenoids, etc., and input signals from sensors, etc., and controls the ejection of liquid. The controller board 7 also performs print control of print data sent from a PC, and print control processing by reading print data recorded in a USB memory, for example.

[0018] A plurality of heads 30 are mounted on the carriage 20. Each head 30 has nozzles aligned in the sub-scanning direction. The carriage 20 also has a head tank mounted thereon that temporarily stores ink as a liquid to be supplied to the head 30. The head tank is connected to the ink cartridge 8 via a supply tube and a supply pump.

[0019] The printing device may also include an unevenness detection unit 67 that detects unevenness on the surface of the medium attached to the medium holding unit 10 being transported. The detection unit 67 is, for example, a position sensor that detects the position of the medium in the Z direction. For example, if the position sensor detects that the surface of the medium is at a height that makes contact with the nozzle face of the head 30, an error is detected and the transport of the medium holding unit 10 is controlled to stop.

[0020] A maintenance and recovery mechanism (maintenance unit) 23 that maintains and recovers the head 30 is disposed at one end in the main scanning direction X. The maintenance and recovery mechanism 23 is equipped with a moisture retention cap and a suction cap to protect the head 30 from drying out when the printing device is not operating (image formation is not occurring). A suction pump is connected to the suction cap. The maintenance and recovery mechanism 23 is also equipped with a wiper and the like to clean excess ink remaining on the nozzle surface of the head 30 and recover the nozzle condition. Furthermore, a discharge receiver 26 is disposed at the other end in the main scanning direction X.

[0021] When printing begins, the printing device moves the medium holding means 10 to the image formation start position. Then, the carriage 20 moves once in the main scanning direction X while ejecting liquid from the head 30. When this movement is completed, the conveying means moves a predetermined amount in the sub-scanning direction Y to prepare for the next image formation.

[0022] The conveying means is a reversible conveyor. Examples of the conveyor include a belt conveyor having an endless belt member stretched over a reversible driving member, as well as a chain conveyor and a roller conveyor. The operation of the conveying means (conveyor belt 50) to convey the medium holding means 10 in the sub-scanning direction Y in response to the scanning of the head 30 is called the "line feed operation." The distance that the medium holding means 10 moves in the sub-scanning direction Y in one line feed operation (movement distance per operation) is called the "line feed amount."

[0023] An operation panel (front scanning panel) 40 is provided on the front of the main body. The front operation panel 40 includes an operation unit operated for various settings and a display unit for displaying information. The operation unit and the display unit may be provided separately, or may be in the form of a touch panel configured by overlaying an operation unit such as a pressure-sensitive or capacitance-type transparent film switch on a display unit such as a liquid crystal display.

[0024] Fig. 18(B) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of a plurality of heads 30 mounted on the carriage 20. In Fig. 18(B), X indicates the main scanning direction, and Y indicates the sub-scanning direction.

[0025] 18(B), the first carriage 20a is held by a guide rod 21a, and the second carriage 20b is held by a guide rod 21b so that they can move back and forth in the main scanning direction X. In the following description, when multiple carriages are referred to collectively, they will be referred to as "carriages 20," and when multiple guide rods are referred to collectively, they will be referred to as "guide rods 21." As the carriage 20 moves, the head 30 mounted thereon moves integrally in the main scanning direction X.

[0026] In the configuration example of the head 30 shown in Figure 18(B), the head 30 mounted on the carriage 20a is a head that ejects colored ink other than white (hereinafter referred to as "color ink") 32 from its nozzles, and the head 30 mounted on the carriage 20b is a head that ejects white ink 31 from its nozzles.

[0027] "Color ink" refers to a combination of any colored ink other than white. For example, it is a combination of heads that eject the inks required for color printing, such as a C (cyan) head, M (magenta) head, Y (yellow) head, and K (black) head. The arrangement of the heads is not limited to this. Furthermore, the types of colors are not limited to the example in Figure 13(B), and can be five or more colors including special color inks.

[0028] For example, by forming a base with white ink on a colored medium and then applying color inks to it, it is possible to achieve vivid colors.

[0029] The head 30 may also be an integrated head unit in which each nozzle row ejects a different color of liquid. The head 30 includes a head that ejects a pretreatment liquid from a nozzle.

[0030] FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a conventional DTG printer. Figure 1 shows a typical desktop DTG printer, which, like consumer inkjet printers and wide-format printers for sign graphics, has a built-in serial scanning inkjet head 30 and prints by scanning the inkjet head 30 in a direction (main scanning direction) perpendicular to the transport direction (sub-scanning direction) of the medium M.

[0031] A platen 80 that holds a medium M (for example, a T-shirt) is fixed to a stage 81. The stage 81 moves back and forth on rails 82 in the direction of arrow D1 as a stage feed belt moves in the direction of arrow D2. The manner in which the medium M is transported differs from that in the inkjet printer or the like. The platen 80 with the medium M1 attached at the front of the main body moves to the rear of the main body, then moves back and forth to the front of the main body again, printing is performed. If white ink is installed, the medium transport (back and forth movement) and printing operation are repeated for both white ink printing and color printing. After printing is complete, the medium M2 is removed from the platen 80 at the front of the main body.

[0032] The medium M, which is fabric, varies in thickness and shape depending on the tailoring, and may lose its shape during transportation, so the operator must manually attach it to the platen 80 each time. As described above, conventional DTG printers are "front operation" type devices in which the loading of the medium M onto the platen 80 and the operation of the device are performed only on the front side of the device.

[0033] In contrast, the printing device (DTG printer) according to the present invention uses a medium holding means that is detachable from the transport means while holding the medium M, and is equipped with a conveyor that can be driven to rotate forward and backward as the transport means for the medium holding means. The printing apparatus of this embodiment will be described below.

[0034] An example of the printing apparatus of this embodiment is shown in FIGS. The printing device of this embodiment comprises a head 30 that ejects liquid onto a medium M held by a medium holding means 10, a carriage 20 that carries the head 30 and moves back and forth in the main scanning direction, and a transport means that transports the medium holding means 10 in the sub-scanning direction in response to the scanning of the head 30. The medium holding means 10 is detachable from the transport means while holding the medium M. The conveying means is a conveyor that can rotate in both directions. Below, an example of a belt conveyor having an endless belt member stretched over a drive member that can rotate in both directions will be described, but the conveyor is not limited to this and may be a chain conveyor, roller conveyor, etc.

[0035] In addition, the printing device of this embodiment can implement a front operation mode in which a single medium holding means 10 is inserted from the front side of the device and the medium holding means 10 is moved back and forth by a conveying means, and a continuous printing mode in which multiple medium holding means 10 (10a, 10b) are inserted sequentially from the back side of the device and the medium holding means 10 is moved in one direction by a conveying means.

[0036] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the front operation mode. The printing device of this embodiment is provided with a rear cover member 12 on the rear side of the device that is detachable from the device's main body 11. When the rear cover member 12 is attached, only the front operation mode can be implemented. The conveyor, which is the transport means, can rotate in the forward and reverse directions indicated by arrow D4, and the medium holding means 10 can also move back and forth in the direction indicated by arrow D3.

[0037] When the printing apparatus of this embodiment is used as a standalone device, it is expected that the front operation mode will be the main mode of operation. By attaching the rear cover member 12, the opening on the rear side is blocked, making it impossible to insert the medium holding means 10, thereby preventing the occurrence of operational errors. Also, by attaching the rear cover member 12, it is possible to prevent the intrusion of dust, dirt, foreign matter, etc. from the rear side, and it is also effective in preventing accidents caused by inserting fingers, etc.

[0038] Furthermore, it is possible to adopt a mode in which the attachment and detachment of the rear cover member 12 is linked to the selection of the printing mode. By attaching the rear cover member 12, the continuous conveyor printing mode cannot be implemented, so by setting the printer to only operate in the front operation mode when the rear cover member 12 is attached, the burden on the operator for selecting and setting modes can be reduced.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a continuous printing mode (continuous conveyor printing mode). The conveyor, which is the transport means, rotates in the direction indicated by D6, and the medium holding means 10 moves only in the direction of the arrow D5. In the example shown in Figure 3, the conveying means is a belt conveyor equipped with guide means 51 for positioning the medium holding means 10 on the conveying surface, and equipped with an endless belt member (conveyor belt) 50 stretched around a drive member (conveyor motor) 16 that can be driven in both forward and reverse rotation.

[0040] The medium holding means 10 holding the medium M1 is inserted from the rear side, and the medium holding means 10 holding the printed medium M2 is ejected from the front side. After the medium M2 is removed, the medium holding means 10 can be reused.

[0041] In the continuous printing mode, when the line feed amount per time that the conveying means moves the medium holding means 10 in the sub-scanning direction in response to the scan of the head 30 is p, it is preferable that the conveying amount W by which the subsequent medium holding means 10b is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction from the last scan by the head 30 of the medium M held in the preceding medium holding means 10a to the first scan of the medium M held in the subsequent medium holding means 10b satisfy the relationship W = p × n (n is an integer greater than or equal to 1).

[0042] It is preferable that the transport interval between the plurality of medium holding means 10 (10a, 10b) on the transport surface is n times (n is an integer of 1 or more) the line feed amount p. For example, when setting the medium holding means 10 on the conveying surface, the medium holding means 10 can be positioned using guide means 51 arranged at intervals n times the line feed amount, thereby realizing conveying conditions that satisfy the relationship W=p×n.

[0043] From the viewpoint of convenience of operation in the continuous printing mode, it is preferable that an operation panel (rear operation panel 41) be provided on the rear side.

[0044] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a printing system including a printing apparatus according to this embodiment and a conveyor drying apparatus downstream that heats and dries the medium after printing. There are no particular limitations on the conveyor drying device, and examples include one equipped with a heating and drying means 61 and a heater conveyor 60 capable of transporting the media holding means 10, as shown in Figure 4, and it is also possible to combine it with a commercially available device (for example, Big Buddy III manufactured by BBC Industries). By selecting the continuous printing mode in the printing device of this embodiment and adjusting the conveying surface of the conveyor drying device so that it is at the same height as the conveying surface of the conveyor of the printing device of this embodiment, it is possible to print and dry multiple media M continuously and smoothly.

[0045] 5(A) and 5(B) are perspective views showing an example of the medium holding means 10. FIG. The medium holding means 10 has a platen member 5 that holds the portion of the medium M to be printed in a flat state, and an openable and closable outer circumferential cover 6. The outer circumferential cover 6 has an opening in the portion that corresponds to the platen member 5, and is structured so that the medium M is sandwiched and fixed between the peripheral edge of the platen member 5 and the outer circumferential cover 6. FIG. 5C is a photograph showing the state in which the medium M is set in the medium holding means 10. The surplus portion Ma is a portion of the medium M that is not the printing target, and in the case of printing on the front of a T-shirt, for example, this corresponds to the sleeves, collar, hem, etc.

[0046] It is preferable that the medium holding means 10 has heat resistance of about 200° C. because it is heated by a conveyor drying device in the printing system shown in FIG.

[0047] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the operation panel. The printing device of this embodiment is provided with a front operation panel 40 disposed on the front side of the device and / or a rear operation panel 41 disposed on the rear side. When operating a DTG printer, there are two ways to control it: by connecting it to an external device such as a PC, or by importing print data via a network or using external storage such as a USB memory stick and operating it using an operation panel installed on the device itself. In the latter case, it is preferable to have a high-performance operation panel that can set the print mode and perform settings for maintenance operations (maintenance and recovery operations). The printing device of this embodiment is provided with such a highly functional operation panel.

[0048] 6A shows an example of a front operation panel 40 provided on the device body, and FIG. 6B shows an example of a detachable operation panel that can be used as a rear operation panel 41. In FIG. For example, the detachable operation panel shown in Figure 6(B) can be attached to the front of the device when in front operation mode, and to the rear of the device when in continuous conveyor mode. In this case, it is possible to switch the print mode (lock one of the print modes) depending on the installation position of the operation panel.

[0049] In an embodiment in which a non-detachable front operation panel 40 and a non-detachable rear operation panel 41 are provided, it is also possible to perform flip-flop control so that when one operation panel is enabled, the other operation panel is locked. By implementing the front operation mode in response to input from the front operation panel 40 and implementing the continuous printing mode in response to input from the rear operation panel 41, it is possible to prevent operational errors.

[0050] 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the position of the medium holding means 10 on the conveyance surface and the line feed amount p when multi-pass recording is performed in which the head 30 performs multiple scans. In the figure, the line feed amount p is indicated by a dashed line. As an example in which printing on a medium is completed by eight scans of the head 30, Figure 7(A) shows the position of the medium holding means 10 at the first scan, Figure 7(B) shows the position of the medium holding means 10 at the second scan, Figure 7(C) shows the position of the medium holding means 10 at the eighth scan, and Figure 7(D) shows the position of the medium holding means 10 at the ninth scan. In multi-pass printing in the printing apparatus of this embodiment, the medium holding means 10 is transported (sub-scanned) with an equal line feed amount p.

[0051] 8 is a diagram showing the positions in the sub-scanning direction when multiple medium holding means 10 (10a, 10b) are set on the transport surface in continuous printing mode. In the figure, the line feed amount p is indicated by a dashed line. As an example of multi-pass printing, eight scans of the head 30 are performed to complete printing on the medium.

[0052] Figures 8(A) and 8(B) show an example in which two medium holding means 10 (10a, 10b) are set at a transport interval that is an integer multiple of the line feed amount p, and the transport (sub-scan) of the medium holding means 10 is performed with an equal line feed amount p. Figure 8(A) shows the state where the preceding media holding means 10a has completed its eighth scan of the medium and printing has been completed, and Figure 8(B) shows the state where the preceding media holding means 10a has completed its tenth scan of the medium and the following media holding means 10b has reached the printing start position.

[0053] 8(A) and 8(B) show an example in which the distance between the rear end of medium holding means 10a and the front end of medium holding means 10b is 4p. When the length of medium holding means 10 is L, L is an integer multiple of the line feed amount p, and the conveying interval L+4p is an integer multiple of the line feed amount. The timing at which the succeeding medium holding means 10b, which is set at intervals that are an integral multiple of the line feed amount p, reaches the print start position is the same as the timing at which the preceding medium holding means 10a reaches the print start position, so it is possible to print using the same print data without having to adjust the print start timing each time.

[0054] 8(C) and 8(D) are comparative examples in which two medium holding means 10 (10a, 10b) are set at a transport interval that is not an integer multiple of the line feed amount p, and the medium holding means 10 are transported (sub-scanned) at an equal line feed amount p. As shown in the figures, the leading edge T of the subsequent medium holding means 10b is shifted from a position that is an integer multiple of the line feed amount p. Figure 8(C) shows the state where the eighth scan of the medium of the preceding medium holding means 10a has been performed and printing has been completed, and Figure 8(D) shows the state where the tenth scan of the medium of the preceding medium holding means 10a is being performed.

[0055] The timing at which the subsequent medium holding means 10b, which is set at a transport interval that is not an integer multiple of the line feed amount p, reaches the print start position differs from the timing at which the preceding medium holding means 10a reaches the print start position, so the print data must be regenerated. This is because in serial printing devices, print data is generated by linking the nozzle position with the position of the print image for each scan of the head.

[0056] In the printing device of this embodiment, when setting the medium holding means 10 on the conveying surface in continuous printing mode, the medium holding means 10 is positioned using guide means 51 arranged at intervals that are an integer multiple of the line feed amount, so that the conveying interval between multiple medium holding means 10 on the conveying surface can be set to an integer multiple of the line feed amount p per time that the conveying means moves the medium holding means 10 in the sub-scanning direction in response to the scanning of the head 30. Examples of the guide means 51 are shown in FIGS.

[0057] The guide means 51a shown in Fig. 9 is a visible pattern formed on the conveying surface of the conveyor belt 50. The pattern is not limited to the linear pattern shown in Fig. 9, and may be any pattern that is visible to properly position the leading end of the medium holding means 10. The method for forming the design on the conveyor belt 50 is not particularly limited, and any method capable of marking may be used, such as line printing.

[0058] Since it is necessary to visually align the medium holding means 10 with the guide means 51a, there is a risk that the positional accuracy of the medium holding means 10 will decrease, but in DTG printing, a misalignment of several mm to several tens of mm may be acceptable.

[0059] The guide means 51b shown in Fig. 10(A) is a convex or concave portion formed on the conveying surface of the conveyor belt 50. The corresponding medium holding means 10 has a concave or convex portion (reference numeral 13) on the surface facing the conveying surface, as shown in Fig. 10(B), that fits with the guide means 51b. Specifically, when guide means 51b is a convex portion, medium holding means 10 has a concave portion at a corresponding position. On the other hand, when guide means 51b is a concave portion, medium holding means 10 has a convex portion at a corresponding position. The shape of the convex or concave portion is not limited to that shown in FIG. 10, and may be any shape that allows easy fitting.

[0060] 10, the embodiment including guide means 51b ensures positional accuracy by fitting the convex portion and the concave portion together. Also, when aligning medium holding means 10 with guide means 51a, the operator can confirm proper alignment by the feel of the fit, which also reduces the workload on the operator.

[0061] 11(A) is a magnetic body or magnet disposed on the conveying surface of the conveyor belt 50. The corresponding medium holding means 10 has a magnet or magnetic body (reference numeral 14) on the surface facing the conveying surface, as shown in FIG. 11(B), which is attracted to the guide means 51c. The combination of the guide means 51c and the member provided on the medium holding means 10 may be a combination of a magnet and a magnetic material, or both may be magnets. The Curie temperature at which demagnetization occurs is higher than the thermal fixing temperature of DTG printing, so even if the medium holding means 10 is provided with a magnet, there is no effect on the adsorptive properties. Furthermore, the shape of the magnetic material or magnet is not limited to that shown in FIG.

[0062] FIG. 11C shows an example in which the guide means 51c is a magnet and the medium holding means 10 also has a magnet 14. As shown in Fig. 11(C), by configuring the guide means 51c as a magnet with an S pole and the medium holding means 10 as having magnets 14 arranged in the order S pole / N pole / S pole, attraction is induced by the repulsion between the S poles. Note that Fig. 11(C) is just one example, and the pole combination is not limited to this.

[0063] 11, the guide means 51c is provided, and positional accuracy is ensured by magnetic attraction. Also, when aligning the medium holding means 10 with the guide means 51a, the magnetic attraction ensures proper positioning, which also reduces the workload on the operator.

[0064] Guide means 51d shown in Fig. 12(A) is a plate-like member disposed on the conveying surface of conveyor belt 50. The corresponding medium holding means 10 has a protrusion 15 that is engaged with guide means 51d on the surface facing the conveying surface, as shown in Fig. 12(B). The conveying surface may be formed by an endless track in which plate-like members, which are the guide means 51d, are connected in an endless loop. The plate-like member has hardness, and therefore has the advantage that it is difficult to bend when the medium holding means 10 is pressed against it.

[0065] By providing the protrusions 15 of the medium holding means 10 on both the leading and trailing ends as shown in Figure 12(B), it is possible to prevent misalignment after positioning. On the other hand, if the spacing between the plate-like members serving as guide means 51d is small enough to allow the protrusions 15 to be fitted and fixed, the protrusions 15 of the medium holding means 10 may be provided only on the leading end in the transport direction. In the latter case, it is preferable that the sum of the length of the plate-like members in the sub-scanning direction and the spacing be an integer multiple of the line feed amount p.

[0066] 12, the embodiment including guide means 51d ensures positional accuracy by engaging protrusions 15 with the side surfaces of the plate-like member in the thickness direction. Also, when engaging medium holding means 10 with guide means 51d, it is easy to confirm that it is properly positioned, which also reduces the workload on the operator.

[0067] Next, a mechanism for detecting that the medium holding means 10 has been set on the conveyor belt 50 and starting printing based on the detection result will be described.

[0068] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a printing device equipped with leading edge detection means 68 for detecting the leading edge of medium holding means 10 on the rear side of the device. In response to detection by the leading edge detection means 68, control can be performed to implement the continuous printing mode. Although FIG. 13 shows an embodiment in which an optical sensor is provided as the leading edge detection means 68, the leading edge detection means 68 is not limited to this, and may be a mechanical sensor or an electrical sensor.

[0069] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example in which a contact detection member 69 is provided on the conveying surface of the conveyor belt 50. In FIG. The contact detection member 69 may be disposed at the same position as the guide means 51e and may also function as the guide means 51e. The contact detection member 69 may be an electrical sensor. Depending on the detection result by the contact detection member 69, the print timing is adjusted and / or the continuous print mode is selected, and control can be performed to implement the continuous print mode.

[0070] The contact detection member 69 detects the placement of the medium holding means 10 on the conveying surface, and the direction in which the medium holding means 10 is inserted is determined based on the detection results, and whether or not printing can be started is automatically determined, thereby making it possible to omit manual setting input via the operation panel.

[0071] By using the contact detection member 69 as the guide means 51e, it is possible to accurately determine the time required for the medium holding means 10 to be transported to the print start position. For example, if it is determined that the distance between the leading medium holding means 10a and the trailing medium holding means 10b is sufficiently large and there is sufficient time before printing begins on the medium held by the trailing medium holding means 10b, it is possible to control the system to perform a maintenance operation during that time.

[0072] Next, an example of pre-processing in the printing apparatus of this embodiment will be described. In inkjet printing, a step of applying a pretreatment liquid to the medium in advance may be required in order to form an image with little bleeding and excellent robustness. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a printing apparatus that includes a head 30 that ejects a pretreatment liquid 33 in addition to a head 30 that ejects a white ink 31 and a head 30 that ejects a color ink 32.

[0073] By arranging each head 30 so that the pretreatment liquid 33, white ink 31, and color ink 32 are ejected onto the medium M in this order, it is possible to perform pretreatment liquid printing, white ink printing, and color ink printing sequentially in accordance with the transport of the medium holding means 10. It is preferable that the spacing between the heads 30 in the sub-scanning direction is an integer multiple of the line feed amount p.

[0074] It should be noted that means other than the head can also be used as means for applying the pretreatment liquid 33 to the medium M, and examples of the application means include a sprayer, an application roller, and a brush.

[0075] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of determining whether the front operation mode or the continuous printing mode is selected. The start of print preparation corresponds to the start of the operation of setting the medium holding means (indicated as "tray" in the drawing) 10 on the conveying surface of the conveyor belt 50.

[0076] First, it is determined whether the rear cover member 12 is attached to the printing device (step S01). If the rear cover member 12 is not attached, it is then determined whether the rear operation panel 41 disposed on the rear side of the device is enabled (step S02). If the rear operation panel is enabled, it is determined whether the medium holding means (tray) 10 has been inserted and set from the rear side (step S03). When the medium holding means (tray) 10 is set on the rear side, printing in the continuous printing mode begins.

[0077] In step S01, if the rear cover member 12 is attached, it is determined whether the medium holding means (tray) 10 has been inserted and set from the front side (step S05). Also, in step S02, if the rear operation panel is not valid, the front operation panel 40 is used (step S04), and then it is determined whether the media holding means (tray) 10 has been inserted and set from the front side (step S05). When the medium holding means (tray) 10 is set on the front side, printing starts in the front operation mode.

[0078] In step S03, if the medium holding means (tray) 10 is inserted and set from the front side, a tray insertion port error occurs and printing is not performed. Similarly, in step S05, if the medium holding means (tray) 10 is inserted and set from the rear side, a tray insertion port error occurs and printing is not performed.

[0079] By preparing to print based on the flow shown in the flowchart of FIG. 16, an appropriate print mode can be selected, and the medium holding means 10 can be prevented from being inserted in the wrong direction or from causing an accident.

[0080] An example of the outline of the control unit of the printing apparatus of this embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.

[0081] The control unit 500 includes a main control unit 500A including a CPU 501 that controls the overall printing device of this embodiment, a ROM 502 that stores programs executed by the CPU 501 and other fixed data, a RAM 503 that temporarily stores image data and the like, and an NVRAM 504. The NVRAM 504 stores various data such as programs, and retains the various data even when the power to the printing device is turned off.

[0082] The control unit 500 includes a host I / F 506 that controls data transfer with a host device (information processing device) 600 such as a PC, a print control unit 511 that drives and controls the head 30, a main scanning driver 512, a sub-scanning driver 513 that drives the conveyor motor 16 of the conveyor that is the transport means, an analysis unit 515 that analyzes input from a tray sensor (e.g., leading edge detection means 68, contact detection member 69), and an I / O 507 between various sensors and actuators (e.g., unevenness detection means 67, etc.).

[0083] The print control unit 511 generates print data, generates drive waveforms for driving and controlling the head 30, and transfers head control signals for selecting required drive signals from the drive waveforms and print data, etc. This causes ink to be ejected from the nozzles of the head 30 in accordance with the print data.

[0084] The control unit 500 controls the movement of the carriage 20 by driving and controlling the main scanning motor via a main scanning driver 512. In addition, the control unit 500 controls the transport of the medium holding means 10 by driving and controlling the conveyor motor 16 via a sub scanning driver 513.

[0085] The control unit 500 also includes a maintenance control unit 518 that controls the maintenance and recovery mechanism 23 that performs maintenance on the head 30 .

[0086] Although the DTG printer has been described as an example of an embodiment of the present invention, the media that can be printed on with the printing device of the present invention are not limited to fabrics such as clothing, and media made of other materials can be selected as long as they can accept liquid.

[0087] The printing device of this embodiment can improve productivity without increasing costs or installation space, and can be operated flexibly. For example, for small-scale businesses or small-lot production, the front operation mode can be used in the same way as a conventional DTG printer. On the other hand, when the scale expands or production demand increases, the continuous printing mode can be used to efficiently print large volumes without adding additional devices.

[0088] For example, aspects of the present invention are as follows. <1> a head that ejects liquid onto a medium held by a medium holding means; a carriage that carries the head and moves back and forth in the main scanning direction; a conveying means for conveying the medium holding means in a sub-scanning direction in response to scanning of the head, the medium holding means is detachable from the transport means while holding the medium; the conveying means is a conveyor that can be driven in both directions, This printing device is characterized by being able to implement a front operation mode in which a single media holding means is inserted from the front side of the device and the media holding means is moved back and forth by the transport means, and a continuous printing mode in which multiple media holding means are inserted sequentially from the back side of the device and the media holding means are moved in one direction by the transport means. <2> When the amount of line feed per movement of the medium holding means in the sub-scanning direction by the conveying means in response to scanning of the head is p, In the continuous printing mode, a transport amount W by which the subsequent medium holding means is transported in the sub-scanning direction from the last scan of the medium held by the preceding medium holding means by the head to the first scan of the medium held by the subsequent medium holding means satisfies the relationship W=p×n (n is an integer of 1 or more). <1> 2. A printing apparatus according to claim 1. <3> a rear cover member detachable from the main body of the device is provided on the rear side of the device; When the rear cover member is attached, only the front operation mode can be performed. <1> or <2> 2. A printing apparatus according to claim 1. <4> the transport means includes guide means for positioning the medium holding means on a transport surface; a plurality of guide means are provided on the conveying surface of the conveying means; The arrangement interval of the plurality of guide means in the sub-scanning direction is n times (n is an integer of 1 or more) the amount of line feed per time that the transport means moves the medium holding means in the sub-scanning direction in response to scanning of the head. <1> from <3> 1. A printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: <5> The guide means is a visible pattern formed on the conveying surface. <4> 2. A printing apparatus according to claim 1. <6> the guide means is a convex or concave portion formed on the conveying surface, The medium holding means has a concave or convex portion on a surface facing the conveying surface that fits with the guide means. <4> 2. A printing apparatus according to claim 1. <7> the guide means is a magnetic body or a magnet disposed on the conveying surface, The medium holding means has a magnet or a magnetic body that is attracted to the guide means on a surface facing the conveying surface. <4> 2. A printing apparatus according to claim 1. <8> the guide means is a plate-like member disposed on the conveying surface, The medium holding means has a projection on a surface facing the conveying surface that is engaged with the guide means. <4> 2. A printing apparatus according to claim 1. <9> the guide means is a contact detection member disposed on the conveying surface, The printing timing is adjusted and / or the continuous printing mode is selected according to the detection result of the contact detection member. <4> 2. A printing apparatus according to claim 1. <10> a leading edge detection means for detecting the leading edge of the medium holding means on the rear side of the device; The continuous printing mode is executed in response to detection by the leading edge detection means. <1> from <9> 1. A printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: <11> a front operation panel disposed on the front side of the device and / or a rear operation panel disposed on the rear side of the device; The front operation mode is executed in response to an input from the front operation panel, and the continuous printing mode is executed in response to an input from the rear operation panel. <1> from <11> 1. A printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: <12> a head that ejects liquid onto a medium held by a medium holding means; a carriage that carries the head and moves back and forth in the main scanning direction; a conveying means for conveying the medium holding means in a sub-scanning direction in response to scanning of the head, the medium holding means is detachable from the transport means while holding the medium; the conveying means is a conveyor that can be driven in both directions, a printing device capable of operating in a front operation mode in which a single medium holding means is inserted from the front side of the device and the medium holding means is moved back and forth by the transport means, and a continuous printing mode in which a plurality of medium holding means are inserted sequentially from the rear side of the device and the medium holding means are moved in one direction by the transport means; and a conveyor drying device that dries the medium printed by the printing device. <13> The aforementioned <1> from <11> and a conveyor drying device that heats and dries a medium printed by the printing device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 5 Platen member 6 Outer cover 10 Media holding means 11 Main body 12 Rear cover member 16 Driving member (conveyor motor) 20 carriages 30 heads 31 White Ink 32 color inks 33 Pretreatment liquid 40 Front operation panel 41 Rear operation panel 50 Conveyor Belt 51 Guide means 60 Heater Conveyor Belt 61 Heat drying means 68 Tip detection means 69 Contact detection member [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0090] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-102505

Claims

1. a head that ejects liquid onto a medium held by a medium holding means; a carriage that carries the head and moves back and forth in the main scanning direction; a conveying means for conveying the medium holding means in a sub-scanning direction in response to scanning of the head, the medium holding means is detachable from the transport means while holding the medium; the conveying means is a conveyor that can be driven in both directions, A printing device characterized by being capable of implementing a front operation mode in which a single media holding means is inserted from the front side of the device and the media holding means is moved back and forth by the transport means, and a continuous printing mode in which multiple media holding means are inserted sequentially from the back side of the device and the media holding means are moved in one direction by the transport means.

2. When the amount of line feed per movement of the medium holding means in the sub-scanning direction by the conveying means in response to scanning of the head is p, In the continuous printing mode, a transport amount W by which the subsequent medium holding means is transported in the sub-scanning direction from the last scan of the medium held by the preceding medium holding means by the head to the first scan of the medium held by the subsequent medium holding means is 2. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the relationship W=p×n (n is an integer of 1 or more) is satisfied.

3. a rear cover member detachable from the main body of the device is provided on the rear side of the device; 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the rear cover member is attached, only the front operation mode can be implemented.

4. the transport means includes guide means for positioning the medium holding means on a transport surface; a plurality of guide means are provided on the conveying surface of the conveying means; A printing device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the arrangement spacing of the multiple guide means in the sub-scanning direction is n times (n is an integer greater than or equal to 1) the line feed amount per time the conveying means moves the medium holding means in the sub-scanning direction in response to the scanning of the head.

5. 5. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the guide means is a visible pattern formed on the conveying surface.

6. the guide means is a convex or concave portion formed on the conveying surface, 5. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the medium holding means has a concave or convex portion on a surface facing the transport surface, the concave or convex portion fitting with the guide means.

7. the guide means is a magnetic body or a magnet disposed on the conveying surface, 5. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the medium holding means has a magnet or a magnetic substance that is attracted to the guide means on a surface facing the transport surface.

8. the guide means is a plate-like member disposed on the conveying surface, 5. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the medium holding means has a projection on a surface facing the transport surface that is engaged with the guide means.

9. the guide means is a contact detection member disposed on the conveying surface, 5. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the print timing is adjusted and / or the continuous print mode is selected in accordance with the detection result of the contact detection member.

10. a leading edge detection means for detecting the leading edge of the medium holding means on the rear side of the device; 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the continuous printing mode is executed in response to detection by the leading edge detection means.

11. a front operation panel disposed on the front side of the device and / or a rear operation panel disposed on the rear side of the device; 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the front operation mode is implemented in response to an input from the front operation panel, and the continuous printing mode is implemented in response to an input from the rear operation panel.

12. a head that ejects liquid onto a medium held by a medium holding means; a carriage that carries the head and moves back and forth in the main scanning direction; a conveying means for conveying the medium holding means in a sub-scanning direction in response to scanning of the head, the medium holding means is detachable from the transport means while holding the medium; the conveying means is a conveyor that can be driven in both directions, a printing device capable of operating in a front operation mode in which a single medium holding means is inserted from the front side of the device and the medium holding means is moved back and forth by the transport means, and a continuous printing mode in which a plurality of medium holding means are inserted sequentially from the rear side of the device and the medium holding means are moved in one direction by the transport means; a conveyor drying device that dries the medium printed by the printing device.

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