Method for manufacturing cut products, program, and workpiece medium.

Abstract

Cutting objects that are larger than the size that can be set on the mounting platform. [Solution] The method includes: an attachment step of sandwiching the backing sheet M between a first portion SA located on one side and a second portion SB located on the other side of the fold line SL of the object to be cut S, and attaching the first portion SA and the second portion SB to both sides MA and MB of the backing sheet M; a first setting step of setting the backing sheet M with the first portion SA and the second portion SB attached to it onto a predetermined base; a first cutting step (step S3) of cutting the first portion SA of the object to be cut S while it is set on the base; a second setting step (step S4) of turning the backing sheet M over and setting it on the base after the first portion SA has been cut in the first cutting step (step S3); and a second cutting step (step S5) of cutting the second portion SB of the object to be cut S while it is set on the base.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing cut products, a program, and a medium for machining.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a cutting device has been disclosed in which information regarding cut line data is preliminarily included in an identification mark used for positioning a cutting head so that an object to be cut can be cut using appropriate cut line data (see Patent Document 1 below).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the cutting device disclosed in Patent Document 1 above, an object to be cut can be cut only within a range of sizes that can be set on the mounting table.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object thereof is to cut an object to be cut having a size larger than the size that can be set on the mounting table.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a cut product, comprising: an attachment step of sandwiching a backing sheet between a first portion located on one side and a second portion located on the other side of a folded line of the product to be cut, and attaching the first portion and the second portion to both sides of the backing sheet; a first setting step of setting the backing sheet with the first portion and the second portion attached to it onto a predetermined base; a first cutting step of pressing a cutting member against the first portion of the product to be cut while it is set on the base, and cutting the first portion with the cutting member by changing the relative position between the first portion and the cutting member; a second setting step of turning the backing sheet over and setting it onto the base after the first portion has been cut in the first cutting step; and a second cutting step of pressing a cutting member against the second portion of the product to be cut while it is set on the base, and cutting the second portion with the cutting member by changing the relative position between the second portion and the cutting member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to cut objects that are larger than the size that can be set on the mounting table. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing a cutting system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the cutting machine. [Figure 3] This is a side view of the carriage holding the cutter unit installed in the cutting device. [Figure 4] (A) is a plan view showing the front side of the backing board, (B) is a plan view showing the back side of the backing board, and (C) is a plan view showing the transport assistance sheet. [Figure 5](A) is a diagram showing the A4-sized object to be cut and the cut design of the object; (B) is a diagram showing the front side of the backing sheet with the object to be cut attached; and (C) is a diagram showing the back side of the backing sheet with the object to be cut attached. [Figure 6] (A) is a diagram showing the backing sheet M attached to the transport support sheet with the reverse side facing back, and (B) is a diagram showing the backing sheet M attached to the transport support sheet with the front side facing back. [Figure 7] (A) is a diagram showing the cut object of a special size (long length) and the cut design of the cut object, (B) is a diagram showing the front side of the backing sheet with the cut object attached, and (C) is a diagram showing the back side of the backing sheet with the cut object attached. [Figure 8] (A) is a diagram showing the backing sheet M attached to the transport support sheet with the reverse side facing back, and (B) is a diagram showing the backing sheet M attached to the transport support sheet with the front side facing back. [Figure 9] The functional configuration of a cutting machine. [Figure 10] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of terminal devices. [Figure 11] This flowchart shows the procedure for manufacturing cut products using double-sided cutting. [Figure 12] This diagram shows the control procedure for the double-sided cutting control process. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of a preview screen. [Figure 14] This figure shows an example of a screen indicating the completion of single-sided cutting. [Figure 15] This is a plan view showing a modified version of the mounting board. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples. As shown in Figure 1, the cutting system 100 of this embodiment comprises a cutting device 10 and a terminal device 50. The cutting device 10 is a device that cuts a planar object S, such as a rectangle, which is attached to a base sheet M (see Figure 4) placed (set) on a mounting table 5 (described later), into any planar shape. In this embodiment, an example in which paper is used as the object S to be cut is described, but it is not limited to this. The object S to be cut may be other media that can be cut with a cutter blade, such as sheets of resin, seals, or leather.

[0010] Terminal device 50 is a smartphone that processes the generation and editing of cut data indicating the planar shape and position to be cut by the cutting device 10. Terminal device 50 also receives input of operation information related to the cutting device 10 and displays display information related to the cutting device 10. Terminal device 50 is used in communication connection with the cutting device 10 via wireless communication. Note that the terminal device 50 connected to the cutting device 10 is not limited to a smartphone, but may be other terminal devices such as a PC (Personal Computer) or a tablet device. The wireless communication method between the cutting device 10 and terminal device 50 shall be Bluetooth (registered trademark). However, the wireless communication method is not limited to Bluetooth, and may be other communication methods such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The communication connection between the cutting device 10 and terminal device 50 is not limited to wireless communication, but may be wired communication. Wired communication is, for example, USB (Universal Serial Bus) wired communication via a communication cable.

[0011] As shown in Figure 2, the cutting device 10 extends along the X-axis, with the direction along the X-axis being the left-right direction (width direction) of the device. The direction along the Y-axis is the front-rear direction (depth direction) of the device. Furthermore, the Z-axis is perpendicular to the XY plane and is the direction in which the cutter blade 31, described later, moves up and down relative to the object to be cut S, with the direction along the Z-axis being the height direction of the device. The cutting device 10 comprises a housing 1 and a device body 2 housed within the housing 1. On the bottom surface of the housing 1, a paper feed tray 4 is provided on the front side of the device for feeding the base sheet M to which the object to be cut S is attached (base sheet M with the transport assistance sheet TA attached; see Figures 5(B) and 5(C)), and a mounting tray 5 is provided on the back side of the device for placing the base sheet M during the cutting operation (see Figure 3). At the boundary between the paper feed tray 4 and the mounting tray 5, a pair of drive rollers 202a and a pair of driven rollers 203a corresponding to the pair of drive rollers 202a are provided so as to be aligned in the Z-axis direction (vertical direction) (see Figure 3). The lower rollers are the drive rollers 202a, and the upper rollers are the driven rollers 203a. The pair of drive rollers 202a are provided on the rotation axis 202b with a predetermined distance between them. This predetermined distance is such that each end of the transport assistance sheet TA (see Figure 4(C)) in the width direction (X-axis direction) can be gripped by the driven rollers 203a. The pair of driven rollers 203a are provided on the rotation axis 203b with the above predetermined distance between them. When the base sheet M (the base sheet M with the transport assistance sheet TA attached) is fed to the paper feed tray 4, both ends of the leading edge of the transport assistance sheet TA are gripped by the drive rollers 202a and the driven rollers 203a.

[0012] The housing 1 is formed in a box shape, and an operation unit 12 (described later) and an indicator unit 14 (described later) are installed on the outer upper surface and the like. The apparatus main body 2 includes a carriage 2A that holds a cutter unit 3 equipped with a cutter blade (cutting member) 31, and a drive unit 17 that moves the cutter unit 3 together with the carriage 2A. As shown in FIG. 3, the carriage 2A has a holding portion 2A1 that holds the cutter unit 3 inside, and a connecting portion 2A2 that is provided continuously with the holding portion 2A1. The holding portion 2A1 holds the cutter unit 3 detachably. For example, when the cutter blade 31 is worn or when the cutter blade 31 needs to be replaced, the cutter unit 3 is removed from the carriage 2A as a whole and replaced. A through hole 2A3 penetrating in the X-axis direction is provided in the connecting portion 2A2. A shaft 171 constituting the drive unit 17 is inserted into this through hole 2A3. Further, a timing belt 172 is wound around the connecting portion 2A2. When the timing belt 172 operates by the drive of an X-axis motor (drive motor in the X-axis direction) 173 constituting the drive unit 17, the carriage 2A can move in the X-axis direction along the shaft 171. In the present embodiment, a drive mechanism in the X-axis direction is constituted by the shaft 171, the timing belt 172, the X-axis motor 173, and the like. Further, the drive unit 17 includes a drive mechanism 174 in the Z-axis direction capable of adjusting the position (height position) of the cutter blade 31 in the Z-axis direction. The drive mechanism 174 in the Z-axis direction includes a Z-axis motor (drive motor in the Z-axis direction) 175. In the present embodiment, for example, when the Z-axis motor 175 is driven, the entire carriage 2A can rotate about the shaft 171 (see the arrow in FIG. 3).

[0013] Thus, the carriage 2A can move along the X-axis direction (device width direction, left-right direction) by driving the X-axis motor 173, and can also move along the Z-axis direction (device height direction, up-down direction) by driving the Z-axis motor 175. Furthermore, the backing paper M (backing paper M with the transport assistance sheet TA attached) fed onto the paper feed tray 4 can be pulled towards the mounting tray 5 by the rotation of the drive roller 202a driven by the Y-axis motor (Y-axis direction drive motor) 201 that constitutes the paper feed unit 20 (described later). Once pulled towards the mounting tray 5, the backing paper M can then move along the Y-axis direction (device depth direction, front-back direction) by the rotation of the drive roller 202a by the Y-axis motor 201. As a result, during the cutting operation, the cutter blade 31 mounted on the cutter unit 3 held in the carriage 2A moves appropriately in the X-axis direction (left-right direction), and the object to be cut S moves in the Y-axis direction (front-back direction), making it possible to cut the object to be cut S into a specified shape with the cutter blade 31. In other words, by changing the relative position between the object to be cut S and the cutter blade 31 while pressing the cutter blade 31 against the object to be cut S, it is possible to cut the object to be cut S into a specified shape with the cutter blade 31.

[0014] Here, the backing sheet M and the transport assist sheet TA will be described with reference to Figures 4(A) to 4(C). The backing sheet M is used for purposes such as preventing the cutter blade 31 from damaging the mounting base 5 and placing the object to be cut S in the correct position. As shown in Figures 4(A) and 4(B), the backing sheet M has a rectangular shape in planar form. The backing sheet M is also formed to be narrower than the distance between the pair of drive rollers (transport rollers) 202a. The backing sheet M is made of, for example, polycarbonate. The backing sheet M has guide lines M1 on both the front surface MA (see Figure 4(A)) and the back surface (see Figure 4(B)) that guide the attachment position of the object to be cut S, according to the size of the object to be cut S (e.g., A4 size, A5 size, A6 size, etc.). Adhesive for attaching the object to be cut S is applied to the area enclosed by these guide lines M1. The material of the backing sheet M can be any high-friction material and is not limited to polycarbonate. Furthermore, the object to be cut S is fixed to the backing sheet M by the adhesive described above, but the method of fixing the object to be cut S is merely one example. Specifically, the object to be cut S may be fixed to the backing sheet M by applying another coating material (for example, spray adhesive) to the backing sheet M or the object to be cut S. Alternatively, the object to be cut S may be fixed to the backing sheet M by making a slit in the backing sheet M and inserting the object to be cut S into the slit. Alternatively, the object to be cut S may be fixed to the backing sheet M using a fastener such as a rubber band. The transport support sheet TA is used to support the transport of the backing sheet M. As shown in Figure 4(C), the transport support sheet TA has a rectangular shape in plan. The transport support sheet TA is formed such that the distance (width) between one end and the other end along the longitudinal direction of the transport support sheet TA is approximately the same as the distance between the pair of drive rollers 202a described above. The double-ended arrows shown in Figure 4(C) indicate the position where the object is held between the pair of drive rollers 202a and the pair of driven rollers 203a. Furthermore, the transport assistance sheet TA has a first line L1 and a second line L2 along its longitudinal direction. The first line L1 is a line that guides the attachment position of the backing sheet M when attaching the back side MB of the backing sheet M to the transport assistance sheet TA.On the other hand, the second line L2 is a line that guides the attachment position of the backing sheet M when attaching the front side MA of the backing sheet M to the transport assist sheet TA. The transport assist sheet TA is applied to the area to the left of the first line L1 and to the right of the second line L2, that is, the area not gripped by the pair of drive rollers 202a and the pair of driven rollers 203a, with adhesive for attaching the backing sheet M.

[0015] For example, as shown in Fig. 5(A), when cutting a cut target S of A4 size based on a cut design CD1 in the shape of an arrow, the cut target S is bent along the folding line SL, and as shown in Fig. 5(B), the valley-folded surface of the first part SA located on one side of the cut target S is attached to the front surface MA of the mount M in accordance with the guide line M1 (broken line) that guides the attachment position of A4 (when folded). Further, as shown in Fig. 5(C), the valley-folded surface of the second part SB located on the other side of the cut target S is attached to the back surface MB of the mount M in accordance with the guide line M1 (broken line) that guides the attachment position of A4 (when folded). In other words, with the folding line SL of the A4-sized cut target S folded in two as the boundary, the mount M is sandwiched between the first part SA located on one side and the second part SB located on the other side, and the first part SA and the second part SB are attached to both surfaces MA and MB of the mount M. Here, it can be said that the cut target S can form opposing surfaces with the folding line SL as the boundary by folding it in two. Also, it can be said that the mount M can fix the first part SA located on one side and the second part SB located on the other side of the cut target S folded in two to both surfaces respectively. Further, the medium for processing of the present invention is composed of the above cut target S and the mount M. When cutting the first part SA, as shown in Fig. 6(A), the right end of the mount M to which the cut target S is attached is aligned with the first line L1 and the mount M is attached to the conveyance assist sheet TA. When cutting the second part SB, as shown in Fig. 6(B), the mount M is turned over and the left end of the mount M is aligned with the second line L2 and the mount M is attached to the conveyance assist sheet TA. By using the conveyance assist sheet TA in this way, the cut target S can be conveyed without contacting the pair of drive rollers 202a or the pair of driven rollers 203a, and the cut portions with respect to the first part SA and the second part SB formed by folding the cut target S can be maintained.

[0016] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7(A), when cutting a special-sized (long) cut object S based on a ribbon-shaped cut design CD2, the cut object S is folded along the fold line SL, and as shown in Figure 7(B), the valley-fold surface of the first part SA located on one side of the cut object S is attached to the front surface MA of the backing sheet M, aligning it with the guide line M1 (dash-dot line) that guides the attachment position of the special-sized (long) object. Also, as shown in Figure 7(C), the valley-fold surface of the second part SB located on the other side of the cut object S is attached to the back surface MB of the backing sheet M, aligning it with the guide line M1 (dash-dot line) that guides the attachment position of the special-sized (long) object S. In other words, the backing sheet M is sandwiched between the first part SA located on one side and the second part SB located on the other side of the fold line SL of the folded special-sized (long) cut object S, and the first part SA and the second part SB are attached to both sides MA and MB of the backing sheet M. Here, the object to be cut S can be folded in half to form opposing surfaces separated by a fold line SL. The backing sheet M can also be used to fix the first portion SA located on one side of the folded object to be cut S and the second portion SB located on the other side, respectively, to both sides. The workpiece of the present invention is composed of the object to be cut S and the backing sheet M. When cutting the first portion SA, as shown in Figure 8(A), the right edge of the backing sheet M to which the object to be cut S is attached is aligned with the first line L1 and the backing sheet M is attached to the transport assist sheet TA. When cutting the second portion SB, as shown in Figure 8(B), the backing sheet M is turned over and the left edge of the backing sheet M is aligned with the second line L2 and the backing sheet M is attached to the transport assist sheet TA. When cutting an object to be cut of a special size (long), a backing sheet of the same size as the transport assist sheet TA described above may be used. This eliminates the need to use the transport support sheet TA when cutting special-sized (long) cut materials S.

[0017] Returning to Figure 4(A), the backing sheet M has a first recognition mark M2 printed on the upper left and lower right sides of the front side MA. Furthermore, the first recognition mark M2 is printed in predetermined positions. Therefore, the paper feed detection unit 21 can detect from the position of the first recognition mark M2 that the backing sheet M is placed on the mounting tray 5 with its back side MB facing away from it, and can also detect whether the backing sheet M is tilted. Also, as shown in Figure 4(B), the backing sheet M has a second recognition mark M3 printed on the upper right and lower left sides of the back side MB. Furthermore, the first recognition mark M2 is printed in predetermined positions. Therefore, the paper feed detection unit 21 can detect from the position of the second recognition mark M3 that the backing sheet M is placed on the mounting tray 5 with its front side MA facing away from it, and can also detect whether the backing sheet M is tilted.

[0018] Next, the functional configuration of the cutting device 10 will be described. As shown in Figure 9, the cutting device 10 comprises an MPU (Micro Processor Unit) 11 as a control unit, an operation unit 12, a storage unit 13, an indicator unit 14, a wired communication unit 15, a wireless communication unit 16, a drive unit 17, an X-axis origin position detection unit 18, a Z-axis origin position detection unit 19, a paper feeding unit 20, and a paper feeding detection unit 21. Each part of the cutting device 10 is connected via a bus 22.

[0019] The MPU (first cut control means, second cut control means) 11 controls each part of the cutting device 10. The MPU 11 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and RAM (Random Access Memory). The CPU reads a specified program from among the various programs stored in the memory unit 13, loads it into the RAM, and executes various processes in cooperation with the loaded program. The RAM is a volatile semiconductor memory, and a work area is formed to temporarily store various data and programs. The operation unit 12 has various buttons, accepts press input from the user to each button, and outputs the operation information to the MPU 11. The various buttons on the operation unit 12 include, for example, a button to pause cutting and a button to remove the backing sheet M.

[0020] The memory unit 13 is a memory unit capable of reading and writing information such as flash memory. The memory unit 13 stores various data such as cut data and various programs. In particular, the memory unit 13 stores the cut program 131 for executing the cutting process. The indicator unit 14 has a light-emitting unit such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) and indicates various states of the cutting device 10 by turning it on / off. The indicator unit 14 has, for example, a power lamp that indicates the power on / off. The indicator unit 14 turns the light-emitting unit on / off according to the instructions of the MPU 11.

[0021] The wired communication unit 15 is a wired communication interface for communication standards such as USB. The MPU 11 transmits and receives information with external devices such as the terminal device 50 via the wired communication unit 15 and the communication cable. The wireless communication unit 16 has an antenna, a modulation / demodulation circuit, a signal processing circuit, etc., and is a Bluetooth wireless communication interface with external devices such as the terminal device 50. The MPU 11 transmits and receives information with external devices such as the terminal device 50 via the wireless communication unit 16.

[0022] The drive unit 17, following instructions from the MPU 11, moves the cutter blade 31 mounted on the cutter unit 3 held by the carriage 2A in the X-axis and Z-axis directions by driving the X-axis motor 173 and the Z-axis motor 175. The drive unit 17 cuts the object to be cut S, which is attached to the base M placed on the mounting table 5, into any desired planar shape by moving the cutter blade 31. The cutter blade 31 is mounted on the cutter unit 3 in a state in which its axis (drive axis) is rotatable around the axis. In other words, the cutter blade 31 is designed so that the blade faces the cutting direction when the object to be cut S is being cut. To orient the blade in the cutting direction, the carriage 2A is moved in the X-axis direction while the tip (blade edge) of the cutter blade 31 is pressed against the object to be cut S, or the base M (base M with the transport assistance sheet TA attached) to which the object to be cut S is attached is moved (transported) in the Y-axis direction, thereby orienting the blade in the desired direction.

[0023] The X-axis origin position detection unit 18 is a position detection unit, such as an optical sensor, that detects whether the carriage 2A is at the origin position in the X-axis direction according to instructions from the MPU 11. The X-axis origin position detection unit 18 outputs the detection result of whether the carriage 2A is at the origin position in the X-axis direction to the MPU 11. The MPU 11 uses the detection result of whether the carriage 2A is at the origin position in the X-axis direction to control the position of the cutter blade 31 in the X-axis direction. The Z-axis origin position detection unit 19 is a position detection unit, such as an optical sensor, that detects whether the carriage 2A is at the origin position in the Z-axis direction according to instructions from the MPU 11. The Z-axis origin position detection unit 19 outputs the detection result of whether the carriage 2A is at the origin position in the Z-axis direction to the MPU 11. The MPU 11 uses the detection result of whether the carriage 2A is at the origin position in the Z-axis direction to control the position of the cutter blade 31 in the Z-axis direction.

[0024] The paper feeding unit 20 is a transport unit that, in accordance with instructions from the MPU 11, rotates the drive roller 202a by the drive of the Y-axis motor 201, thereby transporting the backing sheet M (with the transport assistance sheet TA attached) held between the drive roller 202a and the driven roller 203a in the Y-axis direction. The paper feeding detection unit 21 is a detection unit, such as an optical sensor, that can detect the leading edge of the backing sheet M placed on the mounting table 5 in accordance with instructions from the MPU 11. The paper feeding detection unit 21 is also capable of reading the first recognition mark M2 (see Figure 4(A)) printed on the front side MA of the backing sheet M and the second recognition mark M3 (see Figure 4(B)) printed on the back side MB, in accordance with instructions from the MPU 11. The paper feeding detection unit 21 outputs the detection result of the leading edge of the backing sheet M and the reading result of the first recognition mark M2 or the second recognition mark M3 to the MPU 11. The paper feed detection unit 21 is located at the connecting portion 2A2 of the carriage 2A (see Figure 3). In other words, the paper feed detection unit 21 is positioned to move relative to the base paper M (the object to be cut S) in an integral manner with the cutter blade 31 (at least in the X-axis direction). Specifically, the paper feed detection unit 21 is located on the lower surface of the connecting portion 2A2, that is, on the surface facing the upper surface of the base paper M.

[0025] Next, the functional configuration of the terminal device 50 will be described. As shown in Figure 10, the terminal device 50 comprises a CPU 51, RAM 52, storage unit 53, display unit 54, operation unit 55, and communication unit 56. Each part of the terminal device 50 is connected via a bus 57. The CPU 51 is a processor that controls the operation of each part of the terminal device 50 by reading and executing the program 531 stored in the storage unit 53 and performing various calculations. The RAM 52 provides the CPU 51 with a working memory space and stores temporary data. The storage unit 53 is a non-temporary recording medium readable by the CPU 51 as a computer, and stores the program 531 and various data (e.g., cut data).

[0026] The display unit 54 consists of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an EL (Electro Luminescence) display, etc., and displays various information according to the display information instructed by the CPU 51. The operation unit 55 consists of a power button (not shown), a home button (not shown), a touch sensor (not shown) provided on the display unit 54, etc., and receives user input operations and outputs the operation information to the CPU 51. The CPU 51 receives user input operations based on the information transmitted from the operation unit 55. The communication unit 56 is, for example, a communication unit that employs a wireless standard such as Bluetooth, or a wired communication unit such as a USB terminal.

[0027] Next, a method for manufacturing a cut product by so-called double-sided cutting will be described, in which the first part SA and the second part SB of the cut target S, which is folded in half as shown in Figures 5(B) and 5(C), and Figures 7(B) and 7(C). As shown in Figure 11, the method for manufacturing a cut product by double-sided cutting includes a bonding step (step S1), a first setting step (step S2), a first cutting step (step S3), a second setting step (step S4), and a second cutting step (step S5).

[0028] In the attachment process (step S1), as shown in Figures 5(B) and 5(C) and Figures 7(B) and 7(C), the backing sheet M is sandwiched between the first part SA located on one side and the second part SB located on the other side of the folded cutting target S, with the fold line SL separating them. The valley fold surface of the first part SA is attached to the front surface MA of the backing sheet M, and the valley fold surface of the second part SB is attached to the back surface MB of the backing sheet M. Next, in the first setting process (step S2), the backing sheet M is attached to the transport assist sheet TA with its back surface MB facing away from it (see Figures 6(A) and 8(A)), and then set on the paper feed tray 4. The backing sheet M set on the paper feed tray 4 is pulled towards the mounting tray 5 by the rotation of the drive roller 202a driven by the Y-axis motor (Y-axis drive motor) 201, and is set on the mounting tray 5. Next, in the first cutting process (step S3), the first part SA of the object to be cut S is cut along the cut line based on a predetermined cut design. Next, in the second setting process (step S4), the backing paper M is peeled off the transport assist sheet TA, then the backing paper M is turned over, that is, with the front surface MA of the backing paper M facing away from it, and attached to the transport assist sheet TA (see Figures 6(B) and 8(B)), and set on the paper feed tray 4. As described above, the backing paper M set on the paper feed tray 4 is pulled towards the mounting tray 5 by the rotation of the drive roller 202a driven by the Y-axis motor 201, and is set on the mounting tray 5. Next, in the second cutting process (step S5), the second part SB of the object to be cut S is cut along the cut line based on a predetermined cut design. By going through the above processes, a cut product is manufactured by double-sided cutting.

[0029] Next, with reference to Figure 12, the double-sided cut control process performed by the cutting device 10 will be described. The double-sided cut control process is initiated, for example, when the device receives a request to start the double-sided cut control process from the terminal device 50 via the wireless communication unit 16. This request to start the double-sided cut control process is accompanied by cut data (for example, data related to the cut design CD1) that indicates the planar shape and position when cutting the object to be cut S. Furthermore, when starting the double-sided cut control process, the base sheet M to which the object to be cut S is attached (the base sheet M with the transport assistance sheet TA attached) is placed (set) on the paper feed tray 4.

[0030] As shown in Figure 12, when the double-sided cut control process is started, the MPU 11 of the cutting device 10 first displays a preview screen G1 on the display unit 54 of the terminal device 50 (step S101). As shown in Figure 13, the preview screen G1 displays an image G11 showing the design of the cut object S after it has been cut. This image G11 shows a cut design G111 indicating the planar shape and position when cutting the cut object S, and a fold line G112 indicating the fold position of the cut object S. The preview screen G1 also displays a message G12 prompting the user to start cutting the first part SA of the cut object S, and is provided with a YES button G13 to accept the cut start instruction.

[0031] Returning to Figure 12, the MPU 11 determines whether or not a cut start instruction has been given, that is, whether or not the YES button G13 has been pressed on the preview screen G1 (step S102). If it is determined in step S102 that a cut start instruction has not been given (step S102; NO), the MPU 11 repeats the determination process in step S102 until a cut start instruction is given. If it is determined in step S102 that a cut start instruction has been given (step S102; YES), the MPU 11 causes the paper feed detection unit 21 to read the first recognition mark M2 on the backing sheet M (step S103). Specifically, the MPU 11 moves the backing sheet M in the Y-axis direction by driving the Y-axis motor 201, and moves the carriage 2A in the X-axis direction by driving the X-axis motor 173, thereby causing the paper feed detection unit 21 mounted on the carriage 2A to read the first recognition mark M2.

[0032] Next, the MPU 11 determines whether the backing sheet M is correctly set on the mounting tray 5 based on the reading result of the first recognition mark M2 in step S103 (step S104). If it is determined in step S104 that the backing sheet M is not correctly set on the mounting tray 5 (step S104; NO), the MPU 11 issues an error notification (step S114). Specifically, the MPU 11 notifies that the backing sheet M is not correctly set on the mounting tray 5 by lighting up the LEDs that make up the indicator unit 14. Then, the MPU 11 terminates the double-sided cutting control process. Alternatively, as the above error notification, the MPU 11 may transmit information indicating that the backing sheet M is not correctly set on the mounting tray 5 to the terminal device 50 and display this information on the display unit 54.

[0033] Furthermore, in step S104, if it is determined that the base sheet M is correctly set on the mounting base 5 (step S104; YES), the MPU 11 starts cutting the first part SA of the cut target S based on the cut data (for example, data relating to the cut design CD1) acquired from the terminal device 50 (step S105). Here, the MPU 11 moves the carriage 2A so that the cutter blade 31 is pressed against the cut target S by the drive of the Z-axis motor 175, and then starts cutting the cut target S. Next, the MPU 11 determines whether or not the cutting of the first part SA of the cut target S has been completed (step S106).

[0034] In step S106, if it is determined that the cutting of the first part SA of the cutting target S is not yet complete (step S106; NO), the MPU 11 repeats the determination process in step S106 until it is determined that the cutting of the first part SA of the cutting target S is complete. Also, in step S106, if it is determined that the cutting of the first part SA of the cutting target S is complete (step S106; YES), the MPU 11 displays the single-sided cut completion notification screen G2 on the display unit 54 of the terminal device 50 (step S107). At this point, the MPU 11 rotates the shaft 171 by driving the Z-axis motor 175 and moves the carriage 2A to the origin position in the Z-axis direction. In other words, it releases the pressure contact of the cutter blade 31 with respect to the cutting target S. Then, the MPU 11 moves the backing paper M to the paper feed tray 4 by driving the Y-axis motor 201 so that the backing paper M can be removed from the cutting device 10. Here, the user peels the backing paper M from the transport assist sheet TA, then turns the backing paper M over, that is, with the front side MA of the backing paper M facing away from the back, and attaches the backing paper M to the transport assist sheet TA before setting it back on the paper feed tray 4.

[0035] As shown in Figure 14, the single-sided cut completion notification screen G2 displays a message G21 indicating that the first part SA of the cut target S has been cut. Also, the single-sided cut completion notification screen G2 displays an image G22 showing the design of the cut target S after cutting, similar to the preview screen G1 described above. This image G22 shows the cut design G221, which indicates the planar shape and position when cutting the cut target S, and the fold line G222, which indicates the fold position of the cut target S. In addition, the single-sided cut completion notification screen G22 displays a message G23 prompting the user to start cutting the second part SB of the cut target S, and a YES button G24 is provided to accept this cut start instruction.

[0036] Returning to Figure 12, the MPU 11 determines whether or not a cut start instruction has been given, that is, whether or not the YES button G24 has been pressed on the single-sided cut completion notification screen G2 (step S108). If it is determined in step S108 that a cut start instruction has not been given (step S108; NO), the MPU 11 repeats the determination process in step S108 until a cut start instruction is given. If it is determined in step S108 that a cut start instruction has been given (step S108; YES), the MPU 11 causes the paper feed detection unit 21 to read the second recognition mark M3 on the backing sheet M (step S109). Specifically, the MPU 11 moves the backing sheet M in the Y-axis direction by driving the Y-axis motor 201, and moves the carriage 2A in the X-axis direction by driving the X-axis motor 173, thereby causing the paper feed detection unit 21 mounted on the carriage 2A to read the second recognition mark M3.

[0037] Next, the MPU 11 determines whether the backing sheet M is correctly set on the mounting tray 5 based on the reading result of the second recognition mark M3 in step S109 (step S110). If it is determined in step S110 that the backing sheet M is not correctly set on the mounting tray 5 (step S110; NO), the MPU 11 issues an error notification (step S114). Specifically, the MPU 11 notifies that the backing sheet M is not correctly set on the mounting tray 5 by lighting up the LEDs that make up the indicator unit 14. Then, the MPU 11 terminates the double-sided cutting control process. Alternatively, as the above error notification, the MPU 11 may transmit information indicating that the backing sheet M is not correctly set on the mounting tray 5 to the terminal device 50 and display this information on the display unit 54.

[0038] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S110 that the base sheet M is correctly set on the mounting base 5 (step S110; YES), the MPU 11 starts cutting the second part SB of the cut target S based on the cut data (for example, data related to the cut design CD1) acquired from the terminal device 50 (step S111). Here, the MPU 11 moves the carriage 2A so that the cutter blade 31 is pressed against the cut target S by the drive of the Z-axis motor 175, and then starts cutting the cut target S. Next, the MPU 11 determines whether or not the cutting of the second part SB of the cut target S has been completed (step S112). If it is determined in step S112 that the cutting of the second part SB of the cut target S has not been completed (step S112; NO), the MPU 11 repeats the determination process in step S112 until it is determined that the cutting of the second part SB of the cut target S has been completed. Furthermore, if it is determined in step S112 that the cutting of the second portion SB of the cut target S has been completed (step S112; YES), the MPU 11 displays a double-sided cutting completion notification screen (not shown) on the display unit 54 of the terminal device 50 (step S113). Then, the MPU 11 terminates the double-sided cutting control process.

[0039] As explained above, in manufacturing cut products by double-sided cutting, the process involves: a bonding step (step S1) in which the base sheet M is sandwiched between the first part SA located on one side and the second part SB located on the other side of the folded cutting target S, and the first part SA and the second part SB are attached to both sides MA and MB of the base sheet M; a first setting step (step S2) in which the base sheet M with the first part SA and the second part SB attached is set on a predetermined base (paper feed tray 4, mounting tray 5); and pressing the cutting member against the first part SA of the cutting target S while it is set on the base. The present invention includes a first cutting step (step S3) in which the cutting member cuts the first portion SA by changing the relative position between the first portion SA and the cutting member; a second setting step (step S4) in which, after the first portion SA has been cut in the first cutting step (step S3), the backing sheet M is turned over and set on the base; and a second cutting step (step S5) in which the cutting member is pressed against the second portion SB of the object to be cut S, which is set on the base, and the cutting member cuts the second portion SB by changing the relative position between the second portion SB and the cutting member. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to cut an object to be cut S that is larger than the size that can be set on the mounting base 5.

[0040] Furthermore, the backing sheet M is narrower than the distance between the pair of drive rollers (transport rollers) 202a that transport the backing sheet M. In the first setting step (step S2), the backing sheet M is attached to a transport assist sheet TA that has a width that allows it to be transported by the pair of drive rollers 202a, so that the side to which the second portion SB of the backing sheet M is attached faces the side to which the drive rollers 202a are attached and the cut object S does not come into contact with the drive rollers 202a. The transport assist sheet TA with the backing sheet M attached is then set on the base (paper feed tray 4, mounting tray 5). In the second setting step (step S4), after peeling the transport assist sheet TA from the backing sheet M, the backing sheet M is attached to the transport assist sheet TA so that the side to which the first portion SA of the backing sheet M is attached faces the side to which the drive rollers 202a are attached and the cut object S does not come into contact with the drive rollers 202a. The transport assist sheet TA with the backing sheet M attached is then set on the base (paper feed tray 4, mounting tray 5). Therefore, according to this embodiment, when cutting the object to be cut S, the use of a transport assist sheet TA prevents the object to be cut S from coming into contact with the pair of drive rollers 202a or the pair of driven rollers 203a. As a result, it is possible to prevent the object to be cut S, which is attached to the backing sheet M, from peeling off due to contact with the pair of drive rollers 202a or the pair of driven rollers 203a, thus enabling the cutting of objects S larger than the size that can be set on the mounting table 5.

[0041] Furthermore, the double-sided cut control process (see Figure 12) includes a display step (step S101) in which a preview image G1 representing the design of the cut object S after cutting is displayed on a display means (display unit 54 of the terminal device 50) based on the cut lines to be cut in the first cut step (step S3) and the second cut step (step S5). Therefore, according to this embodiment, the result of the cut can be simulated and confirmed on the screen before cutting the cut object S in the first cut step (step S3). As a result, unnecessary cut steps can be eliminated by checking the preview image G1 and correcting the cut data if there are any errors.

[0042] Furthermore, the double-sided cut control process (see Figure 12) includes a first detection step (step S103) for detecting a first recognition mark (first identification information) M2 on the base sheet M set on the base before the first cut step, and a second detection step (step S109) for detecting a second recognition mark (second identification information) M3 on the base sheet M set on the base before the second cut step. In the first cut step, if the first recognition mark M2 is detected by the first detection step, the cutting of the first part SA is started (step S105). In the second cut step, if the second recognition mark M3 detected by the second detection step is detected, the cutting of the second part SB is started (step S111). Therefore, according to this embodiment, if the base sheet M is not set correctly, the cutting of the cutting target S is not started, so that cut products can be suitably manufactured by double-sided cutting.

[0043] Furthermore, the backing sheet M has guide lines M1 that indicate the placement of the first part SA and the second part SB, which are sized to match the size of the cut object S. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the user can smoothly perform the task of attaching the cut object S to the backing sheet M.

[0044] Although the present invention has been described in detail based on embodiments above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in the above embodiment, when cutting a special-sized (long) cut object S (see Figure 8), there is no risk of the cut object S coming into contact with the pair of drive rollers 202a or the pair of driven rollers 203a. Therefore, a case in which the transport assist sheet TA can be omitted by using a backing sheet of the same size as the transport assist sheet TA has been described. However, when cutting an A4-sized cut object S (see Figure 6), the transport assist sheet TA can also be omitted by using a backing sheet of the same size as the transport assist sheet TA. In such a case, the cut object S may be attached to the backing sheet M such that the folded portion of the cut object S protrudes slightly (for example, about 0.1 mm) from the backing sheet M. This allows for efficient cutting of the folded portion of the cut object S. In such a case, in order to maintain a constant amount of overhang of the folded portion of the cut object S, a folding position guide M4 may be extended from the long side and the short side of the backing sheet M, as shown in Figure 15.

[0045] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows an example in which the cutting device 10 is connected to the terminal device 50 via communication, the cutting device 10 may also be a standalone device. In other words, in such a case, the cutting device 10 performs processes such as generating and editing cut data indicating the planar shape and position to be cut by the device 10, receiving input of operation information related to the device 10, and displaying display information related to the device 10.

[0046] Furthermore, while the above embodiments disclose an example in which flash memory or the like is used as a computer-readable medium for the program according to the present invention, the invention is not limited to this example. Portable recording media such as CD-ROMs can also be used as other computer-readable media. In addition, carrier waves can also be used as a medium for providing the program data according to the present invention via a communication line. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0047] S: Cut target, SA: Part 1, SB: Part 2, M: Mounting board

Claims

1. A pasting step involves sandwiching a backing sheet between a first portion located on one side and a second portion located on the other side of a folded cutting line, and then pasting the first portion and the second portion to both sides of the backing sheet. A first setting step involves setting the mounting board, on which the first and second parts are attached, onto a predetermined base. A first cutting step involves pressing a cutting member against the first portion to be cut, which is set on the base, and cutting the first portion with the cutting member by changing the relative position between the first portion and the cutting member. After the first portion is cut by the first cutting step, a second setting step is performed in which the backing paper is turned over and set on the base, A second cutting step involves pressing the cutting member against the second portion to be cut, which is set on the base, and changing the relative position between the second portion and the cutting member to cut the second portion with the cutting member. A method for manufacturing cut products, characterized by including the following:

2. The aforementioned backing sheet is narrower than the distance between the pair of transport rollers that transport the backing sheet. In the first setting step, the backing sheet is attached to an auxiliary sheet having a width that can be transported by the pair of transport rollers, such that the surface to which the second portion of the backing sheet is attached faces the auxiliary sheet and the transport rollers do not come into contact with the object to be cut, and the auxiliary sheet to which the backing sheet is attached is set on the base, In the second setting step, after peeling the auxiliary sheet from the backing paper, the backing paper is attached to the auxiliary sheet so that the surface to which the first portion of the backing paper is attached faces the surface to which the first portion of the backing paper is attached and the transport roller does not come into contact with the object to be cut, and the auxiliary sheet with the backing paper attached is set on the base. A method for manufacturing cut products according to feature 1.

3. The process further includes a display step of displaying a preview image representing the cut design of the object to be cut on a display means, based on the cut lines cut in the first and second cutting steps, A method for manufacturing cut products according to feature 1.

4. The aforementioned backing sheet has a first identification information attached to its front surface, which allows for the identification of the front surface of the backing sheet, and a second identification information attached to its back surface, which allows for the identification of the back surface. A first detection step for detecting the first identification information of the mounting sheet set on the base before the first cutting step, A second detection step for detecting the second identification information of the mounting sheet set on the base before the second cutting step, Includes, In the first cutting step, if the first identification information is detected by the first detection step, the cutting of the first portion is started; and in the second cutting step, if the second identification information detected by the second detection step is detected, the cutting of the second portion is started. A method for manufacturing cut products according to feature 1.

5. The mounting sheet has guide lines that indicate the placement of the first and second parts, corresponding to the size of the object to be cut. A method for manufacturing cut products according to feature 1.

6. The computer of the cutting device A first cutting control means that presses a cutting member against a first portion located on one side of a folded line of the object to be cut, and cuts the first portion by changing the relative position between the first portion and the cutting member. A second cutting control means that presses the cutting member against the second portion located on the other side of the fold line to be cut, and cuts the second portion by changing the relative position between the second portion and the cutting member. A program characterized by being designed to function as such.

7. A cutting object that can be folded in half to form opposing surfaces separated by a fold line, A base sheet that can fix the first portion located on one side and the second portion located on the other side of the folded object to be cut, respectively, A workpiece medium characterized by comprising the following features.

8. The aforementioned mounting board has guide lines that indicate the fixing positions of the first and second parts, which are sized to match the size of the object to be cut. The workpiece medium according to feature 7.

9. The aforementioned backing sheet has a first identification information attached to its front surface, which allows for the identification of the front surface of the backing sheet, and a second identification information attached to its back surface, which allows for the identification of the back surface. The workpiece medium according to feature 7.

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