Printing auxiliary device

Abstract

To improve work efficiency. [Solution] The present invention is a printing auxiliary device comprising a plurality of jig units used for printing a design onto the print surface of an object to be printed using a printer, wherein each of the jig units has a mounting section for placing the object to be printed with the print surface facing upward, a holding section for holding the object to be printed on the mounting section, and a height adjustment section for adjusting the height of the print surface of the object to be printed by moving the mounting section vertically.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an auxiliary device for printing.

Background Art

[0002] There is known an order-made sales system in which, according to an order of a customer received from a customer terminal via a network, a design (e.g., a character of an anime or a manga, etc.) specified by the customer is printed on a printing object (e.g., a smartphone case) of the type specified by the customer and then shipped (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In order-made production based on orders, a plurality of printing objects respectively specified by customers are arranged and placed side by side in the printing area of a printer, and each design may be collectively printed on the printing surface (e.g., the back surface of a smartphone case) of each printing object by a single printing operation of the printer. In this case, in order to keep the print quality uniform, it is necessary to make the distance (gap) from the nozzles of the head until the ink ejected therefrom lands on the printing surface of the printing object equal. Therefore, regardless of the order in which the orders were received, only the printing objects having the same height (thickness) (that is, those having the same height of the printing surface of the printing object) were collectively printed. Therefore, for printing objects having different heights (thicknesses) from those, the gap could not be made equal, and even if the order was received earlier, they had to be collectively printed later. Thus, there were cases where the printing objects specified by the customer could not be collectively printed in the order in which the orders were received, resulting in a decrease in work efficiency.

[0005] This invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and its purpose is to improve work efficiency by enabling printing on multiple printable objects together, even when multiple printable objects with different heights (thicknesses) are included among them (i.e., when the height of the printable surface of the printable objects differs from one another). [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The main invention of this invention for solving the above problems is: A printing auxiliary device comprising multiple jig units used to print a design onto the print surface of an object using a printer, Each of the aforementioned jig units is A mounting section for placing the object to be printed with the printing surface facing upwards, A holding unit for holding the object to be printed on the mounting unit, A height adjustment unit that adjusts the height of the printing surface of the object to be printed by moving the mounting unit vertically, Having, This is a printing auxiliary device characterized by the following features. Other features of the present invention will be made clearer by description in this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is an external perspective view showing the configuration of the printing auxiliary device 1 according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an external perspective view showing the printing auxiliary device 1 according to this embodiment with multiple mobile terminal cases set inside. [Figure 3] This is a plan view showing a state in which multiple mobile terminal cases are set in the printing auxiliary device 1 according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the printing auxiliary device 1 according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] This is an external perspective view showing the configuration of the jig unit 20 according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a bottom perspective view showing the configuration of the jig unit 20 according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a front view showing the jig unit 20 with all parts attached. [Figure 8] This is a front view showing the jig unit 20 with some parts removed. [Figure 9] This is a side view showing the jig unit 20 with all parts attached. [Figure 10] This is a side view showing the jig unit 20 with some parts removed. [Figure 11] This is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the holding portion 30 according to this embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the left and right holding parts 31 according to this embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the front and rear holding section 51 according to this embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the printing auxiliary device 1 according to this embodiment. [Figure 15] This is a first enlarged view showing a part of the configuration of the holding portion 30 according to this embodiment. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a second enlarged view showing a part of the configuration of the holding portion 30 according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The following matters become clear from this specification and the accompanying drawings: That is, a printing auxiliary device equipped with multiple jig units used to print a design onto the print surface of an object to be printed, Each of the aforementioned jig units is A mounting section for placing the object to be printed with the printing surface facing upwards, A holding unit for holding the object to be printed on the mounting unit, A height adjustment unit that adjusts the height of the printing surface of the object to be printed by moving the mounting unit vertically, Having, It is an auxiliary device for printing, characterized by the following. According to such an auxiliary device for printing, by individually placing each of a plurality of printing objects on a jig unit whose height can be adjusted, the heights of the printing surfaces of the plurality of printing objects can be made uniform. As a result, even when the plurality of printing objects include a plurality of printing objects having different heights from each other, they can be printed together, so that the working efficiency can be improved.

[0009] Also, such an auxiliary device for printing A control unit that controls the operation of the height adjustment unit of each of the jig units so that the heights of the printing surfaces of the printing objects are uniform in all the jig units; It may be provided with. According to such an auxiliary device for printing, since the control unit controls the operation of the height adjustment unit for each jig unit, the height adjustment of the printing objects in all the jig units is automatically performed, so that it is not necessary for an operator to manually adjust the height one by one for each jig unit.

[0010] Also, such an auxiliary device for printing The plurality of jig units are arranged in a grid pattern with the left - right arrangement as "rows" and the front - back arrangement as "columns", Each column is provided with a height detection sensor arranged such that the optical axis is along the front - back direction, The control unit may perform the following processes for each row: operate the height adjustment unit in each jig unit in each row and raise the aforementioned mounting unit until the height detection sensor corresponding to each column detects the object to be printed on the aforementioned mounting unit, thereby measuring the reference height of the printed surface of the object to be printed; store the reference height measured in each jig unit in each row in the storage unit; and after the measurement of the reference height has been completed in all the jig units in all rows, operate the height adjustment unit again in each of the jig units and raise the aforementioned mounting unit based on the respective stored reference heights, thereby aligning the height of the printed surface of the object to be printed in all the jig units. With this type of printing support device, multiple jig units are arranged in a grid, and the jig units in each row share height detection sensors located in each column. This eliminates the need to place a height detection sensor in each jig unit, and allows for efficient measurement of the reference height of the printing surface of the object to be printed while adjusting the height for each row. Furthermore, by using the reference height measured by the jig units in all rows, it becomes possible to ensure that the height of the printing surface of the object to be printed is consistent across all jig units.

[0011] Furthermore, such a printing auxiliary device, The control unit may also control the operation of the holding unit in all of the jig units so as to clamp the object to be printed on the aforementioned mounting unit from both the vertical and horizontal directions. With this type of printing support device, the holding unit grips the object to be printed from both the vertical and horizontal sides, allowing the object to be held stably in the jig unit. Furthermore, since the control unit controls the operation of the holding unit for each jig unit, the object to be printed is held automatically in all jig units, eliminating the need for the operator to manually hold the object to be printed in each jig unit.

[0012] Furthermore, such a printing auxiliary device, The aforementioned retaining part is Multiple left and right arms, which are slidable in the left-right direction along the vertical direction of the object to be printed on the mounting section, are brought into contact with the upper and lower sides of the object in the vertical direction, respectively, and the left and right holding sections grip the object to be printed on the mounting section from the vertical direction, A front and rear holding section, comprising a plurality of front and rear arm portions that are slidable in the front and rear direction along the lateral direction of the object to be printed on the mounting section, respectively, which contact the left and right sides of the object to be printed in the lateral direction, thereby gripping the object to be printed on the mounting section from the lateral direction, It may also be included. With this type of printing support device, the left and right arms slide in the left-right direction and contact the upper and lower sides of the object to be printed in the vertical direction, thereby gripping the object from both sides in the vertical direction. In addition, the front and rear arms slide in the front-back direction and contact the left and right sides of the object to be printed in the horizontal direction, gripping the object from both sides in the horizontal direction, thereby allowing the object to be held close to the center of the mounting area.

[0013] Furthermore, such a printing auxiliary device, The control unit may, in all of the jig units, operate the left and right holding units to slide the plurality of left and right arm units in the left and right directions so as to contact the upper and lower sides of the object to be printed in the vertical direction, and operate the front and rear holding units to slide the plurality of front and rear arm units in the front and rear directions so as to contact the left and right sides of the object to be printed in the horizontal direction, thereby performing a process of clamping the object to be printed on the above-described mounting unit from the vertical and horizontal directions. With this type of printing support device, the control unit controls the sliding movement of the left and right holding parts and the front and rear holding parts for each jig unit, so that the object to be printed is automatically gripped by the left and right arms and the front and rear arms in all jig units. This eliminates the need for the operator to manually slide the left and right arms and the front and rear arms of each jig unit to grip the object to be printed.

[0014] Furthermore, multiple jig units are arranged in a grid pattern, with the left-to-right arrangement designated as "rows" and the front-to-back arrangement as "columns," and are used to print designs onto the back of mobile device cases using a printer. Height detection sensors are arranged in rows so that the optical axis is aligned in the front-to-back direction, It comprises a control unit and, Each of the aforementioned jig units is A mounting section for placing a mobile device case with the printed surface facing upwards, A holding part for holding the case of a mobile terminal on the mounting part, It has a height adjustment unit that adjusts the height of the printed surface of the mobile device case by moving the mounting unit vertically, The aforementioned retaining part is Multiple left and right arms, which are slidable in the left and right directions along the vertical direction of the mobile device case on the mounting section, are brought into contact with the upper and lower sides of the mobile device case in the vertical direction, respectively, and the left and right holding sections grip the mobile device case on the mounting section from the vertical direction, The mounting portion has a plurality of front and rear arms that are slidable in the front-rear direction along the lateral direction of the mobile device case, and these arms contact the left and right sides of the mobile device case in the lateral direction, respectively, and the mounting portion has front and rear holding portions that clamp the mobile device case on the mounting portion from the lateral direction. The control unit, In the jig unit arranged in all rows, the left and right holding parts are operated to slide the plurality of left and right arms in the left and right directions so as to contact the upper and lower sides of the mobile device case in the vertical direction, and the front and rear holding parts are operated to slide the plurality of front and rear arms in the front and rear directions so as to contact the left and right sides of the mobile device case in the horizontal direction, thereby clamping the mobile device case on the aforementioned mounting part from the vertical and horizontal directions. After the clamping process, for each row, the height adjustment unit is operated in each jig unit arranged in each row, and the mounting unit is raised until the height detection sensor corresponding to each column detects the mobile terminal case on the mounting unit, thereby measuring the reference height of the printed surface of the mobile terminal case. After the measurement process, the process involves storing the reference height measured for each of the fixture units arranged in each row in a storage unit. After measuring the reference height in all the jig units arranged in rows, the height adjustment unit is operated again in each of the jig units, and the height adjustment unit is raised based on the respective saved reference heights, thereby performing the process of aligning the height of the printed surface of the mobile device case in all the jig units. This is a printing auxiliary device characterized by the following features. With this type of printing support device, even if a group of mobile device cases contains multiple mobile device cases with different heights, the height of the printing surface of all of those cases can be standardized, allowing for simultaneous printing and thus improving work efficiency.

[0015] Furthermore, such a printing auxiliary device, Each of the multiple jig units is equipped with a height detection sensor at the same position relative to each other in the vertical direction. The control unit may operate the height adjustment unit in each of the multiple jig units and raise the aforementioned mounting unit until the height detection sensor detects the object to be printed on the aforementioned mounting unit, thereby performing a process to equalize the height of the printing surface of the object to be printed in all of the jig units. With this type of printing support device, the height of the printing surface of the object to be printed can be aligned with the position of the height detection sensor in the vertical direction by operating the height adjustment unit only once in all jig units.

[0016] ===Implementation Method=== <<Configuration of Printing Auxiliary Device 1>> An example of the configuration of the printing auxiliary device 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Figure 1 is an external perspective view showing the configuration of the printing auxiliary device 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is an external perspective view showing the printing auxiliary device 1 according to this embodiment with multiple mobile terminal cases set in place. Figure 3 is a plan view showing the printing auxiliary device 1 according to this embodiment with multiple mobile terminal cases set in place. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the printing auxiliary device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0017] In the following explanation, each direction is defined as shown in each figure. Specifically, the vertical direction is defined as the "up and down direction," and "up" and "down" are defined according to gravity. Furthermore, with the printing auxiliary device 1 set in the printer's printing area, and using the view from the operator facing the front of the printer as a reference, the near side is defined as "front" and the far side as "back," defining the "front-back direction," and the left side as "left" and the right side as "right," defining the "left-right direction." In this case, the direction in which the printer head moves back and forth during printing will coincide with the "left-right direction."

[0018] The printing auxiliary device 1 according to this embodiment is used when printing a design on the printing surface of a mobile device case, which is an example of a printable object, and is set in the printing area of ​​a printer (not shown). As shown in Figures 1 and 4, it comprises a base unit 10, a plurality of jig units 20, a height detection sensor 70, a control unit 80, a storage unit 90, and an operation unit 100.

[0019] The base portion 10 serves as the base for the printing auxiliary device 1 and, as shown in Figure 1, has a bottom plate 11, a first side plate 12, and a second side plate 13. The first side plate 12 and the second side plate 13 are fixed to the bottom plate 11 in a right-angled position and are formed to be at the same height as each other in the vertical direction.

[0020] Each of the jig units 20 is detachably attached to the bottom plate 11 of the base unit 10, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The jig units 20 are configured to hold the mobile device case 2 with the printed back surface facing upwards, and the height of the back surface of the held mobile device case 2 is adjustable. The specific configuration of these jig units 20 will be described in detail later.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, the mobile terminal case 2 placed on the jig unit 20 is held such that the vertical direction of the mobile terminal case 2 coincides with the left-right direction, and the horizontal direction of the mobile terminal case 2 coincides with the front-back direction.

[0022] As shown in Figure 3, the multiple jig units 20 are arranged in a grid pattern on the bottom plate 11 of the base unit 10, with the left-to-right arrangement being "rows" and the front-to-back arrangement being "columns". This makes it possible to print the mobile terminal cases 2 placed on each jig unit 20 all at once.

[0023] In this embodiment, twelve jig units 20 are arranged in a grid of four rows and three columns. Hereinafter, the columns will be referred to as the first column, second column, and third column from left to right in the left-right direction, and as the rows will be referred to as the first row, second row, third row, and fourth row from rear to front.

[0024] Furthermore, the three jig units 20 arranged in the first row will be referred to as the first jig unit 20, the second jig unit 20, and the third jig unit 20, respectively, from left to right in the left-right direction.

[0025] Similarly, the three jig units 20 in the second row will be called the 4th to 6th jig units 20, the three jig units 20 in the third row will be called the 7th to 9th jig units 20, and the three jig units 20 in the fourth row will be called the 10th to 12th jig units 20.

[0026] The height detection sensor 70 is an optical sensor that detects the presence or absence of a portable terminal case 2 placed on the jig unit 20 using a light-emitting unit 71 and a light-receiving unit 72. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the light-emitting unit 71 and the light-receiving unit 72 are positioned opposite each other on the upper parts of the first side plate 12 and the second side plate 13, respectively, with the optical axes between the light-emitting unit 71 and the light-receiving unit 72 aligned along the front-to-back direction. In this arrangement, the height detection sensor 70 and its optical axis are positioned so as not to come into contact with the printer head.

[0027] In the printing auxiliary device 1 of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, height detection sensors 70 are arranged in each row so that the optical axis is aligned along the front-to-back direction. Hereinafter, the height detection sensors 70 that individually detect the four mobile terminal cases 2 arranged in the first row will be referred to as the first height detection sensor 70. Similarly, the second row will be referred to as the second height detection sensor 70, and the third row as the third height detection sensor 70.

[0028] The control unit 80 is mounted on the printing auxiliary device 1 as a control board and, as shown in Figure 4, is for controlling the entire printing auxiliary device 1. In this embodiment, the control unit 80 is realized by the CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a program stored in a predetermined memory.

[0029] The memory unit 90 is mounted on the printing auxiliary device 1 as a storage device that stores data in a rewritable format. When the reference height of the printing surface (back) of the mobile terminal case 2 is measured at each of the jig units 20 arranged in each row, the memory unit 90 stores the reference height measured at each jig unit.

[0030] The operation unit 100 is operated by the operator before and after printing the mobile device case 2. In this embodiment, the operation unit 100 has a start button 101 and an end button 102, as shown in Figures 1 and 4.

[0031] The start button 101 is an operation button used by the operator to start the printing auxiliary device 1 during the preparation stage before printing. The end button 102 is an operation button used by the operator to remove the printed mobile terminal case 2 from the printing auxiliary device 1 after printing is complete.

[0032] <<Regarding the configuration of the jig unit 20>> An example of the configuration of the jig unit 20 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 9. Figure 5 is an external perspective view showing the configuration of the jig unit 20 according to this embodiment. Figure 6 is a bottom perspective view showing the configuration of the jig unit 20 according to this embodiment. Figure 7 is a front view showing the jig unit 20 with all parts attached. Figure 8 is a front view showing the jig unit 20 with some parts removed. Figure 9 is a side view showing the jig unit 20 with all parts attached. Figure 10 is a side view showing the jig unit 20 with some parts removed. Figure 11 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the holding part 30 according to this embodiment. Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the left and right holding parts 31 according to this embodiment. Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the front and rear holding parts 51 according to this embodiment.

[0033] The jig unit 20 according to this embodiment is used to print a design on the back surface, which is the printing surface of a mobile device case, using a printer, and as shown in Figures 4 and 5, it has a mounting section 21, a holding section 30, and a height adjustment section 60.

[0034] The mounting section 21 is used to mount the mobile device case with the back of the mobile device case facing upwards, and as shown in Figure 5, it has a frame 22, rollers 23, left and right guide holes 25, and front and rear guide holes 26.

[0035] As shown in Figure 5, the frame 22 is provided on the upper surface of the mounting section 21 and rotatably supports a plurality of rollers 23 that are arranged parallel to each other along the left-right direction. The rollers 23 support the mobile device case by contacting it from the inside when the mobile device case is placed on the mounting section 21 with its back facing upwards.

[0036] As shown in Figure 5, the left and right guide holes 25 are elongated holes that extend from the front to the back of the mounting portion 21 and are formed to penetrate from the front to the back. These left and right guide holes 25 have a first guide hole 25a, a second guide hole 25b, and a third guide hole 25c.

[0037] As shown in Figure 5, the first guide hole 25a, the second guide hole 25b, and the third guide hole 25c can each guide the left and right arm portions 32a, 32b, and 32c so that they can move along the left and right directions.

[0038] As shown in Figure 5, the front and rear guide holes 26 are elongated holes that penetrate from the front to the back of the mounting portion 21 and extend in the front-to-back direction. These front and rear guide holes 26 include a fourth guide hole 26a, a fifth guide hole 26b, and a sixth guide hole 26c.

[0039] As shown in Figure 5, the fourth guide hole 26a, the fifth guide hole 26b, and the sixth guide hole 26c can each guide the front and rear arm portions 52a, 52b, and 52c so that they can move along the front and rear direction.

[0040] The holding section 30 holds the mobile terminal case on the mounting section 21, and as shown in Figure 4, it has left and right holding sections 31 that clamp and hold the mobile terminal case from both sides in the vertical direction, and front and rear holding sections 51 that clamp and hold the mobile terminal case from both sides in the horizontal direction.

[0041] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the left and right holding sections 31 include a first rack 33 with two teeth that extends slidably along the left and right directions, a second rack 34a with one tooth that extends slidably along the left and right directions, a third rack 34b with one tooth that extends slidably along the left and right directions, a first pinion 38 with a one-way clutch that engages only with the first rack 33, a second pinion 39a that engages with both the first rack 33 and the second rack 34a, and a third pinion 39b that engages with both the first rack 33 and the third rack 34b.

[0042] As shown in Figures 5 and 11, the first rack 33 has left and right arm portions 32a at its rightmost end in the left-right direction. The left and right arm portions 32a protrude above the mounting portion 21 by being inserted through the first guide hole 25a from the back of the mounting portion 21.

[0043] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the second rack 34a has left and right arm portions 32c at its left end in the left-right direction. The left and right arm portions 32c protrude above the mounting portion 21 by being inserted through the third guide hole 25c from the back of the mounting portion 21.

[0044] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the third rack 34b has left and right arm portions 32b at its left end in the left-right direction. The left and right arm portions 32b protrude above the mounting portion 21 by being inserted through the second guide hole 25b from the back of the mounting portion 21.

[0045] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 8, 10, and 11, the left and right holding parts 31 include a shaft 37 to which a first pinion 38 is connected at one end, a second transmission gear 36 fitted to the end of the shaft 37 opposite to the first pinion 38, a first motor M1, and a first transmission gear 35 fitted to the output shaft of the first motor M1. By meshing the first transmission gear 35 and the second transmission gear 36, power can be transmitted in the axial direction (up and down direction) perpendicular to the output shaft of the first motor M1.

[0046] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, the left and right holding sections 31 have a first spring 40 that biases the left and right arm sections 32a, 32b, and 32c in a direction that clamps the case for the mobile device from both sides in the vertical direction. One end of the first spring 40 is attached to the first rack 33, and the other end of the first spring 40 is attached to a bracket on the back side of the mounting section 21.

[0047] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, the left and right holding sections 31 have a release detection sensor 41 that detects when the clamping of the mobile device case is released. The release detection sensor 41 is an optical sensor that detects a sensor dog provided on the first rack 33 when the first rack 33 slides to the right in the left-right direction and reaches its limit position. When this is detected, the first motor M1 stops.

[0048] As shown in Figures 11 and 13, the front and rear holding section 51 includes a fourth rack 53 with two teeth that extends slidably along the front and rear direction, a fifth rack 54a with one tooth that extends slidably along the front and rear direction, a sixth rack 54b with one tooth that extends along the front and rear direction, a fourth pinion 55a that engages with both the fourth rack 53 and the fifth rack 54a, and a fifth pinion 55b that engages with both the fourth rack 53 and the sixth rack 54b.

[0049] As shown in Figures 5 and 11, the fourth rack 53 has front and rear arm portions 52a at its front end in the front-rear direction. The front and rear arm portions 52a protrude above the mounting portion 21 by being inserted through the fourth guide hole 26a from the back of the mounting portion 21.

[0050] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the fifth rack 54a has front and rear arm portions 52b at its rear end in the front-rear direction. The front and rear arm portions 52b protrude above the mounting portion 21 by being inserted through the fifth guide hole 26b from the back of the mounting portion 21.

[0051] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the sixth rack 54b has front and rear arm portions 52c at its rear end in the front-rear direction. The front and rear arm portions 52c protrude above the mounting portion 21 by being inserted through the sixth guide hole 26c from the back of the mounting portion 21.

[0052] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 11 and 13, the front and rear holding section 51 has a second spring 56 that biases the front and rear arm sections 52a, 52b, and 52c in a direction that clamps the mobile device case from both sides in the lateral direction. One end of the second spring 56 is attached to the fourth rack 53, and the other end of the second spring 56 is attached to a boss on the back side of the mounting section 21.

[0053] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 11 to 13, the front and rear holding portions 51 have cams 57 for linking with the clamping of the mobile device case by the left and right holding portions 31. The cams 57 are formed in an L-shape and can rotate about the central axis P1. One end of the cams 57 engages with the fourth rack 53, and the other end of the cams 57 engages with the second rack 34a.

[0054] The height adjustment unit 60 adjusts the height of the back of the mobile device case by moving the mounting unit 21 in the vertical direction, and as shown in Figures 5 to 10, it has a second motor M2, a third transmission gear 61 fitted to the output shaft of the second motor M2, a sixth pinion 62 that meshes with the third transmission gear 61, a seventh rack 63 that meshes with the sixth pinion 62, an encoder 64, a pantograph-type link mechanism 65, a standby position detection sensor 66, a lower connecting unit 67 attached to the bottom surface 11 of the base unit 10, and an upper connecting unit 68 attached to the mounting unit 21.

[0055] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the pantograph-type link mechanism 65 is constructed by crossing two link bars on both the front and rear sides of the jig unit 20, rotatably connecting the intersecting link bars through a connecting pin in the center, rotatably connecting one end of each link bar to the lower connecting portion 67 via a connecting pin, and rotatably connecting the other end of each link bar to the upper connecting portion 68 via a connecting pin.

[0056] As shown in Figure 8, the seventh rack 63 is configured to be able to move up and down together with the mounting section 21 via a connecting pin of a link mechanism 65 connected to the upper connecting section 68, and the sixth pinion 62 is attached to the lower connecting section 67 via a bracket (not shown).

[0057] Therefore, when the second motor M2 rotates the output shaft, power is transmitted to the sixth pinion 62 which meshes with the third transmission gear 61. As the sixth pinion 62 rotates in accordance with this power, the mounting section 21 can move up and down via the link mechanism 65 due to the vertical movement of the seventh rack 63 which meshes with the sixth pinion 62.

[0058] As shown in Figure 10, the encoder 64 detects the rotational speed of the second motor M2. Based on the output of this encoder 64, the vertical position of the mounting section 21 (i.e., the height of the back of the mobile device case mounted on the mounting section 21) can be measured.

[0059] The standby position detection sensor 66 is an optical sensor that, as shown in Figure 8, detects a sensor dog provided on the mounting unit 21 when the mounting unit 21 moves downward in the vertical direction and reaches the standby position. When this is detected, the second motor M2 stops.

[0060] <<Regarding the operation of the printing auxiliary device 1>> <Preparation for printing> The operation of the printing auxiliary device 1 according to this embodiment will be explained mainly with reference to Figures 11 to 15. Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the printing auxiliary device 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 15 is a first enlarged view showing a part of the configuration of the holding unit 30 according to this embodiment.

[0061] As shown in Figure 14, when the operator places a mobile terminal case on the mounting section 21 of each jig unit 20 in the printing auxiliary device 1 (see Figure 2) and presses the start button 101, the control unit 80 controls the operation of the holding section 30 in all jig units 20 so as to clamp the mobile terminal case on the mounting section 21 from both the vertical and horizontal directions (step S11).

[0062] Specifically, when the control unit 80 receives an operation signal, such as when the operator presses the start button 101, it operates the holding unit 30 to rotate the output shaft of the first motor M1 in a predetermined direction.

[0063] When the output shaft of the first motor M1 rotates in a predetermined direction, power is transmitted to the second transmission gear 36, which meshes with the first transmission gear 35, as shown in Figure 11, and the shaft 37 rotates together with the second transmission gear 36 in accordance with this power.

[0064] In this case, the direction of rotation of shaft 37 coincides with the direction of rotation in which the one-way clutch does not lock, so no power is transmitted to the first pinion 38, and shaft 37 spins freely.

[0065] On the other hand, this free rotation causes the holding torque of the first pinion 38 to be lost, which activates the biasing force of the first spring 40, causing the first rack 33 to start sliding to the left in the left-right direction (indicated by the arrow in Figure 15). As the first rack 33 slides, the first pinion 38 rotates in the direction of the arrow shown in Figure 15.

[0066] When the first rack 33 slides to the left in the left-right direction, as shown in Figure 12, the second pinion 39a that meshes with the first rack 33 rotates in the same direction as the first pinion 38, and at the same time, the second rack 34a that meshes with the second pinion 39a slides to the right in the left-right direction (indicated by the arrow in Figure 15).

[0067] Furthermore, when the first rack 33 slides to the left in the left-right direction, as shown in Figure 12, the third pinion 39b, which meshes with the first rack 33, rotates in the opposite direction to the first pinion 38, and at the same time, the third rack 34b, which meshes with the third pinion 39b, slides to the right in the left-right direction.

[0068] Furthermore, when the second rack 34a slides to the right in the left-right direction, as shown in Figure 13, the cam 57 that engages with the second rack 34a rotates around the central axis P1 in the direction of the arrow shown in Figure 15, and at the same time, the fourth rack 53 that engages with the cam 57 slides to the rear in the front-rear direction due to the biasing force of the second spring 56.

[0069] Furthermore, when the fourth rack 53 slides to the rear in the front-rear direction, as shown in Figure 13, the fourth pinion 55a that meshes with the fourth rack 53 rotates in the direction of the arrow shown in Figure 15, and at the same time, the fifth rack 54a that meshes with the fourth pinion 55a slides to the front in the front-rear direction.

[0070] Furthermore, when the fourth rack 53 slides to the rear in the front-rear direction, as shown in Figure 13, the fifth pinion 55b, which meshes with the fourth rack 53, rotates in the direction of the arrow shown in Figure 15, and at the same time, the sixth rack 54b, which meshes with the fifth pinion 55b, slides to the front in the front-rear direction.

[0071] As shown in Figures 5 and 12, the left and right arm portions 32a attached to the right end of the first rack 33 slide to the left in the left-right direction along the first guide hole 25a of the mounting portion 21, and the left and right arm portions 32c attached to the left end of the second rack 34a and the left and right arm portions 32b attached to the left end of the third rack 34b slide to the right in the left-right direction along the third guide hole 25c and the second guide hole 25b of the mounting portion 21, respectively.

[0072] Eventually, the left and right arm sections 32a, 32b, and 32c come into contact with the sides of the mobile device case and stop, thereby holding the mobile device case by clamping it from both sides in the vertical direction.

[0073] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5 and 13, the front and rear arm portions 52a attached to the front end of the fourth rack 53 slide rearward in the front-rear direction along the fourth guide hole 26a of the mounting portion 21, and the front and rear arm portions 52b attached to the rear end of the fifth rack 54a and the front and rear arm portions 52c attached to the rear end of the sixth rack 54b slide forward in the front-rear direction along the fifth guide hole 26b and the sixth guide hole 26c of the mounting portion 21, respectively.

[0074] Eventually, the front and rear arm sections 52a, 52b, and 52c come into contact with the sides of the mobile device case and stop, thereby holding the mobile device case by clamping it from both sides in the lateral direction.

[0075] In this way, the left and right arm portions 32 slide in the left-right direction and contact the upper and lower sides of the mobile device case in the vertical direction, thereby gripping the mobile device case from both sides in the vertical direction, and the front and rear arm portions 52 slide in the front and rear direction and contact the left and right sides of the mobile device case in the horizontal direction, thereby gripping the mobile device case from both sides in the horizontal direction, thereby allowing the mobile device case to be held close to the center of the mounting portion.

[0076] Returning to Figure 14, the control unit 80 then performs an initial setting of index n (n=0) corresponding to the row number in which the height measurements are performed sequentially (step S12). In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, with multiple jig units 20 arranged in 4 rows and 3 columns, the height measurements are performed row by row in the order of "row 1" (1st to 3rd jig units 20) → "row 2" (4th to 6th jig units 20) → "row 3" (7th to 9th jig units 20) → "row 4" (10th to 12th jig units 20), so the maximum value (MAX) of index n is set to "4".

[0077] Next, the control unit 80 increments the index n, which corresponds to the row number in which the height measurements are performed sequentially, by one (n=n+1) (step S13), and operates the height adjustment unit 60 in each of the jig units lined up in the nth row to measure the reference height of the printed surface (back) of the mobile terminal case placed on the mounting section 21 of each jig unit 20 (step S14).

[0078] Specifically, the control unit 80 first operates the height adjustment unit 60 in each of the first to third jig units 20 arranged in the "first row" (n=1), thereby rotating the output shaft of the second motor M2 in a predetermined direction. When the output shaft of the second motor M2 rotates, the pantograph-type link mechanism 65 causes each mounting unit 21 to rise from its standby position.

[0079] The control unit 80 raises the mounting section 21 in this manner, and when the height detection sensor 70 detects a mobile device case on the mounting section 21, it stops the second motor M2. The control unit then calculates the height from the standby position to the stopped position from the output value of the encoder 64 and measures it as the reference height of the back of the mobile device case.

[0080] Specifically, the control unit 80 raises the mounting section 21 of the first jig unit 20, which is arranged in the first column of the first row, by driving the second motor M2 until it is detected by the first height detection sensor 70 located in the first column. The control unit 80 raises the mounting section 21 of the second jig unit 20, which is arranged in the second column of the first row, by driving the second motor M2 until it is detected by the second height detection sensor 70 located in the second column. The control unit 80 raises the mounting section 21 of the third jig unit 20, which is arranged in the third column of the first row, by driving the second motor M2 until it is detected by the third height detection sensor 70 located in the third column.

[0081] Next, the control unit 80 stores the reference height measured in the process of step 14 for each jig unit in the "nth row" in the storage unit 90 for each jig unit in the "nth row" (step S15).

[0082] Next, the control unit 80 operates the height adjustment unit 60 in each of the jig units arranged in the "nth row," lowering the mounting portion 21 of each jig unit 20 from the stop position back to the standby position (step S16).

[0083] Specifically, the control unit 80 rotates the output shaft of the second motor M2 in a predetermined direction by operating the height adjustment unit 60 again for each jig unit arranged in the "nth row". When the output shaft of the second motor M2 rotates, the pantograph-type link mechanism 65 causes each mounting unit 21 to descend from the stop position to the standby position.

[0084] The control unit 80 lowers the mounting section 21 in this manner, and when the standby position detection sensor 66 detects the mounting section 21, it stops the second motor M2. This allows the mounting section 21 of each jig unit arranged in the "nth row" to be returned to the standby position.

[0085] Next, once the control unit 80 has finished measuring the reference height for each of the jig units in the "nth row", it determines whether or not index n matches the maximum value (max=4) (step S17).

[0086] If index n does not match the maximum value (max=4) (step S17: NO), there is still a row number for which the next height measurement should be performed, so the process returns to step S13, increments index n by one, and repeats the subsequent processing.

[0087] In contrast, if index n matches the maximum value (max=4) (step S17: YES), the measurement of the reference height is completed for all jig units 20 in all rows, and the process proceeds to the next step S18.

[0088] Next, once the measurement of the reference height for all the jig units 20 in each row is complete, the control unit 80 operates the height adjustment unit 60 again for each of the jig units 20 and raises the mounting portion 21 of each jig unit 20 based on the respective reference heights stored in the storage unit 90, thereby aligning the height of the back surface, which is the printed surface of the mobile terminal case, for all the jig units 20 (step S18).

[0089] Specifically, in this embodiment, the control unit 80 operates the height adjustment unit 60 again for each of the jig units 20, raising the mounting portion 21 of each jig unit 20 until it reaches the respective reference height stored in the memory unit 90. As a result, the height of the back of the mobile terminal case for all jig units 20 can be aligned with the height to the optical axis of the height detection sensor 70.

[0090] As described above, with the printing auxiliary device according to this embodiment, by individually placing each of the multiple mobile terminal cases on the height-adjustable jig unit 20, the height of the printing surface (back) of all of the multiple mobile terminal cases can be made uniform. As a result, even if the multiple mobile terminal cases include multiple mobile terminal cases with different heights (thicknesses) (i.e., cases with different heights for the printing surface), they can be printed together while maintaining print quality, thereby improving production efficiency and work efficiency. Furthermore, it becomes possible to print the mobile terminal cases in batches according to the order in which they were received.

[0091] <Removal after printing> The removal of the printed mobile terminal case using the printing auxiliary device 1 according to this embodiment will be explained mainly with reference to Figures 11 to 16. Figure 16 is a second enlarged view showing a part of the configuration of the holding part 30 according to this embodiment.

[0092] After printing is complete on multiple mobile device cases, when the operator presses the finish button 102, the control unit 80 controls the operation of the holding unit 30 to release the clamping of the printed mobile device cases in each jig unit 20.

[0093] Specifically, when the control unit 80 receives an operation signal, such as when the operator presses the end button 102, it operates the holding unit 30 to rotate the output shaft of the first motor M1 in a predetermined direction.

[0094] When the output shaft of the first motor M1 rotates in a predetermined direction, power is transmitted to the second transmission gear 36, which meshes with the first transmission gear 35, as shown in Figure 11, and the shaft 37 rotates together with the second transmission gear 36 in accordance with this power.

[0095] In this case, the rotation direction of the shaft 37 coincides with the rotation direction in which the one-way clutch lock engages, power is transmitted to the first pinion 38, and the first pinion 38 rotates together with the shaft 37 in the direction of the arrow shown in Figure 16.

[0096] As the first pinion 38 rotates, the first rack 33, which meshes with the first pinion 38, begins to slide to the right in the left-right direction, as shown in Figure 16, while resisting the biasing force of the first spring 40.

[0097] When the first rack 33 slides to the right in the left-right direction, as shown in Figure 12, the second pinion 39a that meshes with the first rack 33 rotates in the same direction as the first pinion 38, and at the same time, the second rack 34a that meshes with the second pinion 39a slides to the left in the left-right direction (indicated by the arrow in Figure 16).

[0098] Furthermore, when the first rack 33 slides to the right in the left-right direction, as shown in Figure 12, the third pinion 39b, which meshes with the first rack 33, rotates in the opposite direction to the first pinion 38, and at the same time, the third rack 34b, which meshes with the third pinion 39b, slides to the left in the left-right direction.

[0099] Furthermore, when the second rack 34a slides to the left in the left-right direction, as shown in Figure 13, the cam 57 that engages with the second rack 34a rotates around the central axis P1 in the direction of the arrow shown in Figure 16, and at the same time, the fourth rack 53 that engages with the cam 57 slides forward in the front-rear direction against the biasing force of the second spring 56.

[0100] Furthermore, when the fourth rack 53 slides forward in the front-rear direction, as shown in Figure 13, the fourth pinion 55a that meshes with the fourth rack 53 rotates in the direction of the arrow shown in Figure 16, and at the same time, the fifth rack 54a that meshes with the fourth pinion 55a slides backward in the front-rear direction.

[0101] Furthermore, when the fourth rack 53 slides forward in the front-rear direction, as shown in Figure 13, the fifth pinion 55b, which meshes with the fourth rack 53, rotates in the direction of the arrow shown in Figure 16, and at the same time, the sixth rack 54b, which meshes with the fifth pinion 55b, slides backward in the front-rear direction.

[0102] As shown in Figures 5 and 12, the left and right arm portions 32a attached to the right end of the first rack 33 slide to the right in the left-right direction along the first guide hole 25a of the mounting portion 21, and the left and right arm portions 32c attached to the left end of the second rack 34a and the left and right arm portions 32b attached to the left end of the third rack 34b slide to the left in the left-right direction along the third guide hole 25c and the second guide hole 25b of the mounting portion 21, respectively.

[0103] Eventually, the left and right arm sections 32a, 32b, and 32c separate from the sides of the mobile device case, releasing the vertical clamping of the mobile device case.

[0104] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5 and 13, the front and rear arm portions 52a attached to the front end of the fourth rack 53 slide forward in the front-rear direction along the fourth guide hole 26a of the mounting portion 21, and the front and rear arm portions 52b attached to the rear end of the fifth rack 54a and the front and rear arm portions 52c attached to the rear end of the sixth rack 54b slide rearward in the front-rear direction along the fifth guide hole 26b and the sixth guide hole 26c of the mounting portion 21, respectively.

[0105] Eventually, the front and rear arm sections 52a, 52b, and 52c separate from the sides of the mobile device case, releasing the lateral clamping of the mobile device case.

[0106] Subsequently, as shown in Figures 8 and 11, when the first rack 33 slides to the right in the left-right direction and reaches its limit position, the release detection sensor 41 detects this, and the control unit 80 stops the first motor M1.

[0107] In this way, once the holding portion 30 releases the grip on the mobile device case, the printed mobile device case can be removed from the mounting portion 21 of each jig unit 20.

[0108] ===Other Embodiments=== The embodiments described above are for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit its interpretation. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from its spirit, and equivalents thereof are also included. In particular, embodiments described below are also included in the present invention. That is, the present invention can also be constructed by appropriately combining the embodiments described above and the embodiments described below.

[0109] Furthermore, it is possible to construct various inventions by appropriately combining the multiple inventive features disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, an invention may be constructed by deleting some of the inventive features disclosed in the above embodiments, or an invention may be constructed by appropriately combining the inventive features disclosed in the above embodiments with the inventive features disclosed in the embodiments described below.

[0110] Furthermore, while the claims of this application describe the present invention using claims that selectively reference two or more other claims (referred to as "multi-claims"), the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the present invention also includes claims that describe the invention using multi-claims that reference at least one of the multi-claims described in the claims of this application (referred to as "multi-multi-claims").

[0111] <Grid-like arrangement> In the above-described embodiment of the printing auxiliary device 1, a configuration in which multiple jig units 20 are arranged in a 4x3 grid was given as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration in which multiple jig units 20 are arranged in an nxm grid (where n and m are integers) is acceptable. Alternatively, a configuration in which multiple jig units 20 are arranged in only one row is also acceptable. Furthermore, it is not necessary to arrange all jig units 20 in a grid; a portion of the grid may be left empty without any jig units 20.

[0112] <Holding part> In the above-described embodiment of the printing auxiliary device 1, the example given was that the jig unit 20 has a holding part 30 that automatically grips and holds the mobile device case using a drive motor. However, the holding part 30 may also be configured so that an operator can manually grip and hold the mobile device case. For example, the holding part 30 may be configured so that an operator can manually slide the left and right arm parts 32 and the front and rear arm parts 52 to hold the mobile device case.

[0113] <Height adjustment section> In the printing auxiliary device 1 of the above embodiment, once the control unit 80 has completed measuring the reference height for all the jig units 20 arranged in rows, it operates the height adjustment unit 60 for each jig unit 20, raising the mounting portion 21 of each jig unit 20 until it reaches the respective reference height stored in the storage unit 90, thereby aligning the height of the back surface, which is the printing surface of the mobile terminal case, for all jig units 20 to the height at which the mobile terminal case is detected by the height detection sensor 70 (i.e., the height to the optical axis of the height detection sensor 70). However, when aligning the height of the printing surface (back surface) of the mobile terminal case for all jig units 20 in this way, it is not only possible to align it to the measured value of the reference height measured for each jig unit 20, but also to align it to a correction value uniformly corrected from the measured value (for example, measured value +1mm or measured value -1mm, etc.).

[0114] Furthermore, in the printing auxiliary device 1 of the above embodiment, in the process of step S18, when aligning the height of the printing surface of the mobile terminal case in all jig units 20, the case in which each reference height (i.e., the height to the optical axis of the height detection sensor 70) stored in the storage unit 90 was described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 80 may, after identifying the highest reference height (hereinafter referred to as the "maximum reference height") among the reference heights of each jig unit 20 stored in the storage unit 90, operate the height adjustment unit 60 again in each of the jig units 20 and raise the mounting portion 21 of each jig unit 20 until it reaches the identified maximum reference height. As a result, the height of the printing surface of the mobile terminal case in all jig units 20 can be aligned to the measurement result (i.e., the maximum reference height) in one of the jig units 20.

[0115] <Height detection sensor> In the above embodiment of the printing auxiliary device 1, the case in which the height detection sensors 70 are arranged in each column has been described (see Figure 3), but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a height detection sensor 70 may be arranged in each jig unit 20. Specifically, each of the multiple jig units 20 is configured to have a height detection sensor at the same position in the vertical direction (however, in a position that does not come into contact with the printer head). The control unit 80 then operates the height adjustment unit 60 in each of the multiple jig units 20 and raises the mounting unit 21 until each height detection sensor 70 detects the mobile terminal case (printing target) on the mounting unit 21, thereby performing a process to equalize the height of the printing surface (back) of the mobile terminal case in all jig units 20. In this case, the processing in steps S12 to S17 above becomes unnecessary (that is, it is no longer necessary to measure the height of each row in the order of "1st row → 2nd row → 3rd row → 4th row"). Furthermore, by operating the height adjustment unit 60 only once in all jig units 20, the height of the printed surface of the mobile device case can be aligned with the position of the height detection sensor (position of the optical axis) in the vertical direction. Also, if the height adjustment unit 60 is operated simultaneously in all jig units 20, the height of the printed surface (back) of the mobile device case can be aligned more quickly. Furthermore, in all jig units 20, the height of the printed surface (back) of the mobile device case may be adjusted to a position corrected from the position of the height detection sensor (optical axis position) in the vertical direction (for example, +1mm or -1mm from the position of the height detection sensor (optical axis position) in the vertical direction), rather than being aligned with the position of the height detection sensor (optical axis position) in the vertical direction.

[0116] <Case for mobile devices> In the above embodiment of the printing auxiliary device 1, a smartphone case was described as an example of a case for a portable terminal, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it may be a case for a tablet terminal, a case for a mobile phone, a case for a notebook computer, etc.

[0117] <Printable material> In the above-described embodiment of the printing auxiliary device 1, the case in which a mobile device case is the object to be printed was explained, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be a replacement sheet for smartphones (including one with a ring), a case for a smartwatch, a replacement band for a smartwatch, a card case (card wallet) that can be attached to the back of a smartphone with a magnet, an earphone case, an art panel speaker, a smartphone ring, a smartphone shoulder tag, a water bottle, etc.

[0118] <Printing side> In the above-described embodiment of the printing auxiliary device 1, the case in which the back surface of the mobile device case is used as the printing surface has been explained, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the inner surface of the mobile device case may be used as the printing surface. Also, for example, in the case of a separable type mobile device case in which the back member and side member can be separated, the outer surface of the back member may be used as the printing surface, or the inner surface may be used as the printing surface. The printing surface may also be a curved surface. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0119] 1 Printing auxiliary equipment 2. Cases for mobile devices 10 Base section 11 Bottom plate 12 1st side plate 13 Second side plate 20 Jig Units 21 Mounting section 22 Frame 23 Rollers 25 left and right guide holes 25a First guide hole 25b Second guide hole 25c Third guide hole 26 front and rear guide holes 26a Fourth guide hole 26b Fifth guide hole 26c Sixth guide hole 30 Holding part 31 Left and right holding parts 32 Left and right arm sections 32a Left and right arm section 32b Left and right arm section 32c Left and Right Arm Sections 33. Rack 1 34a Rack 2 34b Rack 3 35 First transmission gear 36. Second transmission gear 38. First pinion 39a Second pinion 39b Third pinion 40 First spring 41. Deactivation detection sensor 51 Front and rear holding parts 52 Front and rear arm section 52a Front and rear arm section 52b Front and rear arm section 52c Front and rear arm section 53. Rack 4 54a Rack 5 54b Rack 6 55a Fourth pinion 55b Fifth pinion 56. Second spring 57 Cam 60 Height adjustment section 61 Third transmission gear 62. 6th pinion 63. Rack 7 64 encoders 65 Link mechanism 66 Standby position detection sensor 67 Lower connection part 68 Upper connection part 70 Height detection sensor 71 Light-emitting part 72 Light receiving part 80 Control Unit 90 Memory section 100 Control section 101 Start button 102 Exit button P1 center axis M1 First Motor M2 Second Motor

Claims

1. A printing auxiliary device comprising multiple jig units used for printing a design onto the print surface of an object using a printer, Each of the aforementioned jig units is A mounting section for placing the object to be printed with the printing surface facing upwards, A holding unit for holding the object to be printed on the mounting unit, A height adjustment unit that adjusts the height of the printing surface of the object to be printed by moving the mounting unit vertically, Having, A printing auxiliary device characterized by the following features.

2. A printing auxiliary device as described in claim 1, A control unit controls the operation of the height adjustment unit in each of the jig units so that the height of the printing surface of the object to be printed is the same in all of the jig units, The printing auxiliary device according to claim 1, characterized by comprising:

3. A printing auxiliary device according to claim 2, Multiple of the aforementioned jig units are arranged in a grid pattern, with the left-right arrangement being "rows" and the front-back arrangement being "columns". Each row is equipped with height detection sensors positioned so that the optical axis aligns with the front-to-back direction. The control unit performs the following processes for each row: operating the height adjustment unit in each jig unit in each row and raising the aforementioned mounting unit until the height detection sensor corresponding to each column detects the object to be printed on the aforementioned mounting unit, thereby measuring the reference height of the printed surface of the object to be printed; storing the reference height measured in each jig unit in each row in the storage unit; and, after the measurement of the reference height has been completed in all the jig units in all rows, operating the height adjustment unit again in each of the jig units and raising the aforementioned mounting unit based on the respective stored reference heights, thereby aligning the height of the printed surface of the object to be printed in all the jig units. A printing auxiliary device characterized by the following features.

4. A printing auxiliary device according to claim 2, The control unit controls the operation of the holding part in all of the jig units so as to clamp the object to be printed on the aforementioned mounting part from the vertical and horizontal directions of the object to be printed. A printing auxiliary device characterized by the following features.

5. A printing auxiliary device according to claim 4, The aforementioned retaining part is Multiple left and right arms, which are slidable in the left-right direction along the vertical direction of the object to be printed on the mounting section, are brought into contact with the upper and lower sides of the object in the vertical direction, respectively, and the left and right holding sections grip the object to be printed on the mounting section from the vertical direction, A front and rear holding section, comprising a plurality of front and rear arm portions that are slidable in the front and rear direction along the lateral direction of the object to be printed on the mounting section, respectively, which contact the left and right sides of the object to be printed in the lateral direction, thereby gripping the object to be printed on the mounting section from the lateral direction, Having, A printing auxiliary device characterized by the following features.

6. A printing auxiliary device according to claim 5, The control unit operates the left and right holding units in all of the jig units, sliding the plurality of left and right arm units in the left and right directions so as to contact the upper and lower sides of the object to be printed in the vertical direction, and operates the front and rear holding units, sliding the plurality of front and rear arm units in the front and rear directions so as to contact the left and right sides of the object to be printed in the horizontal direction, thereby performing a process of clamping the object to be printed on the aforementioned mounting unit from the vertical and horizontal directions. A printing auxiliary device characterized by the following features.

7. Multiple jig units are arranged in a grid pattern, with left-to-right arrangements defined as "rows" and front-to-back arrangements as "columns," and are used to print designs onto the printing surface of mobile device cases using a printer. Height detection sensors are arranged in rows so that the optical axis is aligned in the front-to-back direction, It comprises a control unit and, Each of the aforementioned jig units is A mounting section for placing a mobile device case with the printed surface facing upwards, A holding part for holding the case of a mobile terminal on the mounting part, It has a height adjustment unit that adjusts the height of the printed surface of the mobile device case by moving the mounting unit vertically, The aforementioned retaining part is Multiple left and right arms, which are slidable in the left and right directions along the vertical direction of the mobile device case on the mounting section, are brought into contact with the upper and lower sides of the mobile device case in the vertical direction, respectively, and the left and right holding sections grip the mobile device case on the mounting section from the vertical direction, The mounting portion has a plurality of front and rear arms that are slidable in the front-rear direction along the lateral direction of the mobile device case, and these arms contact the left and right sides of the mobile device case in the lateral direction, respectively, and the mounting portion has front and rear holding portions that clamp the mobile device case on the mounting portion from the lateral direction. The control unit, In the jig unit arranged in all rows, the left and right holding parts are operated to slide the plurality of left and right arms in the left and right directions so as to contact the upper and lower sides of the mobile device case in the vertical direction, and the front and rear holding parts are operated to slide the plurality of front and rear arms in the front and rear directions so as to contact the left and right sides of the mobile device case in the horizontal direction, thereby clamping the mobile device case on the aforementioned mounting part from the vertical and horizontal directions. After the clamping process, for each row, the height adjustment unit is operated in each jig unit arranged in each row, and the mounting unit is raised until the height detection sensor corresponding to each column detects the mobile terminal case on the mounting unit, thereby measuring the reference height of the printed surface of the mobile terminal case. After the measurement process, the process involves storing the reference height measured for each of the fixture units arranged in each row in a storage unit. After measuring the reference height in all the jig units arranged in rows, the height adjustment unit is operated again in each of the jig units, and the height adjustment unit is raised based on the respective saved reference heights, thereby performing the process of aligning the height of the printed surface of the mobile device case in all the jig units. A printing auxiliary device characterized by the following features.

8. A printing auxiliary device according to claim 2, Each of the multiple jig units is equipped with a height detection sensor at the same position relative to each other in the vertical direction. The control unit operates the height adjustment unit in each of the multiple jig units and raises the aforementioned mounting unit until the height detection sensor detects the object to be printed on the aforementioned mounting unit, thereby performing a process to equalize the height of the printing surface of the object to be printed in all of the jig units. A printing auxiliary device characterized by the following features.

Images