Printing device

Abstract

To provide a printing device that performs printing on a lengthy medium which is cut after being printed, which can print a mark for appropriately cutting the medium in a width direction of the medium, even when cutting the medium in the width direction of the medium and in a conveying direction of the medium and even when cutting a portion of the medium in the width direction of the medium, after feeding out the printed medium wound up in a roll shape again.SOLUTION: In the printing device, a printing mechanism prints a mark M1 for a cut position for specifying a medium cut position which is a cut position in a medium conveying direction, of the medium 2, on a position separated away by a certain distance from each of a plurality of medium cut positions toward an upstream side in the conveying direction, and prints a mark M11 for a first cut range that is arranged at a position corresponding to one end of a medium cut range which is a cut range in a medium width direction, of the medium 2 at the medium cut position, and a mark M12 for a second cut range that is arranged at a position corresponding to the other end in the medium cut range.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing apparatus for printing on a long medium. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, printers that print on long sheet-like media are known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3). The printer described in Patent Document 1 includes a transport mechanism that transports the medium in the longitudinal direction of the medium, a printer head that prints on the medium, and a cutting head that cuts the medium into a predetermined shape. The printer head and the cutting head are supported on a common guide rail and are slidable in the width direction of the medium, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the medium. In this printer, for example, the medium after printing by the print head is cut into a predetermined shape by the cutting head. Also, in this printer, when the medium is composed of, for example, a mount and a sealant that is peelably attached to the mount, a half cut is performed on the medium by the cutting head, in which only the sealant is cut into a predetermined shape.

[0003] In the printer described in Patent Document 1, the medium before printing is wound into a roll. The medium before printing wound into a roll is attached to a medium feeding section. The medium after half-cutting is also wound into a roll. The medium after half-cutting wound into a roll is attached to a medium winding section. When the medium is printed, the medium is transported in a direction from the medium feeding section toward the print head. When the medium is half-cut, the medium is transported in a direction from the medium feeding section toward the cutting head, and is also transported in the opposite direction from the cutting head toward the medium feeding section.

[0004] The printer described in Patent Document 2 includes a transport roller and pinch roller that transport the medium in the longitudinal direction of the medium, a recording head that prints on the medium, a carriage on which the recording head is mounted, a platen positioned opposite the recording head, a cutter that cuts the printed medium in the width direction of the medium perpendicular to the medium transport direction, and a slitter that cuts the printed medium along the medium transport direction.

[0005] The printer described in Patent Document 3 includes a print unit that prints on a medium, and a cutter unit that cuts the printed medium in the width direction of the medium. The print unit prints an image on the medium, and also prints a cut mark in a marginal area on the medium between images. The cutter unit includes a cut mark sensor that detects the cut mark. When the cut mark sensor detects a cut mark, the cutter unit conveys the medium a predetermined distance, stops the medium, and then cuts the medium in the width direction of the medium. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-247915 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2020-163726 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2011-177950 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The inventors of the present application are considering, for example, performing a half-cut on a printed medium as in the printer described in Patent Document 1, and then cutting the medium in the width direction of the medium and cutting the medium along the medium transport direction as in the printer described in Patent Document 2. When performing a half-cut on the medium, the medium is also transported in the opposite direction, so if the medium is cut along the medium transport direction while performing a half-cut on the medium, there is a risk that the medium will not be cut appropriately due to the influence of the medium being transported in the opposite direction.

[0008] Therefore, the inventors of the present application are considering temporarily winding up the medium after printing and half-cutting into a roll without cutting it in the width direction of the medium and the transport direction of the medium, and then unwinding the rolled up medium again to cut the medium in the width direction of the medium and the transport direction of the medium. In this case, the leading end of the medium (leading end in the longitudinal direction of the medium) when printing and half-cutting is performed becomes the trailing end of the medium (rearing end in the longitudinal direction of the medium) when cutting the medium in the width direction of the medium and the transport direction of the medium, and the trailing end of the medium when printing and half-cutting is performed becomes the leading end of the medium when cutting the medium in the width direction of the medium and the transport direction of the medium.

[0009] The inventors of the present application are also considering cutting a portion of the medium in the width direction of the medium linearly in the medium width direction, rather than cutting the medium across the entire width direction, so that after the printed and half-cut portions have been cut off, a blank portion that is wound up in a roll by a medium winding section is continuously formed in the medium transport direction. In this case, a standard is required for appropriately cutting a portion of the medium in the width direction of the medium, but there has been no proposal so far as how to set a standard for appropriately cutting a portion of the medium in the width direction of the medium.

[0010] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a printing device that prints on long media that is cut after printing, in which the printed media that has been wound into a roll is re-fed and the media is cut in the width direction of the media and the transport direction of the media, and which is capable of printing marks for appropriately cutting the media in the width direction of the media, even when a portion of the media in the width direction of the media is cut in the width direction of the media. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to solve the above problems, the printing device of the present invention is a printing device that prints on a long medium that is cut after printing, and includes a printing mechanism that prints on the medium, a media transport mechanism that transports the medium in the longitudinal direction of the medium, a media pay-out section to which the rolled medium is attached before it is transported toward the printing mechanism, and a media take-up section to which the rolled medium is attached after it has passed the printing mechanism, and the width direction of the medium that is perpendicular to the media transport direction, which is the transport direction of the medium, is defined as the media width direction, the side in the media transport direction where the media pay-out section is located is defined as the upstream side in the transport direction, and the side in the media transport direction where the media take-up section is located is defined as the downstream side in the transport direction, the cutting position in the media transport direction of the medium that is cut linearly in the media width direction after printing is defined as the media cut position, and the cutting range in the media width direction of the medium at the media cut position is defined as the media cut range. The printing mechanism then receives image data, which is data for an image to be printed on the medium, first mark printing data, which is data for printing a cut position mark on the medium to identify the medium cut position, and second mark printing data, which is data for printing on the medium a mark for the first cut range positioned at a position corresponding to one end of the medium cut range in the medium width direction and a mark for the second cut range positioned at a position corresponding to the other end of the medium cut range in the medium width direction, and prints an image on the medium based on the image data, prints a plurality of cut position marks at positions a certain distance upstream in the transport direction from each of the plurality of medium cut positions based on the first mark printing data, and prints the mark for the first cut range and the mark for the second cut range on the medium based on the second mark printing data.

[0012] In the printing device of the present invention, when the cut position in the medium transport direction of the medium that is cut linearly in the medium width direction after printing is defined as the medium cut position, the printing mechanism receives first mark printing data, which is data for printing cut position marks on the medium to identify the medium cut position, and prints multiple cut position marks at positions a certain distance upstream in the transport direction from each of the multiple medium cut positions based on the first mark printing data. Therefore, in the present invention, when the printed medium wound into a roll is re-sold and cut in the medium width direction, the cut position marks are arranged at positions a certain distance downstream in the transport direction from each of the medium cut positions. Therefore, in the present invention, even when the printed medium wound into a roll is re-sold and cut in the medium width direction and the medium transport direction, it is possible to recognize the medium cut position based on the cut position marks.

[0013] In addition, in the present invention, when the cut range of the medium in the medium width direction at the medium cutting position is defined as the medium cutting range, the printing mechanism receives second mark printing data, which is data for printing on the medium a first cut range mark arranged at a position corresponding to one end of the medium cutting range in the medium width direction and a second cut range mark arranged at a position corresponding to the other end of the medium cutting range in the medium width direction, and prints the first cut range mark and the second cut range mark on the medium based on the second mark printing data. Therefore, in the present invention, even when the printed medium wound into a roll is re-sold and a portion of the medium in the medium width direction is cut in the medium width direction, it is possible to recognize the medium cutting range based on the first cut range mark and the second cut range mark.

[0014] In this way, in the present invention, even when a printed medium wound into a roll is re-sold to be cut in the medium width direction and the medium transport direction, and even when a portion of the medium in the medium width direction is cut in the medium width direction, it is possible to recognize the medium cutting position and medium cutting range for appropriately cutting the medium in the medium width direction based on the cutting position mark, the first cutting range mark, and the second cutting range mark. In other words, in the present invention, even when a printed medium wound into a roll is re-sold to be cut in the medium width direction and the medium transport direction, and even when a portion of the medium in the medium width direction is cut in the medium width direction, it is possible to print marks for appropriately cutting the medium in the medium width direction.

[0015] In the present invention, for example, when image data, data for printing the first mark, data for printing the second mark, etc. are created in a personal computer to which a printing device is electrically connected, when the printed medium wound into a roll is re-sold and cut in the medium width direction, the data held by the personal computer can be sent to a cutting mechanism that cuts the medium in the medium width direction, so that the cutting mechanism can recognize the medium cutting position and medium cutting range for appropriately cutting the medium in the medium width direction.

[0016] In this case, however, the personal computer needs to continue to hold the data until the printed medium wound into a roll is re-spooled and cut in the medium width direction. Also, since the printed medium is once removed from the medium winding section, in this case, when the medium is cut in the medium width direction, it is necessary to associate the re-spooled medium with the data sent from the personal computer. In contrast, in the present invention, if the personal computer sends data to the printing mechanism when printing is performed by the printing mechanism, it does not need to continue to hold the data. Also, in the present invention, it is not necessary to associate the re-spooled medium with the data.

[0017] In the present invention, for example, the cut position mark is a straight line parallel to the medium width direction, and the first cut range mark and the second cut range mark are straight lines parallel to the medium transport direction, and the printing mechanism prints the cut position mark at one end of the medium in the medium width direction, and prints the first cut range mark and the second cut range mark at least at the upstream end in the transport direction of the medium in a state where it is wound around the medium winding section.

[0018] In the present invention, if the cut position in the medium width direction of the medium that is cut linearly in the medium transport direction after printing is defined as the second medium cut position, it is preferable that the printing mechanism prints the first cut range mark and the second cut range mark at the same position in the medium width direction as the second medium cut position. With this configuration, for example, when it is necessary to manually adjust the position in the medium width direction of the second cutting mechanism for cutting the medium after printing along the medium transport direction, it becomes possible to adjust the position in the medium width direction of the second cutting mechanism using the first cut range mark and the second cut range mark as guides.

[0019] In the present invention, the printed medium is defined as the medium after printing has been performed by the printing mechanism and after it has been removed from the medium take-up section. The printing device, for example, includes a first mark detection mechanism for detecting a cut position mark printed on the printed medium, a second mark detection mechanism for detecting the first cut range mark and the second cut range mark printed on the printed medium, a cutting mechanism for cutting the printed medium in the medium width direction, and a second cutting mechanism for cutting the printed medium along the medium transport direction, and the cutting mechanism cuts the printed medium in the medium width direction based on the detection results of the first mark detection mechanism and the second mark detection mechanism.

[0020] In the present invention, it is preferable that the printing mechanism, the cutting mechanism, and the second cutting mechanism are attached to the same support, and the printed medium wound in a roll is attached to the medium feeding unit. This configuration makes it possible to simplify the configuration of the printing device compared to a case in which the support on which the printing mechanism is attached and the support on which the cutting mechanism and the second cutting mechanism are attached are provided separately. Also, this configuration makes it possible to simplify the configuration of the printing device compared to a case in which, in addition to the medium feeding unit, a feeding unit on which the rolled printed medium that is fed toward the cutting mechanism and the second cutting mechanism is attached is provided separately.

[0021] In the present invention, for example, the cutting mechanism includes a cutter blade that cuts the printed medium, a cutting carriage that holds the cutter blade, and a cutting carriage drive mechanism that moves the cutting carriage in the medium width direction, the first mark detection mechanism is mounted on the cutting carriage, the second mark detection mechanism is positioned upstream of the cutting mechanism in the transport direction, and the cutting mechanism receives cut range data, which is data for identifying the medium cut range, and which is generated based on the detection results of the first cut range mark and the second cut range mark by the second mark detection mechanism, and cuts the printed medium in the medium width direction based on the received cut range data and the detection results of the first mark detection mechanism.

[0022] In the present invention, the printing mechanism preferably includes an inkjet head that ejects ink onto the medium, a printing carriage on which the inkjet head is mounted, and a printing carriage drive mechanism that moves the printing carriage in the medium width direction, and is disposed upstream of the cutting mechanism and the second cutting mechanism in the transport direction, and the second mark detection mechanism is mounted on the printing carriage. With this configuration, it becomes possible to detect the first cutting range mark and the second cutting range mark with the second mark detection mechanism by utilizing the operation of the printing carriage. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the configuration of the printing device, for example, compared to a case where a carriage on which the second mark detection mechanism is mounted is provided separately in addition to the printing carriage.

[0023] In the present invention, it is preferable that the second mark detection mechanism detects the cut position mark printed on the medium after printing, the cutting mechanism receives mark position data that is generated based on the detection result of the cut position mark by the second mark detection mechanism and is data for specifying the position of the cut position mark in the medium width direction, and the cutting carriage drive mechanism moves the cutting carriage to a position where the first mark detection mechanism can detect the cut position mark based on the mark position data received by the cutting mechanism. With this configuration, it is possible to move the cutting carriage in advance to a position where the first mark detection mechanism can detect the cut position mark and stop it there. Therefore, when cutting the medium in the medium width direction, it is possible for the first mark detection mechanism to quickly detect the cut position mark. Effect of the Invention

[0024] As described above, in the present invention, in a printing device that prints on long media that is cut after printing, even when the printed media that has been wound into a roll is re-spun out and the media is cut in the width direction of the media and the transport direction of the media, and even when a portion of the media in the width direction of the media is cut in the width direction of the media, it is possible to print marks for appropriately cutting the media in the width direction of the media. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating a configuration of a printing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2A to 2C are diagrams for explaining an example of printing on a medium by the printing mechanism shown in FIG. 1, and an example of cutting of a medium by the cutting mechanism and the second cutting mechanism. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of part E in FIG. [Figure 4] 4A is a perspective view of a part of the carriage and a medium pressing member of the cutting mechanism shown in FIG. 3, and FIG. 4B is a plan view of the tip side portion of the cutter blade of the cutting mechanism shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] 4(A) is a front view of the medium pressing member shown in FIG. 4(A), and FIG. 4(B) is a plan view of the medium pressing member shown in FIG. 4(A). [Figure 6] 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the support frame and a second cutting mechanism shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 7] 4 is a side view of a portion of the support frame, a portion of the cutting platen, a second cutting mechanism, etc. shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 8] 4 is a diagram for explaining the function of the guide member shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 9] 4 is a side view of a first sensor and a second sensor for detecting the position of the tension bar shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 10] 2 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the printing apparatus shown in FIG. [Figure 11] 10A to 10C are diagrams for explaining a method of printing and cutting a medium according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 13 is a side view for explaining a configuration of a guide member according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0027] [Embodiment 1] (Overall configuration of the printing device) Fig. 1 is a side view for explaining the configuration of a printer 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of printing on a medium 2 by the printing mechanism 3 shown in Fig. 1, and an example of cutting of the medium 2 by the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8.

[0028] The printing device 1 of this embodiment is a commercial inkjet printer that prints on a long medium 2 and cuts the printed medium 2 into a predetermined shape, and prints on the long medium 2 that is cut after printing. The medium 2 is a resin sheet medium made of resin such as polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The medium 2 may also be a paper sheet medium such as transfer paper or photo paper. The medium 2 may also be made of tarpaulin or window film.

[0029] The printing device 1 includes a printing mechanism 3 that prints on a long medium 2, a support 4 that supports the printing mechanism 3 from below, a medium transport mechanism 5 that transports the medium 2, a heater (after-heater) 6 that heats the medium 2 after printing, a cutting mechanism 7 that linearly cuts (slits) the medium 2 in the width direction of the medium 2 perpendicular to the transport direction of the medium 2, a second cutting mechanism 8 that linearly cuts (slits) the medium 2 along the transport direction of the medium 2, and a tension applying mechanism 10 having a tension bar 9 that contacts the medium 2 and applies tension to the medium 2. The cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8 cut the medium 2 after printing. The tension bar 9 contacts the medium 2 after printing and applies tension to the medium 2.

[0030] The tension bar 9 is disposed between the printing mechanism 3 and the cutting mechanism 7 in the transport direction of the medium 2 (the feed direction of the medium 2). The heater 6 is disposed between the printing mechanism 3 and the tension bar 9 in the transport direction of the medium 2. The second cutting mechanism 8 is disposed between the tension bar 9 and the cutting mechanism 7 in the transport direction of the medium 2. In other words, the tension bar 9 is disposed between the printing mechanism 3 and the second cutting mechanism 8 in the transport direction of the medium 2.

[0031] The printing device 1 cuts out a rectangular or square cut-out portion 2a (see FIG. 2) including a printed portion of the medium 2 from the sheet-like medium 2 by the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8. The printing device 1 cuts out, for example, the cut-out portion 2a shown in FIG. 2(A) or the cut-out portion 2a shown in FIG. 2(B) from the medium 2. If the portion of the medium 2 cut by the cutting mechanism 7 is defined as a cut line (cut) CL1 and the portion of the medium 2 cut by the second cutting mechanism 8 is defined as cut lines CL11 to CL14, then, as shown in FIG. 2, the medium 2 after being cut by the cutting mechanism 7 has cut line CL1 parallel to the width direction of the medium 2, and the medium 2 after being cut by the second cutting mechanism 8 has cut lines CL11 to CL14 along the transport direction of the medium 2.

[0032] In this embodiment, cut lines CL11, CL12 or cut lines CL13, CL14 are formed on both sides of the portion 2a to be cut out in the width direction of the medium 2. In the example shown in Fig. 2(A), the portion surrounded by the two cut lines CL1 and the two cut lines CL11, CL12 becomes the portion to be cut out 2a, and in the example shown in Fig. 2(B), the portion surrounded by the two cut lines CL1 and the two cut lines CL11, CL12 and the portion surrounded by the two cut lines CL1 and the two cut lines CL13, CL14 become the portion to be cut out 2a. The medium 2 is cut by the second cutting mechanism 8 and then by the cutting mechanism 7.

[0033] The cutting mechanism 7 cuts the medium 2 so as to intersect with the cut lines CL11 to CL14 (i.e., the portions of the medium 2 cut by the second cutting mechanism 8). That is, both ends of the cut line CL1 in the width direction of the medium 2 are disposed outside the two cut lines CL11 and CL12 or the two cut lines CL13 and CL14 in the width direction of the medium 2. The cutting mechanism 7 does not cut the medium 2 over the entire width direction of the medium 2, but cuts a portion of the medium 2 in the width direction of the medium 2. For example, as shown in FIG. 2B, when two cut portions 2a are arranged side by side in the width direction of the medium 2, two cut lines CL1 corresponding to the two cut portions 2a are formed with an interval in the width direction of the medium 2. In this embodiment, there is a margin between the cut portions 2a in the transport direction of the medium 2. In addition, there is a long and narrow margin in the transport direction of the medium 2 on both sides of the cut portion 2a in the width direction of the medium 2.

[0034] The printing device 1 includes a medium payout section 14 that holds a payout roll 13, which is the medium 2 wound into a roll before printing. The printing device 1 also includes a storage section 15 that stores the first marginal portion 2b, which is the marginal portion between the to-be-cut portions 2a in the transport direction of the medium 2, and the to-be-cut portion 2a, and a medium winding section 17 that holds a winding roll 16 on which the second marginal portion 2c, which is the marginal portion on both sides of the to-be-cut portion 2a and the first marginal portion 2b in the width direction of the medium 2, is wound into a roll. That is, the printing device 1 includes the medium payout section 14 to which the medium 2 wound into a roll before being transported toward the printing mechanism 3 is attached, and the medium winding section 17 to which the medium 2 wound into a roll (more specifically, a portion of the medium 2) after passing through the printing mechanism 3 is attached.

[0035] The printing mechanism 3 includes an inkjet head 20 (hereinafter referred to as "head 20") that ejects ink onto the medium 2, a carriage 21 as a printing carriage on which the head 20 is mounted, a carriage drive mechanism 22 as a printing carriage drive mechanism that moves the carriage 21 in the main scanning direction (Y direction in FIG. 1, etc.) which is the width direction of the medium 2, a support frame 23 that supports the carriage 21 so as to enable movement in the main scanning direction, and a print platen 24 that is disposed below the carriage 21. The head 20 ejects ink downward. The carriage drive mechanism 22 includes, for example, a belt that is partially fixed to the carriage 21, a pulley around which the belt is stretched, and a motor for rotating the pulley. The medium 2 to be printed is placed on the print platen 24.

[0036] In the following description, the main scanning direction (width direction, Y direction of medium 2) is referred to as the "left-right direction", and the direction perpendicular to the up-down direction (Z direction in Fig. 1, etc.) and left-right direction is referred to as the "front-rear direction". In addition, one side of the front-rear direction, that is, the X1 direction side in Fig. 1, etc., is referred to as the "front" side, and the opposite side, that is, the X2 direction side in Fig. 1, etc., is referred to as the "rear" side. In this embodiment, the medium 2 before printing is transported from the rear side to the top surface of the print platen 24, and the medium 2 after printing is transported from the top surface of the print platen 24 to the front side.

[0037] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the side in the transport direction of the medium 2 on which the medium pay-out unit 14 is located is the upstream side in the transport direction of the medium 2, and the side in the transport direction of the medium 2 on which the medium winding unit 17 is located is the downstream side in the transport direction of the medium 2. In the following description, the transport direction of the medium 2 is sometimes referred to as the "medium transport direction", and the width direction of the medium 2 perpendicular to the transport direction of the medium 2 is sometimes referred to as the "medium width direction". In the following description, the upstream side in the transport direction of the medium 2 is sometimes referred to as the "upstream side in the transport direction", and the downstream side in the transport direction of the medium 2 is sometimes referred to as the "downstream side in the transport direction".

[0038] An after platen 25 is disposed in front of the print platen 24. A guide surface 25a is formed on the surface of the after platen 25 to guide the medium 2 transported from the print platen 24 toward the tension bar 9. The guide surface 25a is formed in a convex curved shape. The medium 2 transported from the print platen 24 toward the tension bar 9 comes into contact with the guide surface 25a. The heater 6 is disposed inside the after platen 25 so as to follow the guide surface 25a.

[0039] The medium transport mechanism 5 transports the long medium 2 in the longitudinal direction of the medium 2. The medium transport mechanism 5 includes a transport roller 27 and a pad roller 28 that faces the transport roller 27 and is biased toward the transport roller 27. The transport roller 27 and the pad roller 28 are disposed upstream of the print platen 24 in the transport direction of the medium 2, and the medium transport mechanism 5 is disposed upstream of the tension bar 9 in the transport direction of the medium 2. The transport roller 27 is connected to a drive mechanism that rotates the transport roller 27. The medium 2 is transported while being sandwiched between the transport roller 27 and the pad roller 28.

[0040] The tension applying mechanism 10 is disposed below the after platen 25. The second cutting mechanism 8 is disposed below the tension applying mechanism 10. The cutting mechanism 7 is disposed below the second cutting mechanism 8. A specific configuration of the tension applying mechanism 10 will be described later. Also, a specific configuration of the cutting mechanism 7, a configuration of the second cutting mechanism 8, and a specific configuration of the peripheral parts of the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8 will be described later.

[0041] The medium feeding unit 14 is disposed below the printing mechanism 3. The medium feeding unit 14 has a rotating shaft that is inserted into the inner periphery of the feeding roll 13. The storage unit 15 is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped box with an open top. The storage unit 15 is disposed below the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8. The storage unit 15 is also disposed below the cutting mechanism 7.

[0042] The medium winding unit 17 is disposed below the printing mechanism 3. The medium winding unit 17 is disposed below the cutting mechanism 7. The medium winding unit 17 is disposed rearward of the cutting mechanism 7, the second cutting mechanism 8, and the storage unit 15. The medium winding unit 17 includes a medium winding mechanism 26 that winds up the second marginal portion 2c. The medium winding mechanism 26 includes a rotating shaft that is inserted into the inner periphery of the winding roll 16, a driving mechanism that rotates the rotating shaft, and a torque limiter that causes the winding roll 16 to rotate idly so that the tension of the second marginal portion 2c wound around the winding roll 16 does not exceed a predetermined tension. The downstream end of the medium 2 in the transport direction is fixed to the rotating shaft.

[0043] In this embodiment, the portion of medium 2 that becomes portion to be cut 2a and first marginal portion 2b is a first medium portion that is a portion of medium 2 that is located on one side in the width direction of medium 2 with cut lines CL11-CL14 as the boundary, and the first medium portion is stored in storage portion 15. In addition, second marginal portion 2c is a second medium portion that is a portion of medium 2 that is located on the other side in the width direction of medium 2 with cut lines CL11-CL14 as the boundary, and medium winding mechanism 26 winds up the second medium portion.

[0044] (Configuration of cutting mechanism, second cutting mechanism, and peripheral parts) FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the E portion in FIG. 1. FIG. 4(A) is a perspective view of a part of the carriage 34 of the cutting mechanism 7 shown in FIG. 3 and the medium pressing member 44, and FIG. 4(B) is a plan view of the tip side part of the cutter blade 38 of the cutting mechanism 7 shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 5(A) is a front view of the medium pressing member 44 shown in FIG. 4(A), and FIG. 5(B) is a plan view of the medium pressing member 44 shown in FIG. 4(A). FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a part of the support frame 35 and the second cutting mechanism 8 shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 7 is a side view of a part of the support frame 35, a part of the cutting platen 31, the second cutting mechanism 8, and the like shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 8 is a view for explaining the action of the guide member 29 shown in FIG. 3.

[0045] The cutting mechanism 7 is disposed downstream of the second cutting mechanism 8 in the transport direction of the medium 2. That is, the second cutting mechanism 8 is disposed upstream of the cutting mechanism 7 in the transport direction of the medium 2. Also, the second cutting mechanism 8 is disposed downstream of the tension bar 9 in the transport direction of the medium 2. The printing mechanism 3 is disposed upstream of the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8 in the transport direction of the medium 2. As described above, the cutting mechanism 7 is disposed below the second cutting mechanism 8. The cutting platen 31 is disposed behind the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8, and the cutting platen 31 faces the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8 from the rear side. That is, the printing device 1 includes the cutting platen 31 that faces the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8 from the rear side.

[0046] The cutting platen 31 has a facing portion 31a disposed opposite the cutting mechanism 7, and a second facing portion 31b disposed opposite the second cutting mechanism 8. A guide member 29 is attached to the cutting platen 31 to guide the portion to be cut 2a and the first marginal portion 2b in a direction away from the second marginal portion 2c. In other words, the printing device 1 has a guide member 29 that guides the portion to be cut 2a and the first marginal portion 2b in a direction away from the second marginal portion 2c. The guide member 29 is fixed to the front lower end portion of the cutting platen 31.

[0047] At the location where the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8 are installed, the medium 2 is transported downward along the front surface of the cutting platen 31, passing between the second cutting mechanism 8 and the second opposing portion 31b, and between the cutting mechanism 7 and the opposing portion 31a. The tension bar 9 is disposed downstream of the print platen 24 and upstream of the cutting platen 31 in the transport direction of the medium 2. The cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8 are disposed downstream of the tension bar 9 in the transport direction of the medium 2.

[0048] A second medium transport mechanism 30 that transports the long medium 2 in the longitudinal direction of the medium 2 is disposed between the tension bar 9 and the second cutting mechanism 8 in the transport direction of the medium 2. That is, the printing device 1 includes the second medium transport mechanism 30 that transports the medium 2, and the second medium transport mechanism 30 is disposed downstream of the tension bar 9 in the transport direction of the medium 2. Specifically, a transport roller 32 and a pad roller 33 (see FIG. 3) that configure the second medium transport mechanism 30 are disposed between the tension bar 9 and the second cutting mechanism 8 in the transport direction of the medium 2.

[0049] The transport roller 32 and the pad roller 33 are disposed above the second cutting mechanism 8. The pad roller 33 is disposed facing the transport roller 32 from the front side and is biased toward the transport roller 32. The transport roller 32 is connected to a drive mechanism that rotates the transport roller 32. The medium 2 is transported while being sandwiched between the transport roller 32 and the pad roller 33.

[0050] The cutting mechanism 7 includes a cutter blade 38 (see FIG. 4(B)) for cutting the medium 2, a cutter holder 39 to which the cutter blade 38 is fixed, a carriage 34 as a cutting carriage that holds the cutter holder 39 so that the cutter holder 39 can move in the front-rear direction, and a holder drive mechanism such as a solenoid that moves the cutter holder 39 in the front-rear direction relative to the carriage 34. The cutter blade 38 is held by the carriage 34 via the cutter holder 39. As shown in FIG. 4(B), the cutter blade 38 is a single-edged blade with a sharp cutting edge. Note that the cutter blade 38 is not shown in FIG. 4(A).

[0051] The cutting mechanism 7 also includes a support frame 35 that supports the carriage 34 so as to enable movement in the left-right direction (width direction of the medium 2), and a carriage drive mechanism 36 as a cutting carriage drive mechanism that moves the carriage 34 in the left-right direction relative to the support frame 35. The support frame 35 is an elongated frame that is long and narrow in the left-right direction. Both left-right ends of the support frame 35 are fixed to the front ends of side plates 37. The rear end of the side plates 37 is fixed to the support body 4. The carriage drive mechanism 36 includes, for example, a belt that is partially fixed to the carriage 34, a pulley around which the belt is stretched, and a motor for rotating the pulley.

[0052] The cutting mechanism 7 also includes a media pressing member 44 for pressing the medium 2 toward the facing portion 31a of the cutting platen 31. The media pressing member 44 is attached to the carriage 34. Specifically, the media pressing member 44 is attached to the rear surface of the carriage 34 and faces the facing portion 31a from the front side. The rear surface of the media pressing member 44 is a facing surface 44a that faces the facing portion 31a. That is, the media pressing member 44 is formed with a facing surface 44a that faces the facing portion 31a. The media pressing member 44 is formed with a through hole 44b in which a part of the cutter blade 38 is disposed, and a through hole 44c for passing light emitted by a light emitting portion of a sensor 56 (described later) mounted on the carriage 34 and light directed toward a light receiving portion of the sensor 56. The through holes 44b and 44c penetrate the media pressing member 44 in the front-rear direction. Note that the media pressing member 44 is not shown in FIG. 3.

[0053] Both ends of the facing surface 44a in the left-right direction are inclined surfaces 44d, 44e that incline toward the front as they move outward in the left-right direction. That is, both ends of the facing surface 44a in the left-right direction are inclined surfaces 44d, 44e that incline toward the side away from the facing portion 31a as they move outward in the left-right direction. The inclined surfaces 44d, 44e are formed in a flat shape. The portion of the facing surface 44a between the inclined surfaces 44d and 44e is a flat medium pressing surface 44f that is perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The medium pressing surface 44f is formed in a rectangular shape.

[0054] In this embodiment, when the carriage 34 moves to one side in the left-right direction (width direction of the medium 2), the cutter blade 38 cuts the medium 2. If the moving direction of the carriage 34 when the cutter blade 38 cuts the medium 2 is defined as the first direction side, and the opposite side to the first direction side is defined as the second direction side, the inclined surface 44d is formed at the end of the facing surface 44a on the first direction side, and is inclined toward the side away from the facing part 31a (i.e., toward the front side) as it approaches the first direction side. The inclined surface 44d is disposed on the first direction side of the cutter blade 38. The inclined surface 44e is formed at the end of the facing surface 44a on the second direction side, and is inclined toward the side away from the facing part 31a (i.e., toward the front side) as it approaches the second direction side.

[0055] When viewed from the top-bottom direction, the inclination angle of inclined surface 44d with respect to the left-right direction is smaller than the inclination angle of inclined surface 44e with respect to the left-right direction. The inclination angle of inclined surface 44d with respect to the left-right direction when viewed from the top-bottom direction is, for example, about 40°, and the inclination angle of inclined surface 44e with respect to the left-right direction when viewed from the top-bottom direction is, for example, about 45°. When viewed from the top-bottom direction, the length of inclined surface 44d is longer than the length of inclined surface 44e.

[0056] The end of the medium pressing member 44 on the first direction side where the inclined surface 44d is formed is an inclined surface forming portion 44g. The lower end of the inclined surface forming portion 44g is an inclined surface 44h that slopes upward as it approaches the first direction side. In other words, the downstream end of the inclined surface forming portion 44g in the transport direction of the medium 2 is an inclined surface 44h that slopes upstream in the transport direction of the medium 2 as it approaches the first direction side.

[0057] The carriage 34 is equipped with a sensor 56 (see FIG. 10) for detecting a cutting position mark M1, which will be described later, printed on the medium 2. That is, the printing device 1 is equipped with a sensor (register sensor) 56 for detecting the cutting position mark M1 printed on the medium 2. The sensor 56 is a reflective optical sensor, and includes a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit that receives light emitted from the light-emitting unit and reflected by the medium 2. The light-emitting unit of the sensor 56 emits light toward the rear. The sensor 56 is electrically connected to a cutting control unit 63, which will be described later.

[0058] The second cutting mechanism 8 is equipped with a cutter blade that cuts the medium 2. The cutter blade is, for example, a single-edged blade with a sharp cutting edge. The second cutting mechanism 8 also includes a cutter holder 41 that is attached to the support frame 35 so that the cutter blade is fixed and can move in the left-right direction, and a clamp mechanism 42 for fixing the cutter holder 41 to the support frame 35. The fixed position of the cutter blade relative to the cutter holder 41 in the front-rear direction can be manually adjusted.

[0059] The support frame 35 is formed with a guide portion 35a for guiding the cutter holder 41 in the left-right direction. The guide portion 35a is formed in an elongated shape that is long and narrow in the left-right direction. When viewed from the left-right direction, the shape of the guide portion 35a is, for example, an L shape. The cutter holder 41 is formed with an engagement portion 41a that engages with the guide portion 35a. The engagement portion 41a is capable of contacting the guide portion 35a from both sides in the front-rear direction and both sides in the up-down direction.

[0060] The clamp mechanism 42 is attached to the cutter holder 41. The clamp mechanism 42 is, for example, a clamp mechanism using an eccentric cam. The clamp mechanism 42 includes a lever 43 that can rotate with respect to the cutter holder 41 with the left-right direction as the axis of rotation. The lever 43 can rotate between a clamp position where the engagement portion 41a of the cutter holder 41 contacts the guide portion 35a with a predetermined contact pressure, and an unclamped position where a gap is formed between the engagement portion 41a and the guide portion 35a. In this embodiment, the operator of the printing device 1 moves the cutter holder 41 along the guide portion 35a to a predetermined position with the lever 43 in the unclamped position, and then rotates the lever 43 to the clamped position to fix the cutter holder 41 to the support frame 35.

[0061] The length of the guide portion 35a in the left-right direction is shorter than the length of the support frame 35 in the left-right direction (see FIG. 6). A gap is formed between one end (for example, the left end) of the guide portion 35a in the left-right direction and the side plate 37. This gap is wider than the width of the second cutting mechanism 8 in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, this gap can be used to attach the second cutting mechanism 8 to the support frame 35 or to remove the second cutting mechanism 8 from the support frame 35. Specifically, the second cutting mechanism 8 can be attached to the support frame 35 by moving the second cutting mechanism 8 arranged in the gap to the right and engaging the engaging portion 41a with the guide portion 35a. In addition, the second cutting mechanism 8 can be removed from the support frame 35 by moving the second cutting mechanism 8 to the left side until the gap.

[0062] Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to change the number of second cutting mechanisms 8 attached to the support frame 35. For example, as shown in FIG. 2(A), when two cut lines CL11, CL12 along the transport direction of the medium 2 are formed on the medium 2 by the second cutting mechanism 8, two second cutting mechanisms 8 are attached to predetermined positions on the support frame 35. Also, as shown in FIG. 2(B), when four cut lines CL11 to CL14 along the transport direction of the medium 2 are formed on the medium 2 by the second cutting mechanism 8, four second cutting mechanisms 8 are attached to predetermined positions on the support frame 35.

[0063] The drive mechanism for rotating the transport roller 32, the transport roller 32, and the cutting platen 31 are attached to the side plate 37. The pad roller 33 is attached to the support frame 35. As described above, the support frame 35 is fixed to the side plate 37, and the side plate 37 is fixed to the support 4. The side plate 37 is fixed to the support 4 by screws. Therefore, in this embodiment, the unit including the cutting mechanism 7, the second cutting mechanism 8, the second media transport mechanism 30, and the cutting platen 31 is detachable from the support 4. In this embodiment, the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8 are fixed to the support 4 via the side plate 37, and the printing mechanism 3, the cutting mechanism 7, and the second cutting mechanism 8 are attached to the same support 4.

[0064] Guide member 29 is disposed below cutting mechanism 7. Guide member 29 is disposed between cutting mechanism 7 and storage unit 15 in the transport direction of medium 2. That is, guide member 29 is disposed between second cutting mechanism 8 and storage unit 15 in the transport direction of medium 2. Cutting mechanism 7 is disposed between second cutting mechanism 8 and guide member 29 in the transport direction of medium 2. Guide member 29 is disposed at a position where cut portion 2a and first marginal portion 2b are formed in the left-right direction.

[0065] As described above, the medium winding unit 17 is disposed behind the cutting mechanism 7 and the storage unit 15. The second marginal portion 2c moves from the lower end of the front surface of the cutting platen 31 toward the rear side. Meanwhile, the storage unit 15 is disposed below the cutting mechanism 7, and the portion to be cut out 2a and the first marginal portion 2b move downward. The guide member 29 guides the portion to be cut out 2a and the first marginal portion 2b toward the front-bottom side so that the portion to be cut out 2a and the first marginal portion 2b move away from the second marginal portion 2c. That is, the guide member 29 guides the portion to be cut out 2a and the first marginal portion 2b in the front-rear direction, which is the thickness direction of the medium 2, in a direction away from the second marginal portion 2c.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 3, the guide member 29 includes a fixed member 58 fixed to the cutting platen 31, and a contact member 59 that contacts the cut-out portion 2a and the first marginal portion 2b. The fixed member 58 is fixed to the cutting platen 31 below the opposing portion 31a. The fixed member 58 is also fixed to the front lower end of the cutting platen 31. The contact member 59 is attached to the fixed member 58. The front surface of the contact member 59 is disposed forward of the front surface of the cutting platen 31. The front surface of the contact member 59 is, for example, a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The cut-out portion 2a and the first marginal portion 2b pass in front of the contact member 59.

[0067] The attachment position of the contact member 59 relative to the fixed member 58 in the front-rear direction is adjustable. That is, the attachment position of the contact member 59 relative to the fixed member 58 in the thickness direction of the medium 2 is adjustable. The contact member 59 is fixed to the fixed member 58 by, for example, a bolt and a nut. The fixed member 58 has an oblong bolt insertion hole with the front-rear direction as the longitudinal direction.

[0068] According to the investigations of the present inventors, if guide member 29 is not installed, when second marginal portion 2c, which is taken up by media winding mechanism 26 and moves toward media winding section 17, tilts toward portion to be cut 2a moving toward storage section 15, as shown in Figure 8 (B), at a predetermined position P downstream of cutting mechanism 7 in the transport direction of medium 2, the end face of portion to be cut 2a and the end face of second marginal portion 2c may come into contact with each other with excessive contact pressure, which may cause wrinkles to be generated in portion to be cut 2a or a jam in which portion to be cut 2a or second marginal portion 2c becomes clogged.

[0069] In this embodiment, a guide member 29 is provided, and the guide member 29 guides the cut-out portion 2a in a direction away from the second marginal portion 2c. Therefore, even if the second marginal portion 2c, which is taken up by the medium take-up mechanism 26 and moves toward the medium take-up portion 17, is tilted toward the cut-out portion 2a moving toward the storage portion 15, it is possible to prevent the end face of the cut-out portion 2a, which is guided in a direction away from the second marginal portion 2c, from coming into contact with the end face of the second marginal portion 2c with excessive contact pressure. When the guide member 29 is provided, the cut-out portion 2a and the second marginal portion 2c are separated in the front-rear direction at the predetermined position P, and the end of the second marginal portion 2c overlaps with the cut-out portion 2a when viewed from the front side (see FIG. 8(A)).

[0070] (Configuration of tension applying mechanism) FIG. 9 is a side view of the first sensor 48 and the second sensor 49 for detecting the position of the tension bar 9 shown in FIG.

[0071] In addition to the tension bar 9, the tension applying mechanism 10 is equipped with a tension coil spring 46 (see FIG. 3) as a biasing member that biases the tension bar 9 in a direction pressing the tension bar 9 against the medium 2, and a bar holder 47 that movably holds the tension bar 9. The tension applying mechanism 10 is also equipped with a first sensor 48 and a second sensor 49 for detecting the position of the tension bar 9. The tension bar 9 is disposed rearward of the front surface of the cutting platen 31. The tension bar 9 is also disposed rearward of the lower end of the guide surface 25a of the after platen 25.

[0072] The tension bar 9 includes a support shaft 50 formed in an elongated cylindrical shape, and a roller 51 rotatably held by the support shaft 50. The support shaft 50 is disposed so that the axial direction of the support shaft 50 coincides with the left-right direction. The roller 51 is formed in an elongated cylindrical shape in the left-right direction. The length of the roller 51 (length in the left-right direction) is shorter than the length of the support shaft 50 (length in the left-right direction). The support shaft 50 is inserted into the inner periphery of the roller 51, and the roller 51 is rotatable relative to the support shaft 50 with the left-right direction as the axial direction of the rotation. The roller 51 is in contact with the front side of the medium 2. Both ends of the support shaft 50 protrude outward in the left-right direction from both ends of the roller 51.

[0073] The bar holding portion 47 supports both ends of the support shaft 50. The bar holding portion 47 is formed on a support member 52 disposed on both left and right sides of the roller 51. The rear end of the support member 52 is fixed to the support body 4. The bar holding portion 47 is formed with a guide groove 47a into which the end of the support shaft 50 is inserted. The guide groove 47a is formed in a straight line (slit shape) with the longitudinal direction being the front-rear direction. The support shaft 50 is movable in the front-rear direction along the guide groove 47a. That is, the tension bar 9 is movable in the front-rear direction relative to the bar holding portion 47.

[0074] The tension coil spring 46 is disposed on both sides of the roller 51 in the left-right direction. One end of the tension coil spring 46 engages with an end of the support shaft 50, and the other end of the tension coil spring 46 engages with the support member 52. The tension coil spring 46 biases the tension bar 9 toward the rear. That is, the rear side (X2 direction side) in this embodiment is the biasing direction side of the tension bar 9 by the tension coil spring 46. The front side (X1 direction side) is the opposite side to the biasing direction side, and the tension bar 9 is movable with respect to the bar holder 47 between the biasing direction side of the tension bar 9 by the tension coil spring 46 and the opposite side to the biasing direction side.

[0075] The first sensor 48 and the second sensor 49 are transmissive optical sensors having a light emitting section and a light receiving section, and the light emitting section and the light receiving section are arranged facing each other with a gap therebetween. The first sensor 48 and the second sensor 49 are attached to a support member 52. The first sensor 48 and the second sensor 49 are arranged with a gap therebetween in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, the first sensor 48 is arranged on the rear side, and the second sensor 49 is arranged on the front side. A light shielding member 53 is fixed to the support shaft 50 via a predetermined member. The light shielding member 53 is formed with a light shielding section 53a capable of shielding the light emitting section and the light receiving section of the first sensor 48, and a light shielding section 53b capable of shielding the light emitting section and the light receiving section of the second sensor 49.

[0076] As described above, the first sensor 48 is disposed behind the second sensor 49 and serves to detect the position of the tension bar 9 on the rear side. Meanwhile, the second sensor 49 serves to detect the position of the tension bar 9 on the front side. That is, the first sensor 48 serves to detect the position of the tension bar 9 on the side in the biasing direction of the tension bar 9 by the tension coil spring 46, and the second sensor 49 serves to detect the position of the tension bar 9 on the opposite side to the biasing direction.

[0077] In this embodiment, the medium conveying mechanism 5 and the second medium conveying mechanism 30 are controlled based on the detection results of the first sensor 48 and the second sensor 49 so that the tension bar 9 is positioned within a predetermined range in the front-to-rear direction. That is, the conveyance amount of the medium 2 by the medium conveying mechanism 5 and the conveyance amount of the medium 2 by the second medium conveying mechanism 30 are controlled based on the detection results of the first sensor 48 and the second sensor 49 so that the tension of the medium 2 is within a predetermined range. Specifically, the conveyance amount of the medium 2 is controlled based on the detection results of the first sensor 48 and the second sensor 49 so that the tension bar 9 is positioned at a position where the light shielding portion 53a shields the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the first sensor 48 and the light shielding portion 53b shields the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the second sensor 49.

[0078] (Method of printing and cutting the media) FIG. 10 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the printing device 1 shown in FIG.

[0079] In the printing device 1 of this embodiment, after printing on the medium 2 with the printing mechanism 3, the medium 2 is cut by the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8 to cut out the portion to be cut out 2a. In this embodiment, the medium 2 that has passed the after platen 25 after printing moves toward the tension bar 9 as shown by the solid line in FIG. 1. When cutting out the portion to be cut out 2a, the second medium transport mechanism 30 transports the medium 2 on the cutting platen 31, and the second cutting mechanism 8 forms cut lines CL11 to CL14 on the medium 2 that are aligned with the medium transport direction. In addition, while the medium 2 on the cutting platen 31 is stopped, the carriage 34 moves left and right, and the cutting mechanism 7 forms a cut line CL1 that is parallel to the medium width direction (left and right direction).

[0080] If the cut position in the medium transport direction of the medium 2 that is cut linearly in the left-right direction by the cutting mechanism 7 after printing (i.e. the position where the cut line CL1 is formed in the medium transport direction) is defined as the medium cut position, the printing mechanism 3 prints an image on the medium 2 as shown in Fig. 2, and also prints a cut position mark (register mark) M1 for identifying the medium cut position on the medium 2. The printing mechanism 3 prints the cut position mark M1 on one end of the medium 2 in the left-right direction.

[0081] The cutting position mark M1 is a straight line (line segment) parallel to the left-right direction, and is printed in a portion of the medium 2 that will become the second margin 2c. The cutting position mark M1 is printed at a position a fixed distance downstream in the transport direction from the medium cutting position. In other words, the printing mechanism 3 prints multiple cutting position marks M1 at positions a fixed distance downstream in the transport direction from each of the multiple medium cutting positions. The multiple cutting position marks M1 are printed at the same position in the left-right direction.

[0082] In addition, if the cutting range in the medium width direction (left-right direction) of the medium 2 at the medium cutting position (i.e., the range where the cut line CL1 is formed in the left-right direction) is defined as the medium cutting range, and the cutting position in the left-right direction of the medium 2 that is cut linearly in the transport direction of the medium 2 by the second cutting mechanism 8 after printing (i.e., the position where the cut lines CL11 to CL14 are formed in the left-right direction) is defined as the second medium cutting position, a personal computer (PC) 61 electrically connected to the printing device 1 creates image data, which is data for the image to be printed on the medium 2 (specifically, the image to be printed on the cut-out portion 2a), cut position data, which is data for identifying the medium cutting position, mark printing data, which is data for printing the cut position mark M1, cut range data, which is data for identifying the medium cutting range, and second cut position data, which is data for identifying the second medium cutting position.

[0083] For example, an operator of the printing device 1 creates these data on the display of the PC 61. Software for creating images and the like is installed in the PC 61. In this embodiment, a printing system is configured by the printing device 1 and the PC 61. When these data are created in the PC 61, the operator, for example, while checking the second medium cutting position displayed on the display of the PC 61, adjusts the position of the second cutting mechanism 8 in the left-right direction and fixes the second cutting mechanism 8 to the support frame 35.

[0084] Furthermore, when the operator performs a predetermined operation on the PC 61, the PC 61 transmits the created image data, cutting position data, mark printing data, and cutting range data to the print control unit 62, which is the control unit of the print mechanism 3, and the print control unit 62 receives these data. In other words, the print mechanism 3 receives these data. The mark printing data includes mark position data, which is data for specifying the left-right position of the cut position mark M1.

[0085] The print control unit 62, which has received the image data, the cutting position data, the data for printing marks, and the cutting range data, corrects the cutting position data, the cutting range data, and the mark position data based on data on the left-right position of the medium 2 held by the print control unit 62, and transmits the corrected cutting position data, cutting range data, and mark position data to the cutting control unit 63, which is the control unit of the cutting mechanism 7, and the cutting control unit 63 receives these data. In other words, the cutting mechanism 7 receives these data.

[0086] The cutting control unit 63, which has received the cutting position data, cutting range data, and mark position data, moves the carriage 34 to a position where the sensor 56 can detect the cutting position mark M1 based on the mark position data. That is, the carriage drive mechanism 36 moves the carriage 34 to a position where the sensor 56 can detect the cutting position mark M1 based on the mark position data. When the medium 2 is cut by the cutting mechanism 7, this position becomes the reference position of the carriage 34, and the carriage 34 starts moving from this position. In this state, the printing mechanism 3 prints an image on the medium 2 based on the image data, and prints the cutting position mark M1 on the medium 2 based on the mark printing data.

[0087] Furthermore, the cutting mechanism 7 cuts the medium 2 based on the cutting range data. When the cutting mechanism 7 cuts the medium 2, the medium 2 is stopped on the cutting platen 31. The stopping position of the medium 2 is controlled based on the detection result of the sensor 56 and the cutting position data. Specifically, after the sensor 56 detects the cutting position mark M1, when the medium 2 is transported a predetermined amount by the second medium transport mechanism 30, the medium 2 stops and the cutting mechanism 7 cuts the medium 2.

[0088] In this embodiment, when the light-shielding portion 53a of the light-shielding member 53 shields the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion of the first sensor 48 and the light-shielding portion 53b shields the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion of the second sensor 49, the carriage 34 can move in the left-right direction. That is, when the cutting mechanism 7 forms the cut line CL1, the tension bar 9 is disposed at a position where the light-shielding portion 53a shields the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion of the first sensor 48 and the light-shielding portion 53b shields the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion of the second sensor 49. Also, in this embodiment, even if the tension bar 9 moves within a predetermined range in the front-rear direction, the state where the light-shielding portion 53a shields the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion of the first sensor 48 and the light-shielding portion 53b shields the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion of the second sensor 49 is maintained.

[0089] [Embodiment 2] (Configuration of printing device, and media printing and cutting methods) Fig. 11 is a diagram for explaining a method for printing and cutting a medium 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 12 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration of a printer 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] The printing device 1 of this embodiment prints on a long medium 2 that is cut after printing, similarly to the printing device 1 of the first embodiment. In the printing device 1 of the first embodiment, the printing mechanism 3 prints on the medium 2, and the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8 cut the medium 2. In contrast, in this embodiment, for example, the medium 2 is composed of a mount and a seal material peelably attached to the mount, and in addition to printing on the medium 2 by the printing mechanism 3 and cutting the medium 2 by the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8, the printing device 1 half-cuts the medium 2 by cutting only the seal material into a predetermined shape according to an image printed on the seal material of the medium 2. The configuration of the printing device 1 of this embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0091] The printing mechanism 3 of this embodiment includes a cutting head 66 (see FIG. 1) for half-cutting the medium 2. The cutting head 66 is mounted on the carriage 21 and is movable in the left-right direction. The cutting head 66 includes, for example, a cutter blade, a cutter holder that rotatably holds the cutter blade so that the cutter blade can rotate about the axial direction of rotation in the up-down direction, and an elevation mechanism that raises and lowers the cutter holder. The half-cut of the medium 2 by the cutting head 66 is performed after printing on the medium 2.

[0092] If the portion of the medium 2 that is half-cut by the cutting head 66 is defined as a half-cut line CL2, then the half-cut line CL2 surrounding the image is formed on the medium 2 after it has been half-cut by the cutting head 66, as shown in Fig. 11, for example. When half-cutting the medium 2, the medium 2 is transported on both sides in the medium transport direction, that is, toward the downstream side in the transport direction and toward the upstream side in the transport direction.

[0093] When the medium 2 is sandwiched between the stopped transport roller 32 and pad roller 33, the medium transport mechanism 5 cannot transport the medium 2 upstream in the transport direction by more than a predetermined amount. Even if it were possible to retract the pad roller 33 and create a situation in which the medium 2 is not sandwiched between the transport roller 32 and pad roller 33, if the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8 cut the medium 2 in a situation in which the medium 2 is transported to both sides in the medium transport direction, there is a risk that the medium 2 cannot be cut appropriately in the medium width direction and the medium transport direction due to the influence of the medium 2 being transported upstream in the transport direction.

[0094] Therefore, in this embodiment, the medium 2 after printing and half-cutting is not cut by the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8, but is once wound into a roll by the medium winding mechanism 26, and then the operator removes the rolled medium 2 from the medium winding unit 17 and attaches it to the medium feeding unit 14. The medium 2 after printing and half-cutting that has been wound into a roll is again fed from the medium feeding unit 14 and cut by the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8. In other words, if the medium 2 after printing by the printing mechanism 3 and removed from the medium winding unit 17 is the printed medium, the printed medium wound into a roll is attached to the medium removal unit 14. The cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8 cut the printed medium.

[0095] In this embodiment, the downstream end in the transport direction of the medium 2 when printing and half-cutting are performed becomes the upstream end in the transport direction of the medium 2 when cutting is performed by the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8, and the upstream end in the transport direction of the medium 2 when printing and half-cutting are performed becomes the downstream end in the transport direction of the medium 2 when cutting is performed by the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8. In addition, the right end of the medium 2 when printing and half-cutting are performed becomes the left end of the medium 2 when cutting is performed by the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8, and the left end of the medium 2 when printing and half-cutting are performed becomes the right end of the medium 2 when cutting is performed by the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8.

[0096] Note that Figure 11(A) is a diagram for explaining the state of the upstream end of the medium 2 in the transport direction after printing and half cutting are completed and before it is removed from the medium winding unit 17, and Figure 11(B) is a diagram for explaining the state of the downstream end of the medium 2 in the transport direction attached to the medium pay-out unit 14 after it has been removed from the medium winding unit 17 after printing and half cutting are completed.

[0097] In this embodiment, when printing and half-cutting of the medium 2 are performed, the medium 2 is not cut by the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8, so the medium 2 that has passed through the after platen 25 after printing and half-cutting passes in front of the cutting mechanism 7, the second cutting mechanism 8, and the tension applying mechanism 10, as shown by the two-dot chain lines in Fig. 1, passes below the cutting mechanism 7, and is then taken up by the medium take-up mechanism 26. On the other hand, when the medium 2 is cut by the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8, the medium 2 that has passed through the after platen 25 moves toward the tension bar 9 (see the solid line in Fig. 1), as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, when the medium 2 is cut by the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8, the medium 2 passes over the print platen 24.

[0098] In this embodiment, when printing and half-cutting of the medium 2 are performed, the medium winding unit 17 holds the winding roll 16 on which the medium 2 after printing and half-cutting is wound into a roll. On the other hand, when cutting of the medium 2 is performed by the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8, the medium winding unit 17 holds the winding roll 16 on which the second margin 2c is wound into a roll, as in the first embodiment.

[0099] In this embodiment, the carriage 21 of the printing mechanism 3 is equipped with a sensor 67 (see FIG. 12) for detecting a first cutting range mark M11 and a second cutting range mark M12, which will be described later, printed on the medium 2. That is, the printing device 1 is provided with the sensor 67 for detecting the first cutting range mark M11 and the second cutting range mark M12, and the sensor 67 is disposed upstream of the cutting mechanism 7 in the transport direction. The sensor 67 is a reflective optical sensor similar to the sensor 56, and includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit that receives light emitted from the light emitting unit and reflected by the medium 2. The light emitting unit of the sensor 67 emits light downward. The sensor 67 is electrically connected to the print control unit 62.

[0100] As in embodiment 1, if the media cutting range is the left-right cutting range of the medium 2 at the media cutting position (i.e., the range in which the cut line CL1 is formed in the left-right direction), the printing mechanism 3 in this embodiment prints an image and a mark M1 for the cutting position on the medium 2, and also prints on the medium 2 a mark M11 for the first cutting range arranged at a position corresponding to one end of the medium cutting range in the left-right direction, a mark M12 for the second cutting range arranged at a position corresponding to the other end of the medium cutting range in the left-right direction, and an origin identification mark M2 for identifying the origin.

[0101] As in the first embodiment, the cutting position mark M1 is a straight line (line segment) parallel to the left-right direction, and the printing mechanism 3 prints the cutting position mark M1 at one end in the left-right direction of the medium 2 that becomes the second margin 2c. Also, the cutting position mark M1 in this embodiment is printed at a position a fixed distance upstream in the transport direction from the medium cutting position (see FIG. 11(A)). That is, the printing mechanism 3 prints multiple cutting position marks M1 at positions a fixed distance upstream in the transport direction from each of the multiple medium cutting positions.

[0102] The first cutting range mark M11 and the second cutting range mark M12 are straight lines (line segments) parallel to the medium transport direction. The printing mechanism 3 prints the first cutting range mark M11 and the second cutting range mark M12 on the upstream end in the transport direction of the medium 2 taken up by the medium take-up unit 17. For example, as shown in Fig. 11, when two cut-out portions 2a are arranged side by side in the width direction of the medium 2, the printing mechanism 3 prints two first cutting range marks M11 and two second cutting range marks M12.

[0103] In this embodiment, the printing mechanism 3 prints a first cutting range mark M11 on the left-right inner side of one end of the medium cutting range in the left-right direction, and prints a second cutting range mark M12 on the left-right inner side of the other end of the medium cutting range in the left-right direction. Also, as in the first embodiment, if the cutting position in the left-right direction of the medium 2 cut linearly in the medium transport direction by the second cutting mechanism 8 (i.e., the position where the cutting lines CL11 to CL14 are formed in the left-right direction) is defined as the second medium cutting position, the printing mechanism 3 prints the first cutting range mark M11 and the second cutting range mark M12 at the same position in the left-right direction as the second medium cutting position.

[0104] In addition to printing the mark M11 for the first cutting range and the mark M12 for the second cutting range on the upstream end in the transport direction of the medium 2 wound around the medium winding section 17, the printing mechanism 3 may also print the mark M11 for the first cutting range and the mark M12 for the second cutting range in the first margin section 2b at a predetermined pitch in the medium transport direction.

[0105] The origin identifying mark M2 is a straight line (line segment) parallel to the medium transport direction. The printing mechanism 3 prints the origin identifying mark M2 on the upstream end in the transport direction of the medium 2 taken up by the medium take-up unit 17. For example, the downstream end in the transport direction of the origin identifying mark M2 is connected to the inner left-right end of the cutting position mark M1 printed most upstream in the transport direction, and the origin identifying mark M2 is printed on one left-right end of the medium 2 that becomes the second margin 2c.

[0106] In this embodiment, before printing and half-cutting of the medium 2, the PC 61 creates image data which is data for an image to be printed on the medium 2 (specifically, an image to be printed on the cut-out portion 2a), half-cut data which is data for half-cutting the medium 2, cut position data which is data for specifying the medium cut position, first mark printing data which is data for printing the cut position mark M1 on the medium 2, cut range data which is data for specifying the medium cut range, and second cut position data which is data for specifying the second medium cut position. In addition, before printing and half-cutting of the medium 2, the PC 61 creates second mark printing data which is data for printing the first cut range mark M11 and the second cut range mark M12 on the medium 2, and third mark printing data which is data for printing the origin specifying mark M2 on the medium 2.

[0107] For example, the operator of the printing device 1 creates these data on the display of the PC 61. After these data are created in the PC 61, when the operator performs a predetermined operation on the PC 61, the PC 61 transmits the created image data, data for half cutting, cutting position data, data for printing the first mark, data for printing the second mark, data for printing the third mark, and cutting range data to the print control unit 62, and the print control unit 62 receives these data. In other words, the printing mechanism 3 receives these data.

[0108] The printing mechanism 3 that has received the data prints an image on the medium 2 based on the image data, prints a plurality of cutting position marks M1 on the medium 2 based on the data for printing first marks, prints a first cutting range mark M11 and a second cutting range mark M12 based on the data for printing second marks, and prints an origin specifying mark M2 based on the data for printing third marks. In addition, after printing on the medium 2, the printing mechanism 3 half-cuts the medium 2 based on the data for half-cutting. As described above, when printing and half-cutting the medium 2 are performed, the medium 2 is set so that after printing and half-cutting, the medium 2 that has passed through the after platen 25 passes in front of the cutting mechanism 7, the second cutting mechanism 8, and the tension applying mechanism 10 and below the cutting mechanism 7 before being wound by the medium winding mechanism 26.

[0109] After printing and partial cutting, the medium 2 is wound into a roll by the medium winding mechanism 26 and removed from the medium winding unit 17 by the operator. The rolled medium 2 after printing and partial cutting and removed from the medium winding unit 17 is attached to the medium feeding unit 14 by the operator. The rolled medium 2 attached to the medium feeding unit 14 is pulled out by the operator, and the end of the medium 2 on the downstream side in the transport direction is placed on the print platen 24.

[0110] Thereafter, the sensor 67 detects the origin identifying mark M2 and also detects the cutting position mark M1 (i.e., the cutting position mark M1 printed furthest downstream in the transport direction) to which the upstream end of the origin identifying mark M2 is connected. The print control unit 62 identifies the origin position based on the detection result of the sensor 67. In this embodiment, for example, the position of the connection point between the origin identifying mark M2 and the cutting position mark M1 is the origin position of the medium 2. Thereafter, the sensor 67 detects the first cutting range mark M11 and the second cutting range mark M12. The sensor 67 in this embodiment is a second mark detection mechanism for detecting the first cutting range mark M11 and the second cutting range mark M12 printed on the medium after printing.

[0111] When the sensor 67 detects the origin specifying mark M2, the first cutting range mark M11, and the second cutting range mark M12, the carriage 21 moves in the left-right direction. When the sensor 67 detects the cutting position mark M1, the medium conveying mechanism 5 conveys the medium 2. Before the sensor 67 detects the origin specifying mark M2 and the cutting position mark M1, the position of the carriage 21 in the left-right direction and the position of the end of the medium 2 downstream in the conveying direction in the medium conveying direction are adjusted by an operator. Specifically, the carriage 21 is equipped with a laser pointer that emits laser light downward, and the operator adjusts the position of the carriage 21 and the position of the end of the medium 2 downstream in the conveying direction while checking the laser light irradiated from the laser pointer to the medium 2.

[0112] The print control unit 62 generates mark position data, which is data for identifying the left-right position of the cut position mark M1, based on the detection result of the cut position mark M1 by the sensor 67, and also corrects the cut range data based on the detection result of the first cut range mark M11 and the second cut range mark M12 by the sensor 67 to generate corrected cut range data. In addition, the print control unit 62 transmits the cut position data, the mark position data, and the corrected cut range data to the cutting control unit 63, and the cutting control unit 63 receives these data. In other words, the cutting mechanism 7 receives these data.

[0113] The cutting control unit 63, which has received the cutting position data, cutting range data, and mark position data, moves the carriage 34 to a position where the sensor 56 can detect the cutting position mark M1 based on the mark position data. That is, the carriage drive mechanism 36 moves the carriage 34 to a position where the sensor 56 can detect the cutting position mark M1 based on the mark position data received by the cutting mechanism 7. When the cutting mechanism 7 cuts the medium 2, this position becomes the reference position of the carriage 34, and the carriage 34 starts moving from this position.

[0114] Furthermore, the operator adjusts the position of the second cutting mechanism 8 in the left-right direction, for example, using the first cutting range mark M11 and the second cutting range mark M12 printed at the same position as the second medium cutting position in the left-right direction as guides, and fixes the second cutting mechanism 8 to the support frame 35. Thereafter, the second cutting mechanism 8 cuts the medium 2, and the cutting mechanism 7 cuts the medium 2.

[0115] As in the first embodiment, the second medium conveying mechanism 30 conveys the medium 2, and the second cutting mechanism 8 cuts the medium 2. The cutting mechanism 7 cuts the medium 2 based on the cutting range data. When the cutting mechanism 7 cuts the medium 2, the medium 2 on the cutting platen 31 is stopped. As in the first embodiment, in this embodiment, the stopping position of the medium 2 is controlled based on the detection result of the sensor 56 and the cutting position data. Specifically, after the sensor 56 detects the cutting position mark M1, when the medium 2 is conveyed a predetermined amount by the second medium conveying mechanism 30, the medium 2 stops and the cutting mechanism 7 cuts the medium 2. The sensor 56 in this embodiment is a first mark detection mechanism for detecting the cutting position mark M1 printed on the medium after printing. Note that when the cutting mechanism 7 cuts the medium 2, the cutting position mark M1 is located at a position a certain distance downstream in the conveying direction from the medium cutting position (see FIG. 11(B)).

[0116] Thus, in this embodiment, the cutting mechanism 7 cuts the medium 2 in the left-right direction based on cutting range data corrected based on the detection results of the first cutting range mark M11 and the second cutting range mark M12 by the sensor 67 (i.e., the cutting range data received by the cutting mechanism 7 from the print control unit 62) and the detection results of the sensor 56. That is, the cutting mechanism 7 cuts the medium 2 in the left-right direction based on the detection results of the sensors 56, 67.

[0117] When the first cutting range mark M11 and the second cutting range mark M12 are printed in the first margin 2b, the sensor 67 may again detect the origin identifying mark M2, the cutting position mark M1, the first cutting range mark M11, and the second cutting range mark M12 after cutting of the medium 2 is started by the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8. In this case, the print control unit 62 again generates mark position data, corrects the cutting range data, and transmits the cutting position data, the mark position data, and the corrected cutting range data to the cutting control unit 63.

[0118] (Main effects of this form) As described above, in the printing device 1 of this embodiment, the printing mechanism 3 prints multiple cut position marks M1 at positions a fixed distance upstream in the transport direction from each of the multiple medium cut positions based on the first mark printing data, and as described above, if the medium 2 after printing by the printing mechanism 3 and after being removed from the medium winding unit 17 is considered to be the printed medium, the printed medium that is attached to the medium removal unit 14 and re-spooled from the medium removal unit 14 has the cut position marks M1 positioned at positions a fixed distance downstream in the transport direction from each of the medium cut positions. Therefore, in this embodiment, even when the printed medium is re-spooled and cut in the medium width direction and the medium transport direction, it is possible to recognize the medium cut position based on the cut position marks M1.

[0119] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the printing mechanism 3 prints the first cutting range mark M11 and the second cutting range mark M12 based on the second mark printing data. Therefore, in this embodiment, even when a portion of the printed medium re-fed out from the medium removal unit 14 is cut in the medium width direction, it is possible to recognize the medium cutting range based on the first cutting range mark M11 and the second cutting range mark M12.

[0120] Thus, in this embodiment, even when the printed medium re-fed out from medium removal unit 14 is cut in the medium width direction and the medium transport direction, and even when a portion of the printed medium in the medium width direction is cut in the medium width direction, it is possible to recognize the medium cutting position and medium cutting range for appropriately cutting the printed medium in the medium width direction based on cutting position mark M1, first cutting range mark M11, and second cutting range mark M12. That is, in this embodiment, even when the printed medium is re-fed out and cut in the medium width direction and the medium transport direction, and even when a portion of the printed medium in the medium width direction is cut in the medium width direction, it is possible to print marks for appropriately cutting the printed medium in the medium width direction.

[0121] In this embodiment, when the printed medium is fed out again to be cut, if the PC 61 transmits predetermined data held therein to the print control unit 62 and the print control unit 62 transmits predetermined data to the cut control unit 63, it is possible to have the cutting mechanism 7 recognize the medium cutting position and medium cutting range for appropriately cutting the printed medium in the medium width direction. However, in this case, the PC 61 needs to continue to hold the data until the printed medium is fed out again to be cut. Also, in this case, it is necessary to associate the printed medium fed out again from the medium feed unit 14 with the data sent from the PC 61. In contrast, in this embodiment, if the PC 61 transmits data to the print mechanism 3 when printing is performed by the print mechanism 3, it is not necessary for the PC 61 to continue to hold the data. Also, in this embodiment, it is not necessary to associate the printed medium fed out again from the medium feed unit 14 with the data.

[0122] In this embodiment, the first cutting range mark M11 and the second cutting range mark M12 are printed at the same position as the second medium cutting position in the medium width direction. Therefore, in this embodiment, as described above, the operator can use the first cutting range mark M11 and the second cutting range mark M12 as guides to adjust the position of the second cutting mechanism 8 in the medium width direction and fix the second cutting mechanism 8 to the support frame 35.

[0123] In this embodiment, the printing mechanism 3, the cutting mechanism 7, and the second cutting mechanism 8 are attached to the same support 4. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to simplify the configuration of the printing device 1 compared to a case in which the support on which the printing mechanism 3 is attached and the support on which the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8 are attached are provided separately. Also, in this embodiment, since the printed medium wound in a roll is attached to the medium feeding unit 14, it is possible to simplify the configuration of the printing device 1 compared to a case in which a feeding unit to which the rolled printed medium is attached is provided separately in addition to the medium feeding unit 14.

[0124] In this embodiment, the sensor 67 is mounted on the carriage 21 of the printing mechanism 3. Therefore, in this embodiment, it becomes possible for the sensor 67 to detect the first cutting range mark M11, the second cutting range mark M12, etc., by utilizing the operation of the carriage 21. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to simplify the configuration of the printing device 1 compared to a case in which a carriage on which the sensor 67 is mounted is provided separately in addition to the carriage 21.

[0125] In this embodiment, the carriage drive mechanism 36 moves the carriage 34 to a position where the sensor 56 can detect the cutting position mark M1 based on the mark position data, and moves and stops the carriage 34 in advance to a position where the sensor 56 can detect the cutting position mark M1. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the cutting mechanism 7 cuts the medium after printing, the sensor 56 can quickly detect the cutting position data M1.

[0126] (Modification of the second embodiment) In the second embodiment, the first cutting range mark M11 and the second cutting range mark M12 are printed on a portion of the medium 2 that avoids the portion to be cut 2a, but a portion of the first cutting range mark M11 and a portion of the second cutting range mark M12 may be printed on the portion to be cut 2a. In this case, the length of the first cutting range mark M11 and the second cutting range mark M12 in the medium transport direction becomes longer, so that when adjusting the position of the second cutting mechanism 8 in the left-right direction using the first cutting range mark M11 and the second cutting range mark M12 as guides, it becomes easier to adjust the position of the second cutting mechanism 8.

[0127] In the second embodiment, the first cutting range mark M11 and the second cutting range mark M12 may be printed at a position shifted from the second medium cutting position in the left-right direction. For example, the first cutting range mark M11 may be printed at the same position as one end of the medium cutting range in the left-right direction, and the second cutting range mark M12 may be printed at the same position as the other end of the medium cutting range in the left-right direction. Also, the first cutting range mark M11 may be printed outside the one end of the medium cutting range in the left-right direction, and the second cutting range mark M12 may be printed outside the other end of the medium cutting range in the left-right direction. In these cases, a mark that serves as a guide when adjusting the position of the second cutting mechanism 8 in the left-right direction may be printed on the medium 2.

[0128] In the second embodiment, the sensor 67 does not have to be mounted on the carriage 21 of the printing mechanism 3. In this case, for example, in addition to the carriage 21, a carriage on which the sensor 67 is mounted is separately provided. Also, in the second embodiment, the sensor 56 does not have to be mounted on the carriage 34 of the cutting mechanism 7. In this case, for example, in addition to the carriage 34, a carriage on which the sensor 56 is mounted is separately provided.

[0129] In the second embodiment, the sensor 56 may detect the first cutting range mark M11 and the second cutting range mark M12. In this case, the sensor 56 is a first mark detection mechanism for detecting the cutting position mark M1 printed on the printed medium, and a second mark detection mechanism for detecting the first cutting range mark M11 and the second cutting range mark M12 printed on the printed medium. In this case, the sensor 56 detects the origin specifying mark M2, and also detects the cutting position mark M1 to which the upstream end of the origin specifying mark M2 in the transport direction is connected.

[0130] In the second embodiment, the support on which the printing mechanism 3 is attached and the support on which the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8 are attached may be provided separately. In this case, for example, in addition to the medium feeding unit 14, a separate feeding unit to which a roll-shaped printed medium is attached may be provided. Also, in the second embodiment, the printing device 1 does not need to include the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8. In this case, a cutting device including the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8 is provided separately, and the medium 2 after being printed and half-cut by the printing device 1 is cut by this cutting device.

[0131] In the second embodiment, instead of performing half-cutting of the medium 2, perforations of a predetermined shape corresponding to the image printed on the medium 2 may be formed on the medium 2 after printing. In this case, for example, the medium 2 is made of paper, and the cutting head 66 forms perforations on the medium 2 after printing. Also, in this case, for example, a perforated cut line having the same shape as the half-cut line CL2 is formed on the medium 2. Also, in the second embodiment, instead of performing half-cutting of the medium 2, cutting out the medium 2 by cutting out a part of the medium 2 after printing for decorative purposes may be performed. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, instead of performing half-cutting of the medium 2, forming perforations on the medium 2, or cutting out the medium 2, a predetermined process may be performed on the medium 2. Even in this case, when the predetermined process is performed on the medium 2, the medium 2 is transported to both sides in the medium transport direction.

[0132] In the second embodiment, the medium 2 on which only printing has been performed may be wound into a roll by the medium winding mechanism 26 and removed from the medium winding unit 17, without being cut by the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8, and then attached to the medium feeding unit 14 and cut by the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8. In this case, for example, a predetermined process is performed on the medium 2 before the printed rolled medium 2 removed from the medium winding unit 17 is attached to the medium feeding unit 14.

[0133] [Other embodiments] The above-described embodiment is one example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0134] In the embodiment described above, the printing device 1 may include a guide member 79 (see FIG. 13) that guides the portion to be cut 2a and the first margin 2b in a direction away from the second margin 2c, instead of the guide member 29. The guide member 79 is attached to the storage unit 15, for example. Specifically, the guide member 79 is attached to the rear upper end of the storage unit 15. The guide member 79 is disposed below the cutting mechanism 7, and is disposed between the cutting mechanism 7 and the storage unit 15 in the medium transport direction. The guide member 79 is also disposed at a position where the portion to be cut 2a and the first margin 2b are formed in the left-right direction.

[0135] The guide member 79 is formed with an inclined surface 79a that is inclined downward toward the front, and the cut-out portion 2a and the first marginal portion 2b are guided by the inclined surface 79a toward the front lower side so as to move away from the second marginal portion 2c. The guide member 79 is also formed with an inclined surface 79b that is inclined downward toward the rear. The inclined surface 79b is disposed behind the inclined surface 79a, and the upper end of the inclined surface 79a is connected to the upper end of the inclined surface 79b. The guide member 79 may be formed integrally with the storage portion 15.

[0136] In the above-described embodiment, the cutting mechanism 7 may be disposed between the tension bar 9 and the second cutting mechanism 8 in the transport direction of the medium 2. Also, in the above-described embodiment, the heater 6 may not be disposed between the printing mechanism 3 and the tension bar 9 in the transport direction of the medium 2. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the first margin 2b may not be formed between the cut-out portions 2a in the medium transport direction. Also, in the above-described embodiment, the printing device 1 may be a printer other than an inkjet printer. [Explanation of symbols]

[0137] 1 Printing device 2 medium 3 Printing mechanism 4 Support 5 Media transport mechanism 7 Cutting mechanism 8 Second cutting mechanism 14 Media feeding section 17 Media take-up section 20 heads (inkjet heads) 21 Carriage (printing carriage) 22 Carriage drive mechanism (printing carriage drive mechanism) 34 Carriage (Cutting carriage) 36 Carriage drive mechanism (cutting carriage drive mechanism) 38 Cutter blade 56 Sensor (first mark detection mechanism) 67 Sensor (second mark detection mechanism) M1 Cut position mark M11 First cutting range mark M12 Second cutting range mark Y Media width direction

Claims

1. A printing device that prints on a long medium that is cut after printing, a printing mechanism that prints on the medium, a medium transport mechanism that transports the medium in the longitudinal direction of the medium, a medium payout section to which the medium wound in a roll is attached before being transported toward the printing mechanism, and a medium take-up section to which the medium wound in a roll is attached after passing through the printing mechanism, The width direction of the medium perpendicular to the medium transport direction, which is the transport direction of the medium, is defined as the medium width direction, the side in the medium transport direction where the medium pay-out unit is located is defined as the upstream side in the transport direction, and the side in the medium transport direction where the medium winding unit is located is defined as the downstream side in the transport direction, the cutting position in the medium transport direction of the medium that is cut linearly in the medium width direction after printing is defined as the medium cutting position, and the cutting range in the medium width direction of the medium at the media cutting position is defined as the media cutting range. The printing mechanism receives image data, which is data for an image to be printed on the medium, first mark printing data, which is data for printing a cut position mark on the medium to identify the medium cut position, and second mark printing data, which is data for printing a first cut range mark arranged at a position corresponding to one end of the medium cut range in the medium width direction and a second cut range mark arranged at a position corresponding to the other end of the medium cut range in the medium width direction, and prints the image on the medium based on the image data, prints a plurality of the cut position marks at a position a certain distance upstream in the transport direction from each of the plurality of medium cut positions based on the first mark printing data, and prints the first cut range mark and the second cut range mark on the medium based on the second mark printing data.

2. the cut position mark is a straight line parallel to the medium width direction, the first cutting range mark and the second cutting range mark are straight lines parallel to the medium transport direction, The printing device described in claim 1, characterized in that the printing mechanism prints the mark for the cutting position at one end of the medium in the medium width direction, and prints the mark for the first cutting range and the mark for the second cutting range at least at the upstream end of the medium in the transport direction while it is wound around the medium winding section.

3. When the cutting position in the medium width direction of the medium that is cut linearly in the medium transport direction after printing is defined as a second medium cutting position, 3. The printing device according to claim 2, wherein the printing mechanism prints the first cutting range mark and the second cutting range mark at the same position as the second medium cutting position in the medium width direction.

4. The medium after the printing mechanism has printed on it and after it has been removed from the medium take-up unit is referred to as a printed medium. a first mark detection mechanism for detecting the cut position mark printed on the printed medium, a second mark detection mechanism for detecting the first cut range mark and the second cut range mark printed on the printed medium, a cutting mechanism for cutting the printed medium in the medium width direction, and a second cutting mechanism for cutting the printed medium along the medium transport direction, 4. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cutting mechanism cuts the printed medium in the medium width direction based on detection results of the first mark detection mechanism and the second mark detection mechanism.

5. the printing mechanism, the cutting mechanism, and the second cutting mechanism are attached to the same support; 5. The printing device according to claim 4, wherein the printed medium wound in a roll is attached to the medium feeding section.

6. the cutting mechanism includes a cutter blade that cuts the printed medium, a cutting carriage that holds the cutter blade, and a cutting carriage drive mechanism that moves the cutting carriage in a medium width direction; the first mark detection mechanism is mounted on the cutting carriage, the second mark detection mechanism is disposed upstream of the cutting mechanism in the transport direction, The printing device described in claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the cutting mechanism receives cut range data, which is data for identifying the media cut range, generated based on the detection results of the mark for the first cut range and the mark for the second cut range by the second mark detection mechanism, and cuts the printed media in the media width direction based on the received cut range data and the detection results of the first mark detection mechanism.

7. the printing mechanism includes an inkjet head that ejects ink onto the medium, a printing carriage on which the inkjet head is mounted, and a printing carriage drive mechanism that moves the printing carriage in the medium width direction, and is disposed upstream of the cutting mechanism and the second cutting mechanism in the transport direction; 7. The printing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the second mark detection mechanism is mounted on the printing carriage.

8. The second mark detection mechanism detects the cut position mark printed on the printed medium, the cutting mechanism receives mark position data, which is data for identifying a position of the cut position mark in the medium width direction, generated based on a detection result of the cut position mark by the second mark detection mechanism; 8. A printing device as described in claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the cutting carriage drive mechanism moves the cutting carriage to a position where the first mark detection mechanism can detect the cut position mark based on the mark position data received by the cutting mechanism.

Images