Printing auxiliary device

Abstract

Improve work efficiency. [Solution] The present invention is a printing auxiliary device equipped with a plurality of jig units used to print a design on the printing surface of a printing object with a printer, each of the jig units having a placement section on which the printing object is placed with its printing surface facing upward, a holding section which holds the printing object on the placement section, and a height adjustment section which adjusts the height of the printing surface of the printing object by moving the placement section vertically.

Description

[Technical field]

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

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

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-218528 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In custom-made production, multiple print objects designated by a customer are placed side by side in the printing area of ​​a printer, and the printer prints each design on the print surface of each print object (for example, the back of a smartphone case) in a single printing operation. In this case, in order to maintain uniform print quality, it is necessary to equalize the distance (gap) from the ink ejected from the nozzles of the head to the print surface of the print object, so only print objects having the same height (thickness) (i.e., print surfaces of print objects with the same height) are printed together, regardless of the order order. Therefore, for print objects having a different height (thickness), the gap cannot be made equal, and they have to be printed together later even if they are ordered first. In this way, there are cases where it is not possible to print the print objects designated by the customer together in the order order, which reduces work efficiency.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of these circumstances, and its purpose is to improve work efficiency by making it possible to print multiple printing objects together even if the multiple printing objects include multiple printing objects having different heights (thicknesses) from each other (i.e., printing objects whose printing surfaces are at different heights). [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The main invention of the present invention to solve the above problems is: A printing auxiliary device including a plurality of jig units used for printing a design on a printing surface of a printing object by a printer, Each of the jig units is A placement section on which the printing object is placed with the printing surface facing upward; a holding section for holding the printing object on the placement section; a height adjustment unit that adjusts the height of the printing surface of the printing object by moving the placement unit in a vertical direction; having The printing auxiliary device is characterized by the above. Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention and the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a printing auxiliary device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing a state in which a plurality of mobile terminal cases are set in the printing auxiliary device 1 according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a state in which a plurality of mobile terminal cases are set in the printing auxiliary device 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a printing assistant device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 1 is an external perspective view showing a configuration of a jig unit 20 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 2 is a bottom perspective view showing the configuration of a jig unit 20 according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the jig unit 20 with all parts attached. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the jig unit 20 with some parts removed. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the jig unit 20 with all parts attached. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the jig unit 20 with some parts removed. [Figure 11] 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of a holding portion 30 according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 12] 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of left and right holding parts 31 according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 13] 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a front and rear holding portion 51 according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 14] 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the printing assistant device 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 15] 2 is a first enlarged view showing a configuration of a portion of a holding portion 30 according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a second enlarged view showing the configuration of a portion of the holding portion 30 according to this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] At least the following points will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings. That is, a printing auxiliary device including a plurality of jig units used for printing a design on a printing surface of a printing object by a printer, Each of the jig units is A placement section on which the printing object is placed with the printing surface facing upward; a holding section for holding the printing object on the placement section; a height adjustment unit that adjusts the height of the printing surface of the printing object by moving the placement unit in a vertical direction; having The printing auxiliary device is characterized by the above. According to such a printing auxiliary device, by individually placing each of the multiple printing objects on the height-adjustable jig unit, it is possible to align the height of the printing surfaces of the multiple printing objects. As a result, even if the multiple printing objects include multiple printing objects with different heights, they can be printed together, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0009] Also, such a printing auxiliary device comprises: a control unit that controls the operation of the height adjustment unit of each of the jig units so that the heights of the printing surfaces of the printing objects are uniform in all of the jig units; The above configuration may also be adopted. With this type of printing auxiliary device, the control unit controls the operation of the height adjustment unit for each jig unit, automatically adjusting the height of the printing object in all jig units, eliminating the need for the worker to manually adjust the height of each jig unit one by one.

[0010] Also, such a printing auxiliary device comprises: The jig units are arranged in a lattice pattern with the left-right direction being referred to as "rows" and the front-rear direction being referred to as "columns," Each row is equipped with a height detection sensor whose optical axis is aligned in the front-to-rear direction. The control unit may perform the following processes: measuring a reference height of the printing surface of the printing object in each of the jig units lined up in each row, by operating the height adjustment unit in each of the jig units lined up in each row, and raising the placement unit until the height detection sensor corresponding to each column detects the printing object on the placement unit; storing the reference heights measured in each of the jig units lined up in each row in a memory unit; and, after measurement of the reference heights in the jig units lined up in all rows has been completed, operating the height adjustment unit again in each of the jig units and raising the placement unit based on the respective stored reference heights, thereby aligning the heights of the printing surfaces of the printing objects in all of the jig units. According to such a printing auxiliary device, by arranging a plurality of jig units in a lattice pattern and having the jig units in each row share the height detection sensors arranged in each column, it becomes unnecessary to arrange a height detection sensor for each jig unit, and it becomes possible to efficiently measure the reference height of the printing surface of the printing object while adjusting the height for each row. Also, by using the reference height measured for the jig units arranged in all rows, it becomes possible to align the height of the printing surface of the printing object for all of the jig units.

[0011] Also, such a printing auxiliary device comprises: The control unit may control the operation of the holding unit in all of the jig units so as to sandwich the printing object on the placement unit in both vertical and horizontal directions. According to this printing auxiliary device, the holding parts sandwich the printing object vertically and horizontally, so that the printing object can be stably held in the jig unit. Also, the control part controls the operation of the holding parts for each jig unit, so that the printing object is automatically held in all jig units, eliminating the need for an operator to manually hold the printing object in each jig unit one by one.

[0012] Also, such a printing auxiliary device comprises: The holding portion is a left and right holding section that brings a plurality of left and right arm sections that are slidable in the left and right direction along the vertical direction of the printing medium on the placement section into contact with upper and lower side surfaces in the vertical direction of the printing medium, respectively, to sandwich the printing medium on the placement section from the vertical direction of the printing medium; a front-rear holding section that brings a plurality of front-rear arm sections, which are slidable in a front-rear direction along the lateral direction of the printing medium on the placement section, into contact with the left and right side surfaces in the lateral direction of the printing medium, respectively, to sandwich the printing medium on the placement section from the lateral direction of the printing medium; It may also be possible to have the following. With this type of printing auxiliary device, the left and right arm sections slide left and right to contact the top and bottom vertical sides of the object to be printed, thereby clamping the object to be printed from both vertical sides, and the front and rear arm sections slide front and rear to contact the left and right horizontal sides of the object to be printed, thereby clamping the object to be printed from both horizontal sides, thereby holding the object to be printed near the center of the mounting section.

[0013] Also, such a printing auxiliary device comprises: The control unit may be configured to operate the left and right holding portions in all of the jig units, sliding the multiple left and right arm portions in the left and right direction so as to contact the upper and lower vertical side surfaces of the object to be printed, and to operate the front and rear holding portions, sliding the multiple front and rear arm portions in the front and rear direction so as to contact the left and right side surfaces of the object to be printed in the horizontal direction, thereby performing a process of clamping the object to be printed on the placement portion in both the vertical and horizontal directions of the object to be printed. With this type of printing auxiliary device, the control unit controls the sliding movement of the left and right holding parts and the front and rear holding parts for each jig unit, so that the left and right arm parts and the front and rear arm parts automatically clamp the printing object in all jig units, eliminating the need for an operator to manually slide the left and right arm parts and the front and rear arm parts of each jig unit one by one to clamp the printing object.

[0014] Also, a plurality of jig units are arranged in a grid pattern with the left-right direction being "rows" and the front-rear direction being "columns," and are used to print a design on the back of the mobile device case with a printer; height detection sensors arranged in rows with their optical axes aligned in the front-rear direction; A control unit, Each of the jig units is a placement section on which the portable terminal case is placed with the printed surface facing upward; a holder for holding a mobile terminal case on the placement portion; a height adjustment unit that adjusts the height of the print surface of the mobile terminal case by moving the placement unit in a vertical direction, The holding portion is a left and right holding section that brings a plurality of left and right arm sections that are slidable in a left and right direction along a vertical direction of the portable terminal case on the placement section into contact with upper and lower side surfaces in the vertical direction of the portable terminal case, respectively, to hold the portable terminal case on the placement section from the vertical direction of the portable terminal case; a front-rear holding section that brings a plurality of front-rear arm sections, which are slidable in a front-rear direction along the lateral direction of the portable terminal case on the placement section, into contact with left and right side surfaces in the lateral direction of the portable terminal case, respectively, to sandwich the portable terminal case on the placement section from the lateral direction of the portable terminal case, The control unit is a process of clamping the mobile terminal case on the placement section from the vertical and horizontal directions of the mobile terminal case by operating the left and right holding sections and sliding the multiple left and right arm sections in the left and right direction so as to contact the upper and lower side surfaces in the vertical direction of the mobile terminal case, and operating the front and rear holding sections and sliding the multiple front and rear arm sections in the front and rear direction so as to contact the left and right side surfaces in the horizontal direction of the mobile terminal case, in all of the rows of the jig units; a process of measuring a reference height of a printed surface of the mobile terminal case by operating the height adjustment unit for each jig unit arranged in each row and raising the placement unit until the height detection sensor corresponding to each column detects the mobile terminal case on the placement unit after the clamping process; a process of storing, in a storage unit, the reference heights measured for the jig units arranged in each row after the measuring process; after completing the measurement of the reference heights in the jig units arranged in all rows, the height adjustment unit is operated again in each of the jig units, and the placement unit is raised based on the respective stored reference heights, thereby performing a process of aligning the heights of the printing surfaces of the mobile terminal cases in all of the jig units. The printing auxiliary device is characterized by the above. With this type of printing auxiliary device, even if the multiple portable terminal cases include multiple portable terminal cases with different heights, the heights of the printing surfaces of the multiple portable terminal cases can all be aligned to the same height, making it possible to print together, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0015] Also, such a printing auxiliary device comprises: Each of the plurality of jig units includes a height detection sensor at the same position in the vertical direction, The control unit may operate the height adjustment unit in each of the multiple jig units and perform a process of aligning the height of the printing surface of the printing object in all of the jig units by raising the placement unit until the height detection sensor detects the printing object on the placement unit. According to this printing auxiliary device, by operating the height adjustment parts just once in all jig units, it is possible to align the height of the printing surface of the printing object with the position of the height detection sensor in the vertical direction.

[0016] === Implementation form === <<Configuration of printing auxiliary device 1>> An example of the configuration of the printing auxiliary device 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4. Fig. 1 is an external perspective view showing the configuration of the printing auxiliary device 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is an external perspective view showing a state in which a plurality of mobile terminal cases are set in the printing auxiliary device 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 3 is a plan view showing a state in which a plurality of mobile terminal cases are set in the printing auxiliary device 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the printing auxiliary device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0017] In the following explanation, each direction is defined as shown in each figure. That is, the vertical direction is the "up-down direction," and "up" and "down" are defined according to gravity. In addition, based on the view from an operator facing the front of the printer with the printing auxiliary device 1 set in the printing area of ​​the printer, the "front-to-back direction" is defined with the near side as the "front" and the far side as the "rear," and the "left-to-right direction" is defined with the left hand side as the "left" and the right hand side as the "right." In this case, the direction in which the printer head moves back and forth during printing coincides with the "left-to-right direction."

[0018] The printing auxiliary device 1 of this embodiment is used by being set in the printing area of ​​a printer (not shown) when printing designs collectively on the printing surface of a mobile terminal case, as an example of a printing object, and as shown in Figures 1 and 4, is equipped with a base unit 10, a plurality of jig units 20, a height detection sensor 70, a control unit 80, a memory unit 90, and an operation unit 100.

[0019] 1, the base unit 10 is a base for the printing auxiliary device 1, and has a bottom panel 11, a first side panel 12, and a second side panel 13. The first side panel 12 and the second side panel 13 are fixed to the bottom panel 11 in a state where they stand at a right angle, and are formed so as to be at the same height as each other in the vertical direction.

[0020] 1 and 2, each of the jig units 20 is detachably attached to the bottom plate 11 of the base portion 10, and is configured to place and hold the mobile terminal case 2 with the back surface, which is the printed surface, facing upward, and to adjust the height of the back surface of the held mobile terminal case 2. The specific configuration of the jig unit 20 will be described in detail later.

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

[0022] 3, the multiple jig units 20 are arranged in a lattice pattern on the bottom plate 11 of the base portion 10, with the left-right direction being "rows" and the front-rear direction being "columns." This makes it possible to print the mobile terminal cases 2 placed on each jig unit 20 collectively.

[0023] In this embodiment, twelve jig units 20 are arranged in a lattice of four rows and three columns. In the following, the first, second, and third columns are referred to in order from the left in the left-right direction, and the first, second, third, and fourth rows are referred to in order from the rear in the front-rear direction.

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

[0025] Similarly, the three jig units 20 lined up in the second row will be referred to as the fourth to sixth jig units 20, the three jig units 20 lined up in the third row will be referred to as the seventh to ninth jig units 20, and the three jig units 20 lined up in the fourth row will be referred to as the tenth to twelfth jig units 20, respectively.

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

[0027] In the printing auxiliary device 1 of this embodiment, height detection sensors 70 are arranged in rows with their optical axes aligned in the front-to-rear direction, as shown in Fig. 3. Hereinafter, the height detection sensor 70 that individually detects the four mobile terminal cases 2 lined up in the first row will be referred to as the first height detection sensor 70. Similarly, the second row will be referred to as the second height detection sensor 70, and the third row will be referred to as the third height detection sensor 70.

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

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

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

[0031] The start button 101 is an operation button used by an operator when starting the operation of the printing auxiliary device 1 in the preparation stage before printing. The end button 102 is an operation button used by an operator when removing the printed mobile terminal case 2 from the printing auxiliary device 1 after printing is completed.

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

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

[0034] The mounting portion 21 is for mounting a mobile terminal case with the back surface of the mobile terminal case facing upward, and as shown in FIG. 5, has a frame body 22, rollers 23, left and right guide holes 25, and front and rear guide holes 26.

[0035] 5, frame 22 is provided on the upper surface of mounting section 21 and rotatably supports a plurality of rollers 23 arranged in parallel along the left-right direction. When a mobile terminal case is placed on mounting section 21 with its back surface facing upward, rollers 23 contact and support the mobile terminal case from its inside.

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

[0037] As shown in FIG. 5, the first guide hole 25a, the second guide hole 25b, and the third guide hole 25c can respectively guide the left and right arm portions 32a, 32b, and 32c so that they can move in the left-right direction.

[0038] 5, the front-rear guide hole 26 is an elongated hole that is formed penetrating from the front to the back of the mounting portion 21 and extends in the front-rear direction. The front-rear guide hole 26 has a fourth guide hole 26a, a fifth guide hole 26b, and a sixth guide hole 26c.

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

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

[0041] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the left and right holding portions 31 have a first rack 33 with both teeth extending slidably along the left and right direction, a second rack 34a with one tooth extending slidably along the left and right direction, a third rack 34b with one tooth extending slidably along the left and right direction, a first pinion 38 with a one-way clutch that meshes only with the first rack 33, a second pinion 39a that meshes with both the first rack 33 and the second rack 34a, and a third pinion 39b that meshes with both the first rack 33 and the third rack 34b.

[0042] 5 and 11, the first rack 33 has left and right arm portions 32a at the right end in the left-right direction. The left and right arm portions 32a are inserted into the first guide holes 25a from the rear side of the mounting portion 21, and protrude above the mounting portion 21.

[0043] 5 and 6, the second rack 34a has left and right arm portions 32c at the left end in the left-right direction. The left and right arm portions 32c are inserted into the third guide holes 25c from the rear side of the mounting portion 21, and protrude above the mounting portion 21.

[0044] 5 and 6, the third rack 34b has left and right arm portions 32b at the left end in the left-right direction. The left and right arm portions 32b are inserted into the second guide holes 25b from the rear side of the mounting portion 21, and protrude above the mounting portion 21.

[0045] 8, 10 and 11, the left and right holding parts 31 have a shaft 37 to which a first pinion 38 is connected at one end, a second transmission gear 36 fitted to the end of the shaft 37 opposite the first pinion 38, a first motor M1, and a first transmission gear 35 fitted to the output shaft of the first motor M1. The first transmission gear 35 and the second transmission gear 36 mesh with each other, so that power can be transmitted in the axial direction (up and down direction) perpendicular to the output shaft of the first motor M1.

[0046] 11, the left and right holding parts 31 have first springs 40 that bias the mobile terminal case in a direction in which the left and right arm parts 32a, 32b, and 32c sandwich the mobile terminal case from both sides in the vertical direction. One end of the first spring 40 is attached to the first rack 33, and the other end of the first spring 40 is attached to a bracket on the back side of the placement part 21.

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

[0048] As shown in Figures 11 and 13, the front-to-rear holding portion 51 has a fourth rack 53 with both teeth extending slidably along the front-to-rear direction, a fifth rack 54a with one tooth extending slidably along the front-to-rear direction, a sixth rack 54b with one tooth extending along the front-to-rear direction, a fourth pinion 55a that meshes with both the fourth rack 53 and the fifth rack 54a, and a fifth pinion 55b that meshes with both the fourth rack 53 and the sixth rack 54b.

[0049] 5 and 11, the fourth rack 53 has a front-rear arm portion 52a at a front end portion in the front-rear direction. The front-rear arm portion 52a is inserted into the fourth guide hole 26a from the rear side of the mounting portion 21, and protrudes above the mounting portion 21.

[0050] 5 and 6, the fifth rack 54a has a front-rear arm portion 52b at a rear end in the front-rear direction. The front-rear arm portion 52b is inserted into the fifth guide hole 26b from the back side of the mounting portion 21, and protrudes above the mounting portion 21.

[0051] 5 and 6, the sixth rack 54b has a front-rear arm portion 52c at a rear end in the front-rear direction. The front-rear arm portion 52c is inserted into the sixth guide hole 26c from the back side of the mounting portion 21, and protrudes above the mounting portion 21.

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

[0053] 11 to 13, the front and rear holding parts 51 have a cam 57 for interlocking with the clamping of the mobile terminal case by the left and right holding parts 31. The cam 57 is formed in an L-shape and can rotate about a central axis P1. One end of the cam 57 engages with the fourth rack 53, and the other end of the cam 57 engages with the second rack 34a.

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

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

[0056] As shown in FIG. 8, the seventh rack 63 is configured to be able to rise and fall integrally with the mounting portion 21 via a connecting pin of a link mechanism 65 connected to an upper connecting portion 68, and the sixth pinion 62 is attached to the lower connecting portion 67 via a bracket not shown.

[0057] Therefore, when the second motor M2 rotates the output shaft, power is transmitted to the sixth pinion 62 that meshes with the third transmission gear 61, and when the sixth pinion 62 rotates in accordance with the power, the seventh rack 63 that meshes with the sixth pinion 62 moves up and down, thereby allowing the mounting portion 21 to move up and down via the link mechanism 65.

[0058] 10, the encoder 64 detects the number of rotations of the second motor M2. Based on the output of the encoder 64, the vertical position of the mounting portion 21 (i.e., the height of the back surface of the mobile terminal case mounted on the mounting portion 21) can be measured.

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

[0060] <<Operation of the printing assistant device 1>> <Preparation for printing> The operation of the printing auxiliary device 1 according to this embodiment will be described mainly with reference to Fig. 11 to Fig. 15. Fig. 14 is a flow chart for explaining an example of the operation of the printing auxiliary device 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 15 is a first enlarged view showing a part of the configuration of the holding unit 30 according to this embodiment.

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

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

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

[0064] At this time, the rotation direction of the shaft 37 coincides with the rotation direction in which the one-way clutch is not locked, so no power is transmitted to the first pinion 38 and the shaft 37 rotates freely.

[0065] On the other hand, the idling causes the first pinion 38 to lose its holding torque, and the biasing force of the first spring 40 acts, causing the first rack 33 to start sliding to the left in the left-right direction (as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 15). Accompanying this sliding movement of the first rack 33, the first pinion 38 rotates in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG.

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

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

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

[0069] In addition, when the fourth rack 53 slides rearward in the front-to-rear direction, as shown in FIG. 13, the fourth pinion 55a meshing with the fourth rack 53 rotates in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 15, and at the same time, the fifth rack 54a meshing with the fourth pinion 55a slides forward in the front-to-rear direction.

[0070] In addition, when the fourth rack 53 slides rearward in the front-to-rear direction, as shown in FIG. 13, the fifth pinion 55b that meshes with the fourth rack 53 on the other hand rotates in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 15, and at the same time, the sixth rack 54b that meshes with the fifth pinion 55b slides forward in the front-to-rear direction.

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

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

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

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

[0075] In this way, the left and right arm portions 32 slide left and right to come into contact with the upper and lower vertical sides of the mobile terminal case, thereby clamping the mobile terminal case from both vertical sides, and the front and rear arm portions 52 slide front and rear to come into contact with the left and right horizontal sides of the mobile terminal case, thereby clamping the mobile terminal case from both horizontal sides, thereby allowing the mobile terminal case to be held near the center of the mounting portion.

[0076] Returning to Fig. 14, the control unit 80 then performs an initial setting (n = 0) of an index n corresponding to the "row" number for which height measurements are sequentially performed (step S12). In this embodiment, in a state where a plurality of jig units 20 are arranged in 4 rows and 3 columns as shown in Fig. 3, height measurements are performed collectively for each row in the order of "first row" (first to third jig units 20) -> "second row" (fourth to sixth jig units 20) -> "third row" (seventh to ninth jig units 20) -> "fourth row" (tenth to twelfth jig units 20), so the maximum value (MAX) of the index n is set to "4".

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

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

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

[0080] That is, for the first jig unit 20 arranged in the "first column" of the "first row", the control unit 80 drives the second motor M2 to raise the placement unit 21 until it is detected by the first height detection sensor 70 arranged in the "first column". For the second jig unit 20 arranged in the "second column" of the "first row", the control unit 80 drives the second motor M2 to raise the placement unit 21 until it is detected by the second height detection sensor 70 arranged in the "second column". For the third jig unit 20 arranged in the "third column" of the "first row", the control unit 80 drives the second motor M2 to raise the placement unit 21 until it is detected by the third height detection sensor 70 arranged in the "third column".

[0081] Next, the control unit 80 stores the reference heights measured in the processing of step 14 for each of the jig units lined up in the "nth row" in the memory unit 90 for each of the jig units lined up in the "nth row" (step S15).

[0082] Next, the control unit 80 operates the height adjustment units 60 in each of the jig units lined up in the "nth row", and lowers the placement units 21 of each jig unit 20 from the stop position and returns them to the standby position (step S16).

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

[0084] The control unit 80 thus lowers the mounting portion 21, and when the mounting portion 21 is detected by the standby position detection sensor 66, stops the second motor M2. This allows the mounting portions 21 of the jig units lined up in the "nth row" to return to their standby positions.

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

[0086] If index n does not match the maximum value (max = 4) (step S17: NO), there is still a "row" number remaining for which the next height measurement should be performed, so the process returns to step S13, increments index n by 1, and repeats the subsequent processes.

[0087] On the other hand, if the index n matches the maximum value (max=4) (step S17: YES), this means that measurement of the reference heights has been completed for the jig units 20 arranged in all rows, and the process proceeds to the next step S18.

[0088] Next, when the control unit 80 has completed measuring the reference heights for the jig units 20 lined up in all rows, it again operates the height adjustment unit 60 in each of the jig units 20, and raises the mounting portions 21 of the jig units 20 based on the respective reference heights stored in the memory unit 90, thereby aligning the height of the back surfaces, which are the printing surfaces of the mobile terminal cases, in all of the jig units 20 (step S18).

[0089] Specifically, the control unit 80 in this embodiment operates the height adjustment units 60 again in all of the jig units 20, and raises the placement units 21 of the jig units 20 until they reach the respective reference heights stored in the storage unit 90. As a result, the heights of the rear faces of the mobile terminal cases in all of the jig units 20 can be aligned to the optical axes of the height detection sensors 70.

[0090] As described above, according to the printing auxiliary device of this embodiment, by individually placing each of the multiple mobile terminal cases on the height-adjustable jig unit 20, it is possible to align the height of the printing surface (back surface) of the multiple mobile terminal cases. As a result, even if the multiple mobile terminal cases include multiple mobile terminal cases with different heights (thicknesses) (i.e., the heights of the printing surfaces of the mobile terminal cases are different from each other), they can be printed together while maintaining the print image quality, which makes it possible to improve production efficiency and work efficiency. It is also possible to print the mobile terminal cases together in the order in which they were received.

[0091] <Removal after printing> Removal of the printed mobile terminal case in the printing auxiliary device 1 according to this embodiment will be described mainly with reference to Fig. 11 to Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a second enlarged view showing the configuration of a part of the holding unit 30 according to this embodiment.

[0092] When the worker presses the end button 102 after printing on a plurality of mobile terminal cases is completed, the control unit 80 controls the operation of the holding unit 30 so as to release the clamping of the printed mobile terminal cases in each jig unit 20.

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

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

[0095] At this time, the rotation direction of shaft 37 coincides with the rotation direction in which the one-way clutch locks, and power is transmitted to first pinion 38, causing first pinion 38 to rotate together with shaft 37 in the direction of the arrow shown in Figure 16.

[0096] When the first pinion 38 rotates, the first rack 33 meshing with the first pinion 38 starts to slide rightward in the left-right direction against the biasing force of the first spring 40, as shown in FIG.

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

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

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

[0100] In addition, when the fourth rack 53 slides forward in the front-to-rear direction, as shown in FIG. 13, the fourth pinion 55a meshing with the fourth rack 53 rotates in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 16, and at the same time, the fifth rack 54a meshing with the fourth pinion 55a slides backward in the front-to-rear direction.

[0101] In addition, when the fourth rack 53 slides forward in the front-to-rear direction, as shown in FIG. 13, the fifth pinion 55b that meshes with the fourth rack 53 on the other side rotates in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 16, and at the same time, the sixth rack 54b that meshes with the fifth pinion 55b slides backward in the front-to-rear direction.

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

[0103] Eventually, the left and right arm portions 32a, 32b, and 32c move away from the side surfaces of the mobile terminal case, and the mobile terminal case is released from being pinched in the vertical direction.

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

[0105] Eventually, front and rear arm portion 52a, front and rear arm portion 52b, front and rear arm portion 52c move away from the side surface of the mobile terminal case, and the mobile terminal case is released from the lateral clamping.

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

[0107] In this manner, when the holding portion 30 releases the mobile terminal case from being clamped, the printed mobile terminal case can be removed from the placement portion 21 of each jig unit 20.

[0108] ===Other embodiments=== The above-mentioned embodiment is for facilitating understanding of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and the present invention also includes equivalents thereof. In particular, the following embodiment is also included in the present invention. In other words, the present invention can be configured by appropriately combining the above-mentioned embodiment and the following embodiment.

[0109] In addition, various inventions can be constructed by appropriately combining a plurality of invention-specifying matters disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, an invention may be constructed by deleting some invention-specifying matters from all invention-specifying matters disclosed in the above embodiments, or an invention may be constructed by appropriately combining all invention-specifying matters disclosed in the above embodiments with invention-specifying matters disclosed in the embodiments described below.

[0110] In addition, in the claims of this application, the present invention is described using claims that alternatively refer to two or more other claims (called "multiple claims"), but this is not limited to this. For example, the present invention also includes the present invention described using multiple claims that refer to at least one of the multiple claims described in the claims of this application (called "multi-multi claims").

[0111] <Grid layout> In the printing auxiliary device 1 in the above embodiment, the multiple jig units 20 are arranged in a 4-row, 3-column grid pattern, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the multiple jig units 20 may be arranged in a lattice pattern of n rows and m columns (n ​​and m are integers). Also, instead of a lattice pattern, multiple jig units 20 may be arranged in only one row. Also, it is not necessary to arrange all the jig units 20 in a lattice pattern, and some of the lattice patterns may be configured with spaces provided without arranging the jig units 20.

[0112] <Holding part> In the printing auxiliary device 1 of the present embodiment described above, the jig unit 20 has the holding part 30 that automatically clamps and holds the mobile terminal case by the drive motor, but the holding part 30 may be configured so that an operator can manually clamp and hold the mobile terminal case. For example, the holding part 30 may be configured so that an operator can manually slide the left and right arm parts 32 and the front and rear arm parts 52 of the holding part 30 to hold the mobile terminal case.

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

[0114] In addition, in the printing auxiliary device 1 in the above embodiment, in the process of step S18, when the heights of the printing surfaces of the mobile terminal cases in all the jig units 20 are aligned to the respective reference heights (i.e., the height to the optical axis of the height detection sensor 70) stored in the memory unit 90, the case has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 80 may specify the highest reference height (hereinafter referred to as the "maximum reference height") among the reference heights of the jig units 20 stored in the memory unit 90, and then operate the height adjustment unit 60 again in each of the jig units 20 to raise the placement unit 21 of the jig unit 20 until it reaches the specified maximum reference height. As a result, the heights of the printing surfaces of the mobile terminal cases in all the jig units 20 can be aligned to the measurement result (i.e., the maximum reference height) of one of the jig units 20.

[0115] <Height detection sensor> In the printing auxiliary device 1 in the above embodiment, the height detection sensor 70 is arranged in each row (see FIG. 3), but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the height detection sensor 70 may be arranged in each jig unit 20. Specifically, the jig units 20 are configured to arrange the height detection sensor in the same position in the vertical direction (but in a position that does not contact the printer head). Then, the control unit 80 may operate the height adjustment unit 60 in each of the jig units 20 and raise the placement unit 21 until each height detection sensor 70 detects the mobile terminal case (printing object) on the placement unit 21, thereby executing a process of aligning the height of the printing surface (back surface) of the mobile terminal case in all the jig units 20. In this case, the above steps S12 to S17 are unnecessary (that is, it is not necessary to perform height measurement for each row in the order of "first row → second row → third row → fourth row"). Also, by operating the height adjustment parts 60 only once in all jig units 20, it becomes possible to align the height of the printed surface of the mobile terminal case with the position of the height detection sensor in the vertical direction (position of the optical axis). Also, when the height adjustment parts 60 are operated simultaneously in all jig units 20, it becomes possible to align the height of the printed surface (back surface) of the mobile terminal case more quickly. In addition, in all jig units 20, the height of the printed surface (back) of the mobile terminal case may be aligned to a position corrected from the position of the height detection sensor in the vertical direction (position of the optical axis) (for example, +1 mm or -1 mm from the position of the height detection sensor in the vertical direction (position of the optical axis)) rather than to the position of the height detection sensor in the vertical direction (position of the optical axis).

[0116] <Case for mobile devices> In the printing assistant device 1 of the present embodiment, a case for a smartphone has been described as an example of a case for a mobile terminal, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the case may be a case for a tablet terminal, a case for a mobile phone, a case for a notebook computer, etc.

[0117] <Printing subject> In the printing assistant device 1 in the present embodiment, the case where the printing target is a mobile terminal case has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the printing target may be a dress-up sheet for a smartphone (including one with a ring), a case for a smart watch, an interchangeable band for a smart watch, a card case (card wallet) that can be attached and detached to the back of a smartphone with a magnet, an earphone case, an art panel speaker, a smartphone ring, a smartphone shoulder tag, a water bottle, etc.

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

[0119] 1 Printing auxiliary equipment 2 Mobile phone cases 10 Base 11 Bottom plate 12 1st side plate 13 Second side plate 20 Jig unit 21 Placement section 22 Frame 23 Roller 25 Left and right guide holes 25a First guide hole 25b 2nd guide hole 25c 3rd guide hole 26 Front and rear guide holes 26a 4th guide hole 26b 5th guide hole 26c 6th guide hole 30 Holding part 31 Left and right holding parts 32 Left and right arm parts 32a Left and right arm parts 32b Left and right arm parts 32c Left and right arm parts 33 First Rack 34a 2nd Rack 34b 3rd rack 35 First transmission gear 36 Second transmission gear 38 First pinion 39a 2nd pinion 39b 3rd pinion 40 First Spring 41 Release detection sensor 51 Front and rear holding parts 52 Front and rear arm section 52a Front and rear arm parts 52b Front and rear arm parts 52c Front and rear arm parts 53 4th Rack 54a 5th rack 54b 6th rack 55a 4th pinion 55b 5th pinion 56 Second Spring 57 Cam 60 Height adjustment part 61 3rd transmission gear 62 6th pinion 63 7th Rack 64 Encoder 65 Link mechanism 66 Waiting position detection sensor 67 Lower connection part 68 Upper connection part 70 Height detection sensor 71 Light emitting part 72 Light receiving section 80 Control section 90 Memory section 100 Operation section 101 Start button 102 Exit button P1 center axis M1 First motor M2 2nd motor

Claims

1. A printing auxiliary device including a plurality of jig units used to print a design on a printing surface of a printing object by a printer, Each of the jig units is A placement section on which the printing object is placed with the printing surface facing upward; a holding section for holding the printing object on the placement section; a height adjustment unit that adjusts the height of the printing surface of the printing object by moving the placement unit in a vertical direction; having A printing auxiliary device comprising:

2. 2. A printing auxiliary device according to claim 1, a control unit that controls the operation of the height adjustment unit of each of the jig units so that the heights of the printing surfaces of the printing objects are uniform in all of the jig units; 2. The printing auxiliary device according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. 3. A printing auxiliary device according to claim 2, The jig units are arranged in a lattice pattern with the left-right direction being referred to as "rows" and the front-rear direction being referred to as "columns," Each row is equipped with a height detection sensor whose optical axis is aligned in the front-to-rear direction. The control unit performs the following processes: for each row, operating the height adjustment unit in each jig unit in each row and lifting the placement unit until the height detection sensor corresponding to each column detects the printing object on the placement unit, thereby measuring a reference height of the printing surface of the printing object; storing the reference height measured in each of the jig units in each row in a memory unit; and, after measurement of the reference heights in the jig units in all rows is completed, operating the height adjustment unit again in each of the jig units in all of the jig units and lifting the placement unit based on the respective stored reference heights, thereby aligning the heights of the printing surfaces of the printing objects in all of the jig units. A printing auxiliary device comprising:

4. 3. A printing auxiliary device according to claim 2, the control unit controls the operation of the holding unit in all of the jig units so as to sandwich the printing object on the placement unit from both vertical and horizontal directions of the printing object. A printing auxiliary device comprising:

5. 5. A printing auxiliary device according to claim 4, The holding portion is a left and right holding section that brings a plurality of left and right arm sections that are slidable in the left and right direction along the vertical direction of the printing medium on the placement section into contact with upper and lower side surfaces in the vertical direction of the printing medium, respectively, to sandwich the printing medium on the placement section from the vertical direction of the printing medium; a front-rear holding section that brings a plurality of front-rear arm sections, which are slidable in a front-rear direction along the lateral direction of the printing medium on the placement section, into contact with the left and right side surfaces in the lateral direction of the printing medium, respectively, to sandwich the printing medium on the placement section from the lateral direction of the printing medium; having A printing auxiliary device comprising:

6. 6. A printing auxiliary device according to claim 5, the control unit, in all of the jig units, operates the left and right holding units to slide the multiple left and right arm units in the left and right direction so as to contact the upper and lower side surfaces in the vertical direction of the printing object, and operates the front and rear holding units to slide the multiple front and rear arm units in the front and rear direction so as to contact the left and right side surfaces in the horizontal direction of the printing object, thereby executing a process of sandwiching the printing object on the placement unit in the vertical and horizontal directions of the printing object. A printing auxiliary device comprising:

7. A plurality of jig units arranged in a grid pattern with left-right directions as "rows" and front-rear directions as "columns," and used to print a design on a printing surface of a mobile device case with a printer; height detection sensors arranged in rows with their optical axes aligned in the front-rear direction; A control unit, Each of the jig units is a placement section on which the portable terminal case is placed with the printed surface facing upward; a holder for holding a mobile terminal case on the placement portion; a height adjustment unit that adjusts the height of the print surface of the mobile terminal case by moving the placement unit in a vertical direction, The holding portion is a left and right holding section that brings a plurality of left and right arm sections that are slidable in a left and right direction along a vertical direction of the portable terminal case on the placement section into contact with upper and lower side surfaces in the vertical direction of the portable terminal case, respectively, to hold the portable terminal case on the placement section from the vertical direction of the portable terminal case; a front-rear holding section that brings a plurality of front-rear arm sections, which are slidable in a front-rear direction along the lateral direction of the portable terminal case on the placement section, into contact with left and right side surfaces in the lateral direction of the portable terminal case, respectively, to sandwich the portable terminal case on the placement section from the lateral direction of the portable terminal case, The control unit is a process of clamping the mobile terminal case on the placement section from the vertical and horizontal directions of the mobile terminal case by operating the left and right holding sections and sliding the multiple left and right arm sections in the left and right direction so as to contact the upper and lower side surfaces in the vertical direction of the mobile terminal case, and operating the front and rear holding sections and sliding the multiple front and rear arm sections in the front and rear direction so as to contact the left and right side surfaces in the horizontal direction of the mobile terminal case, in all of the rows of the jig units; a process of measuring a reference height of a printed surface of the mobile terminal case by operating the height adjustment unit for each jig unit arranged in each row and raising the placement unit until the height detection sensor corresponding to each column detects the mobile terminal case on the placement unit after the clamping process; a process of storing, in a storage unit, the reference heights measured for the jig units arranged in each row after the measuring process; after completing the measurement of the reference heights in the jig units arranged in all rows, the height adjustment unit is operated again in each of the jig units, and the placement unit is raised based on the respective stored reference heights, thereby performing a process of aligning the heights of the printing surfaces of the mobile terminal cases in all of the jig units. A printing auxiliary device comprising:

8. 3. A printing auxiliary device according to claim 2, Each of the plurality of jig units includes a height detection sensor at the same position in the vertical direction, the control unit operates the height adjustment unit in each of the plurality of jig units, and performs a process of aligning the heights of the printing surfaces of the printing objects in all of the jig units by raising the placement unit until the height detection sensor detects the printing object on the placement unit. A printing auxiliary device comprising:

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