Printing device and method for controlling printing device

Abstract

To achieve downsizing of a printer, and achieve conveyance control of various mediums.SOLUTION: A printer has a conveyance roller for conveying a medium through a conveyance path, a printing part for performing printing on the medium conveyed by the conveyance roller through the conveyance path, an intermediate roller which has a branch point branched from the conveyance path on the upstream side of the conveyance roller in the medium conveyance direction, and conveys the medium conveyed in an opposite direction to the conveyance direction to the conveyance path through an inversion path joining the conveyance path on the upstream of the branch point in the conveyance direction again and thereby inverts front and rear surfaces of the medium, a device arranged between the conveyance roller and the intermediate roller in the conveyance path, a first driving device for driving the conveyance roller, and a second driving device for driving the intermediate roller, wherein the intermediate roller is provided with an electromagnetic clutch mechanism.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5D

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing device and a method for controlling a printing device. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART As disclosed in Patent Document 1, a printing device is known that includes a head that prints an image on paper and an imaging unit that is disposed downstream of the head and captures an image of the printed paper. Also, as shown in Patent Document 2, a printing device is known that includes a head that prints an image on paper, a transport drive roller that transports the paper toward the head, and a reversing roller that is positioned upstream of the transport drive roller and transports the paper toward the head. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-66618 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-162314 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the placement of the imaging unit in the printing device described in Patent Document 1 results in an increase in size of the printing device. Therefore, in the printing device described in Patent Document 2, for example, the imaging unit is placed between the transport drive roller and the reversing roller on the transport path, thereby making it possible to reduce the size of the printing device. However, in the printing device described in Patent Document 2, the reversing roller is configured to always rotate in the forward direction, which means that it is not possible to capture an image of the printed paper while transporting the printed paper in the opposite direction to that used for printing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The printing device includes a transport roller that transports a medium through a transport path, a printing unit that prints on the medium transported by the transport roller through the transport path, an intermediate roller that has a branch point that branches off from the transport path upstream of the transport roller in the transport direction of the medium and transports the medium, transported in the opposite direction to the transport direction, back to the transport path via a reversal path that rejoins the transport path upstream of the branch point in the transport direction, thereby inverting the front and back sides of the medium, a device arranged between the transport roller and the intermediate roller on the transport path, a first drive unit that drives the transport roller, and a second drive unit that drives the intermediate roller, and the intermediate roller is provided with an electromagnetic clutch mechanism.

[0006] The control method for a printing device includes a transport roller that transports a medium through a transport path, a printing unit that prints on the medium transported by the transport roller, an intermediate roller that has a branch point that branches off from the transport path upstream of the transport roller in a transport direction of the medium and transports the medium, transported in a direction opposite to the transport direction, back to the transport path via a reversal path that rejoins the transport path upstream of the branch point in the transport direction, thereby inverting the front and back sides of the medium, an imaging device that is arranged between the transport roller and the intermediate roller in the transport path, a first drive device that drives the transport roller, and a second drive device that drives the intermediate roller. a second drive device that drives the intermediate roller and an electromagnetic clutch mechanism provided on the intermediate roller, wherein when printing on the medium in the printing unit, the transport roller and the intermediate roller both rotate in a forward direction to transport the medium in the transport direction, when the front and back sides of the medium printed in the printing unit are inverted, the transport roller is rotated in a reverse direction that is opposite to the forward direction, and the intermediate roller is rotated in the forward direction, and when an image printed on the medium by the printing unit is captured by the imaging device, the intermediate roller is rotated in the reverse direction to transport the medium in the reverse direction.

[0007] The control method for a printing device includes a transport roller that transports a medium through a transport path, a printing unit that prints on the medium transported by the transport roller, an intermediate roller that has a branch point that branches off from the transport path upstream of the transport roller in the transport direction of the medium and transports the medium, transported in a direction opposite to the transport direction, back to the transport path via a reversal path that rejoins the transport path upstream of the branch point in the transport direction, thereby inverting the front and back sides of the medium, a processing device that is disposed between the transport roller and the intermediate roller on the transport path, a first drive device that drives the transport roller, and a second drive device that drives the intermediate roller. A control method for a printing device having a second drive device and an electromagnetic clutch mechanism provided on the intermediate roller, wherein when printing on the medium in the printing unit, the transport roller and the intermediate roller both rotate in a forward direction to transport the medium in the transport direction, and when flipping the front and back sides of the medium printed in the printing unit, the transport roller is rotated in a reverse direction that is opposite to the forward direction, and the intermediate roller is rotated in the forward direction, controlling the first drive device and the second drive device, and when processing the medium in the processing device, the intermediate roller is rotated in the reverse direction to transport the medium in the reverse direction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a printing apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a printing apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of a printing apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a control method for the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5B] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a control method for the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5C]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a control method for the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5D] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a control method for the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5E] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a control method for the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5F] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a control method for the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing another control method for the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing another control method for the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing another control method for the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6D] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing another control method for the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of a printing device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8A] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a control method of a printing apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8B] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a control method of a printing apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8C] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a control method of a printing apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8D] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a control method of a printing apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9A] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing another control method for the printing apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9B] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing another control method for the printing apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9C] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing another control method for the printing apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9D] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing another control method for the printing apparatus according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] 1. First embodiment First, we will explain the configuration of the printing device 11. The printing device 11 of this embodiment is an inkjet type device that prints by ejecting ink as a liquid onto a medium M. The medium M (M1) is, for example, a long roll of paper R wound into a roll or a cut sheet of paper.

[0010] In the following drawings, the printing device 11 is placed on a horizontal surface, and the front-to-back direction of the printing device 11 is defined as the Y-axis direction, and the left-to-right direction (or width direction) is defined as the X-axis direction, with respect to the horizontal surface. The direction perpendicular to the horizontal surface (up-down direction) is defined as the Z-axis direction. The +Y direction is defined as the front direction, the -Y direction is defined as the rear direction, the +X direction is defined as the right direction, the -X direction is defined as the left direction, the +Z direction is defined as the up direction, and the -Z direction is defined as the down direction.

[0011] 1, 2, and 3, the printing device 11 includes a rectangular parallelepiped housing 12 and a main body frame 16 that supports the various components of the printing device 11. The housing 12 includes an opening 13 on the front side. The housing 12 also includes a discharge section 28 that includes a discharge port 14 through which the printed and cut medium M is discharged.

[0012] The printing device 11 has a storage unit 40 that stores roll paper R and unwinds the stored roll paper R. The storage unit 40 is installed so that it can be pulled out forward from the housing 12 through the opening 13. When stored in the housing 12, the storage unit 40 has a front panel 42 that forms part of the exterior of the printing device 11, and a pair of support walls 43 that rotatably support the roll paper R.

[0013] Below the discharge unit 28, there is provided a box-shaped cutting debris storage unit 80 that stores cutting debris Mj of the medium M generated by cutting by the cutting unit 27. The cutting debris storage unit 80 is detachably installed on the front surface of the housing 12, in front of the roll paper R. When attached to the housing 12, the cutting debris storage unit 80 closes the opening 13. When attached to the housing 12, the cutting debris storage unit 80 has an outer wall 81 that forms part of the exterior of the printing device 11.

[0014] When the cutting chip storage unit 80 is removed from the housing 12, the storage unit 40 can be pulled out from the housing 12. With the storage unit 40 pulled out from the housing 12, the roll paper R can be replaced.

[0015] An operation unit 15 for operating the printing device 11 is provided at the front of the housing 12. The operation unit 15 is a panel that is long horizontally in the direction along the X axis, and is provided with a power button 15a that is operated to turn the printing device 11 on or off, input buttons 15b that can input various types of operation information, and an operation panel 15c that displays the operation status of the printing device 11 and has operation buttons for the printing device 11. The operation panel 15c is a touch panel. A speaker 15d that emits sound to the outside is also provided.

[0016] 3, the printing device 11 includes a transport path 30 (shown by a two-dot chain line in the figure) along which the medium M is transported. The printing device 11 includes a transport unit 31 that transports the medium M along the transport path 30, a printing unit 20 that prints on the medium M, and a cutting unit 27 that cuts the medium M.

[0017] The printing unit 20 prints on the medium M transported from the storage unit 40. The printing unit 20 includes a head 22 having nozzles 23 that eject ink toward the medium M, and a carriage 21 on which the head 22 is mounted. The carriage 21 is supported by a guide frame 100 that extends along the X-axis and a guide shaft 24 that is attached to the guide frame 100 and extends along the X-axis. The carriage 21 is movable along the guide shaft 24 by a drive source such as a motor. In other words, the carriage 21 is movable back and forth in the direction along the X-axis. A support unit 25 that supports the medium M is provided at a position opposite the head 22.

[0018] The head 22 ejects ink while moving back and forth in the width direction of the medium M together with the carriage 21, thereby printing on the medium M supported by the support unit 25. In this embodiment, a serial head type in which the head 22 moves back and forth in the width direction is exemplified as the printing unit 20, but a line head type printing unit in which the head 22 extends in the width direction and is fixedly arranged may also be used.

[0019] The transport path 30 is a space in which the medium M can move, and is composed of multiple members. The transport path 30 continues from the storage unit 40, which is located at the most upstream position and feeds out the roll paper R, to the discharge unit 28 (discharge opening 14), which is located at the most downstream position. The printing unit 20, the support unit 25, and the like are arranged on the transport path 30.

[0020] The cutting unit 27 is located downstream of the support unit 25 and upstream of the discharge port 14. In this embodiment, the cutting unit 27 includes a movable blade 27a that can move back and forth in the width direction (left and right direction), and a fixed blade 27b that does not move. The movable blade 27a is provided above the transport path 30, and the fixed blade 27b is provided below the transport path 30. The cutting unit 27 cuts the medium M across the width direction at a cutting position. The cutting position is the position of the cutting edge of the fixed blade 27b.

[0021] The conveying path 30 of this embodiment has a first path 30a along which the medium M unwound from the roll paper R is conveyed from the upstream side in the conveying direction of the medium M, a curved path 30b along which the medium M is conveyed while curving, a second path 30c (corresponding to the conveying path) along which the medium M is conveyed toward the head 22 (support portion 25), and a third path 30d along which the medium M is conveyed from downstream of the support portion 25 toward the discharge portion 28.

[0022] Furthermore, the printing device 11 of this embodiment is equipped with a reversing path 30e. The reversing path 30e is a passage connecting a branching point P1 branching from the second path 30c and a junction point P2 merging with the first path 30a. In the transport direction of the medium M transported via the curved path 30b, the junction point P2 is located upstream of the branching point P1. In other words, the reversing path 30e merges with the curved path 30b on the upstream side. The reversing path 30e is a path for reversing a cut sheet of medium M and printing on both sides of the medium M.

[0023] The transport unit 31 transports the medium M along a transport path 30 that runs from the storage unit 40, via the printing unit 20, to the cutting unit 27 and the discharge unit 28. The transport unit 31 includes a supply roller pair 32 provided on the first path 30a, an intermediate roller 33 that forms the curved path 30b, a driven roller 34 (corresponding to a second driven roller) that is disposed along the outer circumferential surface of the intermediate roller 33 on the curved path 30b, and an upstream transport roller pair 35 provided on the second path 30c. The upstream transport roller pair 35 is composed of an upstream transport drive roller 35a (corresponding to a transport roller) and an upstream transport driven roller 35b (corresponding to a first driven roller) that is disposed opposite the upstream transport drive roller 35a and rotates in response to the rotation of the upstream transport drive roller 35a. The driven roller 34 is disposed at a position facing the intermediate roller 33 and rotates following the rotation of the intermediate roller 33. In this embodiment, a plurality of driven rollers 34 (three in this embodiment) are provided. This allows the medium M to be transported smoothly along the curved path 30b. The branch point P1 is located upstream of the upstream transport roller pair 35.

[0024] The conveying section 31 further includes, on the third path 30d, a first downstream conveying roller pair 36, a second downstream conveying roller pair 37, and a third downstream conveying roller pair 38. The second downstream conveying roller pair 37 is located upstream of the cutting section 27. The third downstream conveying roller pair 38 is located downstream of the cutting section 27.

[0025] Here, the configuration of the storage section 40 will be described. In the storage unit 40, the roll paper R is rotatably supported via a support shaft 41 that extends in the width direction of the housing 12. The support shaft 41 is configured to be rotatable in both forward and reverse directions. Therefore, the roll paper R is rotated in both forward and reverse directions via the support shaft 41. The storage unit 40 is also provided with a roll paper transport path 50 for transporting the medium M unwound from the roll paper R toward the first path 30a.

[0026] The roll paper transport path 50 extends downward from the front side of the roll paper R supported via the support shaft 41, then bends rearward, wraps around the downward and rearward sides of the roll paper R, and extends upward to a position higher than the roll paper R to the first path 30a.

[0027] The roll paper transport path 50 has a bent section 50a that bends at a nearly right angle at its upstream end, i.e., at a position diagonally downward and in front of the roll paper R on the roll paper transport path 50. A decurling mechanism 51 is provided downstream of the bent section 50a on the roll paper transport path 50 to perform decurling, correcting any bending of the medium M being unwound from the roll paper R.

[0028] A pair of roll paper transport rollers 56 that apply a transport force to the roll paper R are installed at an appropriate interval on the roll paper transport path 50 downstream of the decurling mechanism 51. As the pair of roll paper transport rollers 56 rotates, the medium M is unwound from the roll paper R and transported to the first path 30a.

[0029] The roll paper transport roller pair 56, the supply roller pair 32, the intermediate roller 33, the driven roller 34, the upstream transport roller pair 35, the downstream first transport roller pair 36, the downstream second transport roller pair 37, and the downstream third transport roller pair 38 transport the medium M by rotating while sandwiching the medium M.

[0030] Each roller of the transport unit 31 is driven to rotate in a forward direction to transport the medium M from upstream to downstream, and driven to rotate in a reverse direction to transport the medium M from downstream to upstream. In this embodiment, the direction toward downstream along the transport path 30 is referred to as the downstream direction D1 (corresponding to the transport direction), and the direction opposite to the downstream direction D1 is referred to as the upstream direction D2.

[0031] The printing device 11 includes a heating unit 60 that heats the medium M being transported. The heating unit 60 is located opposite the intermediate roller 33 installed on the curved path 30b, and is installed immediately downstream of the most downstream driven roller 34 of the three driven rollers 34. The heating unit 60 is configured to correct any curling of the medium M. The heating unit 60 of this embodiment is composed of a heater 61 that generates heat, and a fan 62 that blows the heat generated by the heater 61 onto the medium M.

[0032] A detection unit 85 capable of detecting the leading edge of the transported medium M is provided upstream of the head 22. In this embodiment, the detection unit 85 is disposed on the transport path 30 between the head 22 and the upstream transport roller pair 35. The detection unit 85 is, for example, an optical sensor, and has a light-emitting unit capable of emitting light and a light-receiving unit capable of receiving light. The light-emitting unit emits light downward from the optical sensor, and the light-receiving unit receives the light reflected by the medium M. The light-emitting unit is composed of an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or a laser light-emitting element, etc. The light-receiving unit is composed of a phototransistor or a photo IC, etc. The light-receiving unit acquires the amount of light received as a voltage value. A threshold value is set for the amount of light received (voltage value) to determine whether or not the medium M is present, and the presence or absence of the medium M is determined based on this threshold value. This makes it possible to detect the leading edge of the medium M.

[0033] Furthermore, in the printing device 11, an imaging device 90 is disposed as a device on the transport path 30 that runs from the storage section 40 to the discharge section 28 via the printing section 20. In this embodiment, the imaging device 90 is disposed between the curved path 30b and the head 22 of the printing section 20. More specifically, the imaging device 90 is disposed between the upstream transport roller pair 35 (upstream transport drive roller 35a) and the intermediate roller 33 on the second path 30c. The second path 30c is inclined downward from the upper end of the curved path 30b toward the ejection surface (the −Z direction end surface of the head 22) from which ink is ejected from the head 22 of the printing unit 20. At least a portion of the imaging device 90 is disposed between the upper end of the curved path 30b and the ejection surface of the head 22 in the height direction. In this embodiment, the imaging device 90 is disposed between the upper end of the curved path 30b and the ejection surface of the head 22. That is, the imaging device 90 is disposed on the second path 30c between the upstream transport drive roller 35a and the intermediate roller 33. This allows the height dimension of the printing device 11 to be reduced. Furthermore, the printing device 11 can be made more compact.

[0034] The imaging device 90 captures an image of the printed medium M. For example, the imaging device 90 captures an image of a test pattern printed by the printing unit 20. The imaging device 90 is, for example, a contact optical sensor (CIS: Contact Image Sensor). The imaging device 90 is a line sensor and includes a photosensor, a light source unit, a lens, and the like. The imaging device 90 can capture an image of an area in the width direction of the medium M. Furthermore, since the imaging device 90 is positioned farther away from the discharge unit 28 (discharge opening 14), it is less affected by ambient light and the imaging function can be ensured.

[0035] The imaging device 90 captures an image of, for example, a test pattern. The test pattern is a pattern consisting of a collection of multiple straight lines corresponding to each nozzle 23, which are created by ejecting ink from the nozzles 23 of the printing unit 20. The ejection status of the nozzles 23 can be confirmed using the printed test pattern. In this embodiment, image data of the test pattern is acquired by the imaging device 90, and the control unit 58 determines whether the ejection status of the nozzles 23 is good or bad based on the acquired image data. If the control unit 58 determines that the ejection status of the nozzles 23 is good, it executes a printing process. On the other hand, if it determines that the ejection status of the nozzles 23 is bad due to a missing nozzle (missing dot) or the like, it can execute a maintenance process such as cleaning.

[0036] The printing device 11 of this embodiment is configured to be capable of printing on single-sheet media M1, and is capable of double-sided printing on the single-sheet media M1. The printing device 11 is configured so that a cassette 221 for storing the medium M1 is housed on the outer surface of the housing 12, and a housing transporter 200 capable of transporting the medium M1 can be set thereon.

[0037] The storage transporter 200 has a feeding section 222 that transports the medium M1 stored in a cassette 221 toward the curved path 30b. The feeding section 222 includes a pickup roller 227 that feeds out the topmost medium M1 among the media M1 stored in a stacked state in the cassette 221, a separation roller pair 228 that separates the media M1 fed out by the pickup roller 227 one by one, and a transport roller pair 229 that transports the medium M1 along the single sheet transport path 217 toward the curved path 30b.

[0038] A communication path 230 that communicates with curved path 30b is provided at the downstream end of single sheet transport path 217. Medium M1 transported from cassette 221 is transported along single sheet transport path 217 and merges with curved path 30b via the communication path 230. Medium M1 that has merged with curved path 30b is transported by transport unit 31 toward printing unit 20. Furthermore, the medium M1 printed by the printing unit 20 can be transported in the upstream direction D2, and then turned over via the reversing path 30e, and the medium M1 can be transported in the downstream direction D1 to the printing unit 20, where printing can be performed on the opposite side. This allows double-sided printing.

[0039] The imaging device 90 can read images formed on the medium M or medium M1 while transporting the medium M or medium M1 in the upstream direction D2. For example, if the medium M1 is a postcard, it can read information printed on the postcard, such as a frame for writing a postal code or an address. This makes it possible to detect the front and back sides of the medium M1, as well as the orientation of the medium M1.

[0040] Next, the control configuration of the printing device 11 will be described. As shown in Fig. 4, the printing device 11 includes a control unit 58 that controls various operations executed by the printing device 11. The control unit 58 includes a CPU 581, a memory 582, a control circuit 583, and an I / F (interface) 584. The CPU 581 is an arithmetic processing unit. The memory 582 is a storage device that ensures an area for storing programs for the CPU 581, a working area, etc., and includes memory elements such as RAM and EEPROM. When print data, etc. is acquired from an external device such as an information processing terminal via the I / F 584, the CPU 581 performs calculations based on the program and controls each drive unit, etc. via the control circuit 583. The supply roller pair 32, intermediate roller 33, upstream transport roller pair 35, downstream first transport roller pair 36, downstream second transport roller pair 37, downstream third transport roller pair 38, roll paper transport roller pair 56, and transport roller pair 229 that make up the transport section 31 are each configured to be drive controllable.

[0041] Here, the printing device 11 of this embodiment includes a first drive device 335 that drives the upstream transport drive roller 35a and a second drive device 334 that drives the intermediate roller 33. The first drive device 335 and the second drive device 334 are, for example, motors. Additionally, the intermediate roller 33 is provided with an electromagnetic clutch mechanism 333. Specifically, the electromagnetic clutch mechanism 333 is configured to allow a driving force from the second driving device 334 to be transmitted thereto. A coil is disposed within the electromagnetic clutch mechanism 333, and, for example, an electromagnetic force generated by energizing the coil can be used to transmit the power of the second driving device 334 to the intermediate roller 33, thereby rotating the intermediate roller 33. On the other hand, when the energization of the coil is stopped, no electromagnetic force is generated, and the driving force from the second driving device 334 to the intermediate roller 33 is cut off. As a result, the intermediate roller 33 is not driven to rotate, but is allowed to freely rotate together with the driven roller 34. If necessary, the first driving device 335 may also be provided with an electromagnetic clutch mechanism similar to that described above.

[0042] Next, a method for controlling the printing device 11 will be described. First, a control method for printing on the first side S1 (front side) of the medium M will be described. In particular, control over the relationship between the upstream transport drive roller 35a and the intermediate roller 33 will be described. The first side S1 of the medium M is the outer side when the medium is wound into a roll. On the other hand, the second side S2 (back side) of the medium M is the inner side when the medium is wound into a roll.

[0043] First, as shown in FIG. 5A, the transport unit 31 and the like are driven to rotate in the forward direction, and the medium M is transported in the downstream direction D1 of the transport path 30. More specifically, the control unit 58 controls the driving of the first drive device 335 and the second drive device 334 until the leading edge of the medium M is nipped by the upstream transport roller pair 35. As a result, the upstream transport drive roller 35a and the intermediate roller 33 rotate in the forward direction, and the medium M is transported in the downstream direction D1 while being nipped. The medium M is transported to the upstream transport roller pair 35 through the first path 30a, the curved path 30b, and the second path 30c.

[0044] Next, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the medium M is nipped by the upstream transport roller pair 35 and also nipped between the intermediate roller 33 and the driven roller 34, the control unit 58 controls the electromagnetic clutch mechanism 333 so as to cut off the transmission of the driving force from the second drive device 334 to the intermediate roller 33. Specifically, when the upstream transport roller pair 35 nip the leading edge of the medium M, the control unit 58 stops the power supply to the coil of the electromagnetic clutch mechanism 333. This cuts off the driving force from the second drive device 334 to the intermediate roller 33, causing the intermediate roller 33 to stop rotating, and allowing the intermediate roller 33 and the driven roller 34 to rotate freely. Then, the intermediate roller 33 and driven roller 34 lose their conveying force on the medium M, and the upstream transport roller pair 35 nip the medium M, transporting the medium M in the downstream direction D1. That is, during printing, the medium M is transported only by the upstream transport roller pair 35. As a result, during printing, no difference in the transport speed of the medium M occurs between the upstream transport roller pair 35 and the intermediate roller 33 and driven roller 34, allowing the medium M to be transported accurately. Detection sensors (not shown) that detect the presence or absence of the medium M are disposed at multiple locations on the transport path 30. The detection sensors constantly output information about the detected presence or absence of the medium M to the control unit 58. Therefore, the control unit 58 can obtain information about the passage of the leading edge of the medium M at the detection position of the detection sensor. This makes it possible to detect whether the medium M is being nipped by the upstream transport roller pair 35. Next, the printing unit 20 is driven to print a test pattern on the medium M.

[0045] 5C, the control unit 58 transports the medium M in the upstream direction D2 of the transport path 30 to a position where the portion of the medium M on which the test pattern is printed faces the imaging device 90. Then, the control unit 58 drives the imaging device 90 to capture an image of the test pattern on the medium M being transported in the upstream direction D2. Specifically, when the imaging device 90 is to capture an image of a test pattern (image) printed on the medium M by the printing unit 20, the control unit 58 rotates the intermediate roller 33 in the reverse direction. That is, the control unit 58 controls the second driving device 334 to rotate the intermediate roller 33 in the reverse direction. As a result, the medium M is transported in the upstream direction D2. At this time, the control unit 58 stops driving the first driving device 335. That is, when the imaging device 90 is to capture an image of a test pattern or the like printed on the medium M, only the intermediate roller 33 is driven to transport the medium M. As a result, when the medium M is transported in the upstream direction D2 during imaging by the imaging device 90, no difference in the transport speed of the medium M occurs between the upstream transport roller pair 35 and the intermediate roller 33 and driven roller 34, so the medium M can be transported accurately and the test pattern (image) can be reliably captured.

[0046] Image data of the test pattern captured by the imaging device 90 is sent to the control unit 58. The control unit 58 determines the ejection status of the printing unit 20 based on the received image data. For example, it determines whether or not there are any missing nozzles in the head 22. If it is determined that there are no missing nozzles in the head 22, the printing process continues. On the other hand, if it is determined that there are missing nozzles in the head 22, maintenance processes such as cleaning are performed. The control unit 58 notifies the user of the determination result based on the determination result. Specifically, the determination result may be displayed on the operation panel 15c of the operation unit 15, or may be notified by sound via the speaker 15d. This allows the user to easily know the ejection status of the printing unit 20.

[0047] Next, if it is determined that there is no missing nozzle in the head 22, the control unit 58 causes the medium M to be transported in the downstream direction D1, as shown in FIG. 5D. Specifically, the control unit 58 controls the driving of the first drive device 335 and the second drive device 334 until the leading edge of the medium M is nipped by the upstream transport roller pair 35. As a result, the upstream transport drive roller 35a and the intermediate roller 33 rotate in the forward direction, and the medium M is transported in the downstream direction D1 while being nipped. Next, when the upstream transport roller pair 35 nip the leading edge of the medium M, the control unit 58 stops the power supply to the coil of the electromagnetic clutch mechanism 333. This cuts off the power from the second drive device 334 to the intermediate roller 33, stops the driven rotation of the intermediate roller 33, and allows the intermediate roller 33 to rotate freely together with the driven roller 34. This causes the medium M to be transported only by the upstream transport roller pair 35. Therefore, no difference in transport speed of the medium M occurs between the upstream transport roller pair 35 and the intermediate roller 33 and driven roller 34, and the medium M can be transported accurately. Then, the medium M is transported until the portion of the medium M on which the test pattern is printed is positioned downstream of the cutting unit 27. The cutting unit 27 is then driven to cut the portion of the medium M on which the test pattern is printed.

[0048] Next, as shown in FIG. 5E, cutting chips Mj of the cut medium M fall downward and are collected in the cutting chip collection section 80. Furthermore, the control unit 58 causes the medium M to be transported in the upstream direction D2 of the transport path 30 until the leading edge of the medium M reaches a position upstream of the head 22. Specifically, the control unit 58 rotates the intermediate roller 33 in the reverse direction. That is, the control unit 58 controls the second drive device 334 to rotate the intermediate roller 33 in the reverse direction. As a result, the medium M is transported in the upstream direction D2. At this time, the control unit 58 stops driving the first drive device 335. That is, when transporting the medium M in the upstream direction D2, only the intermediate roller 33 is driven to transport the medium M. As a result, no difference in the transport speed of the medium M occurs between the upstream transport roller pair 35 and the intermediate roller 33 and driven roller 34, and the medium M can be transported accurately, and the leading edge of the medium M can be moved to a predetermined position. Then, when the detection unit 85 detects the leading edge of the medium M, the driving of the second driving device 334 is stopped. As a result, the leading edge of the medium M is stopped in a state where it is nipped by the upstream transport roller pair 35 and is positioned upstream of the head 22.

[0049] Next, as shown in FIG. 5F, an image is printed on the medium M while the medium M is transported in the downstream direction D1. The control unit 58 stops the current supply to the coil of the electromagnetic clutch mechanism 333. This cuts off the driving force from the second driving device 334 to the intermediate roller 33, stops the driven rotation of the intermediate roller 33, and allows the intermediate roller 33 and the driven roller 34 to rotate freely. Then, the first drive device 335 is driven to transport the medium M in the downstream direction D1. That is, during printing, the medium M is transported only by the upstream transport roller pair 35. As a result, during printing, no difference in transport speed of the medium M occurs between the upstream transport roller pair 35 and the intermediate roller 33 and driven roller 34, and the medium M can be transported accurately. Then, the cutting unit 27 is driven at a predetermined timing to cut the medium M. The cut medium M is discharged from the discharge port 14.

[0050] Next, a control method for double-sided printing, in which the first side S1 of the medium M printed by the printing unit 20 is turned over and printing is performed on the second side S2 of the medium M, will be described.

[0051] As shown in Figure 6A, the control unit 58 stops the flow of electricity to the coil of the electromagnetic clutch mechanism 333 and cuts off the driving force from the second driving device 334 to the intermediate roller 33, and then drives the first driving device 335 to print an image on the first surface S1 of the medium M while transporting the medium M in the downstream direction D1 using the upstream transport roller pair 35.

[0052] 6B, the cutting unit 27 is driven at a predetermined timing to cut the medium M. The control unit 58 also stops the driving of the downstream third transport roller pair 38 to hold the cut sheets of medium Ma. In addition, the control unit 58 drives the roll paper transport roller pair 56, the supply roller pair 32, the intermediate roller 33, the upstream transport roller pair 35, the downstream first transport roller pair 36, and the downstream second transport roller pair 37 in reverse, transporting the medium M in the upstream direction D2 of the transport path 30 until the leading edge of the medium M reaches a position upstream of the confluence P2.

[0053] 6C, the control unit 58 reversely drives the downstream third transport roller pair 38 and reversely drives the upstream transport roller pair 35, the downstream first transport roller pair 36, and the downstream second transport roller pair 37 to transport the medium Ma in the upstream direction D2 of the transport path 30 and draw the medium Ma into the reversal path 30e. Meanwhile, the control unit 58 rotates the intermediate roller 33 in the forward direction to transport the medium Ma drawn into the reversal path 30e in the downstream direction D1 along the curved path 30b and the second path 30c. This reverses the medium Ma, allowing the second surface S2 of the medium Ma to face the head 22.

[0054] 6D , when the upstream transport roller pair 35 nip the leading edge of the medium Ma, the control unit 58 stops the power supply to the coil of the electromagnetic clutch mechanism 333. This cuts off the driving force from the second drive device 334 to the intermediate roller 33, causing the intermediate roller 33 to stop rotating and become freely rotatable together with the driven roller 34. Then, the intermediate roller 33 and driven roller 34 lose their conveying force on the medium Ma, and the upstream transport roller pair 35 nip the medium Ma while transporting the medium M in the downstream direction D1. As a result, during printing, no difference in the transport speed of the medium Ma between the upstream transport roller pair 35 and the intermediate roller 33 and driven roller 34 occurs, allowing the medium Ma to be transported smoothly and an image to be formed in an accurate position on the medium Ma. Next, ink is ejected onto the second surface S2 while the medium Ma is being transported in the downstream direction D1, thereby printing an image on both the first surface S1 and the second surface S2 of the medium Ma. Thereafter, the medium Ma is further transported in the downstream direction D1, and is thereby discharged from the discharge port 14.

[0055] As described above, according to this embodiment, the imaging device 90 is disposed between the upstream transport roller pair 35 (upstream transport drive roller 35a) and the intermediate roller 33 on the transport path 30, thereby enabling the miniaturization of the printing device 11. Furthermore, by controlling the drive of the first drive device 335, the second drive device 334, and the electromagnetic clutch mechanism 333, it is possible to improve the transportability of the media M, Ma in various processing modes, such as when printing, turning over, and capturing images of the media M, Ma. In this embodiment, roll paper R is used as an example of medium M, but single-sheet media M1 can also be controlled in the same manner as above, and the same effects as above can be obtained.

[0056] 2. Second embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, in the printing device 11A of this embodiment, a processing device is disposed on the second path 30c between the upstream transport drive roller 35a and the intermediate roller 33. The processing device in this embodiment is a cutter 110. The cutter 110 performs a cutting process to cut the medium M. The cutter 110 is driven and controlled by the control unit 58. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0057] Next, a method for controlling the printing device 11A will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 8A, the transport unit 31 and the like are driven to rotate in the forward direction, and the medium M is transported in the downstream direction D1 of the transport path 30. Specifically, the control unit 58 controls the driving of the first drive device 335 and the second drive device 334 until the leading edge of the medium M is nipped by the upstream transport roller pair 35. As a result, the upstream transport drive roller 35a and the intermediate roller 33 rotate in the forward direction, and the medium M is transported in the downstream direction D1 while being nipped. The medium M is transported to the upstream transport roller pair 35 through the first path 30a, the curved path 30b, and the second path 30c.

[0058] Next, as shown in FIG. 8B, when the medium M is nipped by the upstream transport roller pair 35 and also nipped between the intermediate roller 33 and the driven roller 34, the control unit 58 controls the electromagnetic clutch mechanism 333 so as to cut off the transmission of the driving force from the second drive device 334 to the intermediate roller 33. Specifically, when the upstream transport roller pair 35 nip the leading edge of the medium M, the control unit 58 stops the power supply to the coil of the electromagnetic clutch mechanism 333. This cuts off the driving force from the second drive device 334 to the intermediate roller 33, causing the intermediate roller 33 to stop rotating, and allowing the intermediate roller 33 and the driven roller 34 to rotate freely. Then, the intermediate roller 33 and driven roller 34 lose their conveying force on the medium M, and the upstream transport roller pair 35 nip the medium M and transports the medium M in the downstream direction D1. That is, during printing, the medium M is transported only by the upstream transport roller pair 35. As a result, during printing, no difference in the transport speed of the medium M occurs between the upstream transport roller pair 35 and the intermediate roller 33 and driven roller 34, and the medium M can be transported accurately. Next, the printing unit 20 is driven to print an image on the medium M.

[0059] 8C, the control unit 58 transports the medium M in the upstream direction D2 until the cutting position on the medium M reaches a position opposite the cutter 110. Then, the control unit 58 stops transporting the medium M so that the cutting position on the medium M stops at a position opposite the cutter 110. Then, once transport of the medium M has stopped, the cutter 110 is driven to cut the medium M. This forms a single sheet of medium Ma on which an image has been formed. Specifically, when the medium M on which an image is printed is to be cut by the cutter 110, the control unit 58 rotates the intermediate roller 33 in the reverse direction. That is, the control unit 58 controls the second drive unit 334 to rotate the intermediate roller 33 in the reverse direction. As a result, the medium M is transported in the upstream direction D2. At this time, the control unit 58 stops driving the first drive unit 335. That is, when the medium M is to be cut by the cutter 110, only the intermediate roller 33 is driven to transport the medium M. As a result, when the medium M is transported in the upstream direction D2 during the cutting process by the cutter 110, no difference in the transport speed of the medium M occurs between the upstream transport roller pair 35 and the intermediate roller 33 and driven roller 34, and the medium M can be transported accurately and cut at a predetermined position.

[0060] Next, as shown in FIG. 8D, the control unit 58 causes the medium Ma to be transported in the downstream direction D1. Specifically, the control unit 58 drives the first drive device 335 to rotate the upstream transport drive roller 35a in the forward direction, and also rotates the first downstream transport roller pair 36, the second downstream transport roller pair 37, and the third downstream transport roller pair 38 in the forward direction, thereby transporting the medium Ma in the downstream direction D1. The transported medium Ma is then discharged from the discharge port 14.

[0061] Next, a control method for double-sided printing, in which the first side S1 of the medium Ma printed by the printing unit 20 is turned over and printing is performed on the second side S2 of the medium Ma, will be described.

[0062] As shown in Figure 9A, the control unit 58 stops the flow of electricity to the coil of the electromagnetic clutch mechanism 333 and cuts off the driving force from the second driving device 334 to the intermediate roller 33, and then drives the first driving device 335 to print an image on the first surface S1 of the medium Ma while transporting the medium Ma in the downstream direction D1 using the upstream transport roller pair 35.

[0063] Next, as shown in FIG. 9B, when printing of the image on the first surface S1 of the medium Ma is completed, the control unit 58 stops the upstream transport roller pair 35, the first downstream transport roller pair 36, the second downstream transport roller pair 37, and the third downstream transport roller pair 38. In addition, the control unit 58 drives the roll paper transport roller pair 56, the supply roller pair 32, and the intermediate roller 33 in the reverse direction, transporting the medium M in the upstream direction D2 of the transport path 30 until the leading edge of the medium M reaches a position upstream of the confluence point P2.

[0064] 9C , the control unit 58 reversely drives the upstream transport roller pair 35, the first downstream transport roller pair 36, the second downstream transport roller pair 37, and the third downstream transport roller pair 38 to transport the medium Ma in the upstream direction D2 of the transport path 30, and draw the medium Ma into the reversal path 30e. Meanwhile, the control unit 58 rotates the intermediate roller 33 in the forward direction, and transports the medium Ma drawn into the reversal path 30e in the downstream direction D1 along the curved path 30b and the second path 30c. This reverses the medium Ma, allowing the second surface S2 of the medium Ma to face the head 22.

[0065] 9D , when the upstream transport roller pair 35 nip the leading edge of the medium Ma, the control unit 58 stops the power supply to the coil of the electromagnetic clutch mechanism 333. This cuts off the driving force from the second drive device 334 to the intermediate roller 33, causing the intermediate roller 33 to stop rotating and become freely rotatable together with the driven roller 34. Then, the intermediate roller 33 and driven roller 34 lose their conveying force on the medium Ma, and the upstream transport roller pair 35 nip the medium Ma while transporting the medium Ma in the downstream direction D1. As a result, during printing, no difference in the transport speed of the medium Ma occurs between the upstream transport roller pair 35 and the intermediate roller 33 and driven roller 34, and the medium Ma can be transported accurately. Next, ink is ejected onto the second surface S2 while the medium Ma is being transported in the downstream direction D1, thereby printing an image on both the first surface S1 and the second surface S2 of the medium Ma. Thereafter, the medium Ma is further transported in the downstream direction D1, and is thereby discharged from the discharge port 14.

[0066] As described above, according to this embodiment, the cutter 110 is disposed between the upstream transport roller pair 35 (upstream transport drive roller 35a) and the intermediate roller 33 on the transport path 30, which allows for a reduction in the size of the printing device 11A. Furthermore, by controlling the drive of the first drive device 335, the second drive device 334, and the electromagnetic clutch mechanism 333, it is possible to improve the transportability of the media M, Ma in various processing modes, such as when printing, reversing, and capturing images of the media M, Ma.

[0067] In this embodiment, the printed medium M is transported in the upstream direction D2, cut, and the cut medium Ma is transported in the downstream direction D1, but this is not limited to this. For example, a control configuration may be used in which the medium M transported in the downstream direction D1 is cut, the cut medium Ma is transported in the downstream direction D1, and an image is printed on the medium Ma. Even in this case, the same effect as described above can be obtained. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 11, 11A...printing device, 12...housing, 13...opening, 14...discharge port, 15...operation unit, 20...printing unit, 21...carriage, 22...head, 23...nozzle, 25...support unit, 27...cutting unit, 30...conveying path, 30a...first path, 30b...curved path, 30c...second path, 30d...third path, 30e...reversing path, 31...conveying unit, 32...supply roller pair, 33...intermediate roller, 34...driven roller, 35...upstream conveying roller pair, 35a...upstream conveying drive roller, 35b...upstream conveying driven roller, 36...downstream downstream first conveying roller pair, 37...downstream second conveying roller pair, 38...downstream third conveying roller pair, 58...control unit, 60...heating unit, 80...cutting chip storage unit, 90...imaging device, 110...cutter, 200...storage conveying body, 222...feed unit, 333...electromagnetic clutch mechanism, 334...second drive unit, 335...first drive unit, 581...CPU, 582...memory, 583...control circuit, 584...I / F, D1...downstream direction, D2...upstream direction, M, Ma, M1...medium, P1...branching point, P2...merging point, S1...first surface, S2...second surface.

Claims

1. a transport roller that transports the medium through a transport path; a printing unit that prints on the medium transported by the transport roller through the transport path; an intermediate roller that has a branch point that branches off from the transport path upstream of the transport roller in the transport direction of the medium, and transports the medium, which has been transported in a direction opposite to the transport direction, back to the transport path via a reversing path that rejoins the transport path upstream of the branch point in the transport direction, thereby inverting the front and back surfaces of the medium; a device disposed between the transport roller and the intermediate roller in the transport path; a first driving device that drives the transport roller; a second driving device that drives the intermediate roller; an electromagnetic clutch mechanism provided on the intermediate roller; a control unit that controls the first drive device, the second drive device, and the electromagnetic clutch mechanism; Equipped with the device is an imaging device, The control unit When printing on the medium in the printing unit, the first drive device and the second drive device are controlled so that the medium is transported in the transport direction by rotating both the transport roller and the intermediate roller in a forward direction; When inverting the front surface and the back surface of the medium printed by the printing unit, the first driving device and the second driving device are controlled so as to rotate the transport roller in a reverse direction that is opposite to the forward direction and to rotate the intermediate roller in the forward direction; A printing device that controls the second drive device so that, when the image printed on the medium by the printing unit is captured by the imaging device, the intermediate roller rotates in the reverse direction to transport the medium in the reverse direction.

2. 2. The printing device according to claim 1, a first driven roller that is disposed in a position facing the transport roller and rotates in accordance with the rotation of the transport roller; and a second driven roller that is disposed in a position facing the intermediate roller and rotates in accordance with the rotation of the intermediate roller, The control unit controls the electromagnetic clutch mechanism so that when printing on the medium in the printing unit, the medium is nipped between the transport roller and the first driven roller, and when the medium is nipped between the intermediate roller and the second driven roller, the control unit cuts off the transmission of driving force from the second drive device to the intermediate roller.

3. a control method for a printing device including a transport roller that transports a medium through a transport path; a printing unit that prints on the medium transported by the transport roller; an intermediate roller that has a branch point that branches off from the transport path upstream of the transport roller in the transport direction of the medium and transports the medium, transported in a direction opposite to the transport direction, back to the transport path via a reversal path that rejoins the transport path upstream of the branch point in the transport direction, thereby inverting the front and back sides of the medium; an imaging device that is arranged between the transport roller and the intermediate roller on the transport path; a first drive unit that drives the transport roller; a second drive unit that drives the intermediate roller; and an electromagnetic clutch mechanism provided on the intermediate roller, When printing on the medium in the printing unit, the transport roller and the intermediate roller both rotate in a forward direction to transport the medium in the transport direction; When the front surface and the back surface of the medium printed by the printing unit are inverted, the transport roller is rotated in a reverse direction that is a direction opposite to the forward direction, and the intermediate roller is rotated in the forward direction; A control method for a printing device, wherein when an image printed on the medium by the printing unit is captured by the imaging device, the intermediate roller rotates in the reverse direction to transport the medium in the reverse direction.

4. 4. A method for controlling a printing device according to claim 3, the printing device includes a first driven roller that is disposed in a position facing the transport roller and rotates in accordance with the rotation of the transport roller, and a second driven roller that is disposed in a position facing the intermediate roller and rotates in accordance with the rotation of the intermediate roller, A control method for a printing device, in which, when printing on the medium in the printing unit, the medium is nipped between the transport roller and the first driven roller, and also between the intermediate roller and the second driven roller, the electromagnetic clutch mechanism is used to cut off the transmission of driving force from the second drive device to the intermediate roller.

Images