Printing device and program

Abstract

To provide a printing device and a program capable of detecting detachment of media clamps for holding down a medium, from the medium during a printing period.SOLUTION: A printing device 10 comprises: a placement surface 301 on which a medium 200 being a printing target is placed: a carriage 28 which is movable relative to the medium 200 in a scanning direction, and includes an optical sensor capable of detecting positions of media clamps 303a and 303b for holding down the media 200 at the end of the medium 200 in the scanning direction; and a control unit 74 which includes a media clamps detachment detection unit 80 for detecting detachment of the media clamps 303a and 303b from the medium 200 during a printing period on the medium 200, and which controls operation of the carriage 28 and the optical sensor 90.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a printing device, a program, etc.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes detecting the positional relationship between a media pressing member and media from a change in the output of an optical sensor (for example, FIGS. 6 to 9).

[0003] Patent Document 2 describes detecting the lifted state of a media pressing portion during printing from the strength of a magnetic field detected by a magnetic sensor (for example, FIGS. 5 and 6).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The following problems have been clarified by the present inventor. That is, even if the relative positional relationship between the media clamp and the media to be printed is normal before printing with the paper set, i.e., at the time of setup, it may become abnormal after the start of printing.

[0006] For example, when the media is conveyed while being inclined, i.e., skewed, as the inclination of the media progresses, the media may deform such as lifting, pushing the media clamp outside the media, or the media may ride on the media clamp. <​​If the media pushes aside or rides over the media clamp, a media jam may occur during printing. In this case, proper printing will not be possible.

[0008] One object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus capable of detecting when a media clamp, which holds the media in place, has come loose from the media during the printing process.

[0009] Other objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art by referring to the embodiments and best embodiments described below, as well as the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The following are examples of embodiments of the present invention to facilitate understanding of its outline.

[0011] In an embodiment according to the present invention, the printing apparatus includes: a mounting surface on which a medium to be printed is placed; a carriage that is movable relative to the medium in the scanning direction and is equipped with an optical sensor capable of detecting the position of a media clamp that holds the medium at its end in the scanning direction; a carriage that is scanned and movable in a scanning direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the medium to be printed and is equipped with an optical sensor capable of detecting the position of a media clamp that holds the medium at its end in the scanning direction; and a media clamp detachment detection unit that detects when the media clamp has detached from the medium during the printing period on the medium, and a control unit that controls the operation of the carriage and the optical sensor.

[0012] In this embodiment, during the printing period, the position of the media clamp is detected by an optical sensor attached to the carriage. By utilizing the detection results, it is possible to determine whether the media clamp, which holds the media in place at the edges of the media, is performing its intended function correctly.

[0013] If it is determined that the system is not performing its intended function, measures such as notifying the user or halting printing can be taken. This helps to prevent media jams during printing.

[0014] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the embodiments of the present invention illustrated can be further modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of an example of a printing device (inkjet printer). [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of a structure that allows the main carriage (printing carriage) and the sub-carriage (cutting carriage) to be connected or separated. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example configuration of an optical sensor and subcarriage board mounted on a subcarriage (cut carriage), and an example configuration of the printer's main board mounted on the printing device body. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the structure of a subcarriage (cut carriage) with an optical sensor. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the state before scanning begins during setup, the state of the subcarriage during scanning during setup, and the state of the main carriage and subcarriage during scanning during printing. [Figure 6] Figure 6 illustrates the media clamp position detection operation by scanning the subcarriage. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of a situation where the media clamp has come loose due to the tilt of the media. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of detecting the position of the media clamp corresponding to one round trip of the subcarriage. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for detecting misalignment of the media clamp by the control unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for a control unit to detect the riding of a medium on a medium clamp.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0016] The best mode described below is used to easily understand the present invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art should note that the present invention is not unduly limited by the embodiments described below. (First Embodiment)

[0017] Refer to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an example of a printing apparatus (an inkjet printer).

[0018] An inkjet printer 10 having printing and cutting functions is supported by a base member 12, and includes a base member (apron: a front-hanging support member that supports a medium 200 in front of the printer main body) 14 that extends in the scanning direction and is disposed, side members 16L and 16R that are disposed perpendicular to the base member 14 at both left and right ends of the base member 14, first and second pinch rollers 17a and 17b that are rotatably in contact with the medium 200 and are disposed at a predetermined distance in the scanning direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the medium 200, a central wall 18 that connects the two left and right side members 16L and 16R, a first guide rail 20 disposed in the scanning direction, a second guide rail 22 disposed parallel to the guide rail 20, a drive belt 24 (refer to A-1 in FIG. 2) that is movably disposed along the wall surface of the central wall 18 in the scanning direction, a servo motor 58 that runs the drive belt 24 in the scanning direction, and two carriages 26 and 28 that are fixed to the drive belt 24 run by the servo motor 58 and are movable in the scanning direction along the first guide rail 20, and a display 104 capable of displaying various information.

[0019] The carriage 26 is a printing carriage as a main carriage on which a print head 29 is mounted.

[0020] The carriage 28 is a cut carriage, which is a sub-carriage equipped with a cutter. There are two types of cutters: one is a cutting cutter for cutting the media into the shape of a figure (cutter 32 that holds the cutting blade 36 in Figure 1); and the other is a sheet cutter (not shown in Figure 1, reference numeral 91 in A-1 of Figure 2).

[0021] In this embodiment, the cut carriage, which serves as the sub-carriage, is equipped with an optical sensor (see reference numeral 90 in Figures 2 and 3) that detects media clamps (reference numerals 303a and 303b in Figure 5) that hold the media 200 in place at its edges in the scanning direction. The optical sensor may also be provided on the print carriage, which serves as the main carriage. Furthermore, the cut carriage 28 can be separated from the print carriage 26 and moved independently. These points will be described later.

[0022] Note that a sub-carriage is a separate carriage from the carriage on which the print head is mounted (main carriage), and is not limited to cut carriages.

[0023] Furthermore, the media 200, which is the object to be printed (recorded), is placed on the mounting surface (not shown in Figure 1, reference numeral 301 in Figure 4) of a flat platen made of metal (not shown in Figure 1, reference numeral 300 in Figure 4).

[0024] Furthermore, a transport roller (not shown) exists below the pinch rollers 17a and 17b. This transport roller is driven by a servo motor such as a stepping motor and rotates to transport the media 200 from upstream to downstream in the transport direction.

[0025] The pinch rollers 17a and 17b rotate by power transmitted from the conveyor roller via a gear mechanism or the like. The pinch rollers 17a and 17b are mounted on a second guide rail 22 and are configured to move in the scanning direction along the second guide rail 22. The second guide rail 22 is rotatable so that the mounted pinch rollers 17a and 17b come into contact with the media 200. Elastic materials such as rubber are provided on the surfaces of the conveyor roller and the pinch rollers 17a and 17b, and the media 200 is firmly held between the pinch rollers 17a and 17b and the conveyor roller.

[0026] Next, refer to Figure 2. Figure 2 shows an example of a structure that allows the main carriage (printing carriage) and the sub-carriage (cutting carriage) to be connected or separated. In Figure 2, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts as in the previous figure. This is also the case for the other drawings.

[0027] The main carriage, the printing carriage 26, is equipped with a print head 29. The sub-carriage, the cutting carriage 28, is equipped with an optical sensor 90 capable of detecting media clamps (reference numerals 303a and 303b in Figure 5) and a cutter 91 for sheet cutting.

[0028] The sheet cutting cutter 91 is configured to be raised and lowered by a solenoid (not shown).

[0029] Furthermore, the cutting cutter 32, which cuts the media into the shape of a figure, is attached to the cutting carriage 28 and moves integrally with the cutting carriage 28. This cutting cutter 32 is also configured to be raised and lowered by a solenoid (not shown).

[0030] Note that in Figure 2, the cutting blade 36 of the cutting cutter 32 (see Figure 1) is omitted from the illustration.

[0031] In Figure 2A-1, the printing carriage 26 and the cutting carriage 28 are connected by a connecting member 40. For example, when printing on the media 20, the printing carriage (main carriage) 26 and the cutting carriage (sub-carriage) 28 are connected by the connecting part 40 and move as a single unit.

[0032] In Figure 2A-2, the print carriage (main carriage) 26 is located near the rightmost end of its movable range. This is the position of the print carriage 26 when the printer is powered on. The position of the cut carriage (sub-carriage) 28 connected to the print carriage 26 at this position is the position of the cut carriage 28 when the printer is powered on (standby position, hereinafter also referred to as the home position). The locking member (locking claw) 45 provided on the print carriage 26 and the locking member (locking claw) 49 of the engaging part 47 provided on the outer wall of the printer body engage, preventing the print carriage 26 from moving.

[0033] Meanwhile, the cut carriage (sub-carriage) 28 is released from its connection by the connecting part 40, separated from the printing carriage 26, and becomes independently movable.

[0034] When cutting the media 200 to a predetermined size or forming perforations across the media 200, only the cut carriage 28 is scanned, as shown in A-2 of Figure 2.

[0035] Furthermore, in this embodiment, during media setup before printing, only the sub-carriage (cut carriage) 28 is scanned, as shown in A-2 of Figure 2. During this scanning, the position of the media clamp is detected using the optical sensor 90. The media clamp position information detected at this time can be used as a reference value when determining the amount of misalignment of the media clamp. Furthermore, by moving only the sub-carriage, it is possible to suppress the drying of the ink head when detecting the position of the media clamp. In addition, since the weight of the carriage being moved is reduced, the carriage driving force can be reduced.

[0036] Next, refer to Figure 3. Figure 3 shows an example configuration of an optical sensor and subcarriage board mounted on a subcarriage (cut carriage), and an example configuration of the printer's main board mounted on the printing device body.

[0037] The subcarriage 28 is equipped with a subcarriage board 50, which has a subcarriage controller 52 mounted on it.

[0038] Furthermore, the subcarriage board 50 is provided with an I / O port (for example, a general-purpose I / O port) N1 as an output terminal. This subcarriage board 50 is also equipped with a serial communication module (not shown) of the same type as the serial communication module 76 mounted on the printer's main board 70. Using these serial communication modules enables UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter) communication.

[0039] The optical sensor 90 includes a light-emitting unit 92 having a light-emitting element (such as an LED) as a light source, and a light-receiving unit 94 having a light-receiving element (such as a photodiode) that receives reflected light from an object and converts it into an electrical signal. The detection signal (measurement signal) output from the light-receiving unit 94 is supplied to the subcarriage controller 52.

[0040] The data output from the optical sensor 90 is, for example, a 1-bit data of "H" or "L". In this embodiment, the optical sensor 90 outputs an H-level signal when the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 94 is large, and outputs an L-level signal when the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 94 is small. The subcarriage controller 52 transmits the received data to the printer's main board 70 via the I / O communication line 101.

[0041] The printer's main board 70 includes a position detection unit 72, a control unit (CPU, MPU, etc.) 74 that comprehensively controls the operation of the printing device (printer), a first storage unit (memory device) 75 equipped with a program PG for detecting media clamp detachment during printing, a serial communication module 76, a second storage unit (including registers, etc.) 77 capable of storing various data, and an I / O port (for example, a general-purpose I / O port) N2 as an input terminal.

[0042] The control unit 74 includes a media clamp detachment detection unit (not shown in Figure 3, reference numeral 80 in Figure 6). The operation of the media clamp detachment detection unit will be explained using Figure 6.

[0043] The position detection unit 72 receives a rotational position signal from the servo motor 58 sent from the encoder 60 of the carriage drive unit 53, and has the function of detecting the position of the moving subcarriage 28 based on that rotational position signal.

[0044] The carriage drive unit 53 also includes a servo controller 54, a servo amplifier 56, a servo motor 58, an encoder 60, and a servo board 61. The servo board 61 transmits the output signal or its integrated value from the encoder 60 to the printer's main board 70.

[0045] The control unit 74 mounted on the printer's main board 70 can detect, for example, the position of the media clamp by associating the received detection data from the optical sensor 90 with the position information of the moving subcarriage 28 in the scanning direction detected by the position detection unit 72.

[0046] Specifically, by detecting the position of the subcarriage at the moment the detected data changes from "H" to "L," the position of the media clamp and other components can be identified. This point will be discussed later.

[0047] Furthermore, the printer's main board 70 (control unit 74) can control the notification means 107 as needed to output various types of notification information. This notification information includes notification information or warning information in case a media clamp detachment is detected.

[0048] The notification means also includes a display control unit 103, a display unit 104, a sound output unit 105, and a speaker 106. This allows the user to be notified of various information by displaying characters or graphics, or by using voice or various sounds. The notification means may also send an email to a computer connected to the printer 10 to notify the user.

[0049] Next, refer to Figure 4. Figure 4 shows an example of the structure of a subcarriage (cut carriage) with an optical sensor.

[0050] The media 200 is placed on the mounting surface 301 of the platen 300. The light-emitting part 92 and the light-receiving part 94, which constitute the optical sensor 90, are attached to the lower end of the main body 27 of the subcarriage (cut carriage) 28.

[0051] The light-emitting unit 92 emits light R1 diagonally downward, and the light-receiving unit 94 receives reflected light R2 from the media 200 (or platen 300) or the media clamp 303 that holds the media 200 in place.

[0052] The media clamp 303 is configured to be attachable to the second guide rail 22 and is movable along the second guide rail 22 in the scanning direction. Alternatively, it may be fixed by fitting it into a groove provided in the platen 300. Alternatively, the media clamp 303 may simply be placed on top of the media 200 as a weight.

[0053] Furthermore, the optical sensor 90 is located a predetermined distance Δy downstream (end side) from the second guide rail 22 in the media transport direction. In other words, the optical sensor 90 is attached to the downstream (start) end of the subcarriage 28 in the media transport direction, or near the end. This has the effect of reducing the possibility of the optical sensor 90 misdetecting marks (e.g., crop marks) printed on the media 200 when detecting the media clamp 303. This point is explained in Figure 5A-1.

[0054] Next, refer to Figure 5. Figure 5 shows the state before scanning begins during setup, the state of the subcarriage during scanning during setup, and the state of the main carriage and subcarriage during scanning during printing.

[0055] In Figure 5A-1, the media 200 is already set on the platen 300. However, scanning has not yet started, and both the main carriage 26 and the sub-carriage 28 are in the standby position (home position) to the right of the platen 300.

[0056] Furthermore, the right end of the media 200 in the scanning direction (X direction) is held down by a metal media clamp 303a, and the left end is held down by a metal media clamp 303b.

[0057] Recognition patterns 305a and 305b are formed on the surface of the right-hand media clamp 303a to allow the control unit 74 to recognize the media clamp. Recognition patterns 305c and 305d are formed on the surface of the left-hand media clamp 303b to allow the control unit 74 to recognize the media clamp. In this embodiment, the recognition patterns 305a, 305b, 305c, and 305d are formed in a lighter color than the surface of the media clamps 303a and 303b. The surface color of the media clamps 303a and 303b is, for example, black.

[0058] This allows the position of each media clamp 303a and 303b to be detected by using the optical sensor 90 to detect recognition patterns 305a, 305b, 305c, and 305d.

[0059] For example, the inner positions of each media clamp 303a and 303b (positions P2 and P4 in A-1 of Figure 5) can be used as the positions of each media clamp 303a and 303b. However, this is not the only example. For example, in A-1 of Figure 5, the central position between positions P1 and P2 may be used as the position of media clamp 303a. The same applies to media clamp 303b.

[0060] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5A-1, on the upstream side in the transport direction of the media 200, colored reflectors (pinch roller detection plates) 17a and 17b are provided corresponding to the pinch rollers (not shown), and crop marks CP1 and CP2 are provided for alignment when cutting the media 200 into a desired pattern.

[0061] As explained earlier in Figure 4, the optical sensor 90 provided on the subcarriage 28 is positioned at a distance of Δy from the rail 20 located on the upstream side in the transport direction. In other words, the optical sensor 90 is attached to the downstream end of the subcarriage 28, or near the end, in the media transport direction.

[0062] Therefore, in Figure 5A-2, when the media 200 is set and the subcarriage 28 is scanned at least once to detect the positions of the media clamps 303a and 303b, the chance of mistakenly detecting the colored reflectors 17a and 17b on the pinch roller, or the crop marks CP1 and CP2, etc., as the metal parts of the media clamps 303a and 303b is reduced. In other words, the probability of correctly detecting the positions of the media clamps 303a and 303b is increased.

[0063] Next, as shown in A-2 of Figure 5, the subcarriage 28 is scanned independently at least once to detect the positions of the left and right media clamps 303a and 303b in at least one of the forward and return paths, and the detected position information is stored in the second storage unit 77 (see Figure 3). This position information can be used, for example, as a reference value when determining whether or not the media clamps 303a and 303b have detached from the media 200. If the media clamps 303a and 303b are not detected in this detection operation, the user may be notified that the media clamps 303a and 303b are not attached.

[0064] Furthermore, in Figure 5A-2, moving only the sub-carriage 28 suppresses the drying of the ink head during the scanning period. In addition, since the weight of the carriage being moved is reduced, the carriage driving force can be reduced.

[0065] Once the operation shown in Figure 5A-2 is complete, the setup period ends. Then, as shown in Figure 5A-3, printing begins. During printing, the sub-carriage 28 and the main carriage 26 move together. Printing is performed using the print head mounted on the main carriage 26, and in parallel, the positions of the media clamps 303a and 303b are detected using the optical sensor 90 mounted on the sub-carriage 28.

[0066] Position detection of media clamps 303a and 303b can be performed periodically, for example, using one round trip of the subcarriage 28 as the unit. That is, scans that perform position detection and scans that do not perform position detection can be provided, and position detection can be performed at time intervals (however, it is not limited to this). This point will be discussed later.

[0067] The media clamp detachment detection unit 80 (see A-2 in Figure 6) of the control unit 74 compares the reference value stored in A-2 in Figure 5 with the position information of each media clamp detected in A-3 in Figure 5. If the difference is greater than a predetermined threshold, it determines that a media clamp detachment has occurred. Also, if the position of the media clamp cannot be detected in A-3 in Figure 5, it determines that the media has become stuck on the media clamp. When these abnormalities are detected, the control unit 74 can notify the user or interrupt or cancel the printing operation. This helps to suppress the occurrence of media jams.

[0068] Next, refer to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the position detection operation of the media clamp by scanning the subcarriage.

[0069] Figure 6A-1 is a reproduction of Figure 5A-3. Figure 6A-2 shows the essential parts extracted from the configuration shown in Figure 3. Figure 6A-2 also shows an example of the configuration of the media clamp release detection unit 80 of the control unit 74 mounted on the printer's main board 70.

[0070] The control unit 74 includes a media clamp detachment detection unit 80, a notification unit 85, and a second storage unit 77 that stores the detected media clamp position information.

[0071] The media clamp detachment detection unit 80 includes a media clamp position detection unit 81, a media clamp misalignment amount detection unit 82, a first determination unit 83 that determines that the media clamp has been pushed outward by the media and detached (in other words, that the media clamp has detached due to misalignment), and a second determination unit 84 that determines that the media has become lodged on the media clamp.

[0072] Each component of the media clamp release detection unit 80 is a functional block constructed by a computer operating according to the program PG shown in Figure 3. By constructing functional blocks using a program, the media clamp release detection function of the present invention can be easily realized.

[0073] Figure 6A-3 shows the detection signal waveforms (pulse waveforms) SR0 and SL0 when the optical sensor 90 detects the identification patterns 305a to 305d of the media clamps 303a and 303b. These detection signal waveforms are assumed to be obtained by scanning the forward path of the subcarriage 28 during setup.

[0074] For the media clamp 303a on the right, the detection signal level becomes high during the periods t0-t1 and t2-t3. Then, at time t4, the signal level changes to high. The position P2 corresponding to the timing of the rising edge at this time is defined as the detection position of the media clamp 303a. The detected position P2 is stored in the second storage unit 77 as the reference position PR0 of the media clamp 303a on the right.

[0075] For the left media clamp 303b, the detection signal level becomes H level during the periods of time t6-t7 and time t8-t9. Then, the position P4 corresponding to the timing of the falling edge at time t5 is set as the detection position of the media clamp 303b. The detected position P4 is stored in the second storage unit 77 as the reference position PL0 of the left media clamp 303b.

[0076] Next, refer to Figure 7. Figure 7 shows an example of a situation where the media clamp has come loose due to the tilt of the media.

[0077] Even if the relative position between the media clamp and the media to be printed is normal during setup (i.e., when the paper is loaded), it may become abnormal after printing begins.

[0078] For example, if media is transported at an angle, i.e., skewed, as the tilt of the media progresses, it may deform, such as lifting up, which could push the media clamp away from the media, or the media may ride up onto the media clamp.

[0079] If the media pushes aside or rides over the media clamp, a media jam may occur during printing. In this case, proper printing will not be possible, so it is preferable to take measures such as issuing a warning beforehand or interrupting the printing process.

[0080] In Figure 7A-1, the media 200 rotates clockwise and tilts, and the tilted media 200 pushes the media clamp 303a to the right, causing a misalignment.

[0081] During setup, the right end of the media clamp 303a was at position P1, and the left end was at position P2. In Figure 7A-1, P1 has moved to P1', and P2 has moved to P2'.

[0082] In Figure 7A-1, the media clamp 303a after movement is labeled 303a' to distinguish it from the one before movement. Correspondingly, the identification patterns are labeled 305a' and 305b'.

[0083] In Figure 7A-1, during the i-th forward scan of the subcarriage 28 (where i is a natural number greater than or equal to 1), the detected waveform SRi is obtained as shown in the lower part of Figure 7A-1. This allows the above-mentioned position P2' to be detected. This process is performed by the media clamp position detection unit 81 shown in Figure 6.

[0084] The detected position information P2' is stored in the second storage unit 77 as the detected position PRi of the right media clamp 303a during the i-th forward scan.

[0085] Then, the detection position PR0 during setup and the detection position PRi during printing, as explained earlier in Figures 6A-2 and A-3, are compared.

[0086] In other words, the absolute value of the difference between PR0 and PRi is defined as the positional displacement ΔP. This process is performed by the media clamp positional displacement detection unit 82 shown in Figure 6.

[0087] The first determination unit 83 in Figure 6 then determines whether this ΔP is greater than a predetermined threshold (let's call this threshold CR: see step S5 in Figure 9). If it is greater, the system notifies the user, or performs actions such as interrupting or canceling printing. The threshold CR can be set to, for example, a few centimeters. However, this is just one example and is not limited to this example.

[0088] Furthermore, notification processing is performed by the notification unit 85 shown in Figure 6. In addition, the processing of interrupting or canceling printing is performed by the control unit 74.

[0089] In Figure 7A-2, the media clamp 303a has not moved, but the media 200 is riding on top of the right media clamp 303a. Identification patterns 305a and 305b are almost entirely covered by the media 200. Therefore, the detection signal SRi output from the optical sensor 90 will have an incomplete waveform, or no waveform will be obtained at all. In this embodiment, in either of the above cases, the situation will be treated as an event where position detection is not possible.

[0090] The second determination unit 84, shown in Figure 6, determines that media jamming has occurred when such an event occurs. In this case, the user is notified, and processing such as interrupting or canceling printing is performed. This helps to suppress the occurrence of media jams.

[0091] In the example above, we described the case where the media clamp 303a on the right side detaches from the media 200, but the same applies to the media clamp 203b on the left side.

[0092] Next, refer to Figure 8. Figure 8 shows an example of detecting the position of the media clamp corresponding to one round trip of the subcarriage.

[0093] In Figure 8, during the printing period, when the subcarriage 28 (and main carriage 26) completes one round trip in the i-th scan (where i is a natural number greater than or equal to 1) from the start of scanning, the media clamp detachment detection unit 80 performs detection processing DRi for the right media clamp 303a and detection processing DLi for the left media clamp 303b during the forward pass.

[0094] Furthermore, on the return journey, the media clamp detachment detection unit 80 performs detection processing D'Li for the left media clamp 303b and detection processing D'Ri for the right media clamp 303a.

[0095] In other words, when the subcarriage 28 completes one round trip during the i-th scan, the four detection processes of DRi, DLi, D'Li, and D'Ri are executed sequentially.

[0096] Each detection process performs at least one of the following: a first operation, shown in Figure 7A-1, which detects that the amount of misalignment of the media clamp exceeds a predetermined threshold; and a second operation, shown in Figure 7A-2, which detects that the media is riding up on the media clamp. However, it is preferable to perform both the first and second operations in each detection process.

[0097] For example, in the four detection processes DRi, DLi, D'Li, and D'Ri, if the media misalignment increases immediately after the DLi detection process on the outbound path, resulting in a media clamp detachment, the DLi detection process cannot detect the media clamp detachment. However, the D'Li detection process on the return path, which occurs immediately afterward, can detect the media clamp detachment.

[0098] Furthermore, if the media misalignment increases immediately after the detection process DRi on the outbound journey, resulting in a media clamp detachment, the detection process DRi cannot detect the media clamp detachment, but the detection process D'Ri on the return journey can detect that media clamp detachment.

[0099] In this way, by performing four detection processes in a single round trip, it is possible to immediately detect when a media clamp detachment occurs. Therefore, a highly reliable media clamp detachment detection process is achieved.

[0100] Furthermore, when the subcarriage 28 makes multiple round trips during the printing period, at least one of the first and second determination operations corresponding to one round trip of the carriage shown in Figure 8 may be performed periodically.

[0101] For example, after executing each of the above detection processes by the round trip during the i-th scan, the detection operations may not be performed during n scans (where n is a natural number greater than or equal to 1), and then each detection process may be executed again in the scan following those n scans.

[0102] This reduces the processing load on the control unit 74 (media clamp detachment detection unit 80). It also makes it possible to reduce power consumption. As described above, four detection processes are performed each time the subcarriage 28 moves back and forth, and a highly reliable media clamp detachment detection process is achieved, so even with periodic processing, a decrease in detection performance is not a problem.

[0103] Furthermore, at least one of the first and second determination operations may be performed periodically on either the outbound or return journey, or at least one of the first and second determination operations may be performed each time the amount of media transported by the transport roller reaches a predetermined value, or at least one of the first and second determination operations may be performed when the media is transported at high speed by the transport roller before cutting the media.

[0104] Next, refer to Figure 9. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for detecting misalignment of the media clamp by the control unit.

[0105] In step S1, the positions PR0 and PL0 of the right and left media clamps are detected and stored during setup. In step S2, printing is started. At this time, i is set to 1.

[0106] In step S3, it is determined whether i is less than the maximum value imax (i.e., whether the number of scans of the subcarriage has not reached the maximum number). If it is N, i has reached the maximum value, so the process proceeds to step S14 and printing is completed. If it is Y, the process proceeds to step S4.

[0107] In step S4, the position PRi of the right media clamp during the i-th forward pass is detected.

[0108] In step S5, it is determined whether the absolute value of the difference between the detected position PR0 during setup, detected in step S1, and the position PRi of the right media clamp on the i-th forward pass, detected in step S4 (i.e., the media clamp misalignment amount ΔP), is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold CR for detecting the misalignment of the right media clamp (i.e., not exceeding CR). If the result is N, there is a high probability that the media clamp has come loose, so the process proceeds to step S13, where notification, interruption or cancellation of printing is performed. If the result is Y, the process proceeds to step S6.

[0109] In step S6, the position PLi of the left media clamp during the i-th forward pass is detected.

[0110] In step S7, it is determined whether the absolute value of the difference between the detection position PL0 at setup detected in step S1 and the position PLi of the left media clamp on the i-th forward pass detected in step S6 (i.e., the media clamp misalignment amount ΔP) is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold CL for detecting misalignment of the left media clamp (i.e., not exceeding CL). If the result is N, there is a high possibility that the media clamp has come loose, so the process proceeds to step S13, where notification, interruption or cancellation of printing is performed. If the result is Y, the process proceeds to step S8. Steps S2 to S7 described above represent the actions taken on the outward journey. Next, the actions taken on the return journey begin.

[0111] In step S8, the position P'Li of the left media clamp on the i-th return path is detected.

[0112] In step S9, it is determined whether the absolute value of the difference between the detection position PL0 at setup detected in step S1 and the position P'Li of the left media clamp on the i-th return pass detected in step S8 (i.e., the media clamp misalignment amount ΔP) is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold CL for detecting misalignment of the left media clamp (i.e., not exceeding CL). If the result is N, there is a high possibility that the media clamp has come loose, so the process proceeds to step S13, where notification, interruption or cancellation of printing is performed. If the result is Y, the process proceeds to step S10.

[0113] In step S10, the position P'Ri of the right media clamp on the i-th return path is detected.

[0114] In step S11, it is determined whether the absolute value of the difference between the detection position PR0 at setup detected in step S1 and the position P'Ri of the right media clamp on the i-th return pass detected in step S10 (i.e., the media clamp misalignment amount ΔP) is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold CR for detecting the misalignment of the right media clamp (i.e., not exceeding CR). If the result is N, there is a high possibility that the media clamp has come loose, so the process proceeds to step S13, where notification, interruption or cancellation of printing is performed. If the result is Y, the process proceeds to step S12.

[0115] In step S12, i is updated. That is, i is set to the current value plus 1. Then, the process returns to step S3 and is repeated.

[0116] Next, refer to Figure 10. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for detecting when a media is riding up onto a media clamp by the control unit.

[0117] In step S20, the positions PR0 and PL0 of the right and left media clamps are detected and stored during setup. In step S21, printing is started. At this time, i is set to 1.

[0118] In step S22, it is determined whether i is less than the maximum value imax (i.e., whether the number of scans of the subcarriage has not reached the maximum number). If it is N, i has reached the maximum value, so the process proceeds to step S29 and printing is completed. If it is Y, the process proceeds to step S23.

[0119] In step S23, it is determined whether the position PRi of the right media clamp during the i-th forward pass was detected. If the result is N, there is a high probability that the media has come loose from the media clamp due to the media riding up on it, so the process proceeds to step S28, where notification, interruption or cancellation of printing is performed. If the result is Y, the process proceeds to step S24.

[0120] In step S24, it is determined whether the position PLi of the left media clamp during the i-th forward pass was detected. If the result is N, there is a high probability that the media has come loose from the media clamp due to the media riding up on it, so the process proceeds to step S28, where notification, interruption or cancellation of printing is performed. If the result is Y, the process proceeds to step S25.

[0121] In step S25, it is determined whether the position P'Li of the left media clamp on the i-th return pass was detected. If the result is N, there is a high probability that the media has come loose from the media clamp due to the media riding up on it, so the process proceeds to step S28, where notification, interruption or cancellation of printing is performed. If the result is Y, the process proceeds to step S26.

[0122] In step S26, it is determined whether the position P'Ri of the right media clamp on the i-th return pass was detected. If the result is N, there is a high probability that the media has come loose from the media clamp due to the media riding up on it, so the process proceeds to step S28, where notification, interruption or cancellation of printing is performed. If the result is Y, the process proceeds to step S27.

[0123] In step S27, i is updated. That is, i is set to the current value plus 1. Then, the process returns to step S22 and is repeated.

[0124] Thus, in the first aspect of the printing apparatus of the present invention, the printing apparatus (printer) includes a carriage 28 that is scannable and movable in a scanning direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the media 200 to be printed, and equipped with an optical sensor 90 capable of detecting the positions of media clamps 303a and 303b that hold the media at the edges of the media in the scanning direction, and a control unit 74 that controls the operation of the carriage 28 and the optical sensor 90, and a media clamp release detection unit 80 that detects when the media clamps 303a and 303b have come off the media during the printing period on the media.

[0125] In this embodiment, during the printing period, the position of the media clamp is detected by an optical sensor attached to the carriage. By utilizing the detection results, it is possible to determine whether the media clamp, which holds the media in place at the edges of the media, is performing its intended function correctly. If it is determined that it is not performing its intended function, measures such as notifying the user or stopping printing can be taken. This helps to suppress the occurrence of media jams during printing.

[0126] Furthermore, in a second aspect of the present invention, the media clamp detachment detection unit 80 in the control unit 74 may include: a media clamp position detection unit 81 that detects the positions of media clamps 303a and 303b; a media clamp displacement amount detection unit 82 that detects the amount of displacement between the first positions PR0 and PL0 of the media clamps 303a and 303b when the media is set and ready for printing, and the second positions PRi and PLi of the media clamps detected during the printing period; and a first determination unit 83 that determines that the media clamps are not in the normal position if the detected displacement amount is greater than predetermined thresholds CR and CL.

[0127] According to this embodiment, by comparing the position of the media clamp (reference position) acquired during setup with the position of the media clamp detected during printing, the amount of misalignment can be detected. If the amount of misalignment is greater than a predetermined threshold, it can be estimated that the media clamp has been pushed by the media and its position has shifted beyond the acceptable range. In other words, it can be determined that the media clamp is not in the normal position.

[0128] Furthermore, in a third aspect of the present invention, the media clamp detachment detection unit 80 in the control unit 74 may include a media clamp position detection unit 81 that detects the positions of media clamps 303a and 303b, and a second determination unit 84 that determines that the media is riding on the media clamp if the position of the media clamp cannot be detected during the printing period.

[0129] This also makes it possible to detect when media is riding over the media clamp.

[0130] Furthermore, in a fourth aspect of the present invention, when the media clamp detachment detection unit 80 detects a media clamp detachment, the control unit 74 may perform control to notify the user that a media clamp detachment has occurred.

[0131] This helps to suppress the occurrence of media jams.

[0132] Furthermore, in a fifth aspect of the present invention, if the media clamp detachment detection unit 80 detects a media clamp detachment, the control unit 74 may interrupt or cancel printing.

[0133] This helps to suppress the occurrence of media jams.

[0134] Furthermore, in a sixth aspect of the present invention, the media clamp is provided with a recognition pattern, and the media clamp detachment detection unit in the control unit may detect the position of the media clamp based on the detection signal of the recognition pattern by an optical sensor.

[0135] This makes it possible to accurately detect the position of the media clamp with a simple configuration.

[0136] Furthermore, in a seventh aspect of the present invention, the carriage 28 may be a sub-carriage that is separate from the printing carriage 26 on which the print head is mounted and can move independently of the printing carriage 26.

[0137] In this embodiment, by moving only the sub-carriage, it is possible to suppress the drying of the ink head when detecting the position of the media clamp. In addition, since the weight of the carriage being moved is reduced, the carriage driving force can be reduced.

[0138] Furthermore, in an eighth aspect of the present invention, the optical sensor 90 may be attached to the downstream end of the carriage 28 in the media transport direction, or near the end.

[0139] This reduces the likelihood of mistakenly detecting the colored reflectors 17a and 17b on the pinch roller, or the crop marks CP1 and CP2, etc., as the metal parts of the media clamps 303a and 303b when detecting the positions of the media clamps 303a and 303b with the media 200 set in place. In other words, it increases the probability of correctly detecting the positions of the media clamps 303a and 303b.

[0140] Furthermore, in a ninth aspect of the present invention, the media clamp includes a first media clamp provided at a first end of the media in the scanning direction and a second media clamp provided at a second end opposite to the first end. The first determination operation is to detect the amount of deviation between a first position of the media clamp when the media is set and ready for printing and a second position of the media clamp detected during the printing period. If the detected deviation amount is greater than a predetermined threshold, the operation is to determine that the media clamp is not in the normal position. The second determination operation is to determine that the media is riding on the media clamp if the position of the media clamp cannot be detected during the printing period. In this case, when the carriage makes one round trip along the scanning direction so as to cross the media, the media clamp detachment detection unit in the control unit may perform at least one of the first and second determination operations for each of the first and second media clamps on the forward path of the carriage, and at least one of the first and second determination operations for each of the second and first media clamps on the return path of the carriage.

[0141] This allows for four detection processes per round trip, enabling immediate detection of media clamp detachment. Therefore, a highly reliable media clamp detachment detection process is achieved.

[0142] Furthermore, in a tenth aspect of the present invention, the control unit 74 may periodically perform at least one of the first and second determination operations on at least one of the forward and return journeys of the carriage 28 during the printing period when the carriage 28 makes multiple round trips.

[0143] For example, after performing a detection process during the i-th scan (round trip), the detection process may not be performed during n scans (where n is a natural number greater than or equal to 1), and then the detection process may be performed again during the scan following those n scans.

[0144] This reduces the processing load on the control unit 74 (media clamp detachment detection unit 80). It also makes it possible to reduce power consumption. For example, by performing the detection process four times for each round trip of the subcarriage 28, highly reliable media clamp detachment detection is achieved. Therefore, even with periodic processing, a decrease in detection performance is not a problem.

[0145] Furthermore, in the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the program PG is a program that causes the computer to operate as a control unit 74 in any one of the first to tenth forms.

[0146] By using a computer program, the computer (one or more processors, etc.) mounted on the printer's main board 70 can be made to function as a media clamp detachment detection unit 80 capable of detecting media clamp detachment during printing. This can be easily implemented by simply installing the computer program into the second storage unit (memory device) 77 of the control unit (control device) 74.

[0147] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to detect when a media clamp, which holds the media in place, has come off the media during the printing process.

[0148] In the above-described embodiment, the home positions of the main carriage, the print carriage 26, and the sub-carriage, the cut carriage 28, were to the right of the printer 10, but they may also be to the left of the printer 10. In this case, the positions of the left media clamp and the right media clamp are detected sequentially during the forward path, and the positions of the right media clamp and the left media clamp are detected sequentially during the return path.

[0149] In the above-described embodiment, the printer transported the media using transport rollers (a so-called roll-to-roll type), but it may also be a printer in which the mounting surface on which the media is placed moves in a direction perpendicular to the scanning direction (a so-called flatbed type), or a printer in which the carriage moves in the scanning direction and in a direction perpendicular to the scanning direction relative to the mounting surface on which the media is placed (a so-called gantry type). In other words, it is sufficient to have a configuration in which the media and the carriage can move relative to each other in the scanning direction and in a direction perpendicular to the scanning direction.

[0150] The present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above, and those skilled in the art will be able to easily modify the exemplary embodiments described above to the extent included in the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0151] 10...Printing device (inkjet printer with cutting function, etc.), 12...Base member, 14...Base member (apron), 16L, 16R...Side members, 17 (17a, 17b)...Pinch rollers (first and second pinch rollers), 18...Central wall, 20...First guide rail, 22...Second guide rail, 24...Drive belt, 26...Main carriage (printing carriage), 28...Sub-carriage ( 29... Print head, 32... Cutter, 36... Cutting blade, 40... Connecting section, 50... Subcarriage board, 52... Subcarriage controller, 54... Servo controller, 56... Servo amplifier, 58... Servo motor, 60... Encoder, 70... Printer main board, 72... Position detection unit (subcarriage position detection unit), 74... Control unit, 75... First memory 77...Second memory unit, 76...Serial communication module, 80...Media clamp detachment detection unit, 81...Media clamp position detection unit, 82...Media clamp position deviation detection unit, 83...First determination unit, 84...Second determination unit, 85...Notification unit, 92...Light emission unit, 94...Light receiving unit, 90...Optical sensor (sensor for media clamp position detection), 101...I / O communication line, 103...UART Communication line, 104... display unit, 200... media (medium, recording medium, printing target), 300... platen (mounting member), N1... I / O port as output port (general-purpose I / O terminal, etc.), N2... I / O port as input port (general-purpose I / O terminal, etc.), 303 (303a, 303b)... media clamp, 305a and 305b, 305c and 305d... recognition patterns for media clamp, PG... program.

Claims

1. A mounting surface on which the media to be printed is placed, A carriage equipped with an optical sensor that is movable relative to the media in the scanning direction and capable of detecting the position of a media clamp that holds the media at its end in the scanning direction, The system includes a media clamp detachment detection unit that detects when the media clamp has detached from the media during the printing period on the media, and a control unit that controls the operation of the carriage and the optical sensor. Having, Printing device.

2. The media clamp release detection unit in the control unit is A media clamp position detection unit for detecting the position of the media clamp, A media clamp misalignment detection unit detects the amount of misalignment between the first position of the media clamp when the media is set and ready for printing, and the second position of the media clamp detected during the printing period. A first determination unit determines that the media clamp is not in the normal position if the detected displacement is greater than a predetermined threshold, Having, The printing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The media clamp release detection unit in the control unit is A media clamp position detection unit for detecting the position of the media clamp, If the position of the media clamp cannot be detected during the printing period, a second determination unit determines that the media is riding on the media clamp. Having, The printing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. When the media clamp detachment detection unit detects a media clamp detachment, the control unit executes a control to notify the user that a media clamp detachment has occurred. The printing apparatus according to claim 1.

5. When the media clamp detachment detection unit detects a media clamp detachment, the control unit interrupts or cancels the printing. The printing apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The media clamp is provided with a recognition pattern. The media clamp release detection unit in the control unit is Based on the detection signal of the recognition pattern by the optical sensor, the position of the media clamp is detected. The printing apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The carriage is a sub-carriage that is separate from the print carriage on which the print head is mounted and is capable of moving independently of the print carriage. The printing apparatus according to claim 1.

8. The aforementioned optical sensor is Attached to the downstream end of the carriage in a direction intersecting the scanning direction of the media, or near the end thereof, The printing apparatus according to claim 1.

9. The media clamp comprises a first media clamp provided at the first end of the media in the scanning direction, and a second media clamp provided at the second end opposite to the first end. The first determination operation involves detecting the amount of deviation between the first position of the media clamp when the media is set and ready for printing and the second position of the media clamp detected during the printing period, and determining that the media clamp is not in the normal position if the detected amount of deviation is greater than a predetermined threshold. If, during the printing period, the position of the media clamp cannot be detected, the second determination operation is to determine that the media is riding on the media clamp. The media clamp release detection unit in the control unit is When the carriage makes one round trip along the scanning direction so as to cross the media, During the forward journey of the carriage, at least one of the first and second determination operations is performed for each of the first and second media clamps. During the return journey of the carriage, at least one of the first and second determination operations is performed for each of the second media clamp and the first media clamp. The printing apparatus according to claim 1.

10. The media clamp comprises a first media clamp provided at the first end of the media in the scanning direction, and a second media clamp provided at the second end opposite to the first end. The first determination operation involves detecting the amount of deviation between the first position of the media clamp when the media is set and ready for printing and the second position of the media clamp detected during the printing period, and determining that the media clamp is not in the normal position if the detected amount of deviation is greater than a predetermined threshold. If, during the printing period, the position of the media clamp cannot be detected, the second determination operation is to determine that the media is riding on the media clamp. The control unit, During the printing period, when the carriage makes multiple back-and-forth movements, During at least one of the forward and return journeys of the carriage, the first and second determination operations are performed periodically. The printing apparatus according to claim 1.

11. A program that causes a computer to operate as a control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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