JP2020090012A - Printer and printer control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To adjust a gap corresponding to a paper thickness in a printing apparatus. A printer has a distance sensor 54 that detects a distance between an inkjet head 53 and a platen 62, a first distance L1 that indicates a distance between the inkjet head 53 and the platen 62 by a distance sensor 54, and an inkjet. The detection control unit 110A that detects the second distance L2 indicating the distance between the head 53 and the print medium M, the calculation unit 110B that calculates the difference ΔL between the first distance L1 and the second distance L2, and the difference ΔL Based on this, an execution unit 110C that executes a specific process is provided. [Selection diagram] Fig. 2

Description

The present invention relates to a printer and a printer control method.

2. Description of the Related Art A printer is known in which a platen and a print head are opposed to each other, and ink is ejected onto a recording medium passing over the platen to perform printing (for example, refer to Patent Document 1). The printer described in Patent Document 1 includes a platen gap adjusting device that adjusts a platen gap, which is a distance between the print head and the platen. The control unit of the platen gap adjusting device adjusts the carriage shaft up and down every time the carriage moves to the printing position based on the detection result of the platen gap detector so as to eliminate the deviation of the platen gap from the reference dimension. I do. Further, the second adjustment process including the adjustment of the gap according to the paper thickness which is the thickness of the recording medium is performed with the rotational position of the cam member after the completion of this process as the reference rotational position. Further, when the paper thickness changes, the printer described in Patent Document 1 moves the carriage shaft up and down by the specified dimensional change amount when the dimensional change amount from the reference paper thickness is specified.

JP, 2013-52637, A

The printer described in Patent Document 1 performs adjustment according to the paper thickness when the paper type or the paper thickness is input or the dimensional change amount from the reference paper thickness is designated. Therefore, there is a restriction on the timing of adjusting the gap according to the paper thickness.

One mode for achieving the above object is a platen that supports a print medium, a carriage that is arranged to face the platen and moves with respect to the print medium, a print head mounted on the carriage, and the print head. A distance detector for detecting a distance between the print head and the platen, a first distance indicating a distance between the print head and the platen by the distance detector, and a distance between the print head and the print medium. A detection control unit that detects a second distance indicating a distance, a calculation unit that calculates a difference between the first distance and the second distance, and an execution unit that executes a specific process based on the difference. It is a printer equipped.

In the printer, the specific process may include a process of moving the carriage so as to change the first distance.

In the printer, a moving mechanism that changes a distance between the print head and the platen is provided, and the execution unit, as the specific process, changes a distance between the platen and the print head by the moving mechanism. The configuration may be changed.

In the printer, the distance detector may be arranged downstream of the print head in the moving direction of the carriage.

In the above printer, the print head may be an inkjet head that performs printing by ejecting ink onto the print medium.

In the above printer, the detection control unit includes a carriage moving mechanism that moves the carriage in a direction intersecting a conveyance direction of the print medium, and a print medium detector that is mounted on the carriage and detects the print medium. May detect the first distance, move the carriage by the carriage moving mechanism, and detect the second distance after the print medium is detected by the print medium detector.

Another aspect of achieving the above object includes a platen that supports a print medium, a carriage that is arranged to face the platen and moves with respect to the print medium, and a print head that is mounted on the carriage. A method of controlling a printer, comprising: a first detection step of detecting a first distance indicating a distance between the print head and the platen by a distance detector mounted on the carriage; A second detecting step of detecting a second distance indicating a distance between the print head and the print medium; a calculating step of calculating a difference between the first distance and the second distance; A method of controlling a printer, comprising: an execution step of executing a specific process.

FIG. 3 illustrates a configuration of a printer. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration for detecting the thickness of a print medium. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of a printer. The flowchart which shows the process of a control part. The flowchart which shows the height adjustment process of a control part.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of the printer 1.

1 and 2, for convenience of description, an X axis, a Y axis, and a Z axis are shown as three axes orthogonal to each other. In each arrow indicating the axial direction, the direction toward the tip is the "+ (plus) direction", and the direction toward the base end is the "- (minus) direction".

The Z-axis direction, which is a direction parallel to the Z-axis, is the vertical direction, and in the present embodiment, the vertical direction of the printer 1. Hereinafter, the + direction in the Z-axis direction will be referred to as upward, and the − direction in the Z-axis direction will be referred to as downward. The X-axis direction, which is a direction parallel to the X-axis, is the horizontal direction, and in the present embodiment, the left-right direction of the printer 1. Hereinafter, the + direction in the X-axis direction is referred to as the right direction, and the − direction in the X-axis direction is referred to as the left direction. The Y-axis direction, which is a direction parallel to the Y-axis, is the horizontal direction, and is the front-back direction of the printer 1 in this embodiment. Hereinafter, the + direction in the Y-axis direction is referred to as the front direction, and the − direction in the Y-axis direction is referred to as the rear direction.

The printer 1 is a so-called “ink jet method”, and ejects ink onto the print medium M to print an image on the print surface of the print medium M. Specifically, the printer 1 is, for example, a large format printer that performs printing on the print medium M having a relatively large size. More specifically, the printer 1 executes printing on paper of a size such as “A0” or “A1” defined by ISO (International Organization for Standardization) 216, for example.

As the print medium M, for example, high-quality paper, cast paper, art paper, coated paper, synthetic paper, a film formed of PET (Polyethylene terephthalate), PP (Polypropyrene), or the like can be used. In the present embodiment, the print medium M is, for example, high-quality paper.

As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 1 includes a transport unit 4 and a foot stand 2. The transport unit 4 is supported by the pedestal 2. The pedestal 2 has a plurality of casters 21. The plurality of casters 21 are arranged at the lower end of the leg base 2.

The transport unit 4 has a sending unit 41 and a winding unit 42. The delivery unit 41 has a delivery motor 41M. The winding unit 42 includes a winding motor 42M and a winding roller 421. The printer 1 also includes a main body 3.
The sending unit 41 sends the print medium M to the main body unit 3 from the roll body R1 in which the long print medium M is wound in a roll shape by the feed motor 41M rotatingly driving the roll body R1.
The main body section 3 forms an image on the print medium M sent from the sending section 41.
The winding unit 42 winds the printed printing medium M sent from the main body unit 3 to the sending unit 41 by the winding motor 42M driving the winding roller 421 to rotate.
The transport unit 4 transports the print medium M in the transport direction H by the roll-to-roll method by the sending unit 41 and the winding unit 42. The transport direction H indicates a direction in which the print medium M is transported in the main body 3, and is a direction parallel to the front-back direction of the printer 1.

The delivery unit 41 is arranged in the rear direction of the main body 3 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape supported by the leg base 2. The roll body R1 is replaceably loaded in the delivery section 41. The delivery unit 41 rotates the roll body R1 counterclockwise by the delivery motor 41M rotationally driving the roll body R1 to unwind the print medium M from the roll body R1 and the print medium M to the main body unit 3 Supply to.

The winding unit 42 is arranged in the front direction of the main body unit 3. The winding unit 42 includes a pair of holders that sandwich and support a winding roller 421 for forming the roll body R2. A winding motor 42M that rotates the winding roller 421 is arranged in one of the holders. The winding unit 42 rotates the winding roller 421 counterclockwise to wind the print medium M after printing onto the winding roller 421 to form the roll body R2.

The transport unit 4 has a transport roller pair 43 that transports the print medium M in the transport direction H with the print medium M sandwiched in the transport path HK between the delivery unit 41 and the winding unit 42. The transport path HK indicates a path along which the print medium M is transported from the sending section 41 to the winding section 42.
The transport roller pair 43 includes a transport drive roller 431, a transport driven roller 432, and a transport motor 43M. The transport driving roller 431 is arranged below the transport path HK, and is driven and rotated by the transport motor 43M. The transport driven roller 432 is disposed above the transport path HK, and rotates following the rotation of the transport drive roller 431. The transport driven roller 432 is configured to be vertically movable with respect to the transport drive roller 431. The transport roller pair 43 sandwiches the print medium M between the transport drive roller 431 and the transport driven roller 432, and transports the print medium M in the transport direction H.

The printer 1 includes a printing unit 5. The printing unit 5 is arranged inside the main body unit 3 in the forward direction of the transport roller pair 43. The printing unit 5 ejects ink onto the printing medium M to form an image on the printing surface of the printing medium M. That is, the printing unit 5 prints by ejecting ink onto the printing medium M.

The printing unit 5 includes a guide shaft 51, a carriage 52, a carriage drive motor 51M, and an inkjet head 53. The guide shaft 51 is supported by the pedestal 2 and arranged in the main body 3. The guide shaft 51 is arranged so as to extend in the left-right direction of the printer 1.

The carriage 52 is driven by a carriage drive motor 51M to reciprocate along the guide shaft 51 in an intersecting direction intersecting the transport direction H of the print medium M. Specifically, the carriage 52 reciprocates in the main scanning direction substantially orthogonal to the transport direction H of the print medium M. That is, the carriage 52 reciprocates in the left-right direction of the printer 1. The carriage drive motor 51M is, for example, a stepping motor. The rotation speed of the carriage drive motor 51M is detected by, for example, a rotary encoder.
The carriage drive motor 51M constitutes a part of a carriage movement mechanism 57 described later with reference to FIG.

The inkjet head 53 is mounted on the carriage 52. The inkjet head 53 corresponds to an example of a “print head”.

The inkjet head 53 has a plurality of nozzle rows arranged in the main scanning direction. In each of the plurality of nozzle rows, a plurality of nozzles are arranged in parallel with the transport direction H. The nozzle ejects ink onto the print surface of the print medium M.
The inkjet head 53 of the present embodiment ejects cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) inks. That is, the inkjet head 53 has at least four nozzle rows corresponding to each of these four colors.

The ink ejected by the inkjet head 53 is not limited to the inks of the above-described colors, and may be, for example, light cyan, light magenta, orange, green, gray, light gray, white, metallic, or the like.

The printer 1 includes a support member 60. The support member 60 is arranged between the delivery section 41 and the winding section 42. The support member 60 has a support surface 60a that supports the print medium M by curving it so as to be convex upward.

The support member 60 includes a delivery support portion 61, a platen 62, and a discharge support portion 63. The feeding support portion 61 supports the print medium M fed from the roll body R1 in the rear direction of the printing portion 5. The platen 62 is provided at a position facing the printing unit 5 and supports a portion of the print medium M that serves as a print area. The ejection support portion 63 supports the print medium M after printing in the front direction of the printing portion 5.

The sending support section 61 forms a transport path HK between the sending section 41 and the printing section 5 and has a support surface 61a. The support surface 61a includes a transportation surface in the shape of an inclined surface that increases in the front direction. The print medium M sent from the roll body R1 is conveyed to the printing unit 5 while being supported by the support surface 61a.

Further, the platen 62 has a support surface 62a. The support surface 62a is formed parallel to the nozzle surface of the inkjet head 53 with a predetermined gap provided between the support surface 62a and the nozzle surface. The nozzle surface is a surface where the nozzle is opened.

The ejection support portion 63 forms a transport path HK between the printing portion 5 and the winding portion 42. Further, the ejection support portion 63 extends while curving so as to be lower in the front direction and convex in the front direction. The ejection support portion 63 has a support surface 63a that supports the print medium M in a curved state. The delivery support portion 61, the platen 62, and the discharge support portion 63 are arranged so that the respective support surfaces 61a, 62a, and 63a are continuously connected substantially in the same plane.

The printer 1 includes a pre-heater 71, a platen heater 72, and a support surface after-heater 73. Each of the pre-heater 71, the platen heater 72, and the support surface after-heater 73 is arranged in contact with the lower surface of the support member 60.

Specifically, the preheater 71 is arranged in contact with the lower surface of the delivery support portion 61. The pre-heater 71 preheats the print medium M disposed on the support surface 61a by heating the support surface 61a.
The platen heater 72 is arranged in contact with the lower surface of the platen 62. The platen heater 72 heats the support surface 62 a facing the printing unit 5.
Further, the after-heater 73 is arranged in contact with the lower surface of the discharging support portion 63. The after-heater 73 heats the ejection support portion 63 to heat the print medium M arranged on the support surface 63 a, and the ink ejected onto the print medium M is dried.
As described above, the pre-heater 71, the platen heater 72, and the after-heater 73 heat the print medium M to quickly dry the ink on the print medium M, prevent bleeding, blurring, and the like, and improve print quality. Can be increased.

The printer 1 includes a tension applying mechanism 81. The tension applying mechanism 81 is disposed below the lower end of the ejection supporting portion 63 in the front direction and applies a tension to the print medium M. The tension applying mechanism 81 includes a tension roller 82 and a pair of arm members 83.
The tension roller 82 comes into contact with the print medium M between the discharge support portion 63 and the winding portion 42 and applies tension to the print medium M. The tension roller 82 has an axial length longer than the width of the print medium M in the width direction. The width direction corresponds to the X-axis direction. The tension roller 82 is rotatably supported by the tip ends of the pair of arm members 83.
The base end of the arm member 83 is rotatably supported with respect to the leg base 2. The print medium M is wound around the roll body R2 in a state in which a tension corresponding to the weight of the tension roller 82 is applied downstream of the discharge support portion 63 in the positive direction H1.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration for detecting the thickness T of the print medium M.
FIG. 2 is a front view of the printing unit 5 of the printer 1 shown in FIG. Specifically, FIG. 2 is a diagram of the printing unit 5 of the printer 1 shown in FIG. 1 viewed from the rear side. The print medium M is arranged on the support surface 63 a of the platen 62. The width B indicates the size of the print medium M in the main scanning direction.

The printing unit 5 includes a distance sensor 54, a medium detection sensor 55, and a gap adjusting mechanism 56.

The distance sensor 54 is mounted on the carriage 52. Specifically, the distance sensor 54 is arranged downstream of the inkjet head 53 in the moving direction D of the carriage 52. The moving direction D indicates the right direction in this embodiment. In other words, the distance sensor 54 is arranged to the right of the inkjet head 53.
The distance sensor 54 detects the distance between the inkjet head 53 and the platen 62. Specifically, the distance sensor 54 detects the first distance L1 and the second distance L2. The first distance L1 indicates the distance between the inkjet head 53 and the platen 62. The second distance L2 indicates the distance between the inkjet head 53 and the print medium M.
The difference ΔL between the first distance L1 and the second distance L2 matches the thickness T of the print medium M.
The distance sensor 54 corresponds to an example of a “distance detector”.

The distance sensor 54 is, for example, a laser distance sensor. That is, the distance sensor 54 includes a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit. The light projecting unit irradiates the platen 62 or the print medium M with laser light. The light receiving unit receives the reflected light from the platen 62 or the print medium M. The distance sensor 54 calculates the distance from the time until the irradiated laser hits the platen 62 or the print medium M and is reflected and returned.
As the distance sensor 54, for example, a CMOS laser application sensor IA series (trade name) and a CMOS laser application sensor IL series (trade name) manufactured by Keyence Corporation can be used.

Specifically, when the carriage 52 is arranged at the first position P1, the distance sensor 54 detects the first distance L1. The first position P1 corresponds to an example of a so-called home position. In the following description, the home position may be described as HP.
At the first position P1, each of the inkjet head 53 and the distance sensor 54 faces the platen 62.

When the carriage 52 is arranged at the second position P2, the distance sensor 54 detects the second distance L21. The second distance L21 indicates the second distance L2 at the left end of the print medium M. At the second position P2, the inkjet head 53 faces the platen 62, and the distance sensor 54 faces the print medium M.
Therefore, when the carriage 52 is arranged at the second position P2, it is possible to avoid the contact between the inkjet head 53 and the print medium M.

When the carriage 52 is arranged at the third position P3, the distance sensor 54 detects the second distance L22. The second distance L22 indicates the second distance L2 in the central portion of the print medium M. At the third position P3, each of the inkjet head 53 and the distance sensor 54 faces the print medium M.

The carriage 52 is driven by the carriage drive motor 51M, so that the carriage 52 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2 and moves from the second position P2 to the third position P3.

The medium detection sensor 55 is mounted on the carriage 52. Specifically, the medium detection sensor 55 is arranged at the same position as the distance sensor 54 in the left-right direction. For example, the medium detection sensor 55 is arranged in the front direction with respect to the distance sensor 54.
The medium detection sensor 55 detects the print medium M. The medium detection sensor 55 is, for example, a reflective photoelectric sensor. That is, the medium detection sensor 55 includes a light projecting section and a light receiving section. The light projecting unit emits light toward the platen 62 or the print medium M. The light receiving unit receives the reflected light from the platen 62 or the print medium M. The medium detection sensor 55 detects the print medium M based on the reflected light received by the light receiving unit.
The medium detection sensor 55 corresponds to an example of “print medium detector”.

By being driven by the carriage drive motor 51M, the carriage 52 moves in the movement direction D from the first position P1. Then, when the medium detection sensor 55 detects the print medium M, the movement of the carriage 52 is stopped. The position where the movement of the carriage 52 is stopped corresponds to the second position P2.

The gap adjusting mechanism 56 changes the distance between the inkjet head 53 and the platen 62. Specifically, the gap adjusting mechanism 56 moves the carriage 52 up and down. The gap adjusting mechanism 56 has a gap adjusting motor 56M. The gap adjusting motor 56M drives the guide shaft 51 up and down.
The gap adjusting mechanism 56 corresponds to an example of a “moving mechanism”.

The gap adjusting mechanism 56 drives the guide shaft 51 up and down as follows.
That is, the guide shaft 51 is arranged so that it can be raised and lowered. Cam members are arranged at both left and right ends of the guide shaft 51. The rotation center of the cam member and the center of the guide shaft 51 coincide with each other. The cam member is configured to be rotatable, and its lower end is supported by the cam pin. The cam pin is fixed to the casing or the like of the printing unit 5. The diameter of the cam member continuously changes depending on the position in the circumferential direction. For example, the outer peripheral surface of the cam member is formed in a circumferential shape that is eccentric with respect to the rotation center of the cam member.
The gap adjusting motor 56M drives the guide member 51 up and down by rotating the cam member.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of the printer 1.
As shown in FIG. 3, the printer 1 includes a control unit 100, a communication unit 102, an operation unit 103, a display unit 104, a conveyance unit 4, and a printing unit 5.

The control unit 100 includes a processor 110 and a memory 101. The processor 110 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and executes various arithmetic processes.
The memory 101 is a storage device that stores the control program 120A executed by the processor 110 and various data in a nonvolatile manner, and is configured with a semiconductor storage element such as a flash ROM (Read Only Memory).
The memory 101 includes, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 120 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 130. Further, the memory 101 may include an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

The ROM 120 stores data in a nonvolatile manner. The ROM 120 stores the control program 120A and various data in a nonvolatile manner.
The RAM 130 temporarily stores various data. The RAM 130 functions as a work area for the processor 110.
The control unit 100 controls each unit of the printer 1. In the control unit 100, the processor 110 reads the control program 120A into the RAM 130 and executes various processes. That is, the control unit 100 executes various kinds of processing in cooperation with hardware and software.
The processor 110 controls each unit of the printer 1 by reading and executing the control program 120A stored in the ROM 120.

The communication unit 102 includes hardware satisfying a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with an external device according to the predetermined communication standard under the control of the control unit 100. An example of an external device that communicates with the communication unit 102 is a computer that transmits image data to the printer 1 or print data obtained by performing various processes on the image data. For example, the computer is a personal computer or a smartphone.
When the computer is a smartphone, the communication unit 102 wirelessly communicates with the smartphone by, for example, WiFi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like.

The operation unit 103 includes various operation buttons, detects an operation performed on a button by a user, and outputs a signal indicating a detection result to the control unit 100. The control unit 100 executes the process corresponding to the operation on the button based on the signal indicating the detection result from the operation unit 103.

The distance sensor 54 outputs a signal indicating the first distance L1 and a signal indicating the second distance L2 to the control unit 100.
The medium detection sensor 55 outputs a signal indicating the detection of the print medium M to the control unit 100.

The display unit 104 includes, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), a display panel 91, and the like. The control unit 100 turns on and off the LEDs in a predetermined manner, displays information on the display panel 91, and the like.
The display panel 91 is composed of, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display).

The transport unit 4 includes a delivery motor 41M, a winding motor 42M, and a transport motor 43M.
The delivery motor 41M delivers the print medium M under the control of the control unit 100. The winding motor 42M winds the print medium M under the control of the control unit 100. The transport motor 43M transports the print medium M in the positive direction H1 or the negative direction H2 of the transport direction H under the control of the control unit 100.
Specifically, when the print medium M is fore-fed, the control unit 100 controls the feed motor 41M, the take-up motor 42M, and the carry motor 43M as follows. That is, the control unit 100 controls the length of the print medium M wound by the winding motor 42M, the length of the print medium M transported by the transport motor 43M in the forward direction H1, and the print output by the delivery motor 41M per unit time. The sending motor 41M, the winding motor 42M, and the carrying motor 43M are controlled so that the length of the medium M matches.
When the print medium M is back-fed, the control unit 100 similarly controls the feed motor 41M, the winding motor 42M, and the transport motor 43M.

The printing unit 5 includes a carriage moving mechanism 57, a gap adjusting motor 56M, and an inkjet head 53. The carriage moving mechanism 57 includes a carriage drive motor 51M.
The carriage moving mechanism 57 moves the carriage 52 in the main scanning direction under the control of the control unit 100. Specifically, the carriage moving mechanism 57 includes a drive transmission mechanism such as a gear and a pulley, and transmits the driving force of the carriage drive motor 51M to the carriage 52 via the drive transmission mechanism to move the carriage 52 in the main scanning direction. Move to.
The gap adjusting motor 56M moves the carriage 52 up and down under the control of the controller 100. Specifically, the gap adjusting motor 56M drives the guide shaft 51 up and down under the control of the control unit 100.
The inkjet head 53 prints an image on the print surface of the print medium M by ejecting ink toward the print surface of the print medium M under the control of the control unit 100.

The processor 110 of the control unit 100 functions as the detection control unit 110A, the calculation unit 110B, and the execution unit 110C by executing the control program 120A. These functions are realized by the cooperation of software and hardware when the processor 110 executes the control program 120A.

The detection control unit 110A detects the first distance L1 and the second distance L2 with the distance sensor 54. The first distance L1 indicates the distance between the inkjet head 53 and the platen 62. The second distance L2 indicates the distance between the inkjet head 53 and the print medium M.

The calculator 110B calculates a difference ΔL between the first distance L1 and the second distance L2. The difference ΔL matches the thickness T of the print medium M.

The execution unit 110C executes a specific process based on the difference ΔL. The specific process includes a process of moving the carriage 52 in the vertical direction so as to change the first distance L1. Specifically, the execution unit 110C causes the gap adjustment motor 56M to raise the carriage 52 as the difference ΔL, that is, the thickness T increases.
Further, the specific processing includes processing for changing the printing condition. Specifically, various parameters indicating printing conditions are stored in advance in the memory 101 in association with the vertical position of the carriage 52. When the vertical position of the carriage 52 changes, the execution unit 110C reads the parameter corresponding to the changed vertical position of the carriage 52 from the memory 101 and sets it in the inkjet head 53. ..

Further, the specific process includes a process of detecting the width B of the print medium M. Specifically, when the difference ΔL, that is, the thickness T changes by a predetermined value or more, the execution unit 110C detects the width B of the print medium M. The predetermined value is 0.1 mm, for example. This is because when the thickness T of the print medium M has changed by a predetermined value or more, it can be estimated that the print medium M set in the printer 1 has been changed to another type of print medium M.
The width B of the print medium M is detected as follows.
The second position P2 corresponds to one widthwise end of the print medium M. The carriage drive motor 51M moves the carriage 52 in the movement direction D from the second position P2 via the third position P3. The position where the medium detection sensor 55 no longer detects the print medium M corresponds to the other side end of the print medium M in the width direction. The width B of the print medium M is detected by calculating the amount of movement of the carriage 52 from the second position P2 to the position where the medium detection sensor 55 no longer detects the print medium M.

The execution unit 110C detects the width B of the print medium M even when the print medium M is set in the printer 1. This point will be described later in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.
In the following description, a case will be described in which the execution unit 110C executes, as the specific processing, processing for moving the carriage 52 in the vertical direction so as to change the first distance L1 and processing for changing the printing conditions.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing of the control unit 100. The flowchart shown in FIG. 4 shows a process of setting the print medium M on the printer 1.
As shown in FIG. 4, first, in step S101, the control unit 100 executes “height adjustment processing”. The “height adjustment process” is a process of moving the carriage 52 in the vertical direction based on the difference ΔL. The “height adjustment process” will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.
Next, in step S103, the control unit 100 starts moving the carriage 52 located at the second position P2 in the moving direction D. Specifically, the control unit 100 causes the carriage drive motor 51M to start moving the carriage 52 in the movement direction D.
Next, in step S105, the control unit 100 causes the distance sensor 54 to detect the second distance L2.
Next, in step S107, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the second distance L2 has changed by the threshold value LA or more. The threshold value LA is 0.2 mm, for example.

When the control unit 100 determines that the second distance L2 has not changed by the threshold value LA or more (step S107; NO), the process proceeds to step S115. When the control unit 100 determines that the second distance L2 has changed by the threshold LA or more (step S107; YES), the process proceeds to step S109.
Then, in step S109, the control unit 100 stops the movement of the carriage 52 in the movement direction D. Specifically, the control unit 100 causes the carriage drive motor 51M to stop the movement of the carriage 52 in the movement direction D.
Next, in step S111, the control unit 100 moves the carriage 52 to the home position, that is, the first position P1. Specifically, the control unit 100 causes the carriage drive motor 51M to move the carriage 52 to the first position P1.
Next, in step S113, the control unit 100 notifies the user that the print medium M is set again in the printer 1. For example, the control unit 100 causes the LCD of the display unit 104 to display a character image “Please set the print medium in the printer again”. Then, the process ends.

When it is determined that the second distance L2 has not changed by the threshold LA or more (step S107; NO), in step S115, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the detection of the width W of the print medium M is completed. In other words, the control unit 100 determines whether the medium detection sensor 55 no longer detects the print medium M.
When the control unit 100 determines that the detection of the width W of the print medium M is not completed (step S115; NO), the process returns to step S103. When the control unit 100 determines that the detection of the width W of the print medium M is completed (step S115; YES), the process proceeds to step S117.
Then, in step S117, the control unit 100 stops the movement of the carriage 52 in the movement direction D.
Next, in step S119, the control unit 100 moves the carriage 52 to the home position, that is, the first position P1.
Next, in step S121, the execution unit 110C reads the parameters indicating the printing conditions corresponding to the vertical position of the carriage 52 from the memory 101 and sets the parameters for the inkjet head 53. Then, the process ends.

In this way, the execution unit 110C changes the printing condition based on the thickness T of the print medium M. Therefore, the printing conditions according to the thickness T of the print medium M can be set for the inkjet head 53. Therefore, even when the thickness T of the print medium M is changed, the inkjet head 53 can form a high-quality image on the print medium M.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the height adjustment process of the control unit 100. A case where the carriage 52 is arranged at the first position P1 in the initial state will be described.
As shown in FIG. 5, first, in step S201, the detection controller 110A detects the first distance L1 by the distance sensor 54 at the first position P1 of the carriage 52.
Next, in step S203, the control unit 100 starts moving the carriage 52 from the first position P1 in the movement direction D.
Next, in step S205, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the medium detection sensor 55 has detected the print medium M.

When the control unit 100 determines that the medium detection sensor 55 does not detect the print medium M (step S205; NO), the process returns to step S203. When the control unit 100 determines that the medium detection sensor 55 has detected the print medium M (step S205; YES), the process proceeds to step S207. When the control unit 100 determines that the medium detection sensor 55 has detected the print medium M, the carriage 52 reaches the second position P2.

Then, in step S207, the execution unit 110C starts detecting the width B of the print medium M.
Next, in step S209, the detection control unit 110A detects the second distance L2 with the distance sensor 54.
Next, in step S211, the calculation unit 110B calculates the difference ΔL between the first distance L1 and the second distance L2. The difference ΔL matches the thickness T of the print medium M.
Next, in step S213, the executing unit 110C determines whether or not the height of the carriage 52 is appropriate based on the difference ΔL.
When it is determined that the height of the carriage 52 is appropriate (step S213; YES), the process returns to step S103 in FIG. When it is determined that the height of the carriage 52 is not appropriate (step S213; NO), the process proceeds to step S215.
Then, in step S215, the execution unit 110C adjusts the height of the carriage 52. That is, the execution unit 110C moves the carriage 52 in the up-down direction so as to change the first distance L1 based on the difference ΔL. Then, the process returns to step S103 in FIG.

Note that step S201 corresponds to an example of “first detection step”. Step S209 corresponds to an example of the “second detection step”. Step S211 corresponds to an example of a “calculation step”. Steps S121 and S215 correspond to an example of “execution step”.

As described above, the detection control unit 110A detects the first distance L1 and the second distance L2 by the distance sensor 54. The first distance L1 indicates the distance between the inkjet head 53 and the platen 62. The second distance L2 indicates the distance between the inkjet head 53 and the print medium M. The calculator 110B calculates a difference ΔL between the first distance L1 and the second distance L2. The difference ΔL matches the thickness T of the print medium M. The execution unit 110C executes a specific process based on the difference ΔL.

According to this configuration, the thickness T of the print medium M can be calculated by the function of the printer 1 by detecting the first distance L1 and the second distance L2. Therefore, the printer 1 can execute the operation corresponding to the calculated thickness T of the print medium M. Therefore, the printer 1 can execute the process based on the accurate thickness T of the print medium M without being restricted by the timing of inputting or specifying the thickness T.

Here, the specific process is, for example, a process of moving the carriage 52 so as to change the first distance L1. In this case, the carriage 52 can be moved to an appropriate position in the height direction. Therefore, the carriage 52 can be moved to an appropriate position in the height direction according to the accurate thickness T of the print medium M.

In addition, the specific process includes a process of moving the carriage 52 so as to change the first distance L1.
Since the specific process includes a process of moving the carriage 52 so as to change the first distance L1, the carriage 52 can be moved to an appropriate position in the height direction. Therefore, the carriage 52 can be moved to an appropriate position in the height direction according to the thickness T of the print medium M.

Further, the gap adjusting mechanism 56 that changes the distance between the inkjet head 53 and the platen 62 is provided, and the executing unit 110C uses the gap adjusting mechanism 56 to adjust the distance between the platen 62 and the inkjet head 53 as a specific process. change.
Since the gap adjusting mechanism 56 changes the distance between the platen 62 and the inkjet head 53, the carriage 52 can be moved to a more appropriate position in the height direction.

The distance sensor 54 is arranged downstream of the inkjet head 53 in the moving direction of the carriage 52.
Therefore, when the second distance L2 is detected, it is possible to prevent the print medium M from coming into contact with the inkjet head 53. Specifically, at the second position P2 shown in FIG. 2, the distance sensor 54 can detect the second distance L2. At the second position P2, the inkjet head 53 faces the platen 62, and the distance sensor 54 faces the print medium M. Therefore, when the second distance L2 is detected, it is possible to prevent the print medium M from coming into contact with the inkjet head 53.

The inkjet head 53 is an inkjet head that performs printing by ejecting ink onto the print medium M.
Therefore, in a so-called inkjet printer, specific processing can be executed based on the thickness T of the print medium M.

Further, the detection control unit 110A detects the first distance L1, then moves the carriage 52 by the carriage moving mechanism 57, and detects the second distance L2 after the medium detection sensor 55 detects the print medium M.
Since the second distance L2 is detected after the print medium M is detected by the medium detection sensor 55, the second distance L2 can be accurately detected. That is, it can be detected by the medium detection sensor 55 that the distance sensor 54 is arranged at a position facing the print medium M. Therefore, the second distance L2 can be accurately detected.

It should be noted that the above-described embodiments merely show one aspect of the present invention, and can be arbitrarily modified and applied within the scope of the present invention.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the execution unit 110C executes, as the specific processing, the processing of moving the carriage 52 in the vertical direction so as to change the first distance L1 and the processing of changing the printing conditions. It is not limited to this. For example, the execution unit 110C may execute a process of moving the carriage 52 in the vertical direction so as to change the first distance L1, or a process of changing the printing condition. Further, the execution unit 110C may execute other processing. For example, the execution unit 110C may execute the process of detecting the width B of the print medium M.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the distance sensor 54 is arranged downstream of the inkjet head 53 in the moving direction D of the carriage 52, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the distance sensor 54 may be arranged both downstream and upstream of the inkjet head 53 in the moving direction D of the carriage 52. In this case, even when the carriage 52 moves in the direction opposite to the moving direction D, it is possible to prevent the print medium M from contacting the inkjet head 53 when detecting the second distance L2.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the print medium M is detected by the medium detection sensor 55, but the present invention is not limited to this. The print medium M may be detected by the distance sensor 54. For example, it is detected that the print medium M is present when the distance detected by the distance sensor 54 increases stepwise, and the absence of the print medium M is detected when the distance detected by the distance sensor 54 decreases stepwise. You may. In this case, the arrangement of the medium detection sensor 55 on the printer 1 can be omitted. Therefore, the printer 1 can be simplified.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the distance sensor 54 is a reflection type laser distance sensor, but it is not limited to this. The distance sensor 54 may be another type of sensor. For example, the distance sensor 54 may be an ultrasonic distance sensor or a photoelectric distance sensor.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the carriage drive motor 51M of the carriage moving mechanism 57 moves the carriage 52, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the carriage 52 may be moved manually. In this case, the configuration of the printer 1 can be simplified.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the inkjet head 53 prints on the print medium M, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead of the inkjet head 53, a thermal head may print on the print medium M.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the color of the ink ejected by the inkjet head 53 has been described as four colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, but the number of ink colors ejected by the inkjet head 53 may be more. May be small.

In addition, for example, when the control method of the printer 1 described above is realized by using a computer included in the printer 1 or an external device connected to the printer 1, the present invention is configured in the following modes. Is also possible. That is, it is also possible to configure in the form of a program executed by a computer to realize the control method of the printer 1, or a recording medium in which this program is recorded so that it can be read by the computer.

Further, although the case where the function of the control unit 100 is realized by the processor 110 of the printer 1 is illustrated, it may be realized by a plurality of processors or a semiconductor chip.

Further, for example, the processing units in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 are divided according to the main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the processing, and the processing unit is divided according to the division method and name of the processing unit. The invention is not limited. Depending on the processing content, it may be divided into more processing units, or one processing unit may be divided into more processing units. Further, the order of the processing may be appropriately changed within a range that does not interfere with the gist of the present invention.

Further, each functional unit shown in FIG. 3 shows a functional configuration, and a specific mounting form is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not always necessary to individually implement hardware corresponding to each functional unit, and it is of course possible to implement a function of a plurality of functional units by executing a program by one processor. Further, in the above-described embodiment, some of the functions realized by software may be hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be realized by software. In addition, the specific detailed configurations of the other parts of the printer 1 can be arbitrarily changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Printer, 3... Main body part, 4... Conveying part, 5... Printing part, 41... Sending part, 41M... Sending motor, 42... Winding part, 42M... Winding motor, 43... Conveying roller pair, 43M... Conveying Motor, 51... Guide shaft, 51M... Carriage drive motor, 52... Carriage, 53... Inkjet head (printing head), 54... Distance sensor (distance detector), 55... Medium detection sensor (printing medium detector), 56... Gap adjusting mechanism (moving mechanism), 56M... Gap adjusting motor, 57... Carriage moving mechanism, 62... Platen, 62a... Supporting surface, 100... Control section, 101... Memory, 102... Communication section, 103... Operating section, 104... Display unit 105... Heating unit 110... Processor 110A... Detection control unit 110B... Calculation unit 110C... Execution unit 120... ROM 120A... Control program 130... RAM, B... Width, D... Movement direction, H... Transport direction, L1... First distance, L2, L21, L22... Second distance, LA... Threshold, M... Print medium, P1... First position, P2... Second position, P3... Third position, T... Thickness, W... Width, ΔL... Difference.

Claims (7)

A platen for supporting the print medium,
A carriage that is arranged to face the platen and that moves with respect to the print medium;
A print head mounted on the carriage,
A distance detector that detects the distance between the print head and the platen,
A detection controller that detects, by the distance detector, a first distance indicating a distance between the print head and the platen, and a second distance indicating a distance between the print head and the print medium;
A calculation unit that calculates a difference between the first distance and the second distance;
An execution unit that executes a specific process based on the difference,
Equipped with a printer. The specific process includes a process of moving the carriage to change the first distance,
The printer according to claim 1. A moving mechanism for changing the distance between the print head and the platen,
The execution unit changes the distance between the platen and the print head by the moving mechanism as the specific process.
The printer according to claim 2. The distance detector is arranged downstream of the print head in the moving direction of the carriage,
The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The print head is an inkjet head that performs printing by ejecting ink onto the print medium,
The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 4. A carriage moving mechanism that moves the carriage in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the print medium;
A print medium detector mounted on the carriage for detecting the print medium;
The detection control unit detects the first distance, then moves the carriage by the carriage moving mechanism, and detects the second distance after the print medium is detected by the print medium detector,
The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A method of controlling a printer, comprising: a platen that supports a print medium, a carriage that is disposed so as to face the platen, moves with respect to the print medium, and a print head that is mounted on the carriage,
A first detection step of detecting a first distance indicating a distance between the print head and the platen by a distance detector mounted on the carriage,
A second detecting step of detecting a second distance indicating a distance between the print head and the print medium by the distance detector;
A calculating step of calculating a difference between the first distance and the second distance;
An execution step of executing a specific process based on the difference;
A method of controlling a printer, including:

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