JP2017056647A - Printing device and printing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing device and printing method which can issue a printing medium having excellent development of each color and excellent appearance even when performing printing in different colors to the printing medium.SOLUTION: A printer includes a label sheet 33 which has a plurality of different color developments in accordance with the heating temperature and a thermal head 23 which performs printing by applying the prescribed temperature for color development while moving on the label sheet 33. The thermal head 23 is controlled so that printing by one color development and printing by the other color development are performed at the different timing in a mixed area in which printing is performed by different color developments in the same line in the width direction of the label sheet 33. The printing by the one color development (black printing) is printing performed at the time of moving the label sheet 33 in a first printing direction H1 and the printing by the other color development (red printing) is printing performed at the time of moving the label sheet 33 in a second printing direction H2 being the reverse direction to the first printing direction H1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a printing method suitable for use in a label issuing apparatus capable of multicolor printing.

  Conventionally, there is a printing method in which a label (printing medium) that develops different colors according to heating temperature is used, and the temperature of the heating element of the thermal head that heats the label is controlled so that the label performs a plurality of different colors. Are known. For example, in the case where the above different color development is performed on the same line of the label, a method is used in which the heat generation temperatures of some of the heating elements provided in the thermal head are different from those of the other heating elements. It is done.

JP 2002-347269 A

  However, when different heat generation temperatures of the heat generating elements provided in the thermal head are made different in each part and different colors are formed on the labels, the different heat generation at the boundary portions where the heat generating elements of the thermal head have different heat generation temperatures. In some cases, an intermediate temperature of the temperature is generated, and the coloring of the portion is insufficient and the appearance is not good. For example, in the label shown in FIG. 8 which will be described later, “expiration date” and “processing date” in column R4 near the middle are black, and “15 9.8 03:00” and “15 9.7 03:00” are red. In this case, there is a possibility that an unclear color of an intermediate color that is neither black nor red may occur in the adjacent “limit” and “1” portions or “hour” and “1” portions.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described points, and the purpose thereof is to achieve good color printing of each color and good-looking printing even when printing different colors on a printing medium. An object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus and a printing method that can smoothly and efficiently perform printing of different colors.

The present invention provides a printing apparatus having a plurality of print media that generate different colors depending on the heating temperature, and a thermal head that applies a predetermined temperature while moving the print media to perform color printing. In a mixed region where printing with different colors is performed in the same row in the width direction, it is characterized by comprising control means for controlling the thermal head so that printing with one color and printing with the other color are performed at different timings Yes.
According to the present invention, since printing with different colors is performed at different timings, it is not necessary to change the heat generation temperature of the heat generating element of the thermal head for each part, that is, a plurality of temperature zones are not mixed at the same time. Interference can be prevented, whereby the color development of each color is improved, and a print medium having a good appearance can be issued. This effect is particularly effective when printing different colors next to each other.

According to the present invention, the printing with the one color is printing performed when the print medium is moved in the first printing direction, and the printing with the other color is the printing medium in the first printing direction. Printing performed when moving in the second printing direction, which is the opposite direction, or printing performed when moving again in the first printing direction after moving in the second printing direction. Yes.
Thus, it is possible to reliably perform printing with different colors at different timings. The printing in the first printing direction and the printing in the second printing direction or the printing in the first printing direction again may be performed for each line, or may be performed while collecting for each of a plurality of lines. .

Further, according to the present invention, the control unit performs printing when moving in the second printing direction or printing when moving again in the first printing direction based on the printing content to be printed on the printing medium. It is characterized by determining whether or not.
As a result, it is possible to perform efficient printing according to the contents of printing on the printing medium.

In the present invention, the control unit may perform printing when moving in the first printing direction, printing when moving in the second printing direction, or printing when moving again in the first printing direction. Rather, the temperature applied by the thermal head is controlled to be higher.
In general, the higher the applied temperature, the most commonly used color such as black, so that efficient printing can be performed by giving priority to such printing.

  In the present invention, the first printing direction is a direction in which the printing medium is directed from the inside of the printing apparatus to the outside, and the second printing direction is defined in that the printing medium is from the outside to the inside of the printing apparatus. It is characterized by a heading direction.

According to the present invention, the control means controls print processing based on print data in which information to be printed on the print medium is converted into data, and a non-print area in which no printing is performed is included in the print data. If it is determined that there is, at least the time required to transport the non-printing area is calculated based on the print data, and the number of movements in the second printing direction is controlled.
When performing printing in the first printing direction and printing in the second printing direction or printing in the first printing direction again in a plurality of lines, when there is a non-printing area in the plurality of lines, It is possible to determine which is more efficient, printing beyond the non-printing area or printing without exceeding the non-printing area, and the more efficient printing can be performed.

The present invention also provides a print medium that produces a plurality of different colors depending on the heating temperature, and a thermal head that applies a predetermined temperature to the print medium for printing. When printing with different colors is performed, a control process is provided in which printing with one color and printing with the other color are performed at different timings.
According to the present invention, since printing with different colors is performed at different timings, it is not necessary to change the heat generation temperature of the heat generating element of the thermal head for each part, that is, a plurality of temperature zones are not mixed at the same time. Interference can be prevented, whereby the color development of each color is improved, and a print medium having a good appearance can be issued. This effect is particularly effective when printing different colors next to each other.

  According to the present invention, even when different colors are printed on the printing medium, two different heat generation temperatures are not simultaneously applied to the thermal head, and each heat generation temperature is controlled at an individual timing. Each color can be reliably developed, and high-quality multicolor printing can be performed. Multicolor printing can be performed smoothly and efficiently.

1 is a perspective view of a label printer 1 that includes a printing apparatus 10. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of the label printer 1. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printing apparatus 10. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the printing apparatus 10. 5 is a schematic explanatory diagram illustrating a printing method on a label paper 33. FIG. 5 is a schematic explanatory diagram illustrating a printing method on a label paper 33. FIG. 5 is a schematic explanatory diagram illustrating a printing method on a label paper 33. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the label L. It is an operation | movement flowchart which shows the part of step ST1 shown in FIG. 4 in detail. It is a figure which shows the example of printing when it has no non-printing area. It is a figure which shows an example of the printing procedure in the case of performing the printing shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of printing when it has a non-printing area | region. It is a figure which shows an example of the printing procedure in the case of performing the printing shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the printing procedure in the case of performing the printing shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a label printer (weighing value adding machine, product data processing apparatus) 1 including a printing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. This label printer 1 is a weighing price label printer, for example, a device that is installed in a backyard of a store and issues labels to be attached to various products or product containers. As shown in the figure, the label printer 1 has a display unit 5 and an operation unit 7 installed on the upper surface of the base unit 3, and a printing device 10 is arranged on the front surface of the base unit 3. Are connected by a cable (may be wireless). Then, after making desired settings (for example, setting of the processing date and time, expiry date, etc.) using the display unit 5 and the operation unit 7, the product after processing, arrangement, and packaging is placed on the measuring unit 9 and measured. The price and the like are calculated, and the content and price are displayed on the display unit 5. When this measurement is completed, a label (in this example) in which desired printing is performed and cut to a predetermined length from the label issuing port 11 of the printing apparatus 10 by pressing the print key of the operation unit 7 or the like. Is a mountless label).

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of the label printer 1. As shown in the figure, the label printer 1 includes a CPU 15, a ROM 17, a RAM 19, the operation unit 7, the display unit 5, the weighing unit 9, a communication unit 21, and an interface 24. 29, and a thermal head 23, a stepping motor 25, and a cutting mechanism (hereinafter referred to as “cutter”) 27 are connected to the interface 24.

  The CPU 15 is a control unit that controls the operation of the label printer 1 by executing a control program on the ROM 17. The ROM 17 stores various information such as the control program. The RAM 19 stores various information such as a product file, a print format file (print data) in which a label printing format is set, and a font file. The operation unit 7 is an input device on which an operator performs various inputs. In this example, the operation unit 7 performs key input. The display unit 5 is a liquid crystal display that displays various types of information (such as a product name to be printed and a date and time). This liquid crystal display is a touch panel and is also used as the operation unit 7. The weighing unit 9 is a device that measures the weight of the product placed on the weighing pan, and the measurement result is stored in the RAM 19. The communication unit 21 is for communicating with other devices such as a management device (not shown). The thermal head 23 is driven based on a command from the CPU 15 and heats and prints printing paper. The thermal head 23 is configured by arranging a plurality of heat generating portions 23a described below in a row in a horizontal direction (a direction intersecting a traveling direction of the label paper 33 described below, and so on). The stepping motor 25 is driven based on a command from the CPU 15 and feeds a printing sheet by driving a platen roller 39 and a reverse conveying roller 43 described below. The cutter 27 cuts (cuts) the printed paper into a sheet based on a command from the CPU 15. Product names, prices, raw materials, additives, barcodes, etc. are printed on the labels. The thermal head 23, the stepping motor 25, and the cutter 27 are components that constitute the drive system of the printing apparatus 10.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printing apparatus 10 configured using the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the printing apparatus 10 stores a paper roll (hereinafter referred to as “label roll”) 31 around which a strip-shaped paper (hereinafter referred to as “label paper”) 33 is wound, and a label roll 31 rotatably. A roll loading unit 35; a printing unit 41 including a thermal head 23 and a platen roller 39 that performs printing while feeding the label paper 33 fed from the label roll 31; a cutter 27 installed on the downstream side of the printing unit 41; A reverse conveyance roller 43 installed between the loading unit 35 and the printing unit 41 is provided.

  The label paper 33 is a long paper strip, and is a mountless label paper in which one surface is a printing surface 33a and the other surface is an adhesive surface 33b coated with an adhesive. This label paper 33 is composed of thermal paper that develops a plurality of colors depending on the heating temperature. By applying a release agent to the surface of the printing surface 33a, the label paper 33 is directly rolled without using a mount (release paper). The label roll 31 is wound around. In the case of the label paper 33, thermal paper is used which develops red at the lower heating temperature and develops black at the higher heating temperature.

  The thermal head 23 is configured by arranging a plurality of heat generating portions 23a side by side in the horizontal direction, and by selectively heating the heat generating portions 23a, the printing surface of the label paper 33 transferred on the heat generating portions 23a. Printing is performed on 33a. Each heat generating portion 23a has two types of heat generation temperatures, and is switched in units of each heat generating portion 23a between a high temperature side heat generating temperature that causes the label paper 33 to color black and a low temperature side heat generating temperature that causes the label paper 33 to color red. be able to. The platen roller 39 is a feeding unit that sandwiches the label paper 33 in cooperation with the thermal head 23 and is driven to rotate by the stepping motor 25 so that the label paper is fed in the feeding direction (first printing direction). 33 is fed. The outer peripheral surface of the platen roller 39 is coated with a release agent so that the adhesive on the adhesive surface 33b of the label paper 33 does not adhere. As another method for preventing the label paper 33 from adhering to the platen roller 39, the platen roller 39 itself or the outermost layer portion thereof may be formed of an easily peelable member.

  The cutter 27 includes a pair of upper and lower belt-like blade bodies 27a and 27b, and cuts the printed label paper 33 into a sheet. Specifically, a fixed blade 27b disposed below the label paper 33 fed out linearly and a movable blade 27a disposed above the label paper 33 and moving up and down toward the fixed blade 27b are provided. Configured. The movable blade 27a is driven by driving means such as a motor (stepping motor).

  The reverse conveying roller 43 is composed of a pair of rollers 43a and 43b for pulling back (back feeding) the label paper 33 fed in the normal conveying direction by the platen roller 39, and is rotated by the stepping motor 25. The label paper 33 that is driven and held between the rollers 43a and 43b is used to move in the direction opposite to the feeding direction. There is a distance between the heat generating portion 23a of the thermal head 23 and the cutter 27, and the label paper 33 in this portion becomes a dead space that cannot be printed. Therefore, if the reverse conveyance roller 43 is driven so that the leading edge (cut edge) of the label paper 33 is returned from the position of the cutter 27 to a position near the heat generating portion 23a, printing is performed from this position. Waste can be eliminated.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the printing apparatus 10. This operation flow diagram shows an operation from printing one label to backfeeding for printing the next label.

  The CPU 15 reads in advance the print data of the label to be printed, and starts printing from the first row of the label paper 33 using the platen roller 39 and the thermal head 23. When the printing on the first row to be printed is printing in one color (for example, when all the rows are printing only in black or red), the label paper 33 is moved by the platen roller 39. While moving in the first printing direction (the direction from the inside of the printing apparatus 10 to the outside, the direction discharged from the label issuing port 11), a necessary portion of the heat generating portion 23a of the thermal head 23 is heated to a predetermined temperature. The label paper 33 is printed in black or red (steps 1 and 4). Since the temperature of the heat generating portion 23a in the part where heat is generated is the same temperature, it is surely printed in one of the colors.

  Next, since printing of one whole label has not been completed at this time, the process returns from step ST5 to step ST1, and the next printing to the column to be printed is printing in two colors ( For example, when the right side portion of the row is printed in black and the left side portion is printed in red), the process proceeds to step ST2 and the label paper 33 is moved in the first printing direction by the platen roller 39 while the thermal head is moved. Only one portion (for example, black) of the heat generating portion 23a of 23 is heated to a temperature necessary for the color and printed on the label paper 33 with one color (black). Since the temperature of the heat generating portion 23a that has generated heat is the same, printing is reliably performed on the one color. Next, the process proceeds to step ST3, where the label paper 33 is moved by the reverse conveyance roller 43 in the second printing direction (direction from the outside to the inside of the printing apparatus 10) which is the direction opposite to the first direction. While moving, only the portion of the heat generating portion 23a of the thermal head 23 that becomes the other color (for example, red) is heated to a temperature necessary for that color and printed on the label paper 33 with the other color (red). Since the temperature of the heat generating portion 23a in the portion where the heat is generated is the same temperature, it is surely printed in the other color.

  As described above, in each of the first printing direction and the second printing direction (normal conveyance and back feed), printing that changes the applied energy of the thermal head 23 and simultaneously develops two colors is not performed. In other words, since printing with one color and printing with the other color are performed at different timings, the thermal head 23 does not mix a plurality of temperature zones at the same time. Good and good-looking printing can be realized.

  Then, the operations of step ST1 to step ST5 are repeated, and when printing of one label is completed, the process proceeds to step ST6, and the label L is cut by the cutter 27 shown in FIG. The label L is cut after the label paper 33 is fed so that the last printed row by the thermal head 23 moves to the outside of the cutter 27.

  Thus, the printing operation for one label L is completed. Then, for the next label printing, the label paper 33 is back-fed so that the cutting edge at the front end is positioned in the vicinity of the thermal head 23. The present invention can also be applied at this time, and an example thereof. Are shown in steps ST7 to ST10. That is, the CPU 15 reads the print data of the label to be printed next, and determines whether or not there is printing between the label cut position of the label paper 33 before the back feed and the position of the thermal head 23 from the print data. (Step ST7), if there is printing, the process proceeds to step ST8, and it is further determined whether there are a plurality of colors in the column to be printed. If there are a plurality of colors, the color paper of the other color (for example, red) is simultaneously printed while back feeding the label paper 33 in the second printing direction (step ST9).

  On the other hand, if there is no printing between the label cut position and the position of the thermal head 23 in step ST7, or if there are not a plurality of colors in the column to be printed in step ST8, the process proceeds to step ST10. Back feed is performed in the second printing direction without performing any printing. Although not shown, when the printing between the label cutting position of the label sheet 33 and the position of the thermal head 23 is performed in a plurality of columns, the operations in steps ST8, ST9, and ST10 are performed in the columns. Repeat as many times as possible.

  Note that when the next label is printed after back-feeding in step ST9 or ST10, the process returns to step ST1, but for a column that is printed at the time of back-feeding, printing of a plurality of colors is performed. In this case, the process proceeds from step ST1 to step ST4.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing a printing state when the above steps ST1 to ST3 are mainly performed. As shown in FIG. 5, when two-color printing (mixed area printing) is performed on the row R1 to be printed, first, as shown in FIG. While feeding the label paper 33 in the printing direction H1, a portion that becomes one color (black in this example) is printed (step ST2). Next, when the printing of the one color is completed, as shown in FIG. 5B, while the label paper 33 is back-fed in the second printing direction H2, the other color (red in this example) Is printed (step ST3). Needless to say, the present invention can also be applied to a case where a black printed portion and a red printed portion are intermingled in one row (the same applies to the following examples).

  FIG. 6 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing a printing state mainly when the above-described steps ST7 to ST9 (further, steps ST1 and ST4) are performed. That is, as shown in FIG. 6A, it is necessary to print in the space S1 between the label cut position (the position of the cut line k) and the position of the thermal head 23, and two colors are printed in the printing row R2. When printing is performed, first, from the state of FIG. 6A where the label paper 33 is cut, as shown in FIG. 6B, the label paper 33 is back-feeded in the second printing direction H2, A portion that becomes the other color (red in this example) is printed by the thermal head 23 (step ST9). Next, when the printing of the other color is finished, the portion that becomes one color (black in this example) as shown in FIG. 6C while feeding the label paper 33 in the first printing direction. Is printed (step ST1, step ST4).

  In general, the printing apparatus 10 is provided with the back feed mechanism as described above in order to eliminate waste of the label paper 33. In the printing apparatus 10, the other color development is performed during the back feeding. Therefore, the printing operation can be combined with the operation that has been simply back-fed in the past, and the different colors can be printed smoothly and efficiently without requiring complicated control. In particular, as in this example, when it is necessary to print in the space S1 between the label cut position and the position of the thermal head 23, the label sheet 33 must be back-fed even if the printing is monochromatic. Therefore, the effect of using the present invention is great.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic explanatory view showing a printing method different from the printing method shown in FIG. When printing two colors on the row R3 to be printed, as shown in FIG. 7A, first, while feeding the label paper 33 in the first printing direction H1, which is the normal printing direction, The part which becomes the color of (in this example, black) is printed. Next, when the printing of the one color is finished, the label paper 33 is back-fed in the second printing direction H2, and the row R3 to be printed is placed inside the thermal head 23 as shown in FIG. Moving. Next, as shown in FIG. 7C, while feeding the label paper 33 in the first printing direction H1, the portion that becomes the other color (red in this example) is printed. That is, in this example, printing is not performed at the time of backfeeding, and the other color is printed when feeding in the first printing direction again.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cut label L after printing is completed as described above. In the same figure, “expiration date” and “processing date” in row R4 near the middle are black, “15 9.8 03:00” and “15 9.7 03:00” are red, and the most advanced side ( In the column R5 on the printing start side, “XX lunch box” is red, “Production No. 20320057” is black, and the entire column R6 of “additive XX × ΔΔΔ...” Near the middle is red. And all other prints are black. The row R5 is located between the label cut position and the thermal head 23 position.

  The printing method shown in FIG. 5 (or FIG. 7) is used for printing the row R4, the printing method shown in FIG. 6 is used for printing the row R5, and the entire row is black for printing the row R6. The same normal printing method as normal printing is used. As described above, when the printing method according to the present invention is used, there may be a case where different colors are printed at the same time, for example, the adjacent “limit” and “1” portions of the row R4 shown in FIG. Coloring of intermediate colors (unsharp colors that are neither black nor red, and so on) at adjacent positions where printing is performed, coloring of intermediate colors at adjacent “hour” and “1” portions, or column R5 There is no intermediate color development at the adjacent “to” and “made” portions.

  In the above description, printing in the first printing direction and printing in the second printing direction or printing in the first printing direction again in a mixed area where printing by different colors is performed in the same direction in the width direction of the printing medium, Although the case where each line is performed has been described, these printings may be performed while collecting a plurality of lines. There is no difference in the transport distance of the label paper 33 between the case of printing with different colors for each line and the case of printing with different colors while combining a plurality of lines, but forward / reverse feed (transport direction) for each line. Switching between forward and reverse feeds (conveying direction) while collecting a plurality of lines reduces the number of stops (number of times of switching in the conveying direction), and more efficient printing can be performed.

  FIG. 9 is an operation flowchart showing in more detail the portion of step ST1 shown in FIG. The other parts are the same as the steps shown in FIG. This operation flow includes printing in the first printing direction and printing in the second printing direction or printing in the first printing direction again in a mixed area where printing with different colors is performed in the same row in the width direction of the printing medium. FIG. 4 shows an example of an operation flow used for a case where a plurality of lines are combined. This will be described below.

  That is, when printing on a column to be printed is printing in two colors (that is, a mixed area), the process proceeds from step ST1-1 to step ST1-2, and printing on the next column is performed. Is a mixed region, and the determination in step 1-2 is performed as long as the mixed region column continues. If the next column is a single color column, a non-printing (non-printing region) column, or a printing end, the process proceeds to step ST1-3. If the column is a non-printing region column, Returning to step ST1-2, it is further determined in steps ST1-2 and ST1-3 whether the next column is a mixed area or a non-printing area. On the other hand, when the column is a column of only one color, or when printing is completed, the process proceeds to step 1-4, and the state of each column is stored in the RAM 19.

  Next, in step ST1-5, it is determined whether or not there is a non-printing area in each column stored in the RAM 19, and if there is no non-printing area, the process proceeds to step ST2 and printing is started. To do. That is, when the process proceeds to step 2 shown in FIG. 4, a portion that becomes one color (for example, black) of the heat generating portion 23 a of the thermal head 23 while moving the label paper 33 in the first printing direction by the platen roller 39. Only one color (black) is printed on the label paper 33 by heating only the temperature required for that color. At this time, if the mixed area is only one column, the same control as described in FIG. 5 is performed. However, if there are a plurality of columns, all the columns are moved while moving in the first printing direction. Print at once. Next, the process proceeds to step ST3, and the label paper 33 is moved by the reverse conveyance roller 43 in the second printing direction opposite to the first direction, while the heat generating portion 23a of the thermal head 23 is moved. Only the portion that becomes the other color (for example, red) is heated to a temperature necessary for that color and printed on the label paper 33 with the other color (red). At this time, if the mixed area is only one column, the same control as described in FIG. 5 is performed. However, if there are a plurality of columns, all the columns are moved while moving in the second printing direction. Print at once.

  On the other hand, in step ST1-5, it is determined whether or not there is a non-printing area in each column stored in the RAM 19, and if there is a non-printing area, the process proceeds to step ST1-6 and the non-printing area. The time required for printing (conveying) all of a plurality of columns at once across the region, and printing up to the non-printing region and printing of the columns after the non-printing region are separately performed in a plurality of steps. Is calculated, and which one can perform more efficient printing (printing in a shorter time) is obtained, and the number of times of movement in the first and second printing directions is obtained. That is, which control is prioritized is determined from the time required for transporting the non-printing area and the time required for switching the transport direction. In this way, it is determined whether or not the label paper 33 is conveyed beyond the non-printing area.

  Next, the process proceeds to step 2 shown in FIG. 4, and only the portion of the heat generating portion 23 a of the thermal head 23 that becomes one color (for example, black) while moving the label paper 33 in the first printing direction by the platen roller 39. Is heated to a temperature required for the color and printed on the label paper 33 in one color (black). At this time, when printing all of a plurality of lines at a time beyond the non-printing area, printing is performed on all the columns at once, beyond the non-printing area while moving in the first printing direction. Shifting to ST3, the label paper 33 is moved in the second printing direction by the reverse conveying roller 43, and only the portion of the heat generating portion 23a of the thermal head 23 that becomes the other color (for example, red) is required for that color. All the rows are printed on the label paper 33 at the same time in the other color (red) by heating to a certain temperature. On the other hand, when printing the columns up to the non-printing region and the printing of the columns after the non-printing region separately, printing each column up to the column before the non-printing region while moving in the first printing direction. Then, the process moves to step ST3, and the label paper 33 is moved in the second printing direction by the reverse conveying roller 43 while the other color (for example, red) of the heat generating portion 23a of the thermal head 23 is moved. Only the portion is heated to the temperature required for the color, and printing is performed on the label paper 33 in the other color (red) up to the row before the non-printing area at a time. Next, although not shown in FIG. 4, the process directly returns to step ST2, and steps ST2 and ST3 are similarly performed for each column after the non-printing area and printed. (Alternatively, it is possible to return to step ST1-1 from step ST5 and print again by controlling the columns after the non-printing area).

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a printing example when there is no non-printing area, and FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a printing procedure when the printing shown in FIG. 10 is performed. As shown in FIG. 10, in the case of this printing example, there is no non-printing area, columns r1, r3 to r5 are mixed areas, and column r2 is a single color area. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 11A, first, while feeding the label paper 33 in the first printing direction H1, a portion that becomes one color (in this example, black) is printed for the column r1. Next, when the printing of the one color is finished, as shown in FIG. 11B, while the label paper 33 is back-fed in the second printing direction H2, the other color (red in this example) Is printed for column r1. Next, as shown in FIG. 11C, while feeding the label paper 33 in the first printing direction H1, a portion that becomes a single color region (black in this example) is printed for the column r2. Subsequently, while feeding the label paper 33 in the first printing direction H1, the portion having one color (black in this example) is printed for the columns r3 to r5. Next, as shown in FIG. 11D, while the label paper 33 is back-feeded in the second printing direction H2, the portion that becomes the other color (red in this example) is printed for the columns r5 to r3.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of printing when there is a non-printing area, and FIGS. 13 and 14 are diagrams showing a printing procedure when printing shown in FIG. 12 is performed. As shown in FIG. 12, in the case of this printing example, there is a non-printing region in the middle of the column (column r5), columns r1, r3, r4, and r6 are mixed regions, and column r2 is a single color region. If it is determined in step ST1-6 in FIG. 9 that printing (conveying) of all of a plurality of columns at a time beyond the non-printing area is performed, as shown in FIGS. 13 (a) and 13 (b), First, two-color printing of the row r1 is performed by reciprocally feeding the label paper 33 in the first and second printing directions H1 and H2. Next, as shown in FIG. 13C, while feeding the label paper 33 in the first printing direction H1, a portion that becomes a single color region (black in this example) is printed for the column r2. Subsequently, while feeding the label paper 33 in the first printing direction H1, the portion that becomes one color (black in this example) is printed simultaneously for the columns r3, r4, and r6, beyond the column r5. Next, as shown in FIG. 13D, while the label paper 33 is back-fed in the second printing direction H2, the other color (red in this example) is divided into columns r6, r4, r3, Print simultaneously beyond row r5. On the other hand, if it is determined in step ST1-6 in FIG. 9 that the printing of the columns up to the non-printing area and the printing of the columns after the non-printing area are performed separately in a plurality of steps, FIG. As shown in (b) and (b), first, two-color printing in the row r1 is performed by reciprocally feeding the label paper 33 in the first and second printing directions H1 and H2. Next, as shown in FIG. 14C, while feeding the label paper 33 in the first printing direction H1, a portion that becomes a single color region (black in this example) is printed for the column r2. Subsequently, while feeding the label paper 33 in the first printing direction H1, the portion having one color (in this example, black) is simultaneously printed for the columns r3 and r4. Next, as shown in FIG. 14 (d), while the label paper 33 is back-fed in the second printing direction H2, the portion of the other color (red in this example) is printed simultaneously for the columns r4 and r3. To do. Next, as shown in FIG. 14 (e), while feeding the label paper 33 beyond the row r5 in the first printing direction H1, the portion that becomes one color (black in this example) is the row r6, Print. Next, as shown in FIG. 14F, while the label paper 33 is back-feeded in the second printing direction H2, the portion that becomes the other color (red in this example) is printed for the column r6.

  As described above, according to the printing apparatus 10, when printing with different colors is performed, control for controlling the thermal head 23 so that printing with one color and printing with the other color are performed at different timings. Since the means (CPU 15) is provided, it is not necessary to make the heat generation temperature of the heat generating element 23a of the thermal head 23 different from each other at the same time. That is, since plural heat generation temperature zones are not mixed at the same time, interference between different heat generation temperatures can be prevented. The color of each color is improved, and a good-looking label can be issued. This effect is particularly effective when printing different colors next to each other.

  Here, for example, the printing with one color is performed when the label paper 33 is moved in the first printing direction H1, and the printing with the other color is performed with the label paper 33 in the first printing direction H1. Can be realized when moving in the second printing direction H2, which is the reverse direction, or when moving in the second printing direction H2 and then moving again in the first printing direction H1.

  Further, printing performed when moving in the second printing direction H2 (or printing performed when moving again in the first printing direction H1) is performed on the column to be printed as shown in step ST1 of FIG. Based on the determination of whether or not there are a plurality of colors, that is, based on the print contents to be printed on the label paper 33, this is performed only when necessary, so printing on the label paper 33 is performed. Efficient printing can be performed according to the print contents.

  Further, the printing apparatus 10 controls the application temperature of printing performed when moving in the first printing direction H1 to be higher than the application temperature of printing performed when moving in the second printing direction H2. However, this is because, in general, the higher the applied temperature, the more commonly used color such as black, which is the most frequently used color, is intended to achieve efficient printing by giving priority to such printing. . Of course, conversely, the applied temperature of printing performed when moving in the first printing direction H1 may be controlled to be lower than the applied temperature of printing performed when moving in the second printing direction H2. . In this case, in the above example, red printing is performed during normal conveyance, and black printing is performed during back feed.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims and the specification and drawings. Is possible. It should be noted that any configuration not directly described in the specification and drawings is within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention as long as the effects and advantages of the present invention are exhibited. For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the present invention is used for a label printing apparatus that prints and issues a label has been shown. The invention can be applied. Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the heating temperature of the thermal head was made into two types, three or more types may be sufficient. For example, in the case of three types, the printing timing between one of them and the other two types may be different, or the printing timings of all three types may be different. Further, the color to be developed is not limited to black and red, but may be various other colors such as blue. In the above embodiment, the mountless label paper is used as the print medium. However, a label paper with a mount may be used, and a print medium made of paper used for various purposes other than labels may be used. Further, the embodiments described in the above drawings can be combined with each other as long as there is no contradiction in the purpose and configuration. Moreover, the description content of each figure may become independent embodiment, respectively, and embodiment of this invention is not limited to one embodiment which combined each figure.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Label printer 3 Base part 5 Display part 7 Operation part 9 Weighing part 10 Printing apparatus 11 Label issuing port 15 CPU (control means)
17 ROM 19 RAM
21 Communication unit 23 Thermal head 23a Heat generation unit 24 Interface 25 Stepping motor 27 Cutter (cutting mechanism)
27a, 27b Blade 29 Bath 31 Label roll 33 Label paper (printing medium)
33a Printing surface 33b Adhesive surface 35 Roll loading unit 39 Platen roller 41 Printing unit 43 Reverse feed roller (back feed mechanism)
43a, 43b Roller S1 Space H1 First printing direction H2 Second printing direction R1 to R6 rows L labels r1 to r6 rows

Claims (7)

In a printing apparatus having a print medium that produces a plurality of different colors according to the heating temperature, and a thermal head that applies a predetermined temperature while moving the print medium and prints the color.
In a mixed region where printing with different colors is performed in the same direction in the width direction of the printing medium, the thermal head is provided with a control unit that controls the thermal head so that printing with one color and printing with the other color are performed at different timings. A printing apparatus characterized by the above. The printing by the one color development is printing performed when the printing medium is moved in the first printing direction,
The printing by the other color is performed when the printing medium is moved in the second printing direction that is opposite to the first printing direction or after the movement in the second printing direction. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein printing is performed when moving in the first printing direction.   The control means determines whether to perform printing when moving in the second printing direction or printing when moving again in the first printing direction, based on the printing content to be printed on the printing medium. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein:   The control means is configured such that printing when moving in the first printing direction is more thermal than printing when moving in the second printing direction or printing when moving again in the first printing direction. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the temperature applied by the head is controlled to be high. The first printing direction is a direction in which the printing medium is directed from the inside of the printing apparatus to the outside,
The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second printing direction is a direction in which the printing medium is directed from the outside to the inside of the printing apparatus. The control means includes
Controlling print processing based on print data in which information to be printed on the print medium is converted into data;
When it is determined that there is a non-printing area in which no printing is performed in the print data, at least a time required to transport the non-printing area is calculated based on the print data, and the second printing The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the number of movements in the direction is controlled. Preparing a print medium that produces a plurality of different colors according to the heating temperature, and a thermal head that applies a predetermined temperature to the print medium for color development and printing,
A printing method comprising a control step of performing printing with one color and printing with the other color at different timings when performing printing with different colors in the same direction in the width direction of the print medium.

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