JP2004042542A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently perform printing processing from one surface of printing paper to the other thereof in a hybrid type printer which is equipped with a plurality of printing mechanisms different in printing system from each other. <P>SOLUTION: This printer comprises:a first printing part which is composed of a plurality of first juxtaposed printing mechanisms; a second printing part which is composed of a second single printing mechanism; a printing condition specifying part for specifying a printing mode and the number of pieces of paper to be printed; a printing-paper conveying part for conveying the printing paper, onto which printing is applied in the first printing part, to the second printing part; and a control part which calculates the number of sheets of the printing paper for being distributed to each of the first printing mechanisms, in accordance with the number, specified in the printing condition specifying part, of sheets of the paper to be printed and the number of the first printing mechanisms of the first printing part, and which performs control so that the pieces of the printing paper, printed and ejected in the second printing part, can be sorted according to each of the calculated numbers of sheets of the printing paper to be distributed, when the printing mode, specified in the printing condition specifying part, is double-side printing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a printing apparatus that prints characters, images, and the like according to print data on a print medium, and more particularly, to a hybrid printing apparatus including a plurality of printing mechanisms having different printing methods.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, a hybrid printing apparatus that performs printing processing by combining printing apparatuses of different printing methods has been proposed. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-197824 discloses that one inkjet printer and one stencil printing machine are connected in series. A hybrid printing apparatus that performs a printing process by connecting to a printer is disclosed. In the hybrid printing apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-197824, monochromatic characters and figures are printed by a stencil printing machine having a relatively high printing speed, and color photographs, color illustrations, color characters, etc. are printed in full color. By printing with an inkjet printer capable of printing, the total printing time can be reduced as compared with the case where printing is performed by the inkjet printer alone.
[0003]
As described above, when an inkjet printer and a stencil printing machine are connected in series, the printing speed of the entire hybrid printing apparatus is reduced compared to that of the stencil printing machine due to the difference in printing speed due to the difference in printing method. It is necessary to match a relatively slow inkjet printer. For this reason, the printing speed when the hybrid printing device is regarded as one device is not always an ideal speed.
[0004]
Therefore, a plurality of printing mechanisms (ink jet printers) of a printing method with a low printing speed are connected in parallel as the first printing unit, and printing papers printed in parallel in the first printing unit are sequentially printed in the second printing unit (stencil printing machine). A hybrid printing apparatus has been proposed in which the printing speed is improved by transporting the printing apparatus to a printing apparatus. As described above, when performing double-sided printing using a hybrid printing apparatus in which a plurality of printing mechanisms of a printing method with a slow printing speed are connected in parallel, printing paper is transferred from the first printing unit to the second printing unit by the required number of sheets. And then print the front side, turn over the print paper on which the front side is printed, set it in the paper feed section of each print mechanism of the first print section, and print from the first print section to the second print section. The procedure of conveying the paper and printing the back side is performed. The front side may be printed after the back side is first printed. However, in the following description, the printing is performed in the order of the front side and the back side.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, printing paper set in each paper feed unit of a plurality of printing mechanisms is fed sequentially for each paper feed unit. Therefore, if a paper feed unit runs out of paper, the print processing is performed at that time. Is interrupted. Therefore, when printing paper is set in each paper feed unit of a plurality of printing mechanisms, it is necessary to uniformly set the required number of print papers in each paper feed unit.
[0006]
However, in duplex printing, it is extremely time-consuming to sort the printing paper with the front side printed on each paper feeding unit of multiple printing mechanisms and set them evenly in order to print on the back side. At the same time, there is a case where the number of printing papers to be distributed to each paper feeding unit is incorrect due to an incorrect sorting operation. If an incorrect number of print sheets are distributed and set in each paper feed unit, the paper feed unit that has run out of the number of papers runs out of paper, and as a result, the printing process is interrupted. Also, at this time, if printing paper with print processing on the front side is set on unprinted paper placed on the paper feed tray, printing is performed on the back side in the paper supply unit where the number of sheets is insufficient. An image to be printed is printed on the surface of unprinted paper.
[0007]
Further, in order to sort the printing paper according to the number of sheets to be distributed to the plurality of printing mechanisms serving as the first sheet feeding unit by using a paper sorting mechanism such as a sorter, the number of sheets to be distributed to each printing mechanism depends on the number of sheets to be distributed. It is necessary to control the paper discharge sorting mechanism so as to sort the printing paper.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in order to solve such a problem, and in a hybrid printing apparatus including a plurality of printing mechanisms having different printing methods, the efficiency of printing from one surface of a printing paper to the other surface is reduced. An object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus that can perform a printing process well.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first printing unit including a plurality of first printing mechanisms arranged in parallel, a second printing unit including a single second printing mechanism, a print mode and the number of prints. A printing condition designating section to be designated, a printing paper carrying section for carrying printing paper printed by the first printing section to the second printing section, and the printing mode designated by the printing condition designating section being a double-sided printing mode. In the case of printing, the number of print sheets to be distributed to each first printing mechanism is calculated based on the number of printings specified by the printing condition specifying unit and the number of the first printing mechanisms in the first printing unit. A control unit that controls the printing paper printed and discharged by the second printing unit to be sorted according to the calculated number of sheets to be sorted.
[0010]
According to such a configuration, the number of print sheets to be distributed to each first printing mechanism is calculated based on the number of printed sheets and the number of each printing mechanism of the first printing unit, and the number of print sheets discharged according to the calculated number of printed sheets is calculated. Since the paper sorting process is automatically performed, there is no need to manually calculate the number of sheets to be sorted to each printing mechanism and perform the sorting work, thereby reducing work errors and improving the efficiency of printing work. it can.
[0011]
Here, the printing paper may be controlled to be sorted according to the sorting method designated by the printing condition designation unit. The sorting method includes a logical sorting method in which a printing operation is temporarily interrupted for each calculated number of sheets to be sorted, and a tape sorter method in which a tape is inserted between the printing sheets for each calculated number of sheets to be sorted. And at least one of a sorter method for switching a discharge unit for discharging the printing paper for each calculated distribution number and an offset catch method for shifting a discharge position of the printing paper for each calculated distribution number. When the logical sorting method is selected, one or both of the visual warning information and the auditory warning information may be output when the printing operation is interrupted.
[0012]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the same or equivalent parts and components are denoted by the same or equivalent reference symbols throughout the drawings, and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified.
[0013]
[First Embodiment]
[Overall configuration of hybrid printing apparatus]
As shown in FIG. 1, the hybrid printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment includes a first printing unit 1a, a second printing unit 1b, a printing paper transport unit 1c, an operation panel 1e, a control unit 1d, Is provided. The first printing unit 1a includes a plurality of first printing mechanisms 11, 12,..., 1n arranged in parallel, and the second printing unit 1b includes a single second printing mechanism. The printing paper transport unit 1c transports the printing paper printed by the first printing unit 1a to the second printing unit 1b. The operation panel 1e is a printing condition specifying unit for specifying a printing mode, the number of prints, a sorting method, and the like. When the printing mode specified on the operation panel 1e, which is a printing condition specifying unit, is duplex printing, the control unit 1d determines the number of prints specified on the operation panel 1e and the first printing mechanism 11 in the first printing unit 1a. , 12,..., 1n, the number of printing papers to be distributed to the first printing mechanisms 11, 12,..., 1n is calculated, and the printing paper printed and discharged by the second printing unit 1b is calculated. Is controlled so as to be sorted for each calculated number of sheets to be sorted.
[0014]
[Configuration of First Printing Unit]
The first printing unit 1a has a plurality of printing mechanisms 11, 12, ..., 1n arranged in parallel. The printing mechanisms 11, 12,..., 1n have the same printing method and the same model. Also, the time required to print one sheet of printing paper by each of the printing mechanisms 11, 12,..., 1n is substantially the same, although there is some variation. In the first embodiment, an example in which an ink jet printing mechanism is used as each of the printing mechanisms 11, 12,..., 1n will be described. However, each of the printing mechanisms 11, 12,. The printing mechanism is not limited to the inkjet printing mechanism, but may be any printing mechanism.
[0015]
Each of the printing mechanisms 11, 12,..., 1n that constitutes the first printing unit 1 a includes, among the print data, data determined to be suitable for processing in the first printing unit 1 a (hereinafter, “first data”). Is transmitted from the control unit 1d, a printing process according to the first data, for example, a process of printing color characters, images, and the like on a printing paper is performed.
[0016]
Specifically, when the first data is transmitted from the control unit 1d, each of the printing mechanisms 11, 12,..., 1n constituting the first printing unit 1a is transmitted to each of the printing mechanisms 11, 12,. Print paper is taken in from each of the provided paper feed trays 11a, 12a,..., 1na, and the print head is caused to scan the print paper. Each of the printing mechanisms 11, 12,..., 1n adheres ink ejected from the print head to the printing paper in accordance with the first data, so that a color character, image, or the like corresponding to the first data. To print. Each of the printing mechanisms 11, 12,..., 1n discharges the printed printing paper to the printing paper transport unit 1c via the paper discharge rolls 11b, 12b,.
[0017]
[Configuration of Second Printing Unit]
The second printing unit 1b has a higher printing speed than each of the printing mechanisms 11, 12,..., 1n constituting the first printing unit 1a, and the printing speed is variable within a predetermined range. It consists of a printing mechanism. In the first embodiment, a case where a stencil printing machine is used as a printing mechanism constituting the second printing unit 1b will be described as an example. However, as a printing mechanism constituting the second printing unit 1b, The printing speed is not limited to the stencil printing machine as long as the printing speed is higher than each of the printing mechanisms 11, 12,..., 1n constituting the first printing unit 1a and the printing speed can be changed within a predetermined range. Printing mechanisms of any printing method are applicable.
[0018]
The stencil printing machine constituting the second printing unit 1b controls data (hereinafter, referred to as “second data”) determined to be suitable for processing in the second printing unit 1b among the print data. When transmitted from the unit 1d, a printing process in accordance with the second data, for example, a process of printing a single-color character or a figure on a printing sheet is performed.
[0019]
Specifically, when the stencil printing machine constituting the second printing unit 1b receives the second data from the control unit 1d, the stencil printing machine first performs a stencil making process and generates a stencil sheet according to the second data. The stencil sheet on which the perforated image has been formed is wound around the outer peripheral surface of the plate cylinder 21. When the printing paper printed by the first printing unit 1a is supplied through the printing paper transport unit 1c, the stencil printing machine controls the printing paper via the paper feeding roll 22 and the timing roll 23 at a predetermined timing. And is sandwiched between the press drum 24 and the plate cylinder 21 on which the stencil sheet is wound. Further, in this state, the stencil printing machine prints ink supplied from the inside of the plate cylinder 21 through the perforation of the stencil sheet while rotating the plate cylinder 21 in the direction of arrow A in FIG. By transferring the data to a sheet, a single-color character, a figure, or the like corresponding to the second data is printed on the printing sheet. Then, the stencil printing machine discharges the printed printing paper to the paper output tray 26. The paper ejection tray 26 is provided with a paper ejection presence / absence sensor 30, and the stencil printing machine determines whether or not there is printing paper on the paper ejection tray 26 in accordance with a detection signal of the paper ejection presence / absence sensor 30. I do.
[0020]
When the “second printing unit independent mode” in which only the printing process in the second printing unit 1b is performed without using the first printing unit 1a is selected, the stencil printing forming the second printing unit 1b is performed. The machine takes in printing paper from the paper feed tray 2 provided exclusively for the second printing unit 1b, performs printing, and discharges the printing paper to the paper output tray 26.
[0021]
In the stencil printing machine constituting the second printing unit 1b, the above series of printing processing operations are controlled by the stencil printing control unit 27 which receives the control signal from the control unit 1d and the second data. The stencil printing machine includes a drum encoder 28 that generates a pulse signal corresponding to the rotation angle of the plate cylinder 21 and a servo circuit 29 that drives and controls the motor 25 based on the pulse signal from the drum encoder 28. The plate cylinder 21 is stably rotated by controlling the driving of the motor 25 by the servo circuit 29.
[0022]
In particular, in the stencil printing machine, the printing process for one printing sheet is completed each time the plate cylinder 21 makes one rotation, so that the printing speed depends on the rotation speed of the plate cylinder 21. The rotation speed of the cylinder 21, that is, the printing speed in the stencil printing machine is configured to be able to be switched stepwise within a predetermined range. Such switching of the printing speed is performed by the stencil printing control unit 27 controlling the servo circuit 29 according to a control signal from the control unit 1d.
[0023]
[Configuration of printing paper transport unit]
The printing paper transport unit 1c transports the printing paper on which the printing process has been performed by the first printing unit 1a to the second printing unit 1b. The printing paper transporting section 1c includes a transporting path 31 serving as a moving path of the printing paper, and switching rolls 32 provided on the first printing section 1a side of the transporting path 31 for each of the printing mechanisms 11, 12,. A sheet detection sensor 33 provided near the switching roll 32, a plurality of conveyance rolls 34a and 34b provided in the middle of the conveyance path 31, and a jam detection sensor 35 provided in the middle of the conveyance path 31. , 1n of the printing mechanisms 11, 12,..., 1n constituting the first printing unit 1a and the intermediate rolls 36 provided between the switching rolls 32, respectively. Prepare.
[0024]
The transport path 31 is configured by a portion indicated by a solid line in FIG. The portion indicated by the solid line has individual paths connected to the respective printing mechanisms 11, 12,..., 1n constituting the first printing section 1a on the first printing section 1a side, and these individual paths are the The second printing unit 1b has a structure in which the two printing units 1b are combined into one path and connected to the paper feed roll 22 of the second printing unit 1b. The printing paper discharged from each of the printing mechanisms 11, 12,..., 1n constituting the first printing unit 1a is sequentially supplied to the paper feed roll 22 of the second printing unit 1b guided by the transport path 31. .
[0025]
The switching rolls 32 provided for each of the printing mechanisms 11, 12,..., 1n constituting the first printing section 1a print the printing paper, which has been printed by the printing mechanisms 11, 12,. The timing of sending the sheet to the section 1b is controlled. Specifically, each of the switching rolls 32 has a pair of upper and lower rollers opposed to each other, and one of the pair of rollers is connected to a motor 37a via a clutch (not shown). When the clutch is turned on under the control of the control unit 1d, the switching roll 32 rotates by receiving the driving force of the motor 37a, and rotates each of the printing mechanisms 11, 12, and 13 constituting the first printing unit 1a. , 1n, and conveys the printing paper, which has been temporarily buffered and sandwiched between the pair of rollers 32, toward the second printing unit 1b. The rotation of the motor 37a for driving the switching roll 32 is also controlled by the servo circuit 39a based on the pulse signal from the encoder 38a.
[0026]
A sheet detection sensor 33 located near the switching roll 32 and provided on an individual path of the transport path 31 prints out the printing mechanisms 11, 12,..., 1n constituting the first printing unit 1a. It detects the leading edge of the paper. When each of the paper detection sensors 33 detects the leading end of the printing paper discharged from each of the printing mechanisms 11, 12,..., 1n constituting the first printing section 1a, the detection signal from each of the paper detection sensors 33 is sent to the control section. 1d. Thus, the control unit 1d can instantly recognize which of the printing mechanisms 11, 12,..., 1n constituting the first printing unit 1a has finished printing. Then, the control unit 1d determines the number of the sheet detection sensor 33 that has transmitted the detection signal, or the identification number of the printing mechanism corresponding to the sheet detection sensor 33, that is, the printing mechanism 11 that configures the first printing unit 1a. , 1n, the identification numbers of the printing mechanisms for which the printing process has been completed are stored in the memory in the order of detection by the paper detection sensor 33.
[0027]
.., 1n constituting the first printing section 1a so as not to erroneously detect the printing paper being printed by the printing mechanisms 11, 12,..., 1n. , 12,..., 1n are preferably disposed at positions where the distance L from the paper discharge rolls 11b, 12b,.
[0028]
The plurality of transport rolls 34a and 34b provided in the middle of the transport path 31 are for transporting the printing paper sent out by the switching roll 32 to the paper feed roll 22 of the second printing unit 1b. These transport rolls 34a, 34 are arranged in the middle of the transport path 31 at a pitch equal to or less than the minimum size of the printing paper to be used, and each transport roll 34a, 34b is connected to a motor 37b. The transport rolls 34a and 34b rotate by receiving the driving force of the motor 37b, and transport the printing paper sent out by the switching roll 32 to the paper feed roll 22 of the second printing unit 1b by the rotational force. In FIG. 1, two transport rolls 34a and 34b are illustrated on each individual path for each of the printing mechanisms 11, 12,..., 1n constituting the first printing unit 1a for convenience. The number 34b is set for convenience according to the length of the transport path 31 and the like. The rotation of the motor 37b for driving the transport rollers 34a and 34b is also controlled by the servo circuit 39b based on the pulse signal from the encoder 38b.
[0029]
The jam detection sensor 35 provided in the middle of the transport path 31 detects a jam of the printing paper in the transport path 1. When the jam detection sensor 35 detects a jam of the printing paper, a detection signal from the jam detection sensor 35 is transmitted to the control unit 1d. Thereby, the control unit 1d can instantly recognize the jam of the printing paper in the transport path 31 and immediately take necessary processing such as stopping the operation of the hybrid printing apparatus 1, for example. The jam detection sensor 35 may be provided at an appropriate position on the transport path 31. However, if the jam detection sensors 35 are provided on individual paths of the transport path 31, the control unit 1d determines on which path the jam has occurred. Can also be determined.
[0030]
An intermediate roll 36 provided at a stage preceding the switching roll 32 of the transport path 31 transports the printing paper, which has been printed by each of the printing mechanisms 11, 12,..., 1n constituting the first printing section 1a, to the switching roll 32. , 1n of each of the printing mechanisms 11, 12,..., 1n constituting the first printing section 1a and the switching roll 32. I have. When the rotational position of the plate cylinder 21 of the second printing unit 1b reaches a predetermined position, the intermediate roll 36 rotates by receiving a driving force of a motor (not shown), and the first printing unit 1a , 1n are discharged from the paper discharge rolls 11b, 12b,..., 1nb to the transport path 31 of the print paper transport unit 1c. The sheet is transported to the switching roll 32. Although a pair of intermediate rolls 36 are shown in FIG. 1 for convenience, the number of the intermediate rolls 36 is appropriately set according to the size of the printing paper and the position where the switching roll 32 is provided. It is.
[0031]
The printing paper transport unit 1c configured as described above has a function as a buffer that temporarily holds the printing paper discharged from each of the printing mechanisms 11, 12,..., 1n constituting the first printing unit 1a. Have. That is, the printing paper which has been printed by the printing mechanisms 11, 12,..., 1n constituting the first printing unit 1a is discharged from the discharge rolls 11b, 12b,. Then, the printing paper is conveyed to the switching roll 32 by the intermediate roll 36. At this time, when the printing paper reaches the switching roll 32, the leading end thereof is detected by the paper detection sensor 33, and the paper detection sensor 33 Based on the detection signal from, the motor that drives the intermediate roll 36 is turned off by the control unit 1d, and the clutch connected to the switching roll 32 is temporarily turned off. Then, while the clutch connected to the switching roll 32 is off, the printing paper on which printing has been completed by the printing mechanisms 11, 12,..., 1n constituting the first printing unit 1a is conveyed to the subsequent stage of the switching roll 32. Instead, the leading end stops at a position slightly beyond the paper detection sensor 33 toward the second printing unit 1b.
[0032]
When it is detected that the rotational position of the plate cylinder 21 of the second printing section 1b has reached a predetermined position, the motor for driving the intermediate roll 36 is turned on under the control of the control section 1d, and When the clutch connected to the switching roll 32 is turned on and the switching roll 32 rotates by receiving the driving force of the motor 37a, printing is performed by the printing mechanisms 11, 12,..., 1n constituting the first printing unit 1a. Is completed, and the printing paper whose leading end has stopped slightly beyond the paper detection sensor 33 toward the second printing unit 1b moves in the direction of arrow B in FIG. The paper is conveyed to the paper feed roll 22.
[0033]
[Configuration of control unit]
The control unit 1d controls the overall operation of the hybrid printing apparatus 1 by performing processing according to the control program. The control contents of the control unit 1d mainly include setting of print data, Printing control of the first printing unit 1a and the second printing unit 1b, conveyance control of the printing paper conveyance unit 1c, display control of various information on the operation panel 1e, and the like are included.
[0034]
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 1d includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51, a program ROM (Read Only Memory) 52, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 53, an external interface unit 54, and a data separation unit 55. , A data converter 56, page PDL memories 57 and 58, a font memory 59, and image memories 60 and 61, which are interconnected via a bus 62.
[0035]
The CPU 51 executes various processes by executing a control program stored in the program ROM 52 using the RAM 53 as a work area, and controls the entire hybrid printing apparatus 1.
[0036]
The program ROM 52 is a memory storing a control program, and the RAM 53 is a memory used as a work area for the CPU 51 to perform processing based on the control program.
[0037]
The external interface unit 54 includes a command, a status, and an image between the control unit 1d and the external device 5, such as a personal computer, the first printing unit 1a, the second printing unit 1b, the printing paper transport unit 1c, and the operation panel 1e. It controls input and output of signals such as data.
[0038]
The data separation unit 55 separates print data into first data and second data according to a description format or the like, and is realized by the CPU 51 executing a control program.
[0039]
The data conversion unit 56 converts print data represented in a page description language (hereinafter referred to as “PDL (Page Description Language)”) into bitmap image data (image data). The conversion is realized by using the font data stored in the memory 59.
[0040]
The page PDL memories 57 and 58 store print data (PDL data) input from the external device 5 or the like via the external interface unit 54 in page units.
[0041]
The font memory 59 is a memory that stores font data for converting a character code of PDL data into bitmap data.
[0042]
The image memories 60 and 61 are memories for storing bitmap image data converted from PDL data by the data conversion unit 56.
[0043]
[Configuration of operation panel]
As shown in FIG. 3, the operation panel 1e includes a print mode selection button 41, a print start button 42, a sorting mode selection button 43, a numeric keypad 44, a display unit 40, and the like. The print mode selection button 41 is a button for selecting whether the printing process to be performed is double-sided printing or single-sided printing. The print start button 42 is a button for designating the start or end of the print processing.
[0044]
The sorting method selection button 43 is a button for selecting a sorting method such as a logical sorting method, a tape sorter method, a sorter method, and an offset catch method. The ten keys 44 are a key group for designating the number of prints and the like. The display unit 40 displays and outputs various information according to the control of the control unit 1d.
[0045]
[Operation of hybrid printing device]
Next, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 4, a processing operation of the hybrid printing apparatus 1 when executing a printing process using the hybrid printing apparatus 1 in the first embodiment will be described.
[0046]
First, the user operates the print mode selection button 41 of the operation panel 1e to specify whether the print mode of the print processing to be executed is the double-sided print processing or the single-sided print processing, and operates the numeric keypad 44. Specify the number of prints. Further, the user operates the sorting mode selection button 43 as needed to select the sorting mode, and finally operates the print start button 42 to instruct the start of the printing process. When print data to be used for print processing is transmitted as electronic data from an external device 5 such as a computer system to the hybrid printing apparatus 1, the electronic data includes a set value indicating a print mode, the number of prints, a sorting method, and the like. May be transmitted to the hybrid printing apparatus 1.
[0047]
In the process of step S1, the control unit 1d of the hybrid printing apparatus 1 determines whether or not the designated print mode is the duplex printing process.
[0048]
If the result of determination in step S1 is that printing is not double-sided printing, that is, if the designated print mode is single-sided printing, control unit 1d performs single-sided printing based on printing conditions set by the user in step S2. Controls execution of processing.
[0049]
On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S1 is that the designated print mode is double-sided printing processing, the control unit 1d executes double-sided printing processing based on printing conditions set by the user as processing in step S3. I do.
[0050]
Hereinafter, the processing operation of the hybrid printing apparatus 1 will be described in order of the case where the single-sided printing process is executed and the case where the double-sided printing process is executed.
[0051]
(Single-sided printing process)
With reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, the operation of the hybrid printing apparatus 1 when executing the one-sided printing process will be described.
[0052]
In the process of step S11, the data separating unit 55 converts the print data received via the external interface unit 54 into first data suitable for print processing in the first print unit 1a and data in the second print unit 1b. It is separated into second data suitable for print processing. The details of this data separation processing will be described later.
[0053]
In the process of step S12, the control unit 1d transmits the first data to each printing mechanism of the first printing unit 1a and transmits the second data to the second printing unit 1b via the external interface unit 54. I do. At this time, the control unit 1d transmits the number-of-printed-sheet data to each printing mechanism of the first printing unit 1a and the second printing unit 1b via the external interface unit 54.
[0054]
In the process of step S13, the control unit 1d instructs each printing mechanism of the first printing unit 1a to execute the one-sided printing process using the first data. Then, the control unit 1d detects whether or not each printing mechanism of the first printing unit 1a has completed the one-sided printing process based on the detection signal from the paper detection sensor 33 of the printing paper transport unit 1c. Then, the control unit 1d recognizes and stores the printing end order of each printing mechanism based on the order in which the detection signals from the corresponding sheet detection sensors 33 are received.
[0055]
In the process of step S14, the control unit 1d detects the timing when the rotation position of the plate cylinder 21 of the second printing unit 1b reaches a predetermined position.
[0056]
In the process of step S15, the control unit 1d drives and controls the switching roll 32 corresponding to the sheet detection sensor 33 in which the printing mechanism that has completed printing is detected first. As a result, the printing paper that has been printed by the first printing unit 1a is conveyed to the second printing unit 1b by the printing paper conveyance unit 1c, and the second printing unit 1b transmits the printing paper on which the first data is printed. Perform print processing on the surface.
[0057]
In the process of step S16, the control unit 1d counts the number of printed sheets using a print counter each time the printing process in the second printing unit 1b is completed.
[0058]
In the processing of step S17, the control unit 1d determines whether or not the number of printed sheets has reached the number of printed sheets specified by the user, based on the count result of the print counter. The control unit 1d determines whether or not the printing of the specified number of prints is completed, for example, when the print counter value of the second printing unit 1b matches the specified number of prints, and when the transmission number counter (specified The number of prints stored is subtracted from the designated number of prints each time the first print data is transmitted to the first printing unit 1a. Then, as a result of the determination, if the printing for the designated number of prints is not completed, the control unit 1d returns the single-sided printing process from the process of step S17 to the process of step S13. On the other hand, if the result of the determination is that printing for the specified number of prints has been completed, a series of single-sided printing processes ends.
[0059]
[Data separation processing]
Here, the processing operation of the control unit 1d in the data separation processing of step S11 shown in FIG. 5 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0060]
In the process of step S21, the data separation unit 55 acquires the print data received via the external interface unit 54.
[0061]
In the process of step S22, the data separation unit 55 determines whether the data format of the acquired print data is vector format data or bitmap format data for each data constituting the print data.
[0062]
If the result of the determination in step S22 is that the data is in bitmap format, the data separation unit 55 determines that the data is suitable for processing in the first printing unit 1a and determines that the data is suitable for processing in step S23. Is stored in the page PDL memory 57 for storing the first data.
[0063]
On the other hand, if the result of the determination processing in step S22 is that the data is in a vector format, the data separation unit 55 determines that the color information of the data is a stencil printing machine that constitutes the second printing unit 1b in step S24. It is determined whether the color is the same as the corresponding color (ink color).
[0064]
If the color information is not the same as the color corresponding to the stencil printing machine constituting the second printing unit 1b as a result of the determination processing in step S24, the data separating unit 55 sends the data to the first printing unit 1a. As the process of step S23, the data is stored in the page PDL memory 57 storing the first data.
[0065]
On the other hand, as a result of the determination processing in step S24, if the color information of the data is the same as the color supported by the stencil printing machine constituting the second printing unit 1b, the data separating unit 55 Assuming that the data is suitable for the processing in the printing unit 1b, the data is stored in the page PDL memory 58 for storing the second data in the processing in step S25.
[0066]
(Duplex printing process)
Next, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, the processing operation of the hybrid printing apparatus 1 when performing the duplex printing processing will be described.
[0067]
In the process of step S31, the user operates the sorting mode selection button 43 on the operation panel 1e to select which of the "logical sorting mode" and the "physical sorting mode" to sort the printing paper. .
[0068]
Here, the “logical sorting method” refers to a logical sorting method in which printing is temporarily stopped when the number of printed sheets reaches a predetermined number of sorted sheets, and the printing paper is manually removed. The “physical sorting method” refers to a sorting method that uses a physical sorting device such as a tape sorter or a discharge tray with an offset catch function, which will be described later.
[0069]
In the case of an apparatus that does not have a physical sorting mechanism, such as the hybrid printing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1, the user selects and sets the “logical sorting method”. However, in this case, the hybrid printing apparatus 1 may automatically select and set the “logical sorting method”. Further, in the case of an apparatus having a physical sorting mechanism, such as a hybrid printing apparatus 1 shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 described later, the user may select and set the “physical sorting method”. Alternatively, the hybrid printing apparatus 1 may automatically select and set the “physical sorting method”.
[0070]
Here, it is assumed that the “logical sorting method” has been selected and set by the user or automatically by the hybrid printing apparatus 1.
[0071]
In the process of step S32, the user operates the numeric keypad 44 of the operation panel 1e to set the number of prints.
[0072]
In the process of step S33, the control unit 1d determines the first printing unit 1a based on the number of printing mechanisms of the first printing unit 1a registered or detected in advance and the number of prints data set in the process of step S32. , 1n are calculated.
[0073]
For example, when the number of printing mechanisms of the first printing unit 1a is two, that is, upper and lower, and the set number of prints is 100, the control unit 1d controls the printing paper to be distributed to the upper and lower printing mechanisms. Are calculated to be 50. Further, for example, when the number of printing mechanisms in the first printing unit 1a is two, that is, the upper printing unit and the lower printing unit, and the set number of prints is 99, the control unit 1d controls the printing to be distributed to the upper printing unit. The number of sheets is set to 50, and the number of print sheets to be distributed to the lower printing mechanism is calculated to be 49. However, in this case, the upper printing mechanism executes the printing process in preference to the lower printing mechanism, and balances the printing speed of each printing mechanism.
[0074]
In this calculation process, the control unit 1d may display the number of print sheets calculated as described above on the display unit 40 of the operation panel 1e in order to improve user convenience.
[0075]
In the process of step S34, the user prints blank printing paper (printing paper on which both the front and back surfaces are not printed) of at least the calculated number of distributions in accordance with the number of distributions calculated in the process of step S33. , 1na of the printing unit 1a.
[0076]
In the process of step S35, the control unit 1d controls the first printing unit 1a, the second printing unit 1b, and the printing paper transport unit 1c to execute the printing process on the front surface (or the back surface) of the printing paper. Specifically, the control unit 1d instructs the first printing unit 1a as the number of prints to be printed by each printing mechanism of the first printing unit 1a, based on the number of distributions calculated in the process of step S33. In addition, the control unit 1d instructs the second printing unit 1b on the setting data for performing the sorting operation according to the number of distributions calculated in the process of step S33 and the number of prints to be printed by the second printing unit 1b. Then, every time the printing process in the second printing unit 1b is completed, the control unit 1d counts the number of printed sheets using the printing counter. Note that the process of executing printing on the front surface (or the back surface) of the printing paper is the same as the process of steps S11 to S15 shown in FIG. 5, and a description thereof will be omitted.
[0077]
In the process of step S36, the control unit 1d determines whether or not the printing paper that has been printed and discharged from the second printing unit 1b is the back side or the last page. Then, as a result of the determination, if it is either the back side or the last page, since the processing related to the sorting is unnecessary, the control unit 1d skips the subsequent steps S37 to S42 and proceeds to step S43. Proceed to processing. On the other hand, if the result of the determination is that it is neither the back surface nor the last page, the control section 1d proceeds to the next step S37.
[0078]
In the processing of step S37, the control unit 1d determines whether or not the number of printed sheets counted using the print counter has reached the number of distribution sheets calculated in the processing of step S34. Specifically, the control unit 1d determines that the number of printed sheets reaches 50 when the designated number of printed sheets is 100, and reaches 50 when the designated number of printed sheets is 99. It is determined whether or not it has been performed.
[0079]
Then, as a result of the determination in step S37, if the calculated number of distribution sheets is not reached, the process returns to step S35, and the printing process on the front side of the printing paper is continued.
[0080]
On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S37, when the calculated number of distribution sheets is reached, in the process of step S38, the control unit 1d determines that the printing paper sorting method set by the user is “logical sorting method”. Is determined.
[0081]
If the result of the determination in step S38 is not “logical sorting method”, that is, if it is “physical sorting method”, as a process in step S39, the control unit 1d executes the tape sorter or the offset catch function. The sorting of the printing paper is performed using a sorting device such as an attached paper discharge table. Thereafter, this double-sided printing process proceeds from the process of step S39 to the process of step S43.
[0082]
On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S38, when the sorting method set by the user is the “logical sorting method”, the control unit 1d interrupts the printing process on the front side of the printing paper as the process in step S40. Specifically, when the number of printing mechanisms is two and the designated number of prints is 100, the control unit 1d interrupts the printing process at the same time when the printing of the 50th print is completed. Similarly, when the number of printing mechanisms is two and the specified number of prints is 99, the printing process is interrupted at the same time when the printing of the 50th print is completed.
[0083]
In the process of step S41, the control unit 1d displays on the display unit 40 of the operation panel 1e a message indicating that the printing paper on the paper output tray 26 is to be removed. Note that the control unit 1d may notify the user that the execution of the printing process has been interrupted by using a sound such as a buzzer or a chime.
[0084]
In the process of step S42, the control unit 1d refers to the detection signal from the paper ejection presence / absence sensor 30 provided in the paper ejection tray 26, and determines whether or not the printing paper has been removed from the paper ejection tray 26. Then, as the printing paper is removed from the paper discharge tray 26, the process proceeds to the next step S43.
[0085]
In the process of step S43, the control unit 1d determines whether the printing process for the number of prints set by the user has been completed. If the result of determination in step S43 is that printing processing for the number of prints set by the user has not been completed, processing returns to step S35, and printing processing on the front side (or back side) of printing paper is continued.
[0086]
On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S43 is that printing processing for the number of prints set by the user has been completed, control unit 1d determines in step S44 whether there is a next page (in this case, printing on the back side). Whether there is data to be performed). If the result of the determination in step S44 is that there is a next page, the process returns to step S34 and prints the next page. More specifically, in the process of step S34, the user reverses the sorted front-side printed print papers according to the calculated number of print papers and turns over the paper feed units 11a, 12a,... Of the first print unit 1a. , 1na, respectively, and the printing process of the back surface after step S35 is executed.
[0087]
In the back side printing process, since the process related to the sorting is unnecessary, as a result of the determination process in step S36, the processes in steps S37 to S42 are skipped, and the process proceeds to step S43. Until the printing process of the number of prints set by the user is completed (step S43), the printing process of the back surface after step S35 is executed.
[0088]
If the result of determination in step S44 is that there is no next page, that is, if all print processing has been completed for the two pages on the front and back sides, a series of double-sided print processing ends.
[0089]
If the result of determination in step S44 is that there is a next page, for example, if printing of the third page is to be performed, the process returns to step S34 and print processing of the front surface is performed again. Specifically, in the process of step S34, the user sets unused printing papers equal to or more than the calculated number of printing papers to the paper feeding units 11a, 12a,..., 1na of the first printing unit 1a. Then, the printing process after step S35 is executed. If the third page is the last page, as a result of the determination processing in step S36, the sorting processing in steps S37 to S42 is skipped, and the process proceeds to step S43. Conversely, when there is a further fourth page, the processes related to sorting are performed by the processes of steps S37 to S42.
[0090]
As described above, in the hybrid printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, when the user instructs the double-sided printing process, the number of sheets to be distributed to each of the printing mechanisms 11, 12,. The printing paper is automatically calculated, and the printing paper to be discharged according to the calculated number of sheets to be sorted is automatically executed by a “logical sorting method”.
[0091]
This eliminates the need for the user to manually calculate and sort the number of print sheets to be distributed to each of the printing mechanisms 11, 12,..., 1n. Efficiency can be improved.
[0092]
[Second embodiment]
As shown in FIG. 8A, the hybrid printing apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment includes a tape sorter 70 on the sheet discharge table 26 as a sorting device. Hereinafter, the configuration of the tape sorter 70 and the “physical sorting method” using the tape sorter 70 will be described.
[0093]
The tape sorter 70 is connected to the second printing unit 1b, and as shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C, a pair of rollers 72 for transporting a roll-shaped tape 71, and a V-shaped peripheral surface. The capstan roller 72a has a groove, and the pinch roller 72b has a sharp edge and is opposed to the groove. A motor M is connected to the rotation shaft of the capstan roller 72a via a gear 73. The tape M is nipped between the capstan roller 72a and the pinch roller 72b and is bent into a V-shaped cross section while being fed out of the roll. To feed a predetermined amount.
[0094]
A cutter device 74 for cutting the tape 71 fed by a predetermined amount is provided in front of the feed of the tape 71 from the roller pair 72. The cutter device 74 has a movable blade 74a and a fixed blade 74b that supports the conveyed tape 71 and is provided at a position facing the movable blade 74a. When the conveyance of the predetermined amount of tape 71 is completed, the cutter device 74 drives the movable blade 74a connected to the cutter solenoid SLA to cut the tape 71. Further, a tape supporting plate 75 for supporting the tape 71 is provided between the tape 71 wound in a roll and the roller pair 72, and above the tape supporting plate 75, for separating between printed materials. A printing unit 76 for printing sorting information (for example, information on the number of prints and the type of front / back side) is provided on the inserted tape piece 71a.
[0095]
The printing unit 76 has any printing mechanism such as a stamp mechanism, a thermal head, an ink jet head, or the like, and prints the input sorting information on the tape piece 71a. Then, when the sorting signal is output from the control unit 1d, the motor M is driven first, and when a predetermined tape 71 is conveyed, the printing unit 76 is driven, and the sorting information is printed on the tape 71. Thus, as shown in FIG. 8D, for example, the sorting information is printed on the tape piece 71a so as to protrude from the end of the printing paper by a predetermined amount.
[0096]
When the printing paper is sorted using the tape sorter 70 having such a configuration, the user operates the sorting selection button 43 of the operation unit 1e to select and set the “physical sorting method”.
[0097]
The control unit 1d of the hybrid type printing apparatus 1 temporarily suspends the printing process on the front side and controls the tape sorter 70 in the process of step S39 of the flowchart shown in FIG. Discharge up. Then, after the ejection of the tape 71 is completed, the control unit 1d executes a printing process for the remaining number of sheets. Specifically, when the number of the first printing unit 1a is two, ie, the upper and lower printing mechanisms, and the specified number of prints is 99, the control unit 1d sets the 50th printing mechanism on the front side. At the same time when the printing is completed, the printing process is interrupted, and the tape 71 is discharged onto the 50th printing sheet. Then, after the ejection of the tape 71 is completed, the control unit 1d executes the print processing of the remaining 49 sheets.
[0098]
Then, when the printing process on the front side for 99 sheets is completed (step S43), the user takes out the lower 50 sheets of the printing paper sorted by the tape 71 in order to perform printing on the back side next, and It is turned over and set on the upper printing mechanism of the first printing unit 1a. Further, the user takes out the upper 49 sheets of the printing paper sorted by the tape 71, turns over the printing paper, and sets it on the lower printing mechanism of the first printing unit 1a. Then, the control unit 1d of the hybrid printing apparatus 1 executes the printing process of the back surface after step S35.
[0099]
[Third Embodiment]
The hybrid printing apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes a sorter 80 as a sorting device as shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the configuration of the sorter 80 and the “physical sorting method” using the sorter 80 will be described.
[0100]
The sorter 80 is connected to the second printing unit 1b, and has a base 82 provided with casters 81 as shown in FIG. A post 83 is provided at one end of the base 82 in a vertical direction, and the post 83 has a paper receiving port 84 at an intermediate portion in the height direction. The post 83 is provided with a sensor 85 for detecting that the printing paper has passed through the paper receiving port 84. The post 83 is provided with a guide rail 86 extending in the direction in which the post 83 extends, that is, in the up-down direction. The guide rail 86 moves up and down across a height position corresponding to the paper receiving port 84. Direction. A slider 87 is slidably engaged with the guide rail 86 in a vertical direction.
[0101]
A plurality of plate-like bins 88 are attached to the slider 87 at predetermined equal intervals in the vertical direction. The bins 88 form gaps 89 for receiving and accommodating the printing paper on the bins, respectively. The gaps 89 are selected by the slider 87 being guided by the guide rails 86 and divided vertically to move. One of the targets is aligned with the paper receiving port 84. A series of rack teeth 90 are provided on the slider 87 so as to extend in the vertical direction. A drive pinion 92 rotatably attached to the post 83 by a shaft 91 meshes with the rack teeth 90. . The drive pinion 92 is selectively rotated by a motor (not shown) in a drive control box 93 so that the slider 87 is moved to the highest position and the top bin 88 is inserted into the paper receiving port 84 as shown. It is configured to divide and drive the bin 88 in accordance with the arrangement interval of the bin 88 between the lowermost position to be matched.
[0102]
When sorting the printing paper using the sorter 80 having such a configuration, the control unit 1d of the hybrid printing apparatus 1 controls the sorter 80 to set a predetermined bin 88, for example, a top bin 88 Then, the printing paper having the surface printed thereon is discharged. Then, when the printing process for the front surface for the number of sheets to be distributed is completed, the control unit 1d controls the sorter 80 to switch the bin for discharging the printing paper to, for example, the second-stage bin 88, and the remaining number of the front surface Execute print processing. Specifically, when the number of printing mechanisms is two in the upper and lower rows, and the designated number of printed sheets is 99, the control unit 1d determines that the printing of the front surface of the 50th sheet is completed. Control is performed so that the printing paper is discharged to the top bin 88, and when the printing on the front surface of the 50th sheet is completed, the bin 88 for discharging the printing paper is switched to the second-stage bin 88, and the remaining 49 sheets are printed. Of the front surface is executed.
[0103]
In this way, when the printing process for the front surface for 99 sheets is completed, the user takes out the 50 sheets of printing paper stacked in the uppermost bin 88 and prints the sheet upside down to print the back surface. 1 Set in the upper printing mechanism of the printing section 1a. Further, the user takes out the 49 sheets of printing paper stacked in the bin 88 of the second stage, turns over, and sets it on the lower printing mechanism of the first printing unit 1a. Then, the control unit 1d of the hybrid printing apparatus 1 executes the printing process of the back surface after step S35.
[0104]
[Fourth embodiment]
As shown in FIG. 10A, the hybrid printing apparatus 1 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention includes a paper discharge unit 100 having a paper discharge wing 105 as a sorting device. Hereinafter, the configuration of the paper discharge unit 100 and the “physical sorting method” using the paper discharge unit 100 will be described.
[0105]
The paper discharge unit 100 is connected to the second printing unit 1b, and as shown in FIGS. 10B and 10C, a paper discharge table 101 provided at a drop position of the print paper to be discharged. And a pair of side fences 102 and 103 located on both outer sides of the printing paper discharged on the paper discharging table 101 and regulating a direction perpendicular to the paper discharging direction of the printing paper. The pair of side fences 102 and 103 are provided movably in the left-right direction, and the width between the pair of side fences 102 and 103 is changed according to the width of the printing paper by moving the pair of side fences 102 and 103. It can be variable. A front fence (not shown) that regulates the front of the print paper in the paper discharge direction is disposed on the paper discharge table 101, and the front fence is provided so as to be movable in a substantially paper discharge direction of the print paper. ing.
[0106]
Further, the paper discharging unit 100 includes a separating means 104, and the separating means 104 has a pair of paper discharging wings 105, 106 attached to the cutout holes 102a, 103a of the pair of side fences 102, 103. The upper ends of the pair of paper discharge wings 105 and 106 are rotatably supported via support shafts 107. The pair of paper discharge wings 105 and 106 are formed by bending a single flat plate, and have a tapered portion at the lower end so that the width gradually decreases toward the discharge portion. I have. The pair of paper ejection wings 105 and 106 have a standby position (a virtual line position in FIG. 10C) that does not interfere with the printed paper to be ejected and an interference position (see FIG. (solid line position c)).
[0107]
Specifically, when the left discharge wing 105 is located at the interference position, the left end of the print paper to be discharged contacts the left discharge wing 105. Due to this interference, the printing paper falls down from the right end while shifting rightward with the right end inclined downward. As a result, the right end of the printing paper falls while abutting on the right side fence 103, so that the printing paper is restricted by the right side fence 103, that is, the right end of the printing paper abuts on the right side fence 103. And is placed on the paper discharge table 101.
[0108]
As described above, according to the paper discharge unit 100, by operating the paper discharge wings 105 and 106, it is possible to separate and stack the printing paper on the paper discharge table 101 by contacting the left and right side fences 102 and 103. It is configured as follows.
[0109]
When printing paper is sorted by using the paper discharge unit 100 having such a configuration, the control unit 1d controls the paper discharge wings 105 and 106 so that one of the left and right side fences 102 and 103 is controlled. The printing paper that has been contacted and printed is discharged to the discharge tray 101. Then, when the printing process for the calculated number of sheets is completed, the control unit 1d controls the paper discharge wings 105 and 106 to bring the printed print paper into contact with the other of the left and right side fences 102 and 103. The printing process for the remaining number of sheets is executed while the sheet is discharged to the sheet discharge table 101. Specifically, when the number of printing mechanisms is two in the upper and lower rows, and the designated number of printed sheets is 99, the control unit 1d determines whether the printing of the front surface of the 50th sheet is completed. For example, control is performed such that the printing paper is discharged by being brought into contact with the left side fence 102, and when the printing of the 50th sheet is completed, the side fence to which the printing paper comes in contact is switched, and the remaining 49 sheets are placed on the right side fence. Control is performed such that the printing paper is discharged by contacting the printing paper 103. As a result, the 99 print papers on which the front surface printing process has been performed are sorted and stacked on the discharge tray for each of the calculated number of sheets to be sorted.
[0110]
In this way, when the printing process for the front side for 99 sheets is completed, in order to perform printing on the back side next, the user takes out the lower 50 sheets of the printing paper which are stacked and turns over and turns over the first printing unit. 1a Set in the upper printing mechanism. Further, the user takes out the lower 49 sheets of the printing papers stacked and stacked, turns them over, and sets them on the lower printing mechanism of the first printing unit 1a. Then, the control unit 1d of the hybrid printing apparatus 1 executes the printing process of the back surface after step S35.
[0111]
The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the first to fourth embodiments. However, the present invention may be implemented in various other forms without departing from the spirit or main features. Can be implemented. For example, in the present embodiment, the first printing unit 1a and the second printing unit 1b are configured integrally, but, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, the first printing unit 1a and the second printing unit 1b are separated. It may be configured as a body. Accordingly, the above-described embodiments are merely illustrative in every respect and should not be construed as limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims, and is not limited by the specification. Further, all modifications and changes belonging to the equivalent scope of the claims are within the scope of the present invention.
[0112]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, there is no need to calculate the number of print sheets to be distributed to the first printing unit, and there is no need to instruct sorting work according to the calculated number of sheets. be able to.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a hybrid printing apparatus according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control unit of the hybrid printing apparatus illustrated in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of an operation panel of the hybrid printing apparatus illustrated in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation example of the hybrid printing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation example of the hybrid printing apparatus when performing the one-sided printing processing illustrated in FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation example of a hybrid print process when the data separation process illustrated in FIG. 5 is performed.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation example of the hybrid printing apparatus when performing the duplex printing processing illustrated in FIG. 4;
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a hybrid printing apparatus and a tape sorter according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a hybrid printing apparatus and a sorter according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a hybrid printing apparatus and a paper discharge unit according to a fourth embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a schematic view illustrating an application example of a hybrid printing apparatus according to another embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
1. Hybrid printing device
1a: First printing unit
1b: Second printing unit
1c Printing paper transport section
1d ... control unit
1e ... Operation panel
11, 12, 1n 1st printing mechanism
11a, 12a, 1na: paper feed tray (paper feed unit)
11b, 12b, 1nb ... discharge roll
2. Paper tray
21 ... plate cylinder
22 ... Paper roll
23 ... Timing roll
24 ... Press roll
25 ... Motor
26: paper discharge table (paper discharge unit)
27 ... Stencil printing control unit
28 ... Drum encoder
29 ... Servo circuit
30 ... Discharge sensor
31 ... Conveyance path
32 ... Switching roll
33 ... Paper detection sensor
34a, 34b: transport roll
35 ... Jam detection sensor
36 ... Intermediate roll
37a, 37b ... motor
38a, 38b ... encoder
39a, 39b ... servo circuit
40 ... Display unit
41… Print mode selection button
42 ... Print start button
43 ... Sorting method selection button
44 ... numeric keypad
5 External device
51 ... CPU
52 Program ROM
53 ... RAM
54 ... External interface
55 ... data separation unit
56 Data conversion unit
57, 58 ... page PDL memory
59: Font memory
60,61 ... Image memory
62 ... Bus
70 ... Tape sorter
71 ... Tape
71a ... Tape piece
72 ... roller
72a ... Capstan roller
72b ... Pinch roller
73 ... gear
74 ... Cutter device
74a: Moving blade
74b ... fixed blade
75 ... Tape support plate
76 ... Printing section
80 ... Sorter
81 ... Caster
82 ... Base
83… Post
84: Paper receiving port
85… Sensor
86… Guide rail
87 ... Slider
88 ... bottle
89… Gap
90 ... Rack teeth
91 ... axis
92 ... drive pinion
93 ... Drive control box
100: paper discharge unit
101 ... paper output table
102 ... Side fence
102a, 103a ... Notch holes
103 ... Side fence
104: Classification means
105, 106 ... paper ejection wing
107 ... Support shaft
108 ... Drive mechanism
M: Motor
SLA: Cutter solenoid

Claims (6)

A first printing unit including a plurality of first printing mechanisms arranged in parallel;
A second printing unit comprising a single second printing mechanism;
A print condition specifying section for specifying a print mode and the number of prints;
A printing paper transport unit that transports the printing paper printed by the first printing unit to the second printing unit;
When the printing mode specified by the printing condition specifying unit is double-sided printing, based on the number of prints specified by the printing condition specifying unit and the number of the first printing mechanisms in the first printing unit. A control unit that calculates the number of printing papers to be distributed to each first printing mechanism, and controls the printing paper printed and discharged by the second printing unit to be sorted according to the calculated number of distributions. A printing device characterized by the above-mentioned. The second printing mechanism in the second printing unit has a higher printing speed than the first printing mechanism constituting the first printing unit, and the printing speed is variable within a predetermined range. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first printing mechanism is configured by an inkjet printing mechanism, and the second printing mechanism is configured by a stencil printing mechanism. 4. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls to sort the printing paper according to a sorting method designated by the printing condition designation unit. 5. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the sorting method includes a logical sorting method in which a printing operation is temporarily interrupted for each of the calculated number of sheets to be sorted. The printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control unit outputs one or both of visual warning information and auditory warning information when the printing operation is interrupted.

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