JP2007144833A - Printing device and its control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing device and its control method eliminating troublesome work of adjusting a paper guide each time, and capable of detecting the paper size as well as the presence or absence of the paper and checking the proper size simultaneously and prevent the oblique moving of the paper without paying costs. <P>SOLUTION: In the printing device for monitoring the movement of a printing head with a linear encoder, determining the printing position, printing and making the paper guide for pressing the paper end connected with the movement of the printing head, the paper guide is moved by moving the printing head and contacted against the paper end. The movement is monitored with the encoder used for the printing head, the width of the paper is detected in corresponding to the monitored position. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a control method thereof.

  In the printing apparatus, when detecting the paper width, an example of detecting the paper size by using a dedicated sensor or the like is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  In addition, an apparatus is known in which a user manually sets a paper edge with a paper guide after the user sets the paper prior to printing (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

Further, in the conventional example, a small paper that is not supported is fed even if the user sets it by mistake.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 7-179248 JP-A-11-139608

  In the above-described conventional method, adding a paper size detection function increases the cost of the entire printing apparatus.

  Further, when the paper is set, there is a problem that the paper setting work is troublesome because the user adjusts the paper guide each time.

  Furthermore, in the above conventional example, depending on the user, forgetting to set the guide, if the guide setting position is wide with respect to the edge of the paper, it may cause the paper state to vary during paper transport, and the skew of the paper etc. There is a problem that occurs.

  On the other hand, if the guide is pressed too much against the paper, and if the paper edge is not exactly aligned with the guide for paper alignment, the paper condition during paper conveyance will vary, and the paper will be skewed. There is a problem that occurs.

  In addition, there is a problem that a small paper outside the support causes a paper jam in some cases.

According to the present invention, it is possible to eliminate the troublesomeness of the user to adjust the paper guide each time. Further, detection of the paper size and the presence / absence of the paper and confirmation of an appropriate size can be performed at the same time. It is another object of the present invention to provide a printing apparatus and a control method for the printing apparatus that can prevent sheet skewing without incurring costs.

According to the present invention, the movement of the print head is monitored by a linear encoder, the print position is determined, printing is performed, and the print head is moved in a printing apparatus in which a paper guide that presses the edge of the paper is interlocked with the movement of the print head. Thus, the paper guide is moved, abutted against the edge of the paper, monitored by the encoder for the print head, and the width of the paper is detected according to the monitored position.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to eliminate the troublesomeness of the user to adjust the paper guide each time, and it is possible to simultaneously detect the paper size and the presence or absence of the paper and confirm whether or not the paper size is appropriate. There is an effect that can be done.

In addition, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the skew of the sheet without incurring costs.

  The best mode for carrying out the invention is the following embodiment.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system 100 including a printing apparatus 40 that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  The printing apparatus 100 includes a host computer 20, a printing apparatus 40, and a network NW.

  The host computer 20 and the printing apparatus 40 are connected via a network NW, and a printing job transmitted from the host computer 20 is printed by the printing apparatus 40.

  The host computer 20 includes a CPU 21, a RAM 22, a ROM 23, a system bus 24, a keyboard controller (KBC) 25, a CRT controller (CRTC) 26, and a disk controller (DKC) 27. The host computer 20 includes a printer controller (PRTC) 28, a keyboard (KB) 29, a CRT display (CRT) 30, an external memory 31, and a network controller (NETC) 32.

  The CPU 21 executes processing of a document in which graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets) and the like are mixed based on a document processing program or the like stored in the ROM 23. Further, the CPU 21 comprehensively controls each device connected to the system bus 24.

  The RAM 22 functions as a main memory and work area for the CPU 21. The ROM 23 stores an operating program (hereinafter referred to as OS) which is a control program executed by the CPU 21.

  A keyboard controller (KBC) 25 controls key input from a keyboard (KB) 29 or a pointing device (not shown).

  A CRT controller (CRTC) 26 controls display on a CRT display (CRT) 30. A disk controller (DKC) 27 controls access to an external memory 31 such as a hard disk (HD) or a floppy (registered trademark) disk (FD). The external memory 31 stores a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, character image data generation programs, printer control command generation programs (hereinafter referred to as printer drivers), and the like.

  A printer controller (PRTC) 28 is connected to the printer via a predetermined bidirectional interface (interface), and executes communication control processing with the printer. In the first embodiment, the network controller 32 (NETC) executes a communication control process with the printing apparatus 40 and other computers connected to the network NW such as a LAN via a predetermined bidirectional interface.

  On the other hand, the printing apparatus 40 is an inkjet printer, and includes an operation unit 41, a printer CPU 42, a ROM 43, an external memory 44, a system bus 45, a printing unit interface (I / F) 46, and an input unit 47. Have. The printing apparatus 40 includes a RAM 48, a memory controller (MC) 49, and a printing unit (printer engine) 50.

  Based on a control program stored in the ROM 43, the printer CPU 42 sends output information to the printing unit (printer engine) 50 via the printing unit interface (I / F) 46 connected to the system bus 45. Output image signal.

  The ROM 43 stores a control program executed by the CPU 42 and the like. The CPU 42 can communicate with the host computer 20 via the input unit 47 and notifies the host computer 20 of information in the printer. In the first embodiment, communication processing can be performed from the input unit 47 to the host computer 20, another computer, or another printer connected to a network NW such as a LAN via a predetermined bidirectional interface.

  The RAM 48 functions as a main memory and work area for the CPU 42. The external memory 44 is an IC card or the like, and access control is performed by a memory controller (MC) 49. In addition, the operation unit 41 is provided with a switch for operating with an operation panel, an LED display, and the like, and printer mode setting information can be stored in the external memory 44 using the operation unit 41.

  The first embodiment is the printer 40 connected to the network NW. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the host computer 20 may be directly connected to the printing apparatus 40 via the I / F. Also good.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the encoder 61 and the encoder sensor 62 used in the first embodiment.

  The encoder sensor 62 counts the number of holes provided in the encoder 61 and grasps the current position of the print head 59. By linking this encoder sensor 62 to the print head 59, the position of the print head 59 can be confirmed.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram mainly illustrating the printing unit 50 according to the first embodiment.

  The printing unit 50 includes a CPU 51, an EEPROM 53, motor drivers 54 and 56, a carriage motor 55, a paper feed motor 57, a head driver 58, and a print head 59.

  The print head 59 has an EEPROM 59a. The CPU 51 executes control processing of the operation of each unit constituting the printing unit 50, data processing, and the like.

  The ROM 43 stores the processing procedure and the like, and the RAM 48 is used as a work area for executing the processing. The EEPROM 53 stores setting information necessary for the printing operation.

  The print head 59 is, for example, an ink jet print head that ejects ink. The ink ejection is performed by the CPU 51 supplying drive data and drive control signals for the electrothermal transducer to the head driver 58. That is, film boiling occurs in the ink due to the thermal energy generated by the electrothermal converter, and the ink is ejected from the ejection port. There is also an EEPROM 59a in the print head, which stores information necessary for head setting.

  Further, the CPU 51 controls a carriage motor 55 that moves the carriage and a paper feed motor 57 that rotates the roller unit via motor drivers 54 and 56, respectively.

  FIG. 4 is a top view schematically showing a schematic configuration of the printing unit 50 in the first embodiment.

  The printing unit 50 illustrated in FIG. 4 includes a carriage motor 55, a flexible cable 64, a linear encoder 61, an inkjet head 59, a plurality of nozzles 591 to 594, and a belt 63.

  A plurality of nozzles 591 to 594 are mounted on the inkjet head 59, and each nozzle has a plurality of ink ejection openings arranged at a predetermined pitch for ejecting ink. The nozzles 591 to 594 are nozzles that eject black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) ink, respectively. Each nozzle is configured integrally with an ink tank that stores ink to be supplied to the corresponding head, and an ink cartridge having the integrated configuration is detachably mounted on the head 59.

  The configuration of the head and the ink tank is not limited to this. For example, the head and the ink tank may be separate and each may be detachable from the carriage.

  The inkjet head 59 is moved by the driving force of the carriage motor 55 transmitted through the belt 63. On the other hand, a control signal such as a print image signal for each head is sent from the printer control unit via the flexible cable 64. At the same time, each color head scans the paper P by the movement of the ink jet head 59, and the ink can be ejected and printed in accordance with the print image signal during the scanning.

  As the paper, plain paper, high-quality print dedicated paper, OHP sheet, glossy paper, glossy film, postcard, and the like can be used. Such paper P is formed by a conveyance roller and a discharge roller (not shown). During head scanning, the sheet is intermittently conveyed downward by a predetermined amount in the figure.

  A conveyance roller and a paper discharge roller (not shown) are rotationally driven by a driving force of a conveyance motor transmitted via a predetermined transmission mechanism, and thus the above-described conveyance can be executed. The scanning position of each head is detected by the linear encoder 61, and for example, the ejection timing of each head is controlled based on this detection signal.

  FIG. 5 is an operation explanatory diagram when the inkjet head 59 and the paper guide G2 are interlocked in the first embodiment.

  The paper P is set with the paper guide G1 as a reference position. The paper guide G2 can be moved left and right. A mode in which the paper guide G2 is operated in conjunction with the movement of the head 59 is provided and operated so as to abut against the end of the paper P.

  When the encoder 61 confirms that the movement of the head 59 has stopped, the position is stored. Thereby, the size of the paper P1 can be determined.

  Note that the sheet guide G2 is normally separated without being interlocked with the movement of the head 59. That is, only when it is desired to detect the width of the paper, the head 59 and the paper guide G2 may be connected and the head 59 and the paper guide G2 may be moved simultaneously. That is, functionally, the width of the paper can be detected by providing a mechanism for switching between the two cases of moving the head 59 and the paper guide G2 simultaneously and separating the head 59 and the paper guide G2. This switching method need not be particularly limited.

  Also, when manually aligning the paper guide, the position adjusted by the user can be confirmed by the encoder 61 by interlocking the head 59, so that the paper width can be confirmed.

  The guide stopper GS is provided as an avoiding means for avoiding when the paper guide G2 is difficult to abut when using a paper without a strain. The guide stopper GS can move left and right, and normally stands by at a position that does not hinder the movement of the paper guide G2. Only when the paper is weak, by using the guide stopper GS and aligning with the edge of the paper P1, the paper guide G2 can be abutted against the weak paper, and the paper width can be detected. Can do.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the paper is not set correctly and an example in which the paper is correctly set when the paper is manually set in the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the paper P1 is installed with no gap with respect to the guide G1, but the position of the paper guide G2 is away from the paper P1 and the gap 71 is open.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the interval between the guides G1 and G2 becomes narrower than the width of the paper P2, the paper P2 is floated.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6 (3), there is no gap between the paper guide G2 and the paper P3, and the guide is installed. However, the position of the paper P3 itself is separated from the guide G1, and a gap 72 is formed. It has occurred.

  Any of the above installation problems can be solved by having the user place the paper in a state where the paper guide is once spread, and then pushing the paper guide against the edge of the paper at a constant motor speed. It is. For example, as shown in FIG. 6 (4), the paper is set at an optimal position without leaving a gap between the guides G1 and G2 and the paper P4, and conversely, the paper is not over-pressed. Can do.

  An example of the movement timing of moving the paper guide with a motor is as follows: When the power is turned on, first, the paper guide is extended to the maximum, and in order to detect the edge of the paper at the initial timing of the printing operation, an abutment operation on the paper I do.

  At this time, if the paper width is smaller than the paper width supported by the printing apparatus 40, or if the paper does not hit the opposite guide, it is processed as an unsupported paper size error or no paper error.

  After the appropriate paper size is detected, a printing operation is performed. If the print data does not match the physical paper size, processing such as data deletion is performed according to the scene according to the detected paper width. Use the best method.

  After printing, the paper guide is widened to the maximum in preparation for the next paper setting.

  Further, the paper guide may be abutted against the paper edge a plurality of times. By doing so, it is possible to correct the paper disturbance and eliminate the paper conveyance defect.

By these operations, the paper can be optimally set.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system 100 including a printing apparatus 40 that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the encoder 61 and the encoder sensor 62 which are used in Example 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram mainly illustrating a printing unit 50 according to a first embodiment. 3 is a top view schematically showing a schematic configuration of a printing unit 50 in Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 6 is an operation explanatory diagram when the inkjet head 59 and the paper guide G2 are linked in the first embodiment. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example in which paper is not correctly installed and an example in which paper is correctly installed when paper is manually set in Embodiment 1. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

100 ... printing system,
20: Host computer,
40 ... printing device,
50 ... printing section,
59 ... Inkjet head,
61 ... Encoder,
62 ... Encoder sensor,
G1, G2 ... Paper guide,
GS ... Guide stopper,
P, P1, P2, P3, P4... Paper.

Claims (9)

In a printing device that monitors the movement of the print head with a linear encoder, determines the print position, prints, and presses the edge of the paper to guide the paper guide in conjunction with the movement of the print head.
The paper guide is moved by moving the print head, abutted against the edge of the paper, monitored by the encoder for the print head, and the width of the paper is detected according to the monitored position. A printing apparatus characterized by the above. In claim 1,
It has a paper guide installed at a position that prevents the paper guide from being forgotten to be set, to prevent setting of the paper guide forgotten, or for the paper feed to be skewed due to insufficient or excessive pressing when the printing is started. A printing apparatus characterized by that. In claim 1,
A printing apparatus characterized in that by performing the operation of pressing the paper guide against the paper edge at the start of printing a plurality of times, paper disturbance is corrected and paper conveyance defects are eliminated. In claim 1,
If the width of the paper guide is less than the width of the paper supported by the printer, it is determined that there is no paper error or unsupported paper size error, and paper other than the paper that is supported should not be fed. Characteristic printing device. In claim 1,
A printing apparatus, wherein when the paper guide hits the opposite guide, it is determined that a paper out error has occurred, and the user is prompted to supply paper.   The printing apparatus is characterized in that after printing is finished, the paper guide is widened to the maximum width to prepare for the user's addition of paper.   When it is difficult to abut the paper guide automatically, the paper guide is moved manually, the head is linked to the paper guide, and the paper width is detected based on the position of the encoder at this time. Printing device to do. If it is difficult to abut the paper guide, a guide stopper is provided to stop the paper guide at the paper position.
A printing apparatus characterized in that the paper guide can be abutted and the paper width can be detected by manually aligning the guide stopper with the paper edge. In a control method of a printing apparatus in which movement of a print head is monitored by a linear encoder, a print position is determined, printing is performed, and a paper guide that presses the edge of the paper is linked to the movement of the print head.
The paper guide is moved by moving the print head, abutted against the edge of the paper, monitored by the encoder for the print head, and the width of the paper is detected according to the monitored position. A control method for a printing apparatus.

Images