JP2013193295A - Thermal printer, device and method for correcting printing paper position for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a thermal printer configured so that a user can correct the positional deviation ΔQ1 and ΔQ2 of a printing paper (continuous label body 14) when transporting the printing paper, the tip 14A of the printing paper 14 is located at the printing start position of a printing unit 5, then, printing can be started from a first paper piece (label piece 18), thereby, preventing the useless consumption of the printing paper 14, and to provide a device and method for correcting the printing paper position for the thermal printer.SOLUTION: By taking notice that the positional deviation of printing paper 14 is corrected after setting the printing paper 14 at a printing start position of a printing unit 5, the printing paper 14 can be set at the printing start position of the printing unit 5 by transporting the printing paper 14 forward when the printing paper 14 is detected by a first paper sensor, and transporting the printing paper 14 backward when the printing paper 14 is detected by a second paper sensor (downstream sensor 26), and the deviation ΔQ1 of the printing position from the required printing position P of print data to be printed on the printing paper 14 by the printing unit 5 is corrected, and then, the printing paper 14 is transported to be printed thereon.

Description

The present invention relates to a thermal printer, a printing paper position correction device, and a printing paper position correction method. In particular, various printing papers such as labels and tags can be loaded at a printing start position, and the printing paper is misaligned. The present invention relates to a thermal printer, a printing paper position correction device, and a printing paper position correction method.

Conventional thermal printers include a printing unit having a thermal head and a platen roller. The printing paper is sandwiched and transferred between the thermal head and the platen roller to print predetermined information on the printing paper. It can be displayed.
As the printing paper, there are a label continuum in which a plurality of label pieces are temporarily attached to a belt-like mount, a tag continuum without an adhesive layer, and a single-leaf label piece and a tag piece.

Therefore, when loading the printing paper into the thermal printer, it is necessary to detect the relative position of the printing paper with respect to the printing unit by a paper detection unit having a position detection sensor. The printing paper is transferred and passed through.
That is, the relative position of the printing paper is detected by the paper detection unit detecting a position detection mark formed in advance on the printing paper or a gap between adjacent label pieces.

However, in order to detect the relative position of the printing paper, it is necessary to transfer only one sheet of printing paper to the paper detection unit, and when the printing paper is set (loaded), printing is performed on the first sheet. There is a problem of being wasted because it cannot be done.
In other words, simply inserting the printing paper into the printing unit from the upstream side of the printing paper transfer direction cannot detect the relative position of the printing paper with respect to the printing unit. There is a problem that it cannot be set at the so-called cue position.

Further, due to variations in detection accuracy by the position detection sensor such as the position detection mark or the gap, or due to a difference in assembly accuracy of each component of the thermal printer itself, the printing unit in the transfer path of the printing paper There is a problem that the printing position on the printing paper deviates from the normal required printing position.
Of course, after a long-term use of the thermal printer, there is a problem that the printing paper is transferred in the transfer path due to wear of the platen roller and the printing position on the printing paper is shifted. is there.
Alternatively, when a printing frame preliminarily printed on printing paper (for example, a delivery slip) deviates from the requested printing position, a relative deviation occurs between the printing frame and the actual printing characters by the thermal printer. There is a problem that there is also.

    Furthermore, in the case where the cutting portion of the printing paper is provided on the most downstream side of the thermal printer and the printing paper is cut into a single sheet by cutting the printing paper at a predetermined pitch, the same as the above-described deviation. In addition, there is a problem that a deviation of the cutting position from the normal required cutting position occurs.

    When the printing paper is transferred only by the thermal head and the platen roller in the printing section of the thermal printer, the leading edge of the printing paper is set at the printing start position, and the first sheet positioned at the head When printing paper is reversely transferred to the upstream side in an attempt to correct the above various misalignments when printing on a piece of paper, this leading edge will fall off between the thermal head and the platen roller, and forward transfer to the downstream side will be performed. There are problems or restrictions that make it impossible to do so.

JP-A-6-336063

    The present invention has been considered in view of the above-described problems, and a thermal printer capable of correcting a misalignment when the misalignment occurs due to various circumstances during the transfer of the printing paper, and the printing paper position correcting device. It is another object of the present invention to provide a printing paper position correction method.

    In addition, the present invention provides a thermal printer in which the leading edge of the printing paper is positioned at the printing start position in the printing section so that printing can be performed from the first piece of paper so that the printing paper is not wasted, and its printing paper position correction It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a printing paper position correction method thereof.

    In addition, the present invention provides a thermal printer, a printing paper position correction device, and a printing paper position correction method that can correct the printing position and cutting position by the user of the printer. Let it be an issue.

    In addition, the present invention provides a thermal printer, a printing paper position correction device, and a printing paper position correction method that can correct a printing position and a cutting position when the printing position and cutting position are deviated from a requested position. The issue is to provide.

    That is, the present invention focuses on correcting the positional deviation of the printing paper from the state in which the printing paper is set at the printing start position in the printing unit. The first invention is a printer having a printing paper transfer path formed therein. A main body, a print unit having a thermal head and a platen roller for transferring the print paper along the transfer path and printing on the print paper, and a paper detection unit for detecting the position of the print paper. A thermal printer having a first paper sensor positioned upstream of the printing unit and capable of detecting the printing paper; and a printing paper positioned downstream of the printing unit. A second paper sensor capable of detecting the printing paper, wherein the printing unit forwardly moves the printing paper downstream, and reversely transports the printing paper upstream. The first paper sensor detects the printing paper and forwards the printing paper, and the second paper sensor detects the printing paper and prints the printing paper. The printing paper can be set at the printing start position of the printing section by reversely moving in the direction of the printing paper, and the printing position deviation from the requested printing position of the printing data on the printing paper by the printing section is corrected. A thermal printer that transfers and prints paper.

    According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer main body having a printing paper transfer path, a printing section having a thermal head and a platen roller for transferring the printing paper along the transfer path and printing on the printing paper. A printing paper position correction device for a thermal printer having a paper detection unit for detecting the position of the printing paper, the paper detection unit being located upstream of the printing unit and capable of detecting the printing paper A first paper sensor and a second paper sensor that is located downstream of the printing unit and capable of detecting the printing paper, and the printing unit transports the printing paper downstream. A normal transfer operation and a reverse transfer operation for transferring the printing paper to the upstream side can be performed, and the printing paper is detected by the first paper sensor to forward the printing paper. By detecting the printing paper by the second paper sensor and reversely transferring the printing paper in the direction of the printing unit, the printing paper can be set at the printing start position of the printing unit, and the printing by the printing unit is performed. Regarding the print position deviation from the requested print position of the print data on the paper, if this print position deviation is a downstream print position deviation from the requested print position to the downstream side of the transfer path, this downstream print position deviation. The printing unit can start printing on the printing paper after the printing paper is forwardly transferred by a pseudo-transfer amount corresponding to the printing position, and the printing position deviation is caused by the printing position shift from the requested printing position to the upstream side of the feeding path. If there is an upstream printing position deviation, the printing area is shifted downstream by the amount of the pseudo drawing area corresponding to the upstream printing position deviation. To allow starting the printing on the printing paper by a printing paper position correcting device of the thermal printer, characterized in that to correct the positional deviation performing transfer and printing of the printing paper.

    According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer body having a printing paper transfer path, a printing unit having a thermal head and a platen roller for transferring the printing paper along the transfer path and printing on the printing paper. A printing paper position correction method for a thermal printer having a paper detection unit for detecting the position of the printing paper, the paper detection unit being located upstream of the printing unit and capable of detecting the printing paper A first paper sensor and a second paper sensor that is located downstream of the printing unit and capable of detecting the printing paper, and the printing unit transports the printing paper downstream. A normal transfer operation and a reverse transfer operation for transferring the printing paper to the upstream side can be performed, and the printing paper is detected by the first paper sensor to forward the printing paper. The printing paper is detected by the second paper sensor, and the printing paper is reversely transferred in the direction of the printing unit to set the printing paper at the printing start position of the printing unit. When the print position deviation from the requested print position of the print data to the print position is the downstream print position deviation from the requested print position to the downstream side of the transfer path, the downstream print position deviation is After the printing paper is forwardly transferred by a corresponding pseudo-transfer amount, printing on the printing paper by the printing unit is started, and the printing position deviation is an upstream direction from the requested printing position to the upstream side of the transfer path. When the print position is shifted, the drawing area is shifted downstream of the print sheet by the amount of the pseudo drawing area corresponding to the upstream print position shift. To initiate printing of the letter paper, a printing paper position correcting method of a thermal printer to correct the positional deviation and performing transfer and printing of the printing paper.

    The printing position deviation is a downstream printing position deviation from the requested printing position to the downstream side of the transfer path, and the printing paper is forwardly transferred by a pseudo transfer amount corresponding to the downstream printing position deviation. Printing on the printing paper by the printing unit can be started.

    The printing position deviation is an upstream printing position deviation from the requested printing position to the upstream side of the transfer path, and a drawing area downstream of the printing paper by a pseudo drawing area amount corresponding to the upstream printing position deviation. The printing on the printing paper by the printing unit can be started by shifting.

    The thermal printer has a cutting section for cutting the printing paper at a predetermined pitch on the downstream side of the second paper sensor, and corrects a cutting position deviation from the requested cutting position of the printing paper by the cutting section. Thus, the printing paper can be cut.

    The cutting position deviation is a downstream cutting position deviation from the requested cutting position to the downstream side of the transfer path, and after printing on the printing paper by the printing unit, the printing unit and the cutting unit The print sheet can be forwardly transferred downstream by the first correction interval obtained by subtracting the downstream cut position deviation from the print section cut section interval, and the print sheet can be cut by the cutting section.

    The cutting position deviation is an upstream cutting position deviation from the requested cutting position to the upstream side of the transfer path, and after printing on the printing paper by the printing unit, the printing unit and the cutting unit The print sheet can be forwardly transferred downstream by the second correction interval obtained by adding the upstream cut position deviation to the print section cut section interval therebetween, and the print section can be cut by the cutting section.

    For the printing position deviation from the requested printing position and the cutting position deviation from the requested cutting position, a positional deviation difference between the printing position deviation and the cutting position deviation is calculated, and the printing position deviation is in the downstream direction. It is determined whether the print position is shifted or the upstream print position is shifted, and based on this determination, the printing unit starts printing on the print paper by a shift difference interval corresponding to the position shift difference. Timing can be corrected.

    When the positional deviation difference is zero, printing on the printing paper located at the printing start position can be started as it is.

    When the printing position deviation is the downstream printing position deviation, the printing unit may start printing on the printing sheet after the printing sheet is forwardly transferred by a pseudo transfer amount corresponding to the position deviation difference. it can.

    When the printing position deviation is the upstream printing position deviation, printing is performed on the printing paper by the printing unit by shifting the drawing area to the downstream side of the printing paper by a pseudo drawing area amount corresponding to the positional deviation difference. Can start.

    After printing on the printing paper by the printing unit, the printing paper can be transferred from the printing unit to the cutting unit with correction by the cutting position deviation.

    In the thermal printer, the printing paper position correction device and the printing paper position correction method according to the present invention, since the printing paper is set at the printing start position in the printing unit, the positional deviation of the printing paper is corrected. It is possible to print at the required printing position on the printing paper without wasting the first piece of paper.

    In particular, according to the thermal printer of the first aspect of the invention, the first paper sensor detects the printing paper and forwards the printing paper, and the second paper sensor detects the printing paper and moves the printing paper in the direction of the printing unit. In the state where the printing paper is set at the printing start position of the printing unit by reverse transfer, the printing paper is transferred and printed by correcting the printing position deviation from the requested printing position of the printing data to the printing paper by the printing unit. be able to.

    In particular, according to the printing paper position correcting device for the thermal printer of the second invention, the printing position deviation of the printing data on the printing paper by the printing unit from the requested printing position is shifted from the requested printing position to the downstream side of the transfer path. Depending on whether it is a downstream printing position deviation or an upstream printing position deviation from the requested printing position to the upstream side of the transfer path, the printing paper is transferred by the pseudo-transfer amount or drawn by the pseudo-drawing area amount. The positional deviation on the printing paper can be corrected so that the printing unit can start printing on the printing paper by shifting the area.

In particular, according to the printing paper position correcting method of the thermal printer of the third invention, the printing position deviation from the requested printing position of the printing data on the printing paper by the printing unit is transferred from the requested printing position. When there is a downstream printing position shift to the downstream side of the path, the printing paper is forwardly transferred by a pseudo transfer amount corresponding to the downstream printing position shift, and then printing on the printing sheet is started by the printing unit. When the deviation is an upstream printing position deviation from the requested printing position to the upstream side of the transfer path, the printing area is shifted to the downstream side of the printing paper by a pseudo drawing area amount corresponding to the upstream printing position deviation. The positional deviation can be corrected so as to start printing on the printing paper.

1 is a schematic side view of a thermal printer 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the label continuum 14. It is the III-III sectional view taken on the line of FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic explanatory view showing the relative position of the label continuum 14 with respect to the printing unit 5, the sheet detection unit 3 (downstream sensor 26), and the cutting unit 31, and FIG. FIG. 4B is an explanatory diagram at the time of loading the label continuous body 14 in which the leading end portion 14A of the label piece 18) is at the printing start position. FIG. FIG. 4C is an explanatory diagram of a properly printed example (for example, the letter “A”), and FIG. 4C is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the print position is shifted from the requested print position P by the downstream print position deviation ΔQ1. 4 (4) is an explanatory view showing a state where the printing position is shifted upstream from the requested printing position P by the upstream printing position deviation ΔQ1, and FIG. State of being cut properly at cutting position C FIG. 4 (6) shows the cutting position (normally cut at the perforation 21 for cutting the mount, but the tip of the label piece 18 is drawn at the requested cutting position C for explanation). FIG. 4 (7) shows a state where the downstream cutting position deviation ΔQ2 is shifted downstream from the requested cutting position C. FIG. 4 (7) shows a state where the cutting position is shifted upstream from the requested cutting position C by the upstream cutting position deviation ΔQ2. It is explanatory drawing of. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a correction procedure for a printing position deviation (downstream direction printing position deviation ΔQ1 (+)) as shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a correction procedure for a printing position deviation (upstream direction printing position deviation ΔQ1 (−)) as shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a correction procedure for the cutting position deviation (downstream direction cutting position deviation ΔQ2 (−)) as shown in FIG. 4 (6). FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a correction procedure for a cutting position shift (upstream direction cutting position shift ΔQ2 (+)) as shown in FIG. 4 (7). 4 (3), FIG. 4 (4), FIG. 4 (6), and FIG. 4 (7), the print position deviation from the requested print position P and the cut position deviation from the requested cut position C are combined. It is a flowchart figure of the correction | amendment procedure in the case of occurring.

    According to the present invention, the printing paper is transferred and printed so as to correct the positional deviation without wasting the first piece of paper from the state where the printing paper is set at the printing start position of the printing unit. A thermal printer, a printing paper position correction device, and a printing paper position correction method are realized.

Next, a thermal printer, a printing paper position correcting device, and a printing paper position correcting method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a thermal printer 1. The thermal printer 1 includes a printer main body 2, a paper detection unit 3, a paper guide unit 4, a printing unit 5, an operation unit 6, and a display unit 7. And a control unit 8.

    The printer main body 2 includes a housing portion 9 and a lid portion 10, and a transfer path 11 is formed therein. The introduction port 12 is provided on the uppermost stream side of the transfer path 11, and the transfer path 11 is positioned on the uppermost side. A discharge port 13 is formed on the downstream side, and a substantially linear transfer path 11 is formed from the introduction port 12 to the discharge port 13.

The lid portion 10 can be opened and closed with respect to the housing portion 9, the label continuous body 14 (printing paper) can be inserted into the transfer path 11 in the opened state of the lid portion 10, and the lid portion 10 can be inserted into the housing portion 9. The label continuum 14 is transferred onto the transfer path 11 to enable printing.
That is, detection and printing of the label continuum 14 is performed between the inlet 12 through which the label continuum 14 is fed into the transport path 11 and the outlet 13 through which the label continuum 14 is discharged from the transport path 11 to the outside of the printer body 2. I do.

A paper supply unit 15 can be provided on the inlet 12 side of the printer body 2.
For example, when the label continuum 14 is fan-hold type printing paper, a supply box 16 is provided on the inlet 12 side of the printer main body 2 as the paper supply unit 15, and the supply box 16 through the inlet 12 and the transfer path 11 are provided. The label continuum 14 can be supplied toward.

2 is a plan view of the label continuum 14, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III of FIG. 2. The label continuum 14 includes a strip-shaped mount 17 and a plurality of sheets temporarily attached on the mount 17. Label piece 18 (paper piece).
A position detection mark 19 is pre-printed on the back side of the mount 17, and a gap 20 is provided between adjacent label pieces 18, and a perforation 21 for cutting the mount is formed in the gap 20. doing.
The gap 20 can be used for position detection.
As shown in FIG. 3, the label piece 18 has a label base material 22 capable of heat-sensitive color development and an adhesive layer 23 on the back side of the label base material 22, and the label piece 18 is mounted on the adhesive layer 23. 17 is temporarily attached.
When a general base material that does not develop heat-sensitive color even when heated is used as the label base material 22, the printing unit 5 using a thermal transfer ink ribbon (not shown) or the like can be used.

    The paper detection unit 3 detects the relative position of the label continuum 14 with respect to the printing unit 5. The paper detection unit 3 includes a first upstream sensor 24 (first paper sensor) and a second upstream side. A sensor 25 (first paper sensor) and a downstream sensor 26 (second paper sensor) are included.

The first upstream sensor 24 and the second upstream sensor 25 are located upstream of the printing unit 5 and can detect the position detection mark 19 of the label continuum 14 and the gap 20 of the label continuum 14, respectively. It is.
That is, even if the label continuous body 14 having the detected portion of either the position detection mark 19 or the gap 20 is transferred on the upstream side of the paper guide portion 4, the first upstream sensor 24 or the second upstream side is conveyed. The position of the label continuum 14 can be detected by any of the side sensors 25.
The downstream sensor 26 is located on the downstream side of the printing unit 5 and can detect the leading end portion 14 </ b> A of the label continuous body 14.
As the first upstream sensor 24, the second upstream sensor 25, and the second paper sensor 26, either a reflection type or a transmission type optical sensor can be adopted. The upstream sensor 24 is a reflective sensor, the second upstream sensor 25 is a transmissive sensor, and the downstream sensor 26 is a reflective sensor.

The paper guide unit 4 guides the label continuous body 14 from the introduction port 12 or the paper detection unit 3 toward the printing unit 5 along the transfer path 11 in the printer main body 2, and includes an upper guide piece 4A and a lower side. It has a guide piece 4B, and guides the label continuous body 14 in the direction of the printing unit 5 with the guide passage 4C therebetween as the transfer path 11.
The sheet guide unit 4 has a pair of left and right upper guide pieces 4A and lower guide pieces 4B in the width direction of the label continuous body 14, and either the upper guide piece 4A or lower side of the left and right sides of the label continuous body 14 in the width direction. A first upstream sensor 24 and a second upstream sensor 25 are attached and fixed to the guide piece 4B.
The downstream sensor 26 is located in the center portion in the width direction of the continuous label body 14 in the casing 9 of the printer body 2.

The printing unit 5 transfers the label continuous body 14 along the transfer path 11 and prints on the label continuous body 14 (label piece 18), and includes a thermal head 27 and a platen roller 28.
The thermal head 27 is attached to the lid portion 10, and the platen roller 28 is attached to the housing portion 9. By opening the lid portion 10 from the housing portion 9, the label continuum 14 is removed from the thermal head 27. And the platen roller 28 can be set, and the lid 10 is closed to the casing 9 so that the label continuous body 14 can be transferred on the transfer path 11 and printed.

The platen roller 28 of the printing unit 5 is rotationally driven in either the forward or reverse direction by a stepping motor 29. By driving and controlling the stepping motor 29 with a control signal from the control unit 8, the label continuous body 14 is controlled. A forward transfer operation for transferring in the direction of the downstream sensor 26 (downstream side), and a reverse transfer operation for transferring the label continuous body 14 in the direction of the first upstream sensor 24 or the second upstream sensor 25 (upstream side); It can be performed.
Specifically, when either the first upstream sensor 24 or the second upstream sensor 25 detects the label continuum 14 inserted through the paper guide unit 4, the platen roller 28 is driven to rotate. When the downstream sensor 26 detects the leading end portion 14A of the label continuous body 14, the label continuous body 14 is moved to the printing start position of the printing portion 5 (the portion of the platen roller 28, that is, at least the leading end portion 14A is a thermal head). 27 and the platen roller 28, and reversely transfer to a position where transfer and printing can be started.
Thus, the label continuous body 14 can be automatically set at the printing start position of the printing unit 5 simply by passing the continuous label body 14 through the paper guiding unit 4 and detected by the paper detecting unit 3, and the loading operation can be performed easily and quickly. In addition, as will be described below, it is possible to print on the label piece 18 positioned at the head, and this is not wasted.

    The operation unit 6 includes various keys (not shown) for operating the thermal printer 1, and the display unit 7 can display necessary data or commands.

    The control unit 8 controls the paper detection unit 3, the paper guide unit 4, the printing unit 5, the operation unit 6, the display unit 7 and the like described above. And command communication.

The thermal printer 1 can be provided with a cutting portion 31 on the downstream side of the downstream sensor 26 facing the discharge port 13 of the printer body 2.
As the cutting unit 31, a configuration in which a paper tearing blade 32 for manually separating the label continuous body 14 into a single-leaf label piece 18 at a portion of the perforation 21 for cutting the mount is provided, or a fixed blade 33 and a movable blade 34 are provided. It is possible to employ a configuration in which the movable blade 34 is provided and driven by the control unit 8 at a predetermined pitch (at a predetermined cutting timing).

Further, the thermal printer 1 is provided with a printing paper position correcting device 35 in the control unit 8.
The printing paper position correcting device 35 corrects the printing position deviation from the requested printing position of the printing data to the label continuum 14 by the printing unit 5 to transfer and print the label continuum 14 and to cut the cutting unit 31 (particularly, The continuous label is corrected by correcting the cutting position deviation from the required cutting position of the continuous label body 14 by the fixed blade 33 and the movable blade 34 (including the cutting position deviation in which the paper tearing blade 32 is displaced from the perforation 21 for cutting the mount). The body 14 can be cut.

FIG. 4 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the relative position of the label continuum 14 with respect to the printing unit 5, the paper detection unit 3 (downstream sensor 26), and the cutting unit 31, and FIG. FIG. 4B is an explanatory diagram at the time of loading the label continuous body 14 in which the leading end portion 14A of the label 14 (label piece 18) is at the print start position. FIG. 4B is a requested print position of the label piece 18 of the label continuous body 14 in the print section 5. FIG. 4 (3) is an explanatory diagram of a print example (for example, the letter “A”) properly printed on P. FIG. 4 (3) shows a state where the print position is shifted downstream from the requested print position P by the downstream print position deviation ΔQ1. FIG. 4 (4) is an explanatory view showing a state where the printing position is shifted upstream from the required printing position P by the upstream printing position deviation ΔQ1, and FIG. Was cut properly at the requested cutting position C FIG. 4 (6) is an explanatory diagram of the state (usually cut at the perforation 21 for cutting the mount, but the tip of the label piece 18 is drawn at the required cutting position C for explanation), FIG. FIG. 4 (7) shows a state where the downstream cutting position deviation ΔQ2 is shifted downstream from the requested cutting position C. FIG. 4 (7) shows that the cutting position is shifted upstream from the requested cutting position C by the upstream cutting position deviation ΔQ2. It is explanatory drawing of a state.
However, in FIG. 4 each figure, illustration of the mount 17 is omitted.

The printing paper position correcting device 35 corrects the positional deviation in each state shown in FIGS. 4 (3), 4 (4), 4 (6), and 4 (7).
First, as shown in FIG. 4 (3), the downstream printing position deviation ΔQ1 from the requested printing position P to the downstream side of the transfer path 11 is because the printing timing in the printing unit 5 is too early. The label continuity 14 is positively transferred by the pseudo transfer amount corresponding to the direction printing position deviation ΔQ1, and then printing on the label continuum 14 by the printing unit 5 is started to correct the position deviation. That is, the positional deviation is corrected by delaying the printing timing on the label continuous body 14 in the printing unit 5 by the downstream printing positional deviation ΔQ1.

    Next, as shown in FIG. 4 (4), the upstream print position deviation ΔQ1 from the requested print position P to the upstream side of the transfer path 11 is the reverse of FIG. Since the timing is too late, the drawing area as the print data is shifted downstream of the label continuum 14 by the amount of the pseudo drawing area corresponding to the upstream printing position deviation ΔQ1, and the label continuum by the printing unit 5 is shifted. The misregistration is corrected by starting the printing to 14. That is, the positional deviation is corrected by increasing the printing timing on the label continuum 14 in the printing unit 5 by the downstream printing positional deviation ΔQ1.

    However, in the printing paper position correcting device 35, the downstream printing position deviation ΔQ1 is set as positive (hereinafter, the downstream printing position deviation is denoted as ΔQ1 (+)), and the upstream printing position deviation ΔQ1 is set as negative. Set (hereinafter, the upstream printing position deviation is denoted as ΔQ1 (−)).

    As shown in FIG. 4 (6), with regard to the downstream cutting position deviation ΔQ 2 from the requested cutting position C to the downstream side of the transfer path 11, the transfer distance of the label continuous body 14 to the cutting part 31 is too large. After the printing on the label continuous body 14 by the printing unit 5, the first correction interval obtained by subtracting the downstream cutting position deviation ΔQ2 from the printing unit cutting unit interval L between the printing unit 5 and the cutting unit 31. The positional deviation is corrected by forwardly transporting the label continuous body 14 to the downstream side by L1 and cutting the label continuous body 14 by the cutting unit 31. That is, at the end of the transfer from the printing unit 5 in the direction of the cutting unit 31, the positional shift is corrected by not performing the transfer by the downstream cutting position shift ΔQ2.

    As shown in FIG. 4 (7), the upstream continuous cutting position deviation ΔQ2 from the requested cutting position C to the upstream side of the transfer path 11 is opposite to FIG. 14 is too short, so after the printing on the label continuous body 14 by the printing unit 5, the upstream cutting position is set at the printing unit cutting unit interval L between the printing unit 5 and the cutting unit 31. The positional deviation is corrected by positively transporting the continuous label body 14 downstream by the second correction interval L2 to which the deviation ΔQ2 is added and cutting the continuous label body 14 by the cutting unit 31. That is, even if the transfer from the printing unit 5 in the direction of the cutting unit 31 is completed, the positional deviation is corrected by further carrying the upstream cutting position deviation ΔQ2.

    However, in the printing paper position correcting device 35, the downstream cutting position deviation ΔQ2 is set to be negative (hereinafter, the downstream cutting position deviation is denoted as ΔQ2 (−)), and the upstream cutting position deviation ΔQ2 is set to be positive. Set (hereinafter, the upstream cutting position deviation is denoted by ΔQ2 (+)).

    In the printing paper position correcting device 35, when the printing position deviation from the requested printing position P and the cutting position deviation from the requested cutting position C occur in combination, the positions of the printing position deviation and the cutting position deviation are detected. A shift difference (X = | ΔQ1−ΔQ2 |) is calculated, and it is determined whether the print position shift is the downstream print position shift ΔQ1 (+) or the upstream print position shift ΔQ1 (−). Based on this determination, the printing start timing on the label continuum 14 by the printing unit 5 is corrected by a deviation difference interval corresponding to the positional deviation difference X (described later in FIG. 9).

The positional deviation correction by the printing paper position correction device 35 of the thermal printer 1 having such a configuration will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the correction procedure for the printing position deviation (downstream printing position deviation ΔQ1 (+)) as shown in FIG. 4 (3). In step S1, the downstream printing position deviation ΔQ1 (+) is operated. Set in the unit 6 and the display unit 7.
In step S2, the label continuous body 14 is set at the printing start position of the printing unit 5 (see FIG. 4 (1)), and in step S3, the label is continuously printed by the pseudo transfer amount corresponding to the downstream printing position deviation ΔQ1 (+). After the body 14 is forwardly transferred, printing on the label continuous body 14 (first label piece 18) by the printing unit 5 is started in step S4. When printing is completed, the set number of prints is completed in step S5. If there is a second and subsequent sheets, the process returns to step S4 to continue printing.
That is, when printing on the first label piece 18 is completed, the second label piece 18 is downstream from the position of the platen roller 28 by a pseudo transfer amount corresponding to the downstream printing position deviation ΔQ1 (+). It is located on the side and printing can be started as it is.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a correction procedure for the printing position deviation (upstream direction printing position deviation ΔQ1 (−)) as shown in FIG. 4 (4). In step S11, the upstream direction printing position deviation ΔQ1 (−) is operated. Set in the unit 6 and the display unit 7.
In step S12, the label continuum 14 is set at the printing start position of the printing unit 5, and in step S13, a drawing area is provided downstream of the label continuum 14 by a pseudo drawing area amount corresponding to the upstream printing position deviation ΔQ1 (−). The printing unit 5 starts printing on the label continuum 14 (first label piece 18). When printing is completed, it is determined in step S15 whether the set number of prints has been completed, and the second sheet. If there is a subsequent process, the process returns to step S4 to continue printing.
That is, at the time when printing on the first label piece 18 is completed, for the second label piece 18, the pseudo drawing area amount corresponding to the upstream printing position deviation ΔQ 1 (−) from the position of the platen roller 28. Thus, the drawing area is shifted to the downstream side of the label continuous body 14 and printing can be started as it is.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a correction procedure for the cutting position deviation (downstream direction cutting position deviation ΔQ2 (−)) as shown in FIG. 4 (6). In step S21, the downstream direction cutting position deviation ΔQ2 (−) is operated. Set in the unit 6 and the display unit 7.
In step S22, the label continuous body 14 is set at the printing start position of the printing unit 5, and in step S23, printing on the label continuous body 14 (first label piece 18) by the printing unit 5 is started.
However, when the label continuum 14 is transferred in this printing, an interval corresponding to the first correction interval L1 obtained by subtracting the downstream cutting position deviation ΔQ2 (−) from the printing portion cutting portion interval L is transferred.
In step S24, the continuous label body 14 is cut by the cutting unit 31 to create a single-leaf label piece 18. In step S25, it is determined whether the set number of prints has been completed. The label continuous body 14 is reversely transferred to the printing start position of the printing unit 5, and the process returns to step S22 to continue printing.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a correction procedure for the cutting position deviation (upstream direction cutting position deviation ΔQ2 (+)) as shown in FIG. 4 (7). In step S31, the downstream direction cutting position deviation ΔQ2 (+) is operated. Set in the unit 6 and the display unit 7.
In step S32, the label continuous body 14 is set at the printing start position of the printing unit 5, and in step S33, printing on the label continuous body 14 (first label piece 18) by the printing unit 5 is started.
However, when the label continuum 14 is transferred in this printing, the interval corresponding to the second correction interval L2 obtained by adding the upstream cutting position deviation ΔQ2 (+) to the printing portion cutting portion interval L is transferred.
In step S34, the continuous label body 14 is cut by the cutting unit 31 to create a single-leaf label piece 18. In step S35, it is determined whether the set number of prints has been completed. The label continuous body 14 is reversely transferred to the printing start position of the printing unit 5, and the process returns to step S32 to continue printing.

FIG. 9 shows a print position shift from the required print position P and a cut position shift from the required cut position C, such as FIGS. 4 (3), 4 (4), 4 (6), and 4 (7). FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a correction procedure when multiple occurrences occur, and in step S41, a print position deviation ΔQ1 (downstream print position deviation ΔQ1 (+) or upstream direction print position deviation ΔQ1 (−)) and a cutting position deviation ΔQ2 (Downstream cutting position deviation ΔQ2 (−) or upstream cutting position deviation ΔQ2 (+)) is set in the operation unit 6 and the display unit 7.
In step S42, the label continuum 14 is set at the printing start position of the printing unit 5, and in step S43, it is determined whether or not it is the first label piece 18 of the label continuum 14.

When the first label piece 18 is positioned on the printing unit 5, in step S44, the positional deviation difference X of the printing positional deviation ΔQ1 and the cutting positional deviation ΔQ2 is set to the printing positional deviation ΔQ1.
In step S45, it is determined whether X = 0. If X = 0, it is determined that there is no printing position deviation ΔQ1, and in step S46, printing on the label continuous body 14 located at the printing start position is started as it is. Printing by the printing unit 5 is performed, and in step S47, the transfer correction corresponding to the cutting position deviation ΔQ2 (cutting position deviation ΔQ2 (downstream direction cutting position deviation ΔQ2 (−) described in step S23 in FIG. 7 or step S33 in FIG. 8) or upstream is performed. In step S48, the continuous label body 14 is cut by the cutting unit 31 after correcting the direction cutting position deviation ΔQ2 (+).
Further, in step S49, the label continuum 14 is reversely transferred to the printing start position of the printing unit 5 and set. In step S50, it is determined whether the set number of prints has been completed. Returning to step S1, it is determined whether the label piece 18 of the label continuous body 14 is the first one.

    When the label pieces 18 are the second and subsequent sheets, the positional deviation difference X = | ΔQ1−ΔQ2 | is set in step S51, and the process proceeds to step S45.

If X = 0 in the step S45, the printing position deviation ΔQ1 and the cutting position deviation ΔQ2 can be canceled out, and the processing after step S46 is executed as described above.
In step S45, if X is not 0, it is determined in step S52 whether or not the printing position deviation ΔQ1> 0 (that is, the printing position deviation ΔQ1 is the downstream printing position deviation ΔQ1 (+) or the upstream printing. Whether the displacement is ΔQ1 (−)).
If the printing position deviation ΔQ1 is positive, it is determined that the printing position deviation ΔQ1 is the downstream printing position deviation ΔQ1 (+), and in the next step S53, the label is printed by the pseudo transfer amount corresponding to the position deviation difference X. After the continuum 14 is forwardly transferred, printing on the label continuum 14 by the printing unit 5 is started (step S46).

    If the printing position deviation ΔQ1 is negative in step S51, it is determined that the printing position deviation ΔQ1 is the upstream printing position deviation ΔQ1 (−), and the pseudo drawing area amount corresponding to the positional deviation difference X is determined in step S54. Accordingly, the printing area 5 is shifted to the downstream side of the continuous label body 14 and printing on the continuous label body 14 by the printing unit 5 is started (step S46).

Thus, the positional deviation of the printing on the label continuous body 14 by the printing unit 5 is corrected to appropriately transfer and print the label continuous body 14, and after printing on the label continuous body 14 by the printing unit 5, the printing unit A single sheet piece (label piece 18) can be created by correcting the cut position deviation from 5 to the cut position deviation and cutting the label continuous body 14 at a predetermined pitch.

1 Thermal printer (Example, Fig. 1)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 Printer main body 3 Paper detection part 4 Paper guide part 4A Upper guide piece 4B of paper guide part 4B Lower guide piece 4C of paper guide part 4C Guide path of paper guide part 4 5 Printing part 6 Operation part 7 Display part 8 Control part 9 Housing 10 of Printer Main Body 2 Lid 11 of Printer Main Body 2 Transfer Path 12 Inlet 13 Outlet 14 Continuous Label (Printing Paper)
14A Front end 15 of label continuous body 14 Paper supply unit 16 Supply box 17 Mount 18 Label piece (paper piece)
19 Position detection mark 20 Gap between adjacent label pieces 21 Perforation for cutting mount 17 22 Label base material 23 capable of thermal coloring 23 Adhesive layer 24 First upstream sensor (first paper sensor)
25 Second upstream sensor (first paper sensor)
26 Downstream sensor (second paper sensor)
27 Thermal Head 28 Platen Roller 29 Stepping Motor 30 PC 31 Cutting Section 32 Paper Cutting Edge 33 Fixed Blade 34 Movable Blade 35 Printing Paper Position Correction Device for Thermal Printer 1 (Example, FIG. 1)
P Request printing position (Fig. 4)
C Requested cutting position L Print section cutting section interval L1 between the printing section 5 and the cutting section 31 First correction interval L2 obtained by subtracting the downstream cutting position deviation ΔQ2 from the printing section cutting section spacing L. Print section cutting section spacing L The second correction interval ΔQ1 obtained by adding the upstream cutting position deviation ΔQ2 to the printing position deviation (downstream printing position deviation ΔQ1 (+), upstream printing position deviation ΔQ1 (−))
ΔQ2 Cutting position deviation (downstream cutting position deviation ΔQ2 (−), upstream cutting position deviation ΔQ2 (+))
X misregistration difference (X = | ΔQ1−ΔQ2 |) (FIG. 9)

Claims (13)

A printer body that forms a transfer path for printing paper;
A printing unit having a thermal head and a platen roller for transferring the printing paper along the transfer path and printing on the printing paper;
A thermal printer having a paper detection unit for detecting the position of the printing paper,
The paper detection unit
A first paper sensor that is located upstream of the printing unit and capable of detecting the printing paper;
A second paper sensor that is located downstream of the printing unit and capable of detecting the printing paper;
The printing unit is
A normal transfer operation for transferring the printing paper downstream;
A reverse transfer operation for transferring the printing paper to the upstream side, and
By detecting the printing paper by the first paper sensor and forwardly transferring the printing paper, detecting the printing paper by the second paper sensor and reversely transferring the printing paper in the direction of the printing unit The printing paper can be set at the printing start position of the printing unit,
A thermal printer for transferring and printing the printing paper by correcting a printing position deviation from a requested printing position of printing data on the printing paper by the printing unit. The printing position deviation is a downstream printing position deviation from the requested printing position to the downstream side of the transfer path,
The thermal printer according to claim 1, wherein the printing unit starts printing on the printing paper after the printing paper is forwardly transferred by a pseudo transfer amount corresponding to the downstream printing position shift. The printing position deviation is an upstream direction printing position deviation from the requested printing position to the upstream side of the transfer path,
2. The thermal apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing unit starts printing on the printing paper by shifting the drawing area to the downstream side of the printing paper by an amount corresponding to the upstream drawing position shift. printer. The thermal printer has a cutting portion for cutting the printing paper at a predetermined pitch on the downstream side of the second paper sensor,
4. The thermal printer according to claim 1, wherein the printing paper is cut by correcting a deviation of the cutting position of the printing paper from a requested cutting position by the cutting unit. 5. The cutting position deviation is a downstream cutting position deviation from the requested cutting position to the downstream side of the transfer path;
After printing on the printing paper by the printing unit, the printing paper is placed at a first correction interval obtained by subtracting the downstream cutting position deviation from the printing unit cutting unit interval between the printing unit and the cutting unit. The thermal printer according to claim 4, wherein the printing paper is cut forward by being transported forward to the downstream side. The cutting position deviation is an upstream direction cutting position deviation from the requested cutting position to the upstream side of the transfer path,
After printing on the printing paper by the printing unit, the printing paper is moved by the second correction interval obtained by adding the upstream cutting position deviation to the printing unit cutting part interval between the printing part and the cutting part. The thermal printer according to claim 4, wherein the printing paper is cut forward by being transported forward to the downstream side. About the printing position deviation from the requested printing position and the cutting position deviation from the requested cutting position,
While calculating the positional deviation difference between the printing position deviation and the cutting position deviation,
Determining whether the printing position deviation is the downstream printing position deviation or the upstream printing position deviation;
5. The thermal printer according to claim 4, wherein, based on this determination, the timing of starting printing on the printing paper by the printing unit is corrected by a deviation difference interval corresponding to the positional deviation difference. When the positional deviation difference is zero,
8. The thermal printer according to claim 7, wherein printing on the printing paper located at the printing start position is started as it is. When the printing position deviation is the downstream printing position deviation,
8. The thermal printer according to claim 7, wherein the printing unit starts printing on the printing paper after the printing paper has been forward-transferred by a pseudo-transfer amount corresponding to the difference in positional deviation. When the printing position deviation is the upstream printing position deviation,
8. The thermal printer according to claim 7, wherein printing on the printing paper by the printing unit is started by shifting the drawing area to the downstream side of the printing paper by an amount of a pseudo drawing area corresponding to the difference in displacement. . 8. The thermal printer according to claim 7, wherein after the printing on the printing paper by the printing unit, the printing paper is transferred from the printing unit to the cutting unit while being corrected by the cutting position deviation. A printer body that forms a transfer path for printing paper;
A printing unit having a thermal head and a platen roller for transferring the printing paper along the transfer path and printing on the printing paper;
A printing paper position correction device for a thermal printer having a paper detection unit for detecting the position of the printing paper,
The paper detection unit
A first paper sensor that is located upstream of the printing unit and capable of detecting the printing paper;
A second paper sensor that is located downstream of the printing unit and capable of detecting the printing paper;
The printing unit is
A normal transfer operation for transferring the printing paper downstream;
A reverse transfer operation for transferring the printing paper to the upstream side, and
By detecting the printing paper by the first paper sensor and forwardly transferring the printing paper, detecting the printing paper by the second paper sensor and reversely transferring the printing paper in the direction of the printing unit The printing paper can be set at the printing start position of the printing unit,
About the printing position deviation from the requested printing position of the printing data on the printing paper by the printing unit,
When this printing position deviation is a downstream printing position deviation from the requested printing position to the downstream side of the transfer path,
Enabling the printing unit to start printing on the printing paper after the printing paper is forwardly transferred by a pseudo-transfer amount corresponding to the downstream printing position deviation,
When the printing position deviation is an upstream printing position deviation from the requested printing position to the upstream side of the transfer path,
The misregistration is corrected so that printing on the printing paper can be started by the printing unit by shifting the drawing area downstream of the printing paper by the amount of the pseudo drawing area corresponding to the upstream printing position deviation. A printing paper position correction device for a thermal printer, wherein the printing paper is transferred and printed. A printer body that forms a transfer path for printing paper;
A printing unit having a thermal head and a platen roller for transferring the printing paper along the transfer path and printing on the printing paper;
A paper detection unit for detecting a position of the printing paper, and a printing paper position correction method for a thermal printer,
The paper detection unit
A first paper sensor that is located upstream of the printing unit and capable of detecting the printing paper;
A second paper sensor that is located downstream of the printing unit and capable of detecting the printing paper;
The printing unit is
A normal transfer operation for transferring the printing paper downstream;
A reverse transfer operation for transferring the printing paper to the upstream side, and
By detecting the printing paper by the first paper sensor and forwardly transferring the printing paper, detecting the printing paper by the second paper sensor and reversely transferring the printing paper in the direction of the printing unit Set the printing paper at the printing start position of the printing unit,
About the printing position deviation from the requested printing position of the printing data on the printing paper by the printing unit,
When this printing position deviation is a downstream printing position deviation from the requested printing position to the downstream side of the transfer path,
After the printing paper is forwardly transferred by a pseudo transfer amount corresponding to the downstream printing position deviation, printing on the printing paper by the printing unit is started,
When the printing position deviation is an upstream printing position deviation from the requested printing position to the upstream side of the transfer path,
The misregistration is corrected so that the printing unit starts printing on the printing paper by shifting the drawing area to the downstream side of the printing paper by the pseudo drawing area amount corresponding to the upstream printing position deviation. A printing paper position correction method for a thermal printer, characterized in that the printing paper is transferred and printed.

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