JP3883754B2

JP3883754B2 - Printer for duplex printing

Info

Publication number: JP3883754B2
Application number: JP25865199A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 雅彦森
Original assignee: Alps Electric Co Ltd
Current assignee: Alps Alpine Co Ltd
Priority date: 1999-09-13
Filing date: 1999-09-13
Publication date: 2007-02-21
Anticipated expiration: 2019-09-13
Also published as: JP2001080150A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は両面印刷用プリンタに係わり、特に記録用紙の両面印刷に要する時間を短縮することができる両面印刷用プリンタに関する。
【０００２】
従来の両面印刷用プリンタは、図８に示すように、給紙トレー４０内に複数枚の記録用紙２が収納されている。この用紙２は、給紙トレー４０底部から上方の給紙ローラ４２に弾性付勢され、最上部の記録用紙２が給紙ローラ４２に圧接した状態になっている。
そして、給紙ローラ４２を矢印方向である時計回り方向に回転させることで、給紙トレー４１内の記録用紙２を、用紙搬送方向Ｇの下流側の第１印刷手段４３に搬送可能になっている。
そして、第１印刷手段４３は、例えば記録用紙２の一方の面に印刷可能となっており、この第１印刷手段４３の下流側には、記録用紙２の他方の面に印刷可能な第２印刷手段４６が配置されている。
【０００３】
前記第１印刷手段４３は、給紙ローラ４２により送られてくる記録用紙２の他方の面側である図示下方に平板状のプラテン４４が配設され、このプラテン４４と対向する図示上方で、記録用紙２の一方の面側には、プラテン４４に対して接離可能なサーマルヘッド４５が、矢印Ｈ方向に移動可能に配設されている。
このサーマルヘッド４５は複数のドット状の発熱素子を有し、図示を省略した印刷制御部から送られてくる印刷情報に基づいて、前記発熱素子を選択的に発熱させるようになっている。
また、第１印刷手段４３の用紙搬送方向の下流側には、回転自在な第１紙送りローラ４９と第１圧接ローラ５０とが圧接状態で配設されている。
【０００４】
また、第１紙送りローラ４９の用紙搬送方向Ｇの下流側に配設された第２印刷手段４６は、第１紙送りローラ４９により送られてくる記録用紙２の一方の面側である図示上方にプラテン４７が配設され、このプラテン４７と対向する図示下方で、記録用紙２の他方の面側には、プラテン４７に対して接離可能な第１印刷手段４３のサーマルヘッド４５と同じ構成のサーマルヘッド４８が、矢印Ｈ方向に移動可能に配設されている。
また、第２印刷手段４６の用紙搬送方向の下流側には、回転自在の第２紙送りローラ５１と第２圧接ローラ５２とが圧接状態で配設されている。前記第２紙送りローラ５１は、第１印刷手段４３の第１紙送りローラ４９と同じ材質と形状のものを用いている。
【０００５】
このような従来の両面印刷用プリンタによる用紙４１への両面印刷動作を説明すると、まず、給紙トレー４０内の記録用紙２を下方から上方に弾性付勢して給紙ローラ４２に圧接する。
この状態から、給紙ローラ４２を矢印方向の時計回り方向に回転させて、記録用紙２を用紙搬送方向Ｇに搬送する。
そして、記録用紙２を離間状態にある第１印刷手段４３のプラテン４４とサーマルヘッド４５の間を通過させて、記録用紙２の前端部を第１紙送りローラ４９と第１圧接ローラ５０とで圧接して保持する。
前記記録用紙２が普通紙の場合だと、第１と第２印刷手段４３、４６のサーマルヘッド４５、４８と記録用紙２との間には、それぞれインクリボン（図示ず）が配設されるようになっている。
そして、第１印刷手段４３において、サーマルヘッド４５をプラテン４４側に移動させてプラテン４４に圧接し、印刷制御部（図示せず）から送られてくる第１印刷情報に基づいて、サーマルヘッド４５の発熱素子を選択的に発熱させて、記録用紙２の一方の面にインクリボン（図示せず）のインクを熱転写して所望の画像を印刷する。
【０００６】
前記第１印刷手段４３による記録用紙２の一方の面への印刷動作と同時に、紙送りローラ４９を時計回り方向へ回転させて、一方の面に印刷された記録用紙２を用紙搬送方向の下流側の第２印刷手段４６に搬送する。
そして、一方の面に画像印刷された記録用紙２の先端部が紙送りローラ５１と圧接ローラ５２とに圧接狭持される。
この状態で第２印刷手段４６において、サーマルヘッド４８をプラテン４７側に移動させてプラテン４７に圧接し、印刷制御部（図示せず）から送られてくる第２印刷情報に基づいて、サーマルヘッド４８の発熱素子を選択的に発熱させて、記録用紙２の他方の面にインクリボン（図示せず）のインクを熱転写して所望の画像を印刷する。
【０００７】
このような従来の両面印刷用プリンタは、記録用紙２の一方と他方の両面に印刷するための第１、第２印刷情報を有し、この第１、第２印刷情報に基づいて、記録用紙２の両面に、第１、第２印刷手段４３、４６で印刷するようになっている。
そして、図９に示すように、例えば記録用紙２の一方の面であるＡ面に印刷するための第１印刷情報は、例えば記録用紙２の前端部２ａから所定面積の第１余白部Ｙ１を有し、また他方の面であるＢ面に印刷するための第２印刷情報は、前端部２ａから第１余白部Ｙ１より面積が大きな第２余白部Ｙ２を有して構成されている。
【０００８】
このような従来の両面印刷用プリンタは、例えば第１印刷情報を第１印刷手段４３で印刷し、第２印刷情報を第２印刷手段４６で印刷することにより、記録用紙２の両面に同時に画像印刷することができ印刷効率が良かった。
【０００９】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかし、前述したような従来のプリンタでは、例えば図９Ａに示す、面積の小さな第１余白部Ｙ１を有する第１印刷情報を第１印刷手段４３で印刷し、図９Ｂに示す、面積の大きな第２余白部Ｙ２を有する第２印刷情報を第２印刷手段で印刷するように、第１、第２印刷情報の印刷順が固定されていた。
そのために、第１印刷手段４３で第１印刷情報を印刷中の記録用紙２のＢ面の印刷開始行が第２印刷手段４６のサーマルヘッド４８まで送られてくるのに時間が掛かり、Ａ面とＢ面の両面印刷に要するトータル時間が長くなる問題があった。
【００１０】
即ち、第２余白部Ｙ２の面積が第１余白部Ｙ１より大きくても、第２印刷情報を第２印刷手段４６で印刷する時間は、第１印刷情報を第１印刷手段４３で印刷するのと同じ時間が掛かり、余白領域の大小に関係なく記録用紙２の両面印刷に要するトータル時間が長くなっていた。
本発明は、前述したような問題点に鑑みてなされたもので、第１、第２印刷情報を記録用紙に印刷するときの記録用紙の前端部、または後端部からの所定寸法内に印刷する印刷面積の大きさによって、第１、または第２印刷情報を、第１、または第２印刷手段のどちらで印刷するかを決定して、両面印刷に掛かるトータル時間を短縮できる両面印刷用プリンタを提供することを目的とする。
【００１１】
【課題を解決するための手段】
前記課題を解決するための第１の解決手段として、記録用紙の一方の面に印刷可能な第１印刷手段と、前記記録用紙の他方の面に印刷可能で前記記録用紙の搬送方向の前記第１印刷手段の下流側に配設された第２印刷手段と、前記記録用紙の一方と他方の両面にそれぞれ印刷するための第１、第２印刷情報に基いて、前記第１印刷情報における前記記録用紙の前端部から所定寸法の第１領域と、前記第２印刷情報における前記記録用紙の前端部から所定寸法の第３領域との２領域内のそれぞれにおいて、前記第１、第２印刷情報によって印刷される印刷面積の大きさ、または前記印刷面積を除いた余白面積の大きさを算出する算出手段とを有し、この算出手段で前記第１と前記第３領域の前記印刷面積、または前記余白面積の大きさを比較し、前記印刷面積の小さい方、または前記余白面積の大きい方を前記第１印刷手段で印刷するようにした構成とした。
【００１２】
前記課題を解決するための第２の解決手段として、記録用紙の一方の面に印刷可能な第１印刷手段と、前記記録用紙の他方の面に印刷可能で前記記録用紙の搬送方向の前記第１印刷手段の下流側に配設された第２印刷手段と、前記記録用紙の一方と他方の両面にそれぞれ印刷するための第１、第２印刷情報に基いて、前記第１印刷情報における前記記録用紙の後端部から所定寸法の第２領域と、前記第２印刷情報における前記記録用紙の後端部から所定寸法の第４領域との２領域内のそれぞれにおいて、前記第１、第２印刷情報によって印刷される印刷面積の大きさ、または前記印刷面積を除いた余白面積の大きさを算出する算出手段とを有し、この算出手段で前記第２と第４領域の前記印刷面積、または前記余白面積の大きさを比較し、前記印刷面積の大きい方、または前記余白面積の小さい方を前記第１印刷手段で印刷するような構成とした。
【００１３】
前記課題を解決するための第３の解決手段として、記録用紙の一方の面に印刷可能な第１印刷手段と、前記記録用紙の他方の面に印刷可能で前記記録用紙の搬送方向の前記第１印刷手段の下流側に配設された第２印刷手段と、前記記録用紙の一方と他方の両面にそれぞれ印刷するための第１、第２印刷情報に基いて、前記第１印刷情報における前記記録用紙の前端部から所定寸法の第１領域、及び、前記記録用紙の後端部から所定寸法の第２領域と、前記第２印刷情報における前記記録用紙の前端部から所定寸法の第３領域、及び、前記記録用紙の後端部から所定寸法の第４領域との４領域内のそれぞれにおいて、前記第１、第２印刷情報によって印刷される印刷面積の大きさを算出する算出手段とを有し、この算出手段で前記第１領域と前記第４領域の前記印刷面積を加算して第１印刷加算面積とし、前記第２領域と前記第３領域の前記印刷面積を加算して第２印刷加算面積とし、前記第１印刷加算面積が前記第２印刷加算面積より小さい場合は、前記第１印刷情報を前記第１印刷手段で印刷し、前記第１印刷加算面積が前記第２印刷加算面積より大きい場合は、前記第２印刷情報を前記第１印刷手段で印刷するような構成とした。
【００１４】
前記課題を解決するための第４の解決手段として、記録用紙の一方の面に印刷可能な第１印刷手段と、前記記録用紙の他方の面に印刷可能で前記記録用紙の搬送方向の前記第１印刷手段の下流側に配設された第２印刷手段と、前記記録用紙の一方と他方の両面にそれぞれ印刷するための第１、第２印刷情報に基いて、前記第１印刷情報における前記記録用紙の前端部から所定寸法の第１領域、及び、前記記録用紙の後端部から所定寸法の第２領域と、前記第２印刷情報における前記記録用紙の前端部から所定寸法の第３領域、及び、前記記録用紙の後端部から所定寸法の第４領域との４領域内のそれぞれにおいて、前記第１、第２印刷情報によって印刷される印刷面積を除いた余白面積の大きさを算出する算出手段とを有し、この算出手段で前記第１領域と前記第４領域の前記余白面積を加算して第１余白加算面積とし、前記第２領域と前記第３領域の前記余白面積を加算して第２余白加算面積とし、前記第１余白加算面積が前記第２余白加算面積より大きい場合は、前記第１印刷情報を前記第１印刷手段で印刷し、前記第１余白加算面積が前記第２余白加算面積より小さい場合は、前記第２印刷情報を前記第１印刷手段で印刷するような構成とした。
【００１６】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明の両面印刷用プリンタを、図１に基づいて説明すると、まず、図示下方側には給紙部１が配設されている。この給紙部１には、例えばＡ４サイズ等の大サイズの記録用紙２を複数枚収納可能な箱状の給紙トレー３を有し、この給紙トレー３の図示右側底部には、支持部４ａを支点として図示右側の前方側が上下に回動可能な可動板４が配設されている。
【００１７】
そして、可動板４上には、記録用紙２の一部の前方端部寄りが載置されるようになっている。また、可動板４の図示右側である前方寄りには、図示しない弾性部材が配設され、この弾性部材の作用で、可動板４には矢印Ｄの上方に押し上げようとする付勢力が加えられている。
また、可動板４の前方端部寄りの上方には、反時計回り方向の矢印Ｆ方向に回転可能な給紙ローラ５が配設されている。そして、給紙ローラ５には、支持部４ａを支点とする可動板４の上方への回動で、可動板４上の記録用紙２の前方端部寄りが弾接するようになっている。
【００１８】
このような給紙部１に収納されている記録用紙２を、用紙搬送方向Ｅに搬送するには、給紙ローラ５を矢印Ｆ方向に回転させると、最上部の記録用紙２が下部の記録用紙２から分離されて給紙トレー３から排出され、用紙搬送方向Ｅの下流側に搬送される。
前記給紙部１から搬送される記録用紙２の用紙搬送方向Ｅの下流側には、送られてくる記録用紙２を、後述する第１、第２印刷手段７、１７に案内するための板状のガイド板６が配設されている。このガイド板６は、図１に示すように湾曲形成されて、給紙部１から送られてくる記録用紙２を略直角方向の図示上方に方向転換させて、ガイド板６の下流側に配設されている第１印刷手段７に案内するようになっている。
前記第１印刷手段７は、記録用紙２の一方の面である、例えば表面側に所望の画像を印刷可能になっている。
【００１９】
前記第１印刷手段７には、図１に示すガイド板６で図示上方に方向転換された記録用紙２の図示右側に、ゴム等からなる平板状の第１プラテン８が配設されている。
この第１プラテン８は、図２に示すように、印字面８ａが略垂直になるように配設されている。また、第１プラテン８の下方には、給紙部１から搬送されてくる記録用紙２を第１プラテン８と後述する第１サーマルヘッド１４との間に搬送可能な第１紙送りローラ９が配設されている。
【００２０】
この第１紙送りローラ９は、回転可能な長尺状の回転軸９ａを有し、この回転軸９ａに複数のゴム等で円柱状の所定の直径で形成されて、からなる第１紙送りローラ９が一体化されて取り付けられている。
また、第１紙送りローラ９には、所定の圧力で圧接されると共に、第１紙送りローラ９の回転に追従して回転可能な第１圧接ローラ１０が配設されている。この第１圧接ローラ１０は、それぞれ図示を省略したローラ保持部材に回転自在に保持され、それぞれ独立して第１紙送りローラ９に弾性付勢されて圧接可能になっている。
そして、第１紙送りローラ９を回転させて、第１紙送りローラ９と第１圧接ローラ１０との間で、給紙部１から搬送されてくる記録用紙２を所定の保持力になるように圧接狭持して、記録用紙２を用紙搬送方向Ｅの第１紙送りローラ９の下流側の第１プラテン８に搬送可能になっている。
【００２１】
また、第１プラテン８と対向する側には第１キャリッジ１１が配設され、この第１キャリッジ１１は棒状のガイドシャフト１２に軸支されている。
前記第１キャリッジ１１は、図示を省略した一対のプリーに張架された適宜な駆動ベルト１３に取り付けられ、ステッピングモータ等の駆動手段（図示せず）により駆動ベルト１３を駆動させて、ガイドシャフト１２に沿って往復動自在になっている。
また、第１キャリッジ１１には、第１プラテン８に対して接離可能な第１サーマルヘッド１４が、第１プラテン８と対向する位置に取り付けられている。前記第１サーマルヘッド１４は、複数のドット状の発熱素子（図示せず）を有し、印刷制御部（図示せず）から送られてくる第１、または第２印刷情報に基づいて、前記発熱素子を選択的に発熱させて、後述するインクリボン１６のインクを記録用紙２の一方の面に熱転写して所望の画像を印刷するようになっている。
【００２２】
また、第１キャリッジ１１の上面でカセット装着面１１ａの中央部付近には、相互に所定間隔を隔てた一対の回転可能なボビン１１ｂ、１１ｂが上方に突出形成されている。
そして、第１キャリッジ１１のカセット装着面１１ａには、リボンカセット１５が着脱可能になっている。このリボンカセット１５は、一対のボビン１１ｂ、１１ｂが係合可能な一対の孔状のリール１５ａ、１５ａを有し、この一対のリール１５ａ、１５ａには所定の色の熱溶融性のインクが塗布されたインクリボン１６が巻回されている。
このような第１印刷手段７は、図示を省略したフレームに、第１プラテン８、第１紙送りローラ９、ガイドシャフト１２等の端部が、それぞれ取り付けられて一体化されている。
【００２３】
また、図１に示す用紙搬送方向Ｅの第１印刷手段７の下流側には、記録用紙２の他方の面である、例えば裏面側に所望の画像を印刷可能な第２印刷手段１７が配設されている。
この第２印刷手段１７は、図２に示す第１印刷手段７とそれぞれの部品が反対側に配設されて、構成は同じなので詳細な説明は省略する。
前記第２印刷手段１７は、図１に示すように、第１印刷手段７から搬送されてくる記録用紙２の図示左側に第２プラテン１８が配設され、この第２プラテン１８と対向する側に、第２プラテン１８に対して接離可能な第２サーマルヘッド１９が、第２プラテン１８に沿って往復移動可能な第２キャリッジ（図示せず）に取り付けられている。
【００２４】
また、第２プラテン１８の図示下方には、第１印刷手段７から搬送されてくる記録用紙２を第２プラテン１８側に搬送可能な、ゴム等からなる回転可能な第２紙送りローラ２０が配設され、この第２紙送りローラ２０に所定の圧力で圧接すると共に、第２紙送りローラ２０の回転に追従して回転可能な第２圧接ローラ２１が配設されている。
【００２５】
そして、第２紙送りローラ２０を回転させて、第２紙送りローラ２０と第２圧接ローラ２１との間で、第１印刷手段７から搬送されてくる記録用紙２を圧接狭持して、記録用紙２を用紙搬送方向Ｅの下流側である第２印刷手段２６の外部に排出可能になっている。
【００２６】
また、第２印刷手段１７には、図示しない第２キャリッジが配設され、この第２キャリッジに第１印刷手段７で説明したリボンカセット１５が着脱可能になっている。
また、第２サーマルヘッド１９は、第１サーマルヘッド１４と同様に、複数のドット状の発熱素子が形成され、印刷制御部（図示せず）から送られてくる第１、または第２印刷情報に基づいて、前記発熱素子を選択的に発熱させることにより、インクリボン１６のインクを記録用紙２の他方の面に熱転写して所望の画像を印刷することができるようになっている。
【００２７】
このような本発明の両面印用プリンタの動作を、図１に基づいて説明すると、まず、給紙トレー３内部の可動板４の作用で、給紙ローラ５に記録用紙２が圧接した状態から、給紙ローラ５を矢印Ｆ方向に回転させて、給紙部１に収納されている最上部の記録用紙２を、用紙搬送方向Ｅの下流側に搬送する。
次に、給紙部１から送られる記録用紙２は、ガイド板６に案内されて、ガイド板６の下流側の第１印刷手段７に搬送される。すると、記録用紙２の先端部が、回転中の第１紙送りローラ９と圧接ローラ１０とに圧接狭持されて、第１紙送りローラ９の下流側の、第１プラテン８とヘッドアップ状態の第１サーマルヘッド１４の間に搬送される。
【００２８】
そして、第１紙送りローラ９の回転量を図示しない駆動制御部で制御することによって、記録用紙２の一方の面の印刷開始位置を、第１サーマルヘッド１４の発熱素子に位置させて、第１紙送りローラ９の回転を停止させる。
次に、第１サーマルヘッド１４をヘッドダウンさせ、記録用紙２とインクリボン１６を介して、第１サーマルヘッド１４を第１プラテン８に圧接し、記録用紙２の一方の面に印刷するための第１、または第２印刷情報に基づいて、第１サーマルヘッド１４の発熱素子を選択的に発熱させると共に、第１キャリッジ１１を第１プラテン８に沿って移動させて記録用紙２の一方の面に、１行、または複数行同時にインクリボン１６のインクを熱転写する動作と、第１サーマルヘッド１４をヘッドアップさせ、第１紙送りローラ９による改行動作とを繰り返して、記録用紙２の一方の面に第１、または第２印刷情報による画像を印刷する。
【００２９】
また、第１印刷手段７による印刷中の記録用紙２は、第１紙送りローラ９の改行動作で、用紙搬送方向Ｅの第１印刷手段７の下流側の第２印刷手段１７に搬送される。そして、第１印刷手段７で一方の面に印刷中の記録用紙２の先端部が、第２搬送機構２６の、第２紙送りローラ２０と第２圧接ローラ２１とに圧接狭持され、第２紙送りローラ２０回転で、記録用紙２が用紙搬送方向Ｅの下流側の第２プラテン１８とヘッドアップ状態の第２サーマルヘッド１９との間に搬送される。
【００３０】
次に、第２サーマルヘッド１９をヘッドダウンさせて、記録用紙２とインクリボン１６を介して第２サーマルヘッド１９を第２プラテン１８に圧接し、記録用紙２の他方の面に印刷するための第１、または第２印刷情報に基づいて第２サーマルヘッド１９の発熱素子を選択的に発熱させる。
そして、第２キャリッジ（図示せず）を第２プラテン１８に沿って移動させながら、記録用紙２の他方の面に、１行、または複数行同時にインクリボン１６のインクを熱転写する動作と、第２サーマルヘッド１９をヘッドアップさせて第２紙送りローラ２０を回転させて行う改行動作とで、記録用紙２の他方の面に、第１、または第２印刷情報の画像を印刷することにより、記録用紙２の一方と他方の両面に、所望の画像を印刷することができるようになっている。
【００３１】
このような本発明の両面印刷用プリンタにおいて、第１、第２印刷情報を第１、第２印刷手段７、１７のどちらで印刷するかを決定する方法を、図４に基づいて説明すると、第１印刷情報Ｍは、例えば記録用紙２の一方の面（Ａ面）に印刷するためのイメージデータが、記録用紙２の前端部２ａから所定寸法ｘの第１領域Ａ１と、記録用紙２の後端部２ｂから前記所定寸法ｘと同寸法の第２領域Ａ２とを有している。
【００３２】
また、第２印刷情報Ｎは、例えば記録用紙２の他方の面（Ｂ面）に印刷するためのイメージデータが、記録用紙２の前端部２ａから前記第１領域Ａ１の所定寸法ｘと同寸法の第３領域Ａ３と、記録用紙２の後端部２ｂから前記所定寸法ｘと同寸法の第４領域Ａ４とを有している。
また、本発明の両面印刷プリンタは、第１、第２、第３、及び第４領域Ａ１、Ａ２、Ａ３、Ａ４内のそれぞれにおいて、第１、第２印刷情報Ｍ、Ｎによって印刷される印刷面積の大きさ、または前記印刷面積を除いた余白面積の大きさを算出する算出手段（図示せず）を有している。
【００３３】
この算出手段で、第１、第２、第３、及び第４領域Ａ１、Ａ２、Ａ３、Ａ４の前記印刷面積、または前記余白面積の大きさを比較して、第１、または第２印刷情報Ｍ、Ｎを、第１、または第２印刷手段７、１７のどちらで印刷するかを決定して、第１、第２印刷情報Ｍ、Ｎを、記録用紙２のＡ面、Ｂ面に適正にレイアウトして印刷できるようになっている。
【００３４】
そして、本発明は、図３のフローに示すように算出手段（図示せず）で、第１と第３領域Ａ１、Ｂ１の印刷面積の大きさを比較し、例えば図４に示すように、印刷面積が第１領域Ａ１の方が第３領域Ｂ１より小さい場合は、印刷面積が小さい方の第１領域Ａ１を有する第１印刷情報Ｍを第１印刷手段７で先に印刷する。または、前記余白面積が第１領域Ａ１の方が第３領域Ｂ１より大きい場合は、余白面積が大きい方の第１領域Ａ１を有する第１印刷情報Ｍを第１印刷手段７で先に印刷する。
このように、印刷面積が第１領域Ａ１の方が第３領域Ｂ１より小さい場合、または余白面積が第１領域Ａ１の方が第３領域Ｂ１より大きい場合に、第１印刷情報Ｍを第１印刷手段７で先に記録用紙２に印刷することで、印刷面積の小さい第１領域Ａ１の印刷に要する時間を短くすることができ、記録用紙２の前端部２ａを下流側の第２印刷手段１７に短時間で速やかに搬送できる。そのために、記録用紙２の両面印刷に要するトータルの印刷時間を短縮できる。
【００３５】
また、図示は省略するが、印刷面積が第１領域Ａ１の方が第３領域Ｂ１より大きい場合、または余白面積が第１領域Ａ１の方が第３領域Ｂ１より小さい場合に、第２印刷情報Ｎを第１印刷手段７で先に記録用紙２に印刷しても良い。
即ち、前記算出手段で、同一面積の第１と第３領域Ａ１、Ｂ１の印刷面積、印刷面積を除いた余白面積の大きさを比較し、印刷面積の小さい方、または余白面積の大きい方を第１印刷手段７で印刷する。
【００３６】
また、図５に示す第２領域Ａ２と第４領域Ｂ２の印刷面積、またはこの印刷面積を除いた余白面積の大きさを前記算出手段で比較し、印刷面積が第２領域Ａ２より第４領域Ｂ２の方が大きい場合には、印刷面積の大きい第４領域Ｂ２を有する第２印刷情報Ｎを第１印刷手段７で先に印刷するようにしても良い。
または、前記余白面積が第２領域Ａ２の方が第４領域Ｂ２より小さい場合は、余白面積が小さい方の第１領域Ａ１を有する図５に示す第１印刷情報Ｍを第１印刷手段７で先に印刷する。
または、図示は省略するが、印刷面積が第２領域Ａ２より第４領域Ｂ２の方が小さい場合、または、余白面積が第２領域Ａ２より第４領域Ｂ２の方が大きい場合には、第２領域Ａ２の印刷面積が大きい、または第２領域Ａ２の余白面積が小さい第１印刷情報Ｍを第１印刷手段７で先に印刷するようにしても良い。
【００３７】
即ち、前記算出手段で、第２と第４領域Ａ２、Ｂ２の印刷面積、股ｈ印刷面積を除いた余白面積の大きさを比較し、印刷面積の大きい方、または余白面積の小さい方を第１印刷手段７で印刷するようにしている。
このような第２と第４領域Ａ２、Ｂ２の印刷面積の大きさ、または余白面積を比較し、印刷面積の大きい方、または余白面積の小さい方を第１印刷手段７で先に印刷することで、第２印刷手段１７で印刷する方が、記録用紙の後端部からの印刷面積が小さいので、第２印刷手段１７での印刷時間を短縮することができ、両面印刷に要するトータルの印刷時間を短縮できる。
【００３８】
また、これまで説明した方法では、例えば第１第２印刷情報Ｍ、Ｎが、図７に示すような、第１と第３領域Ａ１、Ｂ１の印刷面積は、第１領域Ａ１の方が小さく、第２と第４領域Ａ２、Ｂ２の印刷面積は、第２領域Ａ２の方が小さいような場合には、第１、第２印刷情報Ｍ、Ｎのどちらを先に第１印刷手段で印刷すべきか決定できない。
このような不具合を解消するために、本発明では、例えば図６に示すように、第１領域Ａ１と第４領域Ｂ２の印刷面積を加算して第１印刷加算面積とし、第２領域Ａ２と第３領域Ｂ１の印刷面積を加算して第２印刷加算面積とし、第１印刷加算面積が第２印刷加算面積より小さい場合は、図６に示す第１印刷情報Ｍを第１印刷手段７で先に印刷し、図７に示すように、第１印刷加算面積が第２印刷加算目積より大きい場合は、図７に示す第２印刷情報Ｎを第１印刷手段７で印刷しても良い。
【００３９】
また、第１領域Ａ１と第４領域Ｂ２の余白面積を加算して第１余白加算面積とし、第２領域Ａ２と第３領域Ｂ１の余白面積を加算して第２余白加算面積とし、前記第１余白加算面積が前記第２余白加算面積より大きい場合は、図６に示す第１印刷情報Ｍを第１印刷手段７で印刷し、図７に示すように、前記第１余白加算面積が前記第２余白加算面積より小さい場合は、図７に示す第２印刷情報Ｎを第１印刷手段７で印刷するようにしても良い。
【００４０】
前記第１印刷加算面積が第２印刷加算面積より小さい場合の第１印刷情報Ｍを、第１印刷手段７で先に印刷することで、第１領域Ａ１の印刷面積に対応して、第１領域Ａ１の印刷に要する時間を短かくでき、下流側の第２印刷手段１７に記録用紙２を速やかに短時間で搬送でき、または、第４領域Ｂ２の印刷面積の大きさに対応して、第２印刷情報Ｎを第２印刷手段１７で印刷する時間を短縮することができる。そのために、記録用紙２のＡ面、Ｂ面に両面印刷する時間を短縮することができる。
【００４１】
【発明の効果】
以上述べたように、本発明の両面印刷用プリンタは、前記第１、第２、第３、第３及び第４領域内のそれぞれにおいて、前記第１、第２印刷情報によって印刷される印刷面積、または前記印刷面積を除いた余白面積大きさを算出する算出手段を有し、この算出手段で前記それぞれの印刷面積、または余白面積の大きさを比較して、第１、または第２印刷情報を第１、または第２印刷手段のどちらで印刷するかを決定するようにしたので、両面印刷に要する印刷時間を短縮することが可能な両面印刷用プリンタを提供できる。
【００４２】
また、前記算出手段で前記第１と前記第３領域の前記印刷面積、または前記余白面積の大きさを比較し、前記印刷面積の小さい方、または前記余白面積の大きい方を前記第１印刷手段で印刷するようにしたので、第１印刷手段で印刷する印刷面積の小さい方を短時間に印刷して、下流側の第２印刷手段に速やかに短時間で記録用紙を搬送することができる。そのために、両面印刷に要するトータルの印刷時間を短縮することができる。
【００４３】
また、前記印刷面積検出手段で前記第２と第４領域の前記印刷面積、股ｈ前記余白面積の大きさを比較し、前記印刷面積の大きい方、または前記余白面積の小さい方を前記第１印刷手段で印刷するようにしたので、余印刷面積が小さい方を第２印刷手段で印刷するようになり、第１印刷手段の後に印刷する第２印刷手段の印刷時間短時間にすることができ、両面印刷に要するトータルの印刷時間を短縮できる。
【００４４】
また、第１印刷加算面積が第２印刷加算面積より小さい場合は、前記第１印刷情報を前記第１印刷手段で印刷し、第１印刷加算面積が第２印刷加算面積より大きい場合は、前記第２印刷情報を前記第１印刷手段で印刷するようにしたので、両面印刷に要するトータルの印刷時間を短縮できる両面印刷用プリンタを提供できる。
【００４５】
また、第１余白加算面積が第２印刷加算面積より大きい場合は、前記第１印刷情報を前記第１印刷手段で印刷し、第１余白加算面積が第２余白加算面積より小さい場合は、前記第２印刷情報を前記第１印刷手段で印刷するようにしたので、両面印刷に要するトータルの印刷時間を短縮できる両面印刷用プリンタを提供できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の両面印刷用プリンタの概略構造を説明する図である。
【図２】本発明に係わる第１印刷手段の概略斜視図である。
【図３】本発明に係わる印刷面積を比較するフローを示す図である。
【図４】本発明に係わる第１、第２印刷情報を印刷した時のイメージ図である。
【図５】本発明に係わる第１、第２印刷情報を印刷した時のイメージ図である。
【図６】本発明に係わる第１、第２印刷情報を印刷した時のイメージ図である。
【図７】本発明に係わる第１、第２印刷情報を印刷した時のイメージ図である。
【図８】従来の両面印刷用プリンタの概略構造を説明する図である。
【図９】従来の両面印刷用プリンタの印刷情報を印刷した時のイメージ図である。
【符号の説明】
１給紙部
２記録用紙
３給紙トレー
４可動板
４ａ支持部
５給紙ローラ
６ガイド板
７第１印刷手段
８第１プラテン
８ａ印字面
９第１紙送りローラ
１０第１圧接ローラ
１１愛１キャリッジ
１１ａカッセト装着面
１１ｂボビン
１４第１サーマルヘッド
１５リボンカセット
１７第２印刷手段
１８第２プラテン
１９第２サーマルヘッド
２０第２紙送りローラ
２１第２圧接ローラ
Ａ１第１領域
Ａ２第２領域
Ｂ１第３領域
Ｂ２第４領域[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a double-sided printer, and more particularly to a double-sided printer that can reduce the time required for double-sided printing of recording paper.
[0002]
The conventional double-sided printer 8 As shown, a plurality of recording papers 2 are stored in the paper feed tray 40. The sheet 2 is elastically biased from the bottom of the sheet feed tray 40 to the upper sheet feed roller 42, and the uppermost recording sheet 2 is in pressure contact with the sheet feed roller 42.
Then, the recording paper 2 in the paper feed tray 41 can be transported to the first printing means 43 on the downstream side in the paper transport direction G by rotating the paper feed roller 42 in the clockwise direction that is the arrow direction. Yes.
The first printing means 43 is capable of printing on, for example, one side of the recording paper 2, and the second printing is possible on the other side of the recording paper 2 on the downstream side of the first printing means 43. Printing means 46 is arranged.
[0003]
In the first printing means 43, a flat platen 44 is arranged on the other side of the recording paper 2 fed by the paper feed roller 42 on the lower side in the figure, and on the upper side in the figure facing the platen 44, On one surface side of the recording paper 2, a thermal head 45 that can move toward and away from the platen 44 is disposed so as to be movable in the direction of arrow H.
The thermal head 45 has a plurality of dot-like heating elements, and selectively heats the heating elements based on printing information sent from a print control unit (not shown).
A rotatable first paper feed roller 49 and a first pressure roller 50 are disposed in a pressure contact state on the downstream side of the first printing unit 43 in the paper conveyance direction.
[0004]
The second printing unit 46 disposed on the downstream side of the first paper feed roller 49 in the paper transport direction G is on one side of the recording paper 2 fed by the first paper feed roller 49. A platen 47 is disposed above, and on the other surface side of the recording paper 2 facing the platen 47, the same as the thermal head 45 of the first printing means 43 that can contact and separate from the platen 47. The thermal head 48 having the configuration is disposed so as to be movable in the arrow H direction.
A rotatable second paper feed roller 51 and a second pressure roller 52 are disposed in a pressure contact state on the downstream side of the second printing unit 46 in the paper conveyance direction. The second paper feed roller 51 is made of the same material and shape as the first paper feed roller 49 of the first printing means 43.
[0005]
The double-sided printing operation on the paper 41 by such a conventional double-sided printer will be described. First, the recording paper 2 in the paper feed tray 40 is elastically biased from below to press against the paper feed roller 42.
From this state, the sheet feeding roller 42 is rotated in the clockwise direction indicated by the arrow, and the recording sheet 2 is conveyed in the sheet conveying direction G.
Then, the recording paper 2 is passed between the platen 44 and the thermal head 45 of the first printing means 43 in the separated state, and the front end portion of the recording paper 2 is moved by the first paper feed roller 49 and the first pressure roller 50. Hold in pressure contact.
When the recording paper 2 is plain paper, ink ribbons (not shown) are respectively disposed between the thermal heads 45 and 48 of the first and second printing means 43 and 46 and the recording paper 2. It is like that.
Then, in the first printing means 43, the thermal head 45 is moved to the platen 44 side so as to come into pressure contact with the platen 44, and based on the first print information sent from the print control unit (not shown), the thermal head 45 is moved. The heat generating element is selectively heated, and ink on an ink ribbon (not shown) is thermally transferred to one surface of the recording paper 2 to print a desired image.
[0006]
Simultaneously with the printing operation on one side of the recording paper 2 by the first printing means 43, the paper feed roller 49 is rotated in the clockwise direction so that the recording paper 2 printed on one side is downstream in the paper transport direction. To the second printing means 46 on the side.
Then, the leading end of the recording paper 2 on which the image is printed on one side is held in pressure contact with the paper feed roller 51 and the pressure roller 52.
In this state, in the second printing means 46, the thermal head 48 is moved to the platen 47 side so as to come into pressure contact with the platen 47, and based on the second print information sent from the printing control unit (not shown), The 48 heating elements are selectively heated, and ink on an ink ribbon (not shown) is thermally transferred to the other surface of the recording paper 2 to print a desired image.
[0007]
Such a conventional double-sided printer has first and second print information for printing on one side and the other side of the recording paper 2, and the recording paper is based on the first and second printing information. The first and second printing means 43 and 46 are used for printing on both sides.
As shown in FIG. 9, for example, the first print information for printing on side A which is one side of the recording paper 2 is, for example, the first margin Y1 having a predetermined area from the front end 2 a of the recording paper 2. The second print information for printing on the B side, which is the other side, has a second margin Y2 having a larger area than the first margin Y1 from the front end 2a.
[0008]
Such a conventional double-sided printer, for example, prints first print information with the first printing means 43 and prints second print information with the second printing means 46 so that images can be simultaneously printed on both sides of the recording paper 2. Printing was possible and printing efficiency was good.
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional printer as described above, for example, the first print information having the first margin Y1 with a small area shown in FIG. 9A is printed by the first printing unit 43, and the first print information with a large area shown in FIG. The printing order of the first and second print information is fixed so that the second print information having the two margins Y2 is printed by the second printing unit.
For this reason, it takes time for the printing start line on the B side of the recording paper 2 on which the first printing information 43 is being printed by the first printing unit 43 to be sent to the thermal head 48 of the second printing unit 46. There is a problem that the total time required for double-sided printing on the B side becomes long.
[0010]
That is, even when the area of the second margin Y2 is larger than the first margin Y1, the first printing information is printed by the first printing unit 43 during the time when the second printing information is printed by the second printing unit 46. The total time required for double-sided printing of the recording paper 2 is long regardless of the size of the margin area.
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and printing the first and second print information within a predetermined dimension from the front end portion or the rear end portion of the recording paper when printing on the recording paper. A printer for double-sided printing capable of reducing the total time required for double-sided printing by determining whether the first or second printing information is printed by the first or second printing means depending on the size of the printing area to be printed The purpose is to provide.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
As a first solving means for solving the above problem, a first printing means capable of printing on one side of a recording paper, and a first printing means capable of printing on the other side of the recording paper and in the conveying direction of the recording paper. Second printing means disposed downstream of one printing means When, Recording paper One For printing on both sides Based on the first and second print information, The first print information In A first area of a predetermined dimension from the front edge of the recording paper And The second print information In A third area of a predetermined dimension from the front edge of the recording paper Within 2 areas with area Calculating means for calculating the size of the print area printed by the first and second print information, or the size of the margin area excluding the print area When The calculation means compares the print area of the first and third regions, or the size of the margin area, and determines the smaller print area or the larger margin area as the first area. The configuration is such that printing is performed by printing means.
[0012]
in front As a second solution to solve the problem, A first printing means capable of printing on one side of the recording paper, and a second printing disposed on the downstream side of the first printing means in the transport direction of the recording paper and capable of printing on the other side of the recording paper. And a second region having a predetermined size from the rear end portion of the recording paper in the first printing information based on the first and second printing information for printing on one and both sides of the recording paper, respectively. , The size of the print area printed by the first and second print information in each of the two areas from the rear end of the recording paper to the fourth area of a predetermined size in the second print information, or Calculating means for calculating the size of the margin area excluding the print area, and this The calculation means compares the print area of the second and fourth regions or the size of the margin area, and prints the larger print area or the smaller margin area by the first printing means. The configuration was
[0013]
in front As a third solving means for solving the problem, the first printing means capable of printing on one side of the recording paper, and the first printing means capable of printing on the other side of the recording paper and in the conveying direction of the recording paper. Second printing means disposed downstream of one printing means When, Recording paper One First and second printing information for printing on both sides Based on the first print information A first area having a predetermined dimension from the front end of the recording paper ,as well as, A second area having a predetermined dimension from the rear end of the recording paper And in the second print information A third area having a predetermined dimension from the front end of the recording paper ,as well as, A fourth region having a predetermined dimension from the rear end of the recording paper; And calculating means for calculating the size of the print area printed by the first and second print information, respectively. Adding the print areas of the first region and the fourth region to obtain a first print addition area; adding the print areas of the second region and the third region to obtain a second print addition area; When the one print addition area is smaller than the second print addition area, the first print information is printed by the first printing unit, and when the first print addition area is larger than the second print addition area, The second print information is printed by the first printing means.
[0014]
in front As a fourth solving means for solving the problem, the first printing means capable of printing on one side of the recording paper, and the first printing means capable of printing on the other side of the recording paper and in the conveying direction of the recording paper. Second printing means disposed downstream of one printing means When, Recording paper One For printing on both sides Based on the first and second print information, the first print information A first area having a predetermined dimension from the front end of the recording paper ,as well as, A second area having a predetermined dimension from the rear end of the recording paper And in the second print information A third area having a predetermined dimension from the front end of the recording paper ,as well as, A fourth region having a predetermined dimension from the rear end of the recording paper; And calculating means for calculating the size of the margin area excluding the print area printed by the first and second print information. The margin areas of the first area and the fourth area are added to form a first margin addition area, the margin areas of the second area and the third area are added to form a second margin addition area, When the first margin addition area is larger than the second margin addition area, the first print information is printed by the first printing unit, and when the first margin addition area is smaller than the second margin addition area, The second print information is printed by the first printing means.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a double-sided printer according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1. First, a paper feeding unit 1 is disposed on the lower side of the drawing. The paper feed unit 1 has a box-shaped paper feed tray 3 capable of storing a plurality of large-size recording papers 2 such as A4 size, for example. A movable plate 4 is provided in which the front side on the right side of the figure is rotatable up and down with 4a as a fulcrum.
[0017]
A part of the recording paper 2 near the front end is placed on the movable plate 4. Further, an elastic member (not shown) is disposed on the front side of the movable plate 4 on the right side in the drawing, and an urging force is applied to the movable plate 4 to push it upward in the direction of the arrow D by the action of the elastic member. ing.
Further, a paper feed roller 5 that is rotatable in the counterclockwise arrow F direction is disposed above the front end of the movable plate 4. The feed roller 5 is elastically brought into contact with the front end portion of the recording paper 2 on the movable plate 4 by the upward rotation of the movable plate 4 with the support portion 4a as a fulcrum.
[0018]
In order to convey the recording sheet 2 stored in the sheet feeding unit 1 in the sheet conveying direction E, when the sheet feeding roller 5 is rotated in the direction of arrow F, the uppermost recording sheet 2 is moved to the lower recording sheet. The paper is separated from the paper 2 and discharged from the paper feed tray 3, and is transported downstream in the paper transport direction E.
A plate for guiding the recording paper 2 sent to the first and second printing means 7 and 17 to be described later on the downstream side in the paper transport direction E of the recording paper 2 transported from the paper feeding unit 1. A guide plate 6 is disposed. The guide plate 6 is curved as shown in FIG. 1 and changes the direction of the recording paper 2 sent from the paper supply unit 1 upward in the substantially perpendicular direction to the downstream side of the guide plate 6. Guide is provided to the first printing means 7 provided.
The first printing means 7 can print a desired image on one surface of the recording paper 2, for example, the front surface side.
[0019]
The first printing means 7 is provided with a flat plate-like first platen 8 made of rubber or the like on the right side of the recording paper 2 which is turned upward in the figure by the guide plate 6 shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, the first platen 8 is disposed such that the printing surface 8a is substantially vertical. Also, below the first platen 8, there is a first paper feed roller 9 capable of conveying the recording paper 2 conveyed from the paper supply unit 1 between the first platen 8 and a first thermal head 14 described later. It is arranged.
[0020]
The first paper feed roller 9 has a rotatable long rotary shaft 9a, and is formed on the rotary shaft 9a with a predetermined diameter in a cylindrical shape by a plurality of rubbers or the like. A roller 9 is integrated and attached.
The first paper feed roller 9 is provided with a first pressure contact roller 10 that is pressed by a predetermined pressure and that can rotate following the rotation of the first paper feed roller 9. The first pressure roller 10 is rotatably held by a roller holding member (not shown), and is independently elastically urged by the first paper feed roller 9 so as to be in pressure contact.
Then, the first paper feed roller 9 is rotated so that the recording paper 2 conveyed from the paper supply unit 1 has a predetermined holding force between the first paper feed roller 9 and the first pressure roller 10. The recording paper 2 can be conveyed to the first platen 8 on the downstream side of the first paper feed roller 9 in the paper conveyance direction E.
[0021]
A first carriage 11 is disposed on the side facing the first platen 8, and the first carriage 11 is pivotally supported by a rod-shaped guide shaft 12.
The first carriage 11 is attached to an appropriate drive belt 13 stretched between a pair of pulleys (not shown), and the drive belt 13 is driven by a drive means (not shown) such as a stepping motor to guide the shaft. 12 can freely reciprocate along.
Further, a first thermal head 14 that can be brought into contact with and separated from the first platen 8 is attached to the first carriage 11 at a position facing the first platen 8. The first thermal head 14 has a plurality of dot-like heating elements (not shown), and is based on the first or second print information sent from a print control unit (not shown). A heat generating element is selectively heated, and ink of an ink ribbon 16 described later is thermally transferred to one surface of the recording paper 2 to print a desired image.
[0022]
In addition, a pair of rotatable bobbins 11b and 11b spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance are formed on the upper surface of the first carriage 11 in the vicinity of the central portion of the cassette mounting surface 11a.
The ribbon cassette 15 is detachable from the cassette mounting surface 11a of the first carriage 11. The ribbon cassette 15 has a pair of hole-shaped reels 15a and 15a with which a pair of bobbins 11b and 11b can be engaged. A heat-meltable ink of a predetermined color is applied to the pair of reels 15a and 15a. The ink ribbon 16 thus wound is wound.
Such a first printing means 7 is integrated by attaching ends of a first platen 8, a first paper feed roller 9, a guide shaft 12 and the like to a frame (not shown).
[0023]
Further, on the downstream side of the first printing means 7 in the paper transport direction E shown in FIG. 1, the second printing means 17 capable of printing a desired image on the other side of the recording paper 2, for example, the back side is arranged. It is installed.
Since the second printing unit 17 has the same components as the first printing unit 7 shown in FIG. 2 and is disposed on the opposite side, detailed description thereof will be omitted.
As shown in FIG. 1, the second printing unit 17 has a second platen 18 disposed on the left side of the recording paper 2 conveyed from the first printing unit 7, and the side facing the second platen 18. In addition, a second thermal head 19 that can be moved toward and away from the second platen 18 is attached to a second carriage (not shown) that can reciprocate along the second platen 18.
[0024]
Further, below the second platen 18 in the figure, there is a rotatable second paper feed roller 20 made of rubber or the like capable of conveying the recording paper 2 conveyed from the first printing means 7 to the second platen 18 side. A second pressure contact roller 21 is provided that is in pressure contact with the second paper feed roller 20 with a predetermined pressure and that can rotate following the rotation of the second paper feed roller 20.
[0025]
Then, the second paper feed roller 20 is rotated so that the recording paper 2 conveyed from the first printing means 7 is pressed and sandwiched between the second paper feed roller 20 and the second pressure roller 21. The recording paper 2 can be discharged to the outside of the second printing means 26 that is downstream in the paper transport direction E.
[0026]
The second printing unit 17 is provided with a second carriage (not shown), and the ribbon cassette 15 described in the first printing unit 7 can be attached to and detached from the second carriage.
The second thermal head 19 has a plurality of dot-like heating elements formed in the same manner as the first thermal head 14, and the first or second print information sent from a print control unit (not shown). On the basis of the above, the heat generating element is selectively heated to thermally transfer the ink of the ink ribbon 16 to the other surface of the recording paper 2 so that a desired image can be printed.
[0027]
The operation of the double-sided marking printer of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1. First, the recording paper 2 is pressed against the paper feed roller 5 by the action of the movable plate 4 inside the paper feed tray 3. Then, the sheet feeding roller 5 is rotated in the direction of arrow F, and the uppermost recording sheet 2 stored in the sheet feeding unit 1 is conveyed downstream in the sheet conveying direction E.
Next, the recording paper 2 sent from the paper supply unit 1 is guided by the guide plate 6 and conveyed to the first printing means 7 on the downstream side of the guide plate 6. Then, the leading end portion of the recording paper 2 is held in pressure contact with the rotating first paper feed roller 9 and the pressure contact roller 10, and the first platen 8 on the downstream side of the first paper feed roller 9 and the head-up state. The first thermal head 14 is conveyed.
[0028]
Then, by controlling the amount of rotation of the first paper feed roller 9 by a drive control unit (not shown), the print start position of one surface of the recording paper 2 is positioned at the heating element of the first thermal head 14, and The rotation of the single paper feed roller 9 is stopped.
Next, the first thermal head 14 is lowered, the first thermal head 14 is pressed against the first platen 8 via the recording paper 2 and the ink ribbon 16, and printing is performed on one surface of the recording paper 2. Based on the first or second print information, the heat generating element of the first thermal head 14 is selectively heated, and the first carriage 11 is moved along the first platen 8 so that one surface of the recording paper 2 is moved. In addition, the operation of transferring the ink on the ink ribbon 16 by one line or a plurality of lines at the same time and the first thermal head 14 head up and the line feed operation by the first paper feed roller 9 are repeated, An image based on the first or second print information is printed on the surface.
[0029]
The recording paper 2 being printed by the first printing means 7 is conveyed to the second printing means 17 on the downstream side of the first printing means 7 in the paper conveyance direction E by the line feed operation of the first paper feed roller 9. . Then, the leading end of the recording paper 2 that is being printed on one surface by the first printing means 7 is pressed and sandwiched between the second paper feed roller 20 and the second pressure roller 21 of the second transport mechanism 26, The recording paper 2 is transported between the second platen 18 on the downstream side in the paper transport direction E and the second thermal head 19 in the head-up state by rotating the two paper feed rollers 20.
[0030]
Next, the second thermal head 19 is lowered and the second thermal head 19 is pressed against the second platen 18 via the recording paper 2 and the ink ribbon 16 to print on the other surface of the recording paper 2. Based on the first or second print information, the heating elements of the second thermal head 19 are selectively heated.
Then, while moving the second carriage (not shown) along the second platen 18, the operation of thermally transferring the ink on the ink ribbon 16 to the other surface of the recording paper 2 simultaneously on one or more lines, 2 By printing an image of the first or second print information on the other surface of the recording paper 2 by a line feed operation performed by raising the thermal head 19 and rotating the second paper feed roller 20, A desired image can be printed on one side and the other side of the recording paper 2.
[0031]
In the printer for double-sided printing according to the present invention, a method for determining which of the first and second printing information is printed by the first and second printing means 7 and 17 will be described with reference to FIG. The first print information M includes, for example, image data for printing on one surface (A surface) of the recording paper 2, the first area A 1 having a predetermined dimension x from the front end 2 a of the recording paper 2, and the recording paper 2. A rear region 2b has a second area A2 having the same dimension as the predetermined dimension x.
[0032]
The second print information N includes, for example, image data for printing on the other side (B side) of the recording paper 2 having the same size as the predetermined dimension x of the first area A1 from the front end 2a of the recording paper 2. The third area A3 and the fourth area A4 having the same dimension as the predetermined dimension x from the rear end 2b of the recording paper 2 are provided.
In addition, the duplex printer of the present invention prints the first and second print information M and N printed in the first, second, third, and fourth areas A1, A2, A3, and A4, respectively. Calculation means (not shown) for calculating the size of the area or the size of the margin area excluding the printing area is provided.
[0033]
This calculation means compares the print area of the first, second, third, and fourth regions A1, A2, A3, A4 or the size of the margin area to determine the first or second print information. Decide whether to print M and N by the first or second printing means 7 and 17, and set the first and second printing information M and N to the A and B sides of the recording paper 2. Can be laid out and printed.
[0034]
And this invention compares the magnitude | size of the printing area of 1st and 3rd area | region A1, B1 with a calculation means (not shown) as shown to the flow of FIG. 3, for example, as shown in FIG. When the first area A1 is smaller than the third area B1, the first printing information M including the first area A1 having the smaller printing area is printed by the first printing unit 7 first. Alternatively, if the margin area is larger in the first area A1 than the third area B1, the first printing information M having the first area A1 having the larger margin area is printed by the first printing means 7 first. .
As described above, when the first area A1 is smaller than the third area B1, or when the margin area is larger than the third area B1, the first print information M is stored in the first area A1. By printing on the recording paper 2 first by the printing means 7, the time required for printing the first area A1 having a small printing area can be shortened, and the front end portion 2a of the recording paper 2 is moved to the downstream second printing means. 17 can be conveyed quickly in a short time. Therefore, the total printing time required for double-sided printing of the recording paper 2 can be shortened.
[0035]
Although not shown, the second print information is printed when the first area A1 is larger than the third area B1 or when the margin area is smaller than the third area B1. N may be printed on the recording paper 2 by the first printing means 7 first.
That is, the calculation means compares the print area of the first and third regions A1 and B1 having the same area and the size of the blank area excluding the print area, and determines the smaller print area or the larger blank area. Printing is performed by the first printing means 7.
[0036]
Further, the print area of the second area A2 and the fourth area B2 shown in FIG. 5 or the size of the margin area excluding this print area is compared by the calculation means, and the print area is larger than that of the second area A2. If B2 is larger, the second printing information N having the fourth area B2 having a larger printing area may be printed first by the first printing means 7.
Alternatively, when the margin area is smaller in the second area A2 than in the fourth area B2, the first printing means 7 has the first printing information M shown in FIG. 5 having the first area A1 having the smaller margin area. Print first.
Alternatively, although not shown, if the printing area is smaller in the fourth area B2 than the second area A2, or if the margin area is larger in the fourth area B2 than the second area A2, the second area The first printing information M may be printed first by the first printing information M having a large printing area in the area A2 or a small margin area in the second area A2.
[0037]
That is, the calculation means compares the size of the blank area excluding the print area and the crotch h print area of the second and fourth regions A2 and B2, and determines the larger print area or the smaller blank area. Printing is performed by one printing means 7.
The size of the printing area or the blank area of the second and fourth regions A2 and B2 is compared, and the first printing means 7 prints the larger printing area or the smaller blank area first. Thus, the printing by the second printing unit 17 has a smaller printing area from the rear end of the recording paper, so the printing time by the second printing unit 17 can be shortened, and the total printing required for duplex printing. You can save time.
[0038]
Further, in the method described so far, for example, the first and second print information M and N have smaller print areas in the first and third regions A1 and B1, as shown in FIG. 7, in the first region A1. When the printing area of the second and fourth areas A2 and B2 is smaller in the second area A2, whichever of the first and second printing information M and N is printed first by the first printing means I can't decide what to do.
In order to solve such a problem, in the present invention, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, the print areas of the first area A1 and the fourth area B2 are added to form a first print addition area, and the second area A2 When the first print addition area is smaller than the second print addition area by adding the print areas of the third region B1, the first print information M shown in FIG. When the first print addition area is larger than the second print addition area as shown in FIG. 7, the second print information N shown in FIG. .
[0039]
In addition, the margin areas of the first area A1 and the fourth area B2 are added to obtain a first margin addition area, and the margin areas of the second area A2 and the third area B1 are added to obtain a second margin addition area. If the one margin addition area is larger than the second margin addition area, the first printing information M shown in FIG. 6 is printed by the first printing means 7, and as shown in FIG. If it is smaller than the second margin addition area, the second printing information N shown in FIG. 7 may be printed by the first printing means 7.
[0040]
The first print information M when the first print addition area is smaller than the second print addition area is printed by the first printing means 7 first, so that the first print information M corresponds to the print area of the first region A1. The time required for printing the area A1 can be shortened, the recording paper 2 can be transported to the second printing means 17 on the downstream side in a short time, or in correspondence with the size of the printing area of the fourth area B2, The time for printing the second print information N by the second printing means 17 can be shortened. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the time required for duplex printing on the A and B sides of the recording paper 2.
[0041]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the double-sided printer of the present invention has a printing area printed by the first and second print information in each of the first, second, third, third and fourth regions. Or a calculating means for calculating a margin area size excluding the printing area, and the calculating means compares the respective printing areas or the sizes of the margin areas to obtain the first or second printing information. Since it is determined whether the first or second printing means is used for printing, it is possible to provide a printer for double-sided printing that can shorten the printing time required for double-sided printing.
[0042]
Further, the calculation means compares the print area of the first and third regions or the size of the margin area, and the smaller one of the print area or the larger margin area is the first print means. Thus, the smaller printing area printed by the first printing means can be printed in a short time, and the recording paper can be conveyed quickly to the second printing means on the downstream side in a short time. Therefore, the total printing time required for double-sided printing can be shortened.
[0043]
Further, the printing area detecting means compares the printing area of the second and fourth regions and the size of the margin area, and the one with the larger printing area or the one with the smaller margin area is compared with the first one. Since printing is performed by the printing unit, the smaller printing area can be printed by the second printing unit, and the printing time of the second printing unit that prints after the first printing unit can be shortened. The total printing time required for duplex printing can be shortened.
[0044]
Further, when the first print addition area is smaller than the second print addition area, the first print information is printed by the first printing unit, and when the first print addition area is larger than the second print addition area, Since the second printing information is printed by the first printing means, it is possible to provide a duplex printing printer that can reduce the total printing time required for duplex printing.
[0045]
Further, when the first margin addition area is larger than the second print addition area, the first print information is printed by the first printing unit, and when the first margin addition area is smaller than the second margin addition area, Since the second printing information is printed by the first printing means, it is possible to provide a duplex printing printer that can reduce the total printing time required for duplex printing.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic structure of a double-sided printer according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of first printing means according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a flow for comparing print areas according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an image diagram when first and second print information according to the present invention is printed.
FIG. 5 is an image diagram when the first and second print information according to the present invention is printed.
FIG. 6 is an image diagram when the first and second print information according to the present invention is printed.
FIG. 7 is an image diagram when the first and second print information according to the present invention is printed.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a schematic structure of a conventional double-sided printer.
FIG. 9 is an image diagram when printing information of a conventional duplex printer is printed.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Paper feeder
2 Recording paper
3 Paper tray
4 Movable plate
4a Support part
5 Paper feed roller
6 Guide plate
7 First printing means
8 1st platen
8a Printing surface
9 First paper feed roller
10 First pressure roller
11 Love 1 Carriage
11a Cassette wearing surface
11b Bobbin
14 First thermal head
15 Ribbon cassette
17 Second printing means
18 Second platen
19 Second thermal head
20 Second paper feed roller
21 Second pressure roller
A1 1st area
A2 Second area
B1 3rd area
B2 4th area

Claims

A first printing means capable of printing on one side of the recording paper, and a second printing disposed on the downstream side of the first printing means in the transport direction of the recording paper and capable of printing on the other side of the recording paper. the means and, for printing each hand and the other two sides of the recording sheet 1, based on the second print information, the first area having a predetermined size from the front end of the recording sheet in the first print information When, in each of the 2 regions of the third area of a predetermined size from the front end of the recording sheet in the second print information, the first, the size of the print area to be printed by the second print information, or wherein and a calculation means for calculating the amount of space area excluding the printing area, the printing area of the first and the third region in this calculation means or comparing the magnitude of the margin area, the The smaller print area or the margin area Duplex printing for a printer, wherein the heard how it has to be printed by said first printing means.

A first printing means capable of printing on one side of the recording paper, and a second printing disposed on the downstream side of the first printing means in the transport direction of the recording paper and capable of printing on the other side of the recording paper. And a second region having a predetermined size from the rear end portion of the recording paper in the first printing information based on the first and second printing information for printing on one and both sides of the recording paper, respectively. , The size of the print area printed by the first and second print information in each of the two areas from the rear end of the recording paper to the fourth area of a predetermined size in the second print information, or Calculating means for calculating the size of the margin area excluding the print area, and the calculation means compares the print area of the second and fourth regions, or the size of the margin area, and the print area. Is larger or the margin area is smaller Both sides printing printer you characterized in that so as to print in the first printing means towards.

A first printing means capable of printing on one side of the recording paper, and a second printing disposed on the downstream side of the first printing means in the transport direction of the recording paper and capable of printing on the other side of the recording paper. means and said first to print each hand and the other two sides of the recording paper, based on the second print information, a first region of a predetermined dimension from the front end of the recording sheet in the first print information, and, wherein the trailing end of the recording sheet and the second region of a predetermined size, the third region of the predetermined dimension from the front end of the recording sheet in the second print information, and a predetermined dimension from the rear end of the recording sheet Calculating means for calculating the size of the print area printed by the first and second print information in each of the four areas including the first area and the fourth area. Add the print area of the fourth area and add the first print If the print area of the second area and the third area is added to obtain a second print addition area, and the first print addition area is smaller than the second print addition area, the first print information Is printed by the first printing means, and when the first print addition area is larger than the second print addition area, the second print information is printed by the first printing means. Printer for duplex printing.

A first printing means capable of printing on one side of the recording paper, and a second printing disposed on the downstream side of the first printing means in the transport direction of the recording paper and capable of printing on the other side of the recording paper. means and said first to print each hand and the other two sides of the recording paper, based on the second print information, a first region of a predetermined dimension from the front end of the recording sheet in the first print information, and, wherein the trailing end of the recording sheet and the second region of a predetermined size, the third region of the predetermined dimension from the front end of the recording sheet in the second print information, and a predetermined dimension from the rear end of the recording sheet And calculating means for calculating the size of the margin area excluding the print area printed by the first and second print information in each of the four areas including the fourth area. Add the margin areas of the first area and the fourth area The first margin addition area, and adding the margin areas of the second region and the third region to obtain a second margin addition area, and when the first margin addition area is larger than the second margin addition area, The first print information is printed by the first printing means, and when the first margin addition area is smaller than the second margin addition area, the second print information is printed by the first printing means. A printer for double-sided printing.