JP4547069B2 - Printing device - Google Patents

Description

【００８３】
ここで、穿孔用エネルギー調整手段およびその制御について、上表１を併用しながら説明する。
この穿孔用エネルギー調整手段は、例えば特許第２７５６２１９号公報（特開平６−３２０８５１号公報）に記載されている基本的な技術事項と同様である。
すなわち、本実施形態１の孔版印刷装置１００を含め孔版印刷装置においては、印刷画像濃度はマスタ８の穿孔部分から滲み出るインキの量により決定される。
マスタ８の穿孔部分から滲み出るインキ量は、マスタ８に形成された穿孔パターンを構成する個々の微小な穿孔の開孔面積に比例的である。
【００８４】
したがって、用紙３９の表面平滑性が悪く、例えば図５に示すような表面平滑性の悪い用紙３９Ｂを用いた場合であって、繊維の隆起部のみにインキが定着してしまいインキが均一に用紙３８Ｂ上に転移・塗布されずにベタ埋まりの悪い印刷画像になってしまう場合や、用紙３９がインキ浸透性に優れ、用紙３９の表面におけるインキの拡散・充填の前にインキが用紙３９の中に浸透してしまうような用紙３９を用いた場合には、穿孔パターンを形成する個々の穿孔を大きくすることにより、用紙３９の表面平滑性が悪いことに起因するベタ埋まりの低減を補ったり、インキ浸透性の優れたことに起因する印刷画像濃度の低下を補ったりして、高品質で良好な印刷画像を得ることができる。
【００８５】
逆に、例えば図５に示すような表面平滑性の良好な用紙３９Ａを用いた場合であって、ベタ埋まりの良い印刷画像になってしまう場合や、インキ浸透性の悪い、例えば用紙３９の表面の繊維が細かいコート紙のような用紙３９を用いた場合には、個々の穿孔を相対的に縮小することにより、インキの滲み出し量を抑制して、高品質で良好な印刷画像を得ることができる。
【００８６】
換言すれば、用紙種類に応じて所望する最適な印刷画像濃度を得るための穿孔パターンの個々の穿孔の大きさ（マスタ穿孔径）が定まり、一方において個々の穿孔の大きさはサーマルヘッド１１の個々の発熱素子１１ａの発熱温度に対応する発熱素子１１ａに供給する穿孔用エネルギーによって定まるから、用紙種類と最適な印刷画像濃度を得るための穿孔用エネルギーとの対応関係とが存在し、この対応関係は実験的に決定することができる。
【００８７】
そして、特許第２７５６２２４号の特許公報の図３等に示されている技術事項等から、サーマルヘッド１１の個々の発熱素子１１ａに供給する穿孔用エネルギーによりマスタ８に形成される穿孔パターンの１単位としての穿孔の大きさ（マスタ穿孔径）を制御できる。この事情は、発熱素子が矩形型でも熱集中型でも同様である。
穿孔用エネルギーの調整は、特許第２７５６２１９号公報に記載されているように、画像信号に応じてサーマルヘッド１１の個々の発熱素子１１ａに流す電流値もしくは発熱素子１１ａに印加する電圧値の変化により行うようにしてもよいが、この実施形態１においてはサーマルヘッドドライブ基板９を介してサーマルヘッド１１の発熱素子１１ａへ供給する通電パルス幅の変化により行う。
【００８８】
本実施形態１では、制御手段４１は、サーマルヘッド１１の個々の発熱素子１１ａに供給する穿孔用エネルギーを所定のエネルギー（以下、「穿孔エネルギー」というときがある）に調整する穿孔用エネルギー調整手段としての機能を併せ持つ。
さらに詳しく述べれば、制御手段４１は、モード切換キー４６からの紙種手動設定モードに係る信号を受信しているときには、用紙種類検知センサ４０の受光部４０ｂからの用紙種類検知に係る出力信号を取り込まずにこれに優先して、紙種入力設定キー４４の紙種選択左移行キー４４ａまたは紙種選択右移行キー４４ｂからの用紙種類設定に係る出力信号に基づいて、あるいはモード切換キー４６からの紙種自動検知モードに係る信号を受信しているときには、用紙種類検知センサ４０の受光部４０ｂからの用紙種類検知に係る出力信号に基づいて、用紙種類に応じて予め記憶されている表１に示されている印刷条件設定に係るデータテーブルの穿孔用エネルギー（ここでは通電パルス幅）の中から、適正な大きさの穿孔を形成できる所定の穿孔エネルギーとしての通電パルス幅（表１には説明の簡単化のため、大・中・小等で区別している）を選択・設定し、また画像信号に従い、図示しない電源からの電力供給を受けて、その通電パルス幅をサーマルヘッド１１の発熱素子１１ａに供給して発熱させるようにサーマルヘッドドライブ基板９を制御するのである。
【００８９】
上記ＲＯＭには、さらに詳しく述べると、「穿孔用エネルギー調整のためのプログラム」と、表１に示すように、用紙種類に応じて最適な印刷画像を得るための最適な印刷条件の設定に係る「用紙種類と、所定の穿孔エネルギー、所定のオフセット量ＸＡおよび所定の押圧力ＰＡとの関係」がデータテーブルとして予め定められて記憶されている。
【００９０】
上述した技術事項から、表１において、用紙種類として「粗い」に含まれる表面平滑性が悪い用紙３９や、インキ浸透性に優れた用紙３９に対しては、穿孔エネルギーとしての通電パルス幅を「大」きくして穿孔パターンを形成する個々の穿孔径を大きくすることにより、用紙種類として「やや粗い」に属する用紙３９に対しては、通電パルス幅を「中〜大」にして個々の穿孔径を中〜大にすることにより、用紙種類として「標準」に属する用紙３９に対しては、通電パルス幅を「中」にして個々の穿孔径を中にすることにより、用紙種類として「やや細かい」に属する用紙３９に対しては、通電パルス幅を「小〜中」にして個々の穿孔径を小〜中にすることにより、用紙種類として「細かい」に属する用紙３９に対しては、通電パルス幅を「小」にして個々の穿孔径を小にすることにより、高品質で良好な印刷画像を得ることができる。
【００９１】
次に、オフセット調整手段６５の制御について説明する。
孔版印刷装置１００を含む孔版印刷装置においては、印刷画像濃度はマスタ８の穿孔部分から滲み出るインキの量により決定され、マスタ８の穿孔部分から滲み出るインキ量は、プレスローラ２１に対するインキローラ２のオフセット量ＸＡに反比例的である。オフセット量ＸＡが小さければマスタ８の穿孔部分から滲み出るインキ吐出量は多くなり、これと逆に、オフセット量ＸＡが大きくなればインキ吐出量は少なくなる。
【００９２】
したがって、例えば図５に示すような表面平滑性の悪い用紙３９Ｂを用いた場合であって、インキが均一に用紙３８Ｂ上に転移・塗布されずにベタ埋まりの悪い印刷画像になってしまう場合や、用紙３９がインキ浸透性に優れ、用紙３９の表面におけるインキの拡散・充填の前にインキが用紙３９の中に浸透してしまうような用紙３９を用いた場合には、オフセット量ＸＡを小さくしてインキ吐出量を多くすることにより、用紙３９の表面平滑性が悪いことに起因するベタ埋まりの低減を補ったり、インキ浸透性の優れたことに起因する印刷画像濃度の低下を補ったりして、高品質で良好な印刷画像を得ることができる。
【００９３】
逆に、例えば図５に示すような表面平滑性の良好な用紙３９Ａを用いた場合であって、ベタ埋まりの良い印刷画像になってしまう場合や、インキ浸透性の悪い、例えば用紙３９の表面の繊維が細かいコート紙のような用紙３９を用いた場合には、オフセット量ＸＡを大きくしてインキ吐出量を相対的に抑制することにより、高品質で良好な印刷画像を得ることができる。
【００９４】
換言すれば、用紙種類に応じて所望する最適な印刷画像濃度を得るためのオフセット量ＸＡが定まるから、用紙種類と最適な印刷画像濃度を得るためのオフセット量ＸＡとの対応関係とが存在し、この対応関係は実験的に決定することができる。
【００９５】
さらに詳しく述べれば、制御手段４１は、モード切換キー４６からの紙種手動設定モードに係る信号を受信しているときには、用紙種類検知センサ４０の受光部４０ｂからの用紙種類検知に係る出力信号を取り込まずにこれに優先して、紙種入力設定キー４４の紙種選択左移行キー４４ａまたは紙種選択右移行キー４４ｂからの用紙種類設定に係る出力信号に基づいて、あるいはモード切換キー４６からの紙種自動検知モードに係る信号を受信しているときには、用紙種類検知センサ４０の受光部４０ｂからの用紙種類検知に係る出力信号に基づいて、用紙種類に応じて予め記憶されている表１に示されている印刷条件設定に係るデータテーブルの中から、適正なオフセット量ＸＡ（表１ではｍｍ単位で表している）を選択し、その所定のオフセット量ＸＡを設定するようにオフセット調整手段６５の移動モータ１６を制御する。
【００９６】
上述した技術事項から、表１において、用紙種類として「粗い」に含まれる表面平滑性が悪い用紙３９や、インキ浸透性に優れた用紙３９に対しては、オフセット量ＸＡを「０≦ＸＡ＜２．０ｍｍ」にしてインキ吐出量を多くすることにより、用紙種類として「やや粗い」に属する用紙３９に対しては、オフセット量ＸＡを「２．０≦ＸＡ＜２．５ｍｍ」にすることにより、用紙種類として「標準」に属する用紙３９に対しては、オフセット量ＸＡを「ＸＡ＝２．５ｍｍ」にすることにより、用紙種類として「やや細かい」に属する用紙３９に対しては、オフセット量ＸＡを「２．５＜ＸＡ≦３．０ｍｍ」にすることにより、用紙種類として「細かい」に属する用紙３９に対しては、オフセット量ＸＡを「３．０＜ＸＡ＜６．０ｍｍ」にすることにより、それぞれ高品質で良好な印刷画像を得ることができる。
【００９７】
次に、押圧力調整手段５０の制御について説明する。
孔版印刷装置１００を含む孔版印刷装置においては、印刷画像濃度はマスタ８の穿孔部分から滲み出るインキの量により決定され、マスタ８の穿孔部分から滲み出るインキ量は、版胴１に対するプレスローラ２１の押圧力ＰＡ（印圧ＰＡ）に比例的である。押圧力ＰＡが大きければマスタ８の穿孔部分から滲み出るインキ吐出量は多くなり、これと逆に、押圧力ＰＡが小さければインキ吐出量は少なくなる。
したがって、例えば図５に示すような表面平滑性の悪い用紙３９Ｂを用いた場合であって、インキが均一に用紙３８Ｂ上に転移・塗布されずにベタ埋まりの悪い印刷画像になってしまう場合や、用紙３９がインキ浸透性に優れ、用紙３９の表面におけるインキの拡散・充填の前にインキが用紙３９の中に浸透してしまうような用紙３９を用いた場合には、押圧力ＰＡを大きくしてインキ吐出量を多くすることにより、用紙３９の表面平滑性が悪いことに起因するベタ埋まりの低減を補ったり、インキ浸透性の優れたことに起因する印刷画像濃度の低下を補ったりして、高品質で良好な印刷画像を得ることができる。
【００９８】
逆に、例えば図５に示すような表面平滑性の良好な用紙３９Ａを用いた場合であって、ベタ埋まりの良い印刷画像になってしまう場合や、インキ浸透性の悪い、例えば用紙３９の表面の繊維が細かいコート紙のような用紙３９を用いた場合には、押圧力ＰＡを小さくしてインキ吐出量を相対的に抑制することにより、高品質で良好な印刷画像を得ることができる。
【００９９】
換言すれば、用紙種類に応じて所望する最適な印刷画像濃度を得るための押圧力ＰＡが定まるから、用紙種類と最適な印刷画像濃度を得るための押圧力ＰＡとの対応関係とが存在し、この対応関係は実験的に決定することができる。
【０１００】
さらに詳しく述べれば、制御手段４１は、モード切換キー４６からの紙種手動設定モードに係る信号を受信しているときには、用紙種類検知センサ４０の受光部４０ｂからの用紙種類検知に係る出力信号を取り込まずにこれに優先して、紙種入力設定キー４４の紙種選択左移行キー４４ａまたは紙種選択右移行キー４４ｂからの用紙種類設定に係る出力信号に基づいて、あるいはモード切換キー４６からの紙種自動検知モードに係る信号を受信しているときには、用紙種類検知センサ４０の受光部４０ｂからの用紙種類検知に係る出力信号に基づいて、用紙種類に応じて予め記憶されている表１に示されている印刷条件設定に係るデータテーブルの中から、適正な押圧力ＰＡ（表１ではＮ単位で表している）を選択し、その所定の押圧力ＰＡを設定するように押圧力調整手段５０の印圧制御モータ２５を制御する。
【０１０１】
上述した技術事項から、表１において、用紙種類として「粗い」に含まれる表面平滑性が悪い用紙３９や、インキ浸透性に優れた用紙３９に対しては、押圧力ＰＡを「１５９＜ＰＡ＜２００Ｎ」にしてインキ吐出量を多くすることにより、用紙種類として「やや粗い」に属する用紙３９に対しては、押圧力ＰＡを「１４８＜ＰＡ≦１５９Ｎ」にすることにより、用紙種類として「標準」に属する用紙３９に対しては、押圧力ＰＡを「ＰＡ＝１４８Ｎ」にすることにより、用紙種類として「やや細かい」に属する用紙３９に対しては、押圧力ＰＡを「１３７≦ＰＡ＜１４８Ｎ」にすることにより、用紙種類として「細かい」に属する用紙３９に対しては、押圧力ＰＡを「１００＜ＰＡ＜１３７Ｎ」にすることにより、それぞれ高品質で良好な印刷画像を得ることができる。
（動作例１）
次に、本実施形態１の動作例１を説明する。
先ず、ユーザが図示しない電源スイッチをオンすると、操作パネル４２および制御手段４１が起動可能状態となると共に、各装置への電力供給可能状態となる。上記電源スイッチをオンする操作に前後して、給紙トレイ３７上に今回の印刷で使用する用紙３９が不足している場合には、今回の印刷で使用する用紙種類の用紙３９を給紙トレイ３７上に適宜補充・積載したり、今回の印刷で使用する用紙種類以外の用紙３９が載置・積載されたりしている場合には、その用紙３９を給紙トレイ３７から取り除いた上で今回の印刷で使用する用紙種類の用紙３９を給紙トレイ３７上に積載したりした後、例えば図示しない給紙トレイ昇降キーを押して、給紙トレイ３７上に積載した用紙３９の最上位面を給紙可能とする位置（給紙位置）に臨ませる。
【０１０２】
上記電源スイッチをオンすると、操作パネル４２の液晶表示部４３には、例えば「上記製版スタートキーを押す前に、先ず、モード切換キー４６を１回または２回押して、紙種自動検知モードまたは紙種手動設定モードを選択して下さい」という内容のメッセージ表示がなされる。ユーザは液晶表示部４３に表示されたメッセージ内容を見て、紙種自動検知モードまたは紙種手動設定モードを選択する操作を行う。ここでは、モード切換キー４６を１回押して、紙種自動検知モードを設定したものとすると、液晶表示部４３の「オート」が白黒反転して紙種自動検知モードが設定されたことを表示・報知する。この紙種自動検知モードに係る動作例を動作例１とする。
【０１０３】
紙種自動検知モードが設定されると同時的に、用紙種類検知センサ４０による用紙種類の検知動作が行われる。まず、図示しない給紙モータが作動することにより給紙ローラ３５が回転駆動され、これにより、給紙トレイ３７上の最上位面の用紙３９が分離パッド３６との協働作用によって１枚だけ分離されてレジストローラ対２０に向けて給送される。この時、一定の搬送速度ｖａで用紙搬送方向Ｘに移動する用紙３９に対して、発光部４０ａが２０回等間隔の時間で発光することにより、すなわち計測点として２０ポイント用紙表面との距離を計測し、受光部４０ｂでの各受光素子４０ｂａが発光素子４０ａａからの反射光を何回受けたかという受光数をカウントすることによって用紙表面の状態を認識し、この用紙種類に関する出力信号を制御手段４１に送信する。制御手段４１は、用紙種類検知センサ４０の受光部４０ｂからの用紙種類に関する出力信号に基づき、用紙３９の表面状態を「粗い」から「細かい」までの５段階に判別し、用紙種類の判別を行い、その用紙種類の判別結果について液晶表示部４３における紙種表示部４３ａ欄の「粗い」〜「細かい」の何れか一つを白黒反転表示させる。
【０１０４】
給紙ローラ３５で搬送された用紙３９の先端は、レジストローラ対２０のニップ部直前の位置に突き当てられ、用紙３９の先端部に所定のタワミを形成された後、上記給紙モータはその作動を停止する。これにより、用紙３９の先端部は上記タワミを形成した状態で一時保持される。
【０１０５】
次いで、モード切換キー４６を押下する操作に前後して、ユーザは上記原稿読取装置の上部に配置された原稿載置台（図示せず）に、印刷すべき画像を持った原稿（図示せず）を載置し、モード切換キー４６の押下後、上記製版スタートキーを押す。この上記製版スタートキーの押下に伴い、これにより生成された製版スタート信号が制御手段４１に入力されることにより、先ず排版工程が実行される。この状態においては、版胴１の外周面に前回の印刷で使用された使用済みのマスタが装着されたまま残っている。
【０１０６】
版胴１が反時計回り方向に回転し、図示しない排版装置により、版胴１外周面の使用済みのマスタが剥離され排版ボックス（図示せず）に排出される。使用済みのマスタが版胴１の外周面から完全に剥離されると排版工程が終了する。次いで、版胴１は、図１においてクランパ７を略右横に位置させる給版位置で停止され、クランパ７が図示しない開閉装置により開放されて給版待機状態となる。
【０１０７】
上記排版工程と並行して、上記原稿読取装置では原稿（図示せず）の画像読み取りが行われる。すなわち、上記原稿載置台に載置された上記原稿は、特許第２７５６２１９号公報（特開平６−３２０８５１号公報）の段落番号（００１６）に記載されていると同様の画像読み取り動作で行われ、その画像が読み取られた原稿は原稿トレイ（図示せず）上に排出される。上記画像センサで光電変換された電気信号は、装置本体内の図示しないアナログ／デジタル（Ａ／Ｄ）変換基板に入力されデジタル画像信号に変換される。
【０１０８】
一方、この画像読み取り動作と並行して、デジタル信号化された画像情報に基づき製版および給版工程が行われる。すなわち、プラテンローラ１０を回転させる上記ステッピングモータが駆動されることにより、プラテンローラ１０、搬送ローラ対１２および反転ローラ対１４が回転を開始して、マスタロール８ａからマスタ８が引き出されつつマスタ搬送方向Ｘ１の下流側へと搬送される。このように搬送されるマスタ８に対して、サーマルヘッド１１にライン状に並んだ複数個の微小な発熱素子１１ａが、上記Ａ／Ｄ変換基板から送られてくるデジタル画像信号に応じて各々選択的に発熱し、発熱した発熱素子１１ａに接触しているマスタ８の熱可塑性樹脂フィルム部分が溶融穿孔される。このように、画像情報に応じたマスタ８の位置選択的な溶融穿孔により、画像情報が穿孔パターンとして書き込まれる。
【０１０９】
上記した製版工程においては、制御手段４１は判別した用紙種類に応じて、上述した表１の給紙条件設定に係るデータテーブルの中から、適正な大きさの穿孔を形成できる通電パルス幅を選択・設定し、サーマルヘッド１１の個々の発熱素子１１ａにその最適な通電パルス幅を供給して発熱させるべくサーマルヘッドドライブ基板９を制御することとなる。
【０１１０】
一方、給版待機状態にある版胴１側の内部では、オフセット調整手段６５が制御される。すなわち、制御手段４１は判別した用紙種類に応じて、表１のデータテーブルの中から、適正なオフセット量ＸＡを選択し、その所定のオフセット量ＸＡを設定するようにオフセット調整手段６５の移動モータ１６を制御することとなる。
【０１１１】
これと同時的に、押圧力調整手段５０が制御される。すなわち、制御手段４１は判別した用紙種類に応じて、表１のデータテーブルの中から、適正な押圧力ＰＡを選択し、その所定の押圧力ＰＡを設定するように押圧力調整手段５０の印圧制御モータ２５を制御することとなる。
【０１１２】
次いで、製版装置７０における上記ステッピングモータが所定ステップ数回転駆動されると、マスタ８の先端部がガイド板１５に案内されてステージ６とクランパ７との間に挿入される。反転ローラ対１４ａ，１４ｂが所定の角度回転して、これに対応して上記ステッピングモータのステップ数がある設定値に達し、製版済みのマスタ８の先端部がステージ６とクランパ７との間に届いたと判断されると、上記開閉装置によりクランパ７が閉じられ、製版済みのマスタ８の先端部がステージ６とクランパ７との間に吸着・挾持される。
【０１１３】
製版済みのマスタ８の先端部のクランプ後、上記メインモータの駆動により版胴１が回転を再開して、製版済みのマスタ８がプラテンローラ１０，搬送ローラ対１２および反転ローラ対１４ａ，１４ｂにより搬送されて版胴１の外周面へ給版されるが、この版胴１の外周面への巻装時には巻装シワを発生させることなく行われる。上記ステッピングモータの所定ステップ数の回転駆動により、マスタ８への製版および設定量の製版済みのマスタ８の搬送が終了したと判断されると、上記ステッピングモータの回転駆動が停止されることによりプラテンローラ１０、搬送ローラ対１２および反転ローラ対１４の回転が停止すると共に、カッタ１３の可動刃１３ａが作動して製版済みのマスタ８が切断される。
そして、切断された製版済みのマスタ８の後端が、版胴１の回転によって製版装置７０内から引き出され、版胴１の外周面に完全に巻き取られた段階で版胴１への製版済みのマスタ８の巻装が終了する。
【０１１４】
版胴１への製版済みのマスタ８の巻装が完了すると、印刷工程が開始される。レジストローラ対２０のニップ部直前の位置に突き当て保持されていた用紙３９の先端は、レジストローラ対２０でタイミングを取られ、版胴１の外周面とプレスローラ２１との間に向けて搬送される。レジストローラ対２０における用紙搬送方向Ｘ下流近傍に配設されている図示しない用紙検知センサにより、用紙３９の通過が検知されることによって上記係止手段が解除されて、プレスローラ２１が印圧スプリング２９の付勢力によって、用紙３９が版胴１の外周面に巻装されている製版済みのマスタ８（図１には図示せず）に連続的に押圧されて、製版済みのマスタ８を版胴１の外周面に密着させるためのいわゆる版付け印刷が行われる。この版付け印刷では、版胴１の開孔部分から製版済みのマスタ８の穿孔部分へとインキが滲み出てきて用紙３９の表面に転移され、印刷画像が形成される。
このとき、インキローラ２も版胴１の回転方向と同一方向に、かつ、版胴の回転速度と同期して回転する。インキ溜まり４のインキは、インキローラ２の回転によりインキローラ２の表面に付着され、インキローラ２とドクターローラ３との間隙を通過する際にその量を規制され、版胴１の内周面に供給される。
【０１１５】
こうして印刷画像が形成された用紙３９の先端部は、版胴１の外周面に接近する上記剥離爪により版胴１上の製版済みのマスタ８から剥離され、剥離された用紙３９は上記排紙トレイに排出・積載される。版付け印刷終了後、プレスローラ２１は版胴１から離間して初期位置に復帰して、印刷待機状態となる。
版付け印刷終了後、ユーザは上記排紙トレイに排出された印刷物を適宜目視して、通常の印刷動作を行ってもよいかどうかを適宜判断し、オーケーであれば操作パネル４２の上記テンキーで印刷枚数を設定し、上記印刷スタートキーを押すと、上記したと同様の工程で、給紙、印刷および排紙の各工程が設定した印刷枚数分繰り返して行われ、孔版印刷の全行程が終了する。
【０１１６】
なお、例えば給紙トレイ３７上に積載されている用紙３９の用紙種類が全て同じである場合には、上述した動作例１のように版付け印刷のための給紙時に１回だけ用紙種類検知センサ４０で用紙種類を検知し制御手段４１で判別を行えばよいが、次のようなことも行える。すなわち、動作例１では用紙種類検知センサ４０を使用しているので、例えば給紙トレイ３７上に積載されている用紙３９の用紙種類が所望するものと異なる用紙３９が混入しているような場合には、版付け印刷のみならず通常印刷時の１回毎の通紙時に用紙種類検知センサ４０で用紙種類を検知し、所望するものと異なる用紙３９が混入していることを検知・判別したときにはそのことを警告するメッセージ内容を操作パネル４２の液晶表示部４３に表示させたり、あるいは警告・メッセージと同時に給紙動作を停止させたりしてもよい。
（動作例２）
ユーザが液晶表示部４３の上記メッセージ表示内容を見て、モード切換キー４６を２回押して、紙種手動設定モードを設定したものとすると、液晶表示部４３の「オート」の白黒反転表示が消えて、例えば液晶表示部４３に「紙種手動設定モードに切り換わりましたので、紙種選択左移行キー４４ａまたは紙種選択右移行キー４４ｂで給紙トレイ３７に積載した用紙種類を選択して下さい」というようなメッセージ表示がなされ、紙種手動設定モードが設定されたことを表示・報知する。この紙種自動検知モードに係る動作例を動作例２とする。
【０１１７】
ここで、例えば、ユーザが今回の印刷で使用する用紙種類として「粗い」用紙３９であり、これを給紙トレイ３７に積載・補充したとすると、ユーザは紙種選択左移行キー４４ａを操作して用紙種類表示器４５の「粗い」ＬＥＤランプを点灯表示し、「粗い」用紙３９を選択・設定する。
この紙種手動設定モードが設定されると同時的に、用紙種類検知センサ４０による用紙種類の検知動作が動作例１と同様に行われるが、制御手段４１は用紙種類検知センサ４０の受光部４０ｂからの用紙種類に関する出力信号は取り込まない。
【０１１８】
以下、動作例１と相違する点のみ説明する。第１の相違点は、製版工程において、制御手段４１は紙種入力設定キー４４の紙種選択左移行キー４４ａで選択・設定された用紙種類「粗い」に対応して、上述した表１の給紙条件設定に係るデータテーブルの中から、適正な大きさの穿孔を形成できる通電パルス幅である「大」を選択・設定し、サーマルヘッド１１の個々の発熱素子１１ａにその最適な通電パルス幅を供給して発熱させるべくサーマルヘッドドライブ基板９を制御することである。
第２の相違点は、制御手段４１は紙種入力設定キー４４の紙種選択左移行キー４４ａで選択・設定された用紙種類「粗い」に対応して、表１のデータテーブルの中から、適正なオフセット量ＸＡである「０≦ＸＡ＜２．０ｍｍ」を選択・設定し、この所定のオフセット量ＸＡを設定するようにオフセット調整手段６５の移動モータ１６を制御することである。
第３の相違点は、制御手段４１は紙種入力設定キー４４の紙種選択左移行キー４４ａで選択・設定された用紙種類「粗い」に対応して、表１のデータテーブルの中から、適正な押圧力ＰＡである「１５９＜ＰＡ＜２００Ｎ」を選択・設定し、この所定の押圧力ＰＡを設定するように押圧力調整手段５０の印圧制御モータ２５を制御することである。
なお、動作例２でも用紙種類検知センサ４０を使用しているが、これに限らず、紙種手動設定モードが設定されたとき、制御手段４１が自動的に用紙種類検知センサ４０の作動を停止させることにより、紙種入力設定キー４４からの出力信号のみに基づいて上記と同様の制御を行うことで、省エネ化をも図るようなことも勿論できる。
【０１１９】
上述したとおり、実施形態１によれば、自動的に用紙種類を検知したり、手動的に用紙種類の設定を行ったり、あるいはこれらを併用することにより、用紙種類の判別を行い、用紙種類に応じた最適な印刷条件（マスタ穿孔径設定、オフセット量設定、押圧力設定）を自動的に設定することができ、これにより印刷画像濃度を適正に可変することができて、高品質な印刷画像を得ることができる。
（実施形態２）
図５および図７に、実施形態２の制御構成および操作パネル４２を示す。
この実施形態２は、実施形態１と比較して、実施形態１の制御手段４１に代えて、制御手段４１Ａを有すること、実施形態１の操作パネル４２に代えて、操作パネル４２Ａを有すること、および紙種自動検知モードに係る動作だけを行うことが主に相違する。
【０１２０】
第１に、制御手段４１Ａは、上記電源スイッチがオンされた直後であって、給紙トレイ３７上の最上位面の用紙３９が給紙位置を占めたとき、用紙種類検知センサ４０の発光部４０ａに発光すべき指令信号を送信して所定の発光動作を行わせ、受光部４０ｂからの用紙種類検知に係る出力信号に基づいて、用紙種類を判別し、用紙種類に応じて予め記憶されている印刷条件を自動的に選択して設定する機能を有する。
【０１２１】
第２に、制御手段４１Ａは、上記した第１の機能において、上記印刷条件の中から所定の通電パルス幅、所定のオフセット量ＸＡおよび所定の押圧力ＰＡをそれぞれ選択して、設定した所定の通電パルス幅をサーマルヘッド１１の個々の発熱素子１１ａに供給して発熱させるようにサーマルヘッドドライブ基板９を、所定のオフセット量ＸＡを設定するようにオフセット調整手段６５の移動モータ１６を、所定の押圧力ＰＡを設定するように押圧力調整手段５０の印圧制御モータ２５をそれぞれ制御する機能を有する。上記印刷条件の具体例としては、実施形態１の表１に示した通電パルス幅（穿孔エネルギー）に類似するものであり、この数値は制御手段４１ＡのＲＯＭに予め記憶されている。
【０１２２】
操作パネル４２Ａは、実施形態１の操作パネル４２の構成から、紙種入力設定キー４４を構成する紙種選択左移行キー４４ａおよび紙種選択右移行キー４４ｂ、モード切換キー４６および用紙種類表示器４５を除去した構成を有する。それ故に、実施形態２では、紙種自動検知モードに係る動作だけを行うことができる。
【０１２３】
次に、実施形態２の動作について、実施形態１と相違する点のみ説明する。
実施形態２の動作は、実施形態１の動作例１と比較して、上記電源スイッチをオンした後に操作パネル４２の液晶表示部４３になされる上記メッセージ表示がされないこと、ユーザが紙種自動検知モードまたは紙種手動設定モードを選択する操作を行う必要のないことが主に相違するだけであり、あとは実施形態１の動作例１に基づいて容易に実施できるからこれ以上の説明を省略する。
【０１２４】
上述したとおり、実施形態２によれば、自動的に用紙種類を検知することにより、用紙種類の判別を行い、用紙種類に応じた最適な印刷条件（マスタ穿孔径設定、オフセット量設定、押圧力設定）を自動的に設定することができ、これにより印刷画像濃度を適正に可変することができて、高品質な印刷画像を得ることができる。
（実施形態３）
図８に、実施形態３の制御構成を示す。
この実施形態３は、実施形態１と比較して、用紙種類検知センサ４０を除去したこと、実施形態１の制御手段４１に代えて、制御手段４１Ｂを有すること、実施形態１の操作パネル４２に代えて、操作パネル４２Ｂを有すること、および紙種手動設定モードに係る動作だけを行うことが主に相違する。
【０１２５】
第１に、制御手段４１Ｂは、上記電源スイッチがオンされ、給紙トレイ３７上の最上位面の用紙３９が給紙位置を占めた後、紙種入力設定キー４４の紙種選択左移行キー４４ａまたは紙種選択右移行キー４４ｂからの用紙種類に係る出力信号に基づいて、用紙種類に応じて予め記憶されている印刷条件を自動的に選択して設定する機能を有する。
【０１２６】
第２に、制御手段４１Ｂは、上記した第１の機能において、上記印刷条件の中から所定のエネルギー、所定のオフセット量ＸＡおよび所定の押圧力ＰＡをそれぞれ選択して、設定した所定の通電パルス幅をサーマルヘッド１１の個々の発熱素子１１ａに供給して発熱させるようにサーマルヘッドドライブ基板９を、所定のオフセット量ＸＡを設定するようにオフセット調整手段６５の移動モータ１６を、所定の押圧力ＰＡを設定するように押圧力調整手段５０の印圧制御モータ２５をそれぞれ制御する機能を有する。
【０１２７】
操作パネル４２Ｂは、実施形態１の操作パネル４２から、モード切換キー４６を除去した構成を有する。それ故に、実施形態３では、紙種手動設定モードに係る動作だけを行うことができる。
【０１２８】
次に、実施形態３の動作について、実施形態１と相違する点のみ説明する。 実施形態３の動作は、実施形態１の例えば動作例２と比較して、上記電源スイッチをオンした後、操作パネル４２の液晶表示部４３には、例えば「上記製版スタートキーを押す前に、先ず、紙種入力設定キー４４の紙種選択左移行キー４４ａまたは紙種選択右移行キー４４ｂで給紙トレイ３７に積載した用紙種類を選択して下さい」というようなメッセージ表示がなされ、紙種手動設定モードが設定されたことを表示・報知することが主に相違するだけであり、あとは実施形態１の動作例２に基づいて容易に実施できるからこれ以上の説明を省略する。
【０１２９】
上述したとおり、実施形態３によれば、手動的に用紙種類の設定を行うことにより、用紙種類に応じた最適な印刷条件（マスタ穿孔径設定、オフセット量設定、押圧力設定）を自動的に設定することができ、これにより印刷画像濃度を適正に可変することができて、高品質な印刷画像を得ることができる。
【０１３０】
上述したように、実施形態１ないし３では、実施形態を説明する便宜上から３つの印刷条件の設定（マスタ穿孔径設定のための所定のエネルギーの設定、オフセット量設定、押圧力設定）を考慮したものであったが、実施形態１ないし３で詳細に説明した技術事項から、直ちに、次のようなより簡単な構成によって実施形態４ないし６およびこれらの各変形例を構成できることは明らかである。実施形態４ないし６およびこれらの各変形例の動作例の説明は、理解しやすいように上述した実施形態１の動作例１や２と比較して説明する。
（実施形態４）
図１０に、実施形態４の制御構成を示す。
この実施形態４は、実施形態１と比較して、実施形態１の制御手段４１に代えて、制御手段４１Ｃを有すること、実施形態１の操作パネル４２に代えて、操作パネル４２Ａを有すること、実施形態１のオフセット調整手段６５および押圧力調整手段５０を除去し、穿孔用エネルギー調整手段のみ有すること、および紙種自動検知モードに係る動作だけを行うことが主に相違する（請求項１，４参照）。
【０１３１】
制御手段４１Ｃは、上記電源スイッチがオンされた直後であって、給紙トレイ３７上の最上位面の用紙３９が給紙位置を占めたとき、用紙種類検知センサ４０の発光部４０ａに発光すべき指令信号を送信して所定の発光動作を行わせ、受光部４０ｂからの用紙種類検知に係る出力信号に基づいて、用紙種類を判別し、用紙種類に応じて予め記憶されている印刷条件としての通電パルス幅（穿孔用エネルギー）の中から所定の通電パルス幅（穿孔エネルギー）を選択・設定して、設定した所定の通電パルス幅をサーマルヘッド１１の個々の発熱素子１１ａに供給して発熱させるようにサーマルヘッドドライブ基板９を制御する機能を有する。
【０１３２】
実施形態４の動作は、実施形態１の動作例１と比較して、上記電源スイッチをオンした後に操作パネル４２の液晶表示部４３になされる上記メッセージ表示がされないこと、ユーザが紙種自動検知モードまたは紙種手動設定モードを選択する操作を行う必要のないこと、実施形態１の動作例１の説明からオフセット調整手段６５および押圧力調整手段５０に係る動作説明を全て削除したことが主に相違するだけであり、あとは実施形態１の動作例１に基づいて容易に実施できるからこれ以上の説明を省略する。
上述したとおり、実施形態４によれば、自動的に用紙種類を検知することにより、用紙種類の判別を行い、用紙種類に応じた最適な印刷条件として所定のエネルギー（穿孔エネルギーとしての例えば通電パルス幅）を自動的に設定することができ、これにより印刷画像濃度を適正に可変することができて、高品質な印刷画像を得ることができる。
（変形例１）
本発明の実施形態は、実施形態４に限らず、次のような変形例１であってもよい。
この変形例４は、実施形態４と比較して、実施形態４の制御手段４１Ｃに代えて、図１０に括弧を付して示す制御手段４１Ｄを有すること、実施形態４の操作パネル４２Ａに代えて、図１０に括弧を付して示す操作パネル４２Ｂを有すること、図１０に示す制御構成要素から用紙種類検知センサ４０を除去したこと、および紙種手動設定モードに係る動作だけを行うことが主に相違する（請求項５参照）。
【０１３３】
制御手段４１Ｄは、上記電源スイッチがオンされ、給紙トレイ３７上の最上位面の用紙３９が給紙位置を占めた後、紙種入力設定キー４４の紙種選択左移行キー４４ａまたは紙種選択右移行キー４４ｂからの用紙種類に係る出力信号に基づいて、用紙種類に応じて予め記憶されている印刷条件としての通電パルス幅（穿孔用エネルギー）の中から所定の通電パルス幅を選択・設定して、設定した所定の通電パルス幅をサーマルヘッド１１の個々の発熱素子１１ａに供給して発熱させるようにサーマルヘッドドライブ基板９を制御する機能を有する。
【０１３４】
次に、変形例１の動作について、実施形態１の動作と相違する点のみ説明する。変形例１の動作は、実施形態１の例えば動作例２と比較して、動作例２の説明からオフセット調整手段６５および押圧力調整手段５０に係る動作説明を全て削除したことが主に相違するだけであり、あとは実施形態１の動作例２に基づいて容易に実施できるからこれ以上の説明を省略する。
上述したとおり、変形例１によれば、手動的に用紙種類の設定を行うことにより、用紙種類に応じた最適な印刷条件として所定のエネルギー（穿孔エネルギーとしての例えば通電パルス幅）を自動的に設定することができ、これにより印刷画像濃度を適正に可変することができて、高品質な印刷画像を得ることができる。
（変形例２）
本発明の実施形態は、実施形態４に限らず、次のような変形例２であってもよい。
この変形例４は、実施形態４と比較して、実施形態４の制御手段４１Ｃに代えて、図１０に括弧を付して示す制御手段４１Ｅを有すること、実施形態４の操作パネル４２Ａに代えて、図１０に括弧を付して示す操作パネル４２を有すること、および紙種自動検知モードまたは紙種手動設定モードに係る動作を行うことが主に相違する。
【０１３５】
制御手段４１Ｅは、モード切換キー４６からの紙種手動設定モードに係る信号を受信しているときには、用紙種類検知センサ４０の受光部４０ｂからの用紙種類検知に係る出力信号を取り込まずにこれに優先して、紙種入力設定キー４４の紙種選択左移行キー４４ａまたは紙種選択右移行キー４４ｂからの用紙種類設定に係る出力信号に基づいて、あるいはモード切換キー４６からの紙種自動検知モードに係る信号を受信しているときには、用紙種類検知センサ４０の受光部４０ｂからの用紙種類検知に係る出力信号に基づいて、用紙種類に応じて予め記憶されている印刷条件としての通電パルス幅（穿孔用エネルギー）中から所定の通電パルス幅を選択・設定して、設定した所定の通電パルス幅をサーマルヘッド１１の個々の発熱素子１１ａに供給して発熱させるようにサーマルヘッドドライブ基板９を制御する機能を有する。
【０１３６】
変形例２の動作は、実施形態１の例えば動作例１，２と比較して、動作例１，２の説明からオフセット調整手段６５および押圧力調整手段５０に係る動作説明を全て削除したことが主に相違するだけであり、あとは実施形態１の動作例１，２に基づいて容易に実施できるからこれ以上の説明を省略する。
上述したとおり、変形例２によれば、自動的に用紙種類を検知したり、手動的に用紙種類の設定を行ったり、あるいはこれらを併用することにより、用紙種類に応じた最適な印刷条件として所定のエネルギー（穿孔エネルギーとしての例えば通電パルス幅）を自動的に設定することができ、これにより印刷画像濃度を適正に可変することができて、高品質な印刷画像を得ることができる。
【０１３７】
上述した各制御手段４１Ｃ，４１Ｄ，４１ＥのＲＯＭには、実施形態１における表１の通電パルス幅（穿孔用エネルギー）の具体例に類似する、用紙種類に応じた通電パルス幅（穿孔用エネルギー）が予め記憶されているが、上記した実施形態４や変形例１，２では穿孔用エネルギー調整手段だけで用紙種類の違いによるインキの吐出量を補正するため、表１の通電パルス幅（穿孔用エネルギー）設定例よりは粗い傾向となる。
（実施形態５）
図１１に、実施形態５の制御構成を示す。
この実施形態５は、実施形態１と比較して、実施形態１の制御手段４１に代えて、制御手段４１Ｆを有すること、実施形態１の操作パネル４２に代えて、操作パネル４２Ａを有すること、実施形態１の穿孔用エネルギー調整手段および押圧力調整手段５０を除去し、オフセット調整手段６５のみを有すること、および紙種自動検知モードに係る動作だけを行うことが主に相違する（請求項２，４参照）。
【０１３８】
制御手段４１Ｆは、上記電源スイッチがオンされた直後であって、給紙トレイ３７上の最上位面の用紙３９が給紙位置を占めたとき、用紙種類検知センサ４０の発光部４０ａに発光すべき指令信号を送信して所定の発光動作を行わせ、受光部４０ｂからの用紙種類検知に係る出力信号に基づいて、用紙種類を判別し、用紙種類に応じて予め記憶されている印刷条件としてのオフセット量ＸＡの中から所定のオフセット量ＸＡを選択し、その所定のオフセット量ＸＡを設定するようにオフセット調整手段６５の移動モータ１６を制御する機能を有する。
【０１３９】
実施形態５の動作は、実施形態１の動作例１と比較して、上記電源スイッチをオンした後に操作パネル４２の液晶表示部４３になされる上記メッセージ表示がされないこと、ユーザが紙種自動検知モードまたは紙種手動設定モードを選択する操作を行う必要のないこと、実施形態１の動作例１の説明から穿孔用エネルギー調整手段および押圧力調整手段５０に係る動作説明を全て削除したことが主に相違するだけであり、あとは実施形態１の動作例１に基づいて容易に実施できるからこれ以上の説明を省略する。
上述したとおり、実施形態５によれば、自動的に用紙種類を検知することにより、用紙種類の判別を行い、用紙種類に応じた最適な印刷条件として所定のオフセット量ＸＡを自動的に設定することができ、これにより印刷画像濃度を適正に可変することができて、高品質な印刷画像を得ることができる。
（変形例３）
本発明の実施形態は、実施形態５に限らず、次のような変形例３であってもよい。
この変形例３は、実施形態５と比較して、実施形態５の制御手段４１Ｆに代えて、図１１に括弧を付して示す制御手段４１Ｇを有すること、実施形態５の操作パネル４２Ａに代えて、図１１に括弧を付して示す操作パネル４２Ｂを有すること、図１１に示す制御構成要素から用紙種類検知センサ４０を除去したこと、および紙種手動設定モードに係る動作だけを行うことが主に相違する（請求項６参照）。
【０１４０】
制御手段４１Ｇは、上記電源スイッチがオンされ、給紙トレイ３７上の最上位面の用紙３９が給紙位置を占めた後、紙種入力設定キー４４の紙種選択左移行キー４４ａまたは紙種選択右移行キー４４ｂからの用紙種類に係る出力信号に基づいて、用紙種類に応じて予め記憶されている印刷条件としてのオフセット量ＸＡの中から所定のオフセット量ＸＡを選択し、その所定のオフセット量ＸＡを設定するようにオフセット調整手段６５の移動モータ１６を制御する機能を有する。
【０１４１】
次に、変形例３の動作について、実施形態１の動作と相違する点のみ説明する。変形例３の動作は、実施形態１の例えば動作例２と比較して、動作例２の説明から穿孔用エネルギー調整手段および押圧力調整手段５０に係る動作説明を全て削除したことが主に相違するだけであり、あとは実施形態１の動作例２に基づいて容易に実施できるからこれ以上の説明を省略する。
上述したとおり、変形例３によれば、手動的に用紙種類の設定を行うことにより、用紙種類に応じた最適な印刷条件として所定のオフセット量ＸＡを自動的に設定することができ、これにより印刷画像濃度を適正に可変することができて、高品質な印刷画像を得ることができる。
（変形例４）
本発明の実施形態は、実施形態５に限らず、次のような変形例４であってもよい。
この変形例４は、実施形態５と比較して、実施形態５の制御手段４１Ｆに代えて、図１１に括弧を付して示す制御手段４１Ｈを有すること、実施形態５の操作パネル４２Ａに代えて、図１１に括弧を付して示す操作パネル４２を有すること、および紙種自動検知モードまたは紙種手動設定モードに係る動作を行うことが主に相違する。
【０１４２】
制御手段４１Ｈは、モード切換キー４６からの紙種手動設定モードに係る信号を受信しているときには、用紙種類検知センサ４０の受光部４０ｂからの用紙種類検知に係る出力信号を取り込まずにこれに優先して、紙種入力設定キー４４の紙種選択左移行キー４４ａまたは紙種選択右移行キー４４ｂからの用紙種類設定に係る出力信号に基づいて、あるいはモード切換キー４６からの紙種自動検知モードに係る信号を受信しているときには、用紙種類検知センサ４０の受光部４０ｂからの用紙種類検知に係る出力信号に基づいて、用紙種類に応じて予め記憶されている印刷条件としてのオフセット量ＸＡの中から所定のオフセット量ＸＡを選択し、その所定のオフセット量ＸＡを設定するようにオフセット調整手段６５の移動モータ１６を制御する機能を有する。
【０１４３】
変形例４の動作は、実施形態１の例えば動作例１，２と比較して、動作例１，２の説明から穿孔用エネルギー調整手段および押圧力調整手段５０に係る動作説明を全て削除したことが主に相違するだけであり、あとは実施形態１の動作例１，２に基づいて容易に実施できるからこれ以上の説明を省略する。
上述したとおり、変形例４によれば、自動的に用紙種類を検知したり、手動的に用紙種類の設定を行ったり、あるいはこれらを併用することにより、用紙種類に応じた最適な印刷条件として所定のオフセット量ＸＡを自動的に設定することができ、これにより印刷画像濃度を適正に可変することができて、高品質な印刷画像を得ることができる。
【０１４４】
上述した各制御手段４１Ｆ，４１Ｇ，４１ＨのＲＯＭには、実施形態１における表１のオフセット量ＸＡの具体例に類似する、用紙種類に応じたオフセット量ＸＡが予め記憶されているが、上記した実施形態５や変形例３，４ではオフセット調整手段６５だけで用紙種類の違いによるインキの吐出量を補正するため、表１のオフセット量ＸＡ設定例よりは粗い傾向となる。
（実施形態６）
図１２に、実施形態６の制御構成を示す。
この実施形態６は、実施形態１と比較して、実施形態１の制御手段４１に代えて、制御手段４１Ｊを有すること、実施形態１の操作パネル４２に代えて、操作パネル４２Ａを有すること、実施形態１の穿孔用エネルギー調整手段およびオフセット調整手段６５を除去し、押圧力調整手段５０のみを有すること、および紙種自動検知モードに係る動作だけを行うことが主に相違する（請求項３，４参照）。
【０１４５】
制御手段４１Ｊは、上記電源スイッチがオンされた直後であって、給紙トレイ３７上の最上位面の用紙３９が給紙位置を占めたとき、用紙種類検知センサ４０の発光部４０ａに発光すべき指令信号を送信して所定の発光動作を行わせ、受光部４０ｂからの用紙種類検知に係る出力信号に基づいて、用紙種類を判別し、用紙種類に応じて予め記憶されている印刷条件としての押圧力ＰＡの中から所定の押圧力ＰＡを選択し、その所定の押圧力ＰＡを設定するように押圧力調整手段５０の印圧制御モータ２５を制御する機能を有する。
【０１４６】
実施形態６の動作は、実施形態１の動作例１と比較して、上記電源スイッチをオンした後に操作パネル４２の液晶表示部４３になされる上記メッセージ表示がされないこと、ユーザが紙種自動検知モードまたは紙種手動設定モードを選択する操作を行う必要のないこと、実施形態１の動作例１の説明から穿孔用エネルギー調整手段およびオフセット調整手段６５に係る動作説明を全て削除したことが主に相違するだけであり、あとは実施形態１の動作例１に基づいて容易に実施できるからこれ以上の説明を省略する。
上述したとおり、実施形態６によれば、自動的に用紙種類を検知することにより、用紙種類の判別を行い、用紙種類に応じた最適な印刷条件として所定の押圧力ＰＡを自動的に設定することができ、これにより印刷画像濃度を適正に可変することができて、高品質な印刷画像を得ることができる。
（変形例５）
本発明の実施形態は、実施形態６に限らず、次のような変形例５であってもよい。
この変形例５は、実施形態６と比較して、実施形態６の制御手段４１Ｊに代えて、図１２に括弧を付して示す制御手段４１Ｋを有すること、実施形態６の操作パネル４２Ａに代えて、図１２に括弧を付して示す操作パネル４２Ｂを有すること、図１２に示す制御構成要素から用紙種類検知センサ４０を除去したこと、および紙種手動設定モードに係る動作だけを行うことが主に相違する（請求項７参照）。
【０１４７】
制御手段４１Ｋは、上記電源スイッチがオンされ、給紙トレイ３７上の最上位面の用紙３９が給紙位置を占めた後、紙種入力設定キー４４の紙種選択左移行キー４４ａまたは紙種選択右移行キー４４ｂからの用紙種類に係る出力信号に基づいて、用紙種類に応じて予め記憶されている印刷条件としての押圧力ＰＡの中から所定の押圧力ＰＡを選択し、その所定の押圧力ＰＡを設定するように押圧力調整手段５０の印圧制御モータ２５を制御する機能を有する。
【０１４８】
次に、変形例５の動作について、実施形態１の動作と相違する点のみ説明する。変形例５の動作は、実施形態１の例えば動作例２と比較して、動作例２の説明から穿孔用エネルギー調整手段およびオフセット調整手段６５に係る動作説明を全て削除したことが主に相違するだけであり、あとは実施形態１の動作例２に基づいて容易に実施できるからこれ以上の説明を省略する。
上述したとおり、変形例５によれば、手動的に用紙種類の設定を行うことにより、用紙種類に応じた最適な印刷条件として所定の押圧力ＰＡを自動的に設定することができ、これにより印刷画像濃度を適正に可変することができて、高品質な印刷画像を得ることができる。
（変形例６）
本発明の実施形態は、実施形態６に限らず、次のような変形例６であってもよい。
この変形例６は、実施形態６と比較して、実施形態６の制御手段４１Ｊに代えて、図１２に括弧を付して示す制御手段４１Ｌを有すること、実施形態６の操作パネル４２Ａに代えて、図１２に括弧を付して示す操作パネル４２を有すること、および紙種自動検知モードまたは紙種手動設定モードに係る動作を行うことが主に相違する。
【０１４９】
制御手段４１Ｌは、モード切換キー４６からの紙種手動設定モードに係る信号を受信しているときには、用紙種類検知センサ４０の受光部４０ｂからの用紙種類検知に係る出力信号を取り込まずにこれに優先して、紙種入力設定キー４４の紙種選択左移行キー４４ａまたは紙種選択右移行キー４４ｂからの用紙種類設定に係る出力信号に基づいて、あるいはモード切換キー４６からの紙種自動検知モードに係る信号を受信しているときには、用紙種類検知センサ４０の受光部４０ｂからの用紙種類検知に係る出力信号に基づいて、用紙種類に応じて予め記憶されている印刷条件としての押圧力ＰＡの中から所定の押圧力ＰＡを選択し、その所定の押圧力ＰＡを設定するように押圧力調整手段５０の印圧制御モータ２５を制御する機能を有する。
【０１５０】
変形例６の動作は、実施形態１の例えば動作例１，２と比較して、動作例１，２の説明から穿孔用エネルギー調整手段およびオフセット調整手段６５に係る動作説明を全て削除したことが主に相違するだけであり、あとは実施形態１の動作例１，２に基づいて容易に実施できるからこれ以上の説明を省略する。
上述したとおり、変形例６によれば、自動的に用紙種類を検知したり、手動的に用紙種類の設定を行ったり、あるいはこれらを併用することにより、用紙種類に応じた最適な印刷条件として所定の押圧力ＰＡを自動的に設定することができ、これにより印刷画像濃度を適正に可変することができて、高品質な印刷画像を得ることができる。
【０１５１】
上述した各制御手段４１Ｊ，４１Ｋ，４１ＬのＲＯＭには、実施形態１における表１の押圧力ＰＡの具体例に類似する、用紙種類に応じた押圧力ＰＡが予め記憶されているが、上記した実施形態６や変形例５，６では押圧力調整手段５０だけで用紙種類の違いによるインキの吐出量を補正するため、表１の押圧力ＰＡ設定例よりは粗い傾向となる。
【０１５２】
上述したことから、上述した実施形態１ないし６および各変形例１ないし６に限らず、以下のような構成例であってもよいと言える。すなわち、穿孔用エネルギー調整手段、オフセット調整手段６５および押圧力調整手段５０のうちの何れか２つの手段の組み合わせからなる構成と、用紙種類検知センサ４０および／または操作パネル４２，４２Ａ，４２Ｂの組み合わせ構成と、それに応じた制御手段とを有する構成であってもよい。
【０１５３】
また、穿孔用エネルギー調整手段を有し、適正なマスタ穿孔径設定のために、印刷条件としての穿孔用エネルギー（例えば通電パルス幅）の中から所定のエネルギー（例えば通電パルス幅）を選択・設定して、設定した所定のエネルギー（例えば通電パルス幅）をサーマルヘッド１１の個々の発熱素子１１ａに供給して発熱させるようにサーマルヘッドドライブ基板９を制御する際には、さらに適正なマスタ穿孔径設定をすべく、木目細かく制御することができる。
すなわち、印刷画像濃度は、上述したように用紙種類に応じて適正なマスタ穿孔径設定がなされても、一般的にまた経験上から、用紙３９に転移するインキの量の多少の程度、換言すれば印刷画像濃度の濃淡に影響を与える画像濃度関係要因の特性値（インキの粘度、インキの温度、サーマルヘッド１１の温度、印刷ドラム内インキ種類等）の高低の程度や種類等によって変動することから、これを加味してより精密に制御することが考えられる。また、画像濃度関係要因の特性値（パラメータ）としては、上記した他に、例えば複数種類のマスタを使用可能な印刷装置にあってはマスタの種類や、装置本体の内部の温度や、装置本体の内部の湿度や、印刷装置の放置時間や、印刷速度等も挙げることができる。これらの画像濃度関係要因の特性値を加味した制御は、何れも本願出願人が提案した技術に基づいて容易に実施できるため、これ以上の説明を省略する。
【０１５４】
以上述べたとおり、本発明を実施例を含む特定の実施形態等について説明したが、本発明は上述した実施形態等に限定されるものではなく、上記各実施形態を適宜組み合わせて構成したものであってもよく、本発明の範囲内において、その必要性および用途等に応じて種々の実施形態や実施例を構成し得ることは当業者ならば明らかである。
【０１５５】
【発明の効果】
以上述べたように、本発明によれば、上述したような従来装置の有する諸問題点を解決して新規な印刷装置を提供することができる。請求項毎の効果を挙げれば次のとおりである。
請求項１記載の発明によれば、制御手段は、用紙種類検知手段により自動的に検知された用紙表面の粗さの違いによる用紙の種類に応じて、用紙表面の粗さが粗くなるに従い穿孔用エネルギーを大きくするように設定されている印刷画像濃度に寄与する印刷条件の中から所定のエネルギーを選択して、その所定のエネルギーを設定するように穿孔用エネルギー調整手段を制御することにより、用紙の種類毎にマスタに形成される穿孔の大きさを調整して、マスタの穿孔部分からのインキ吐出量を制御することができるから、用紙表面の粗さの違いによる多種多様な用紙に対応して印刷画像濃度を適正に変えることができて、印刷画像濃度に関して高品質な印刷画像を得ることができる。
【０１５６】
請求項２記載の発明によれば、制御手段は、用紙種類検知手段により自動的に検知された用紙表面の粗さの違いによる用紙の種類に応じて、用紙表面の粗さが粗くなるに従いオフセット量を小さくするように設定されている印刷画像濃度に寄与する印刷条件の中から所定のオフセット量を選択して、その所定のオフセット量を設定するようにオフセット調整手段を制御することにより、用紙の種類毎に版胴の内周面からのインキ吐出量を制御することができるから、用紙表面の粗さの違いによる多種多様な用紙に対応して印刷画像濃度を適正に変えることができて、印刷画像濃度に関して高品質な印刷画像を得ることができる。
【０１５７】
請求項３記載の発明によれば、制御手段は、用紙種類検知手段により自動的に検知された用紙表面の粗さの違いによる用紙の種類に応じて、用紙表面の粗さが粗くなるに従い押圧力を大きくするように設定されている印刷画像濃度に寄与する印刷条件の中から所定の押圧力を選択して、その所定の押圧力を設定するように押圧力調整手段を制御することにより、用紙の種類毎に版胴の開孔部分およびマスタの穿孔部分からのインキ吐出量を制御することができるから、用紙表面の粗さの違いによる多種多様な用紙に対応して印刷画像濃度を適正に変えることができて、印刷画像濃度に関して高品質な印刷画像を得ることができる。
【０１５８】
請求項４記載の発明によれば、用紙表面の粗さの違いによる用紙の種類を自動的に検知できることにより、請求項１ないし３の何れか一つに記載の発明の効果に加えて、用紙の種類を手動で設定するような場合と比べて利便性がよい。
【０１５９】
請求項５記載の発明によれば、制御手段は、用紙種類設定手段により手動的に設定された用紙表面の粗さの違いによる用紙の種類に応じて、用紙表面の粗さが粗くなるに従い穿孔用エネルギーを大きくするように設定されている印刷画像濃度に寄与する印刷条件の中から所定のエネルギーを選択して、その所定のエネルギーを設定するように穿孔用エネルギー調整手段を制御することにより、用紙の種類毎にマスタに形成される穿孔の大きさを調整して、マスタの穿孔部分からのインキ吐出量を制御することができるから、用紙表面の粗さの違いによる多種多様な用紙に対応して印刷画像濃度を適正に変えることができて、印刷画像濃度に関して高品質な印刷画像を得ることができる。
【０１６０】
請求項６記載の発明によれば、制御手段は、用紙種類設定手段により手動的に設定された用紙表面の粗さの違いによる用紙の種類に応じて、用紙表面の粗さが粗くなるに従いオフセット量を小さくするように設定されている印刷画像濃度に寄与する印刷条件の中から所定のオフセット量を選択して、その所定のオフセット量を設定するようにオフセット調整手段を制御することにより、用紙の種類毎に版胴の内周面からのインキ吐出量を制御することができるから、用紙表面の粗さの違いによる多種多様な用紙に対応して印刷画像濃度を適正に変えることができて、印刷画像濃度に関して高品質な印刷画像を得ることができる。
【０１６１】
請求項７記載の発明によれば、制御手段は、用紙種類設定手段により手動的に設定された用紙表面の粗さの違いによる用紙の種類に応じて、用紙表面の粗さが粗くなるに従い押圧力を大きくするように設定されている印刷画像濃度に寄与する印刷条件の中から所定の押圧力を選択して、その所定の押圧力を設定するように押圧力調整手段を制御することにより、用紙の種類毎に版胴の開孔部分およびマスタの穿孔部分からのインキ吐出量を制御することができるから、用紙表面の粗さの違いによる多種多様な用紙に対応して印刷画像濃度を適正に変えることができて、印刷画像濃度に関して高品質な印刷画像を得ることができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の実施形態１を示す孔版印刷装置の要部の一部断面正面図である。
【図２】図１に配設されている押圧力調整手段周りの構成を示す斜視図である。
【図３】実施形態１の制御構成を示すブロック図である。
【図４】実施形態１の操作パネルの要部の平面図である。
【図５】図１に配設されている用紙種類検知センサの構成および動作を示す説明図である。
【図６】実施形態２の制御構成を示すブロック図である。
【図７】実施形態２の操作パネルの要部の平面図である。
【図８】実施形態３の制御構成を示すブロック図である。
【図９】実施形態３の操作パネルの要部の平面図である。
【図１０】実施形態４等の制御構成を示すブロック図である。
【図１１】実施形態５等の制御構成を示すブロック図である。
【図１２】実施形態６等の制御構成を示すブロック図である。
【符号の説明】
１ 版胴
２ インキ供給手段としてのインキローラ
８ マスタ
９ サーマルヘッドドライブ基板
１１ 製版手段としてのサーマルヘッド
１１ａ 発熱素子
２１ 押圧手段としてのプレスローラ
３９ 用紙
４０ 用紙種類検知手段としての用紙種類検知センサ
４０ａ 発光手段としての発光部
４０ｂ 受光手段としての受光部
４０ｃ、４０ｄ 反射光
４１，４１Ａ〜４１Ｌ 制御手段
４２，４２Ａ，４２Ｂ 操作パネル
４４ 用紙種類設定手段としての紙種入力設定キー
４４ａ 紙種入力設定キーを構成する紙種選択左移行キー
４４ｂ 紙種入力設定キーを構成する紙種選択右移行キー
４６ モード切換キー
５０ 押圧力調整手段
６２ 印刷用紙
６５ オフセット調整手段[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a printing apparatus including a stencil printing apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, stencil printing using a digital thermal stencil printing apparatus is known as a simpler printing method. This is because a thermal head in which minute heating elements are arranged in a row is pressed against a platen roller via a heat-sensitive stencil master (hereinafter simply referred to as “master”), and is also referred to as a heating part or a heating element of the thermal head. A porous cylindrical plate is made by automatically transporting the master after heating, melting, punching and plate making based on image information by conveying the master with a platen roller etc. while energizing the heat generating element in pulses and generating heat. Ink provided inside the plate cylinder, which is automatically wound around the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder, and continuously presses the printing paper fed from the paper feed unit against the master by pressing means such as a press roller or impression cylinder. The ink in the pool is supplied to the inner peripheral surface of the plate cylinder by an ink supply member (ink supply means) such as an ink roller, and the ink is allowed to pass through the opening portion of the plate cylinder and the perforation portion of the master. And it is adapted to form a printed image by transferring.
[0003]
In the conventional stencil printing apparatus as described above, printing is performed under certain printing conditions regardless of the type of printing paper (hereinafter simply referred to as “paper”). Alternatively, an operator or a user (hereinafter collectively referred to as a “user”) determines by himself / herself so that the optimum printing conditions are obtained according to the type of paper and manually presses the pressing means against the plate cylinder. It was necessary to change printing conditions such as pressure, but this was very difficult and required skill.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In this type of stencil printing apparatus, one of the factors affecting print image quality is the difference in surface smoothness and ink permeability due to the difference in the type of paper, that is, the surface condition of the paper. In order to ensure a good print image density, the printing conditions must be set to change according to the “roughness of the paper surface” and the “ink permeability of the paper” of various types of paper. This is because the optimum printing conditions differ for each sheet.
[0005]
When attention is paid to the roughness of the surface state of the sheet, for example, when the sheet 39B having poor surface smoothness as shown in FIG. 5 is used, the ink is fixed only on the protruding portion of the fiber, and the ink is uniformly distributed on the sheet 38B. It will not be transferred to the top, resulting in a printed image with poor solid filling.
[0006]
As the printing condition setting, for example, a master perforation diameter setting for setting the size of perforations formed in the master, a pressing force (printing pressure) setting for setting the pressing force of the pressing means against the plate cylinder, and a pressing means There is an offset amount setting for setting an offset amount generated when the ink roller is biased in the rotation direction of the plate cylinder.
[0007]
Generally, the setting of the energy for punching and the setting of the printing pressure to be supplied to the heating elements necessary for master drilling are carried out exclusively by maintenance activities by service personnel, and the offset amount setting can be adjusted due to the structure of the device. is not.
[0008]
In addition, when determining the optimum print image density based on the paper type (hereinafter referred to as “paper type”), there are individual differences in the visual confirmation by the service person, and therefore the determination of the range from where to where is treated as appropriate. Because of the ambiguity, objective judgment is difficult. For this reason, in the conventional stencil printing apparatus, even if the print image density changes due to the difference in paper type, a general user cannot compensate for it. In other words, the optimum printing conditions according to the paper type, i.e., the optimum ink ejection amount from the opening portion of the plate cylinder and the master perforation portion is not controlled, so that a certain print image quality can be obtained. There was a problem that it was not possible.
[0009]
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to automatically detect the paper type, manually set the paper type, or use these together to solve such problems, thereby determining the paper type. And automatically setting optimum printing conditions according to the paper type, thereby making it possible to appropriately change the print image density and to obtain a high-quality print image.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the above-described object, the invention described in each claim employs the following characteristic configuration.
  The invention described in claim 1 is a printing apparatus that winds a master made on a plate cylinder, supplies ink to the master on the plate cylinder, and presses a sheet against the master on the plate cylinder to perform printing.Due to differences in paper surface roughness regarding paper surface smoothnessPaper typeAutomaticallyBased on the paper type detection means to detect and the signal from this paper type detection means,The print image density is increased as the paper surface becomes rougher.Pre-stored according to paper typePrinting conditions that contribute to print image densityControl means to automatically select and setAnd a plate making means comprising a plurality of heating elements for making a master plate, and a punching energy adjusting means for adjusting the drilling energy supplied to each heating element of the plate making means to a predetermined energy, The printing condition is the punching energy, and the control means detects the printing condition that is set to increase the punching energy as the paper surface becomes rough. The predetermined energy corresponding to the type of paper is selected, and the perforating energy adjusting means is controlled to set the predetermined energy.It is characterized by that.
[0011]
  The invention according to claim 2The master made on the plate is wound around the plate cylinder, ink is supplied to the master on the plate cylinder, and printing is performed by pressing the paper against the master on the plate cylinder.In the printing device,Based on the paper type detection means for automatically detecting the paper type due to the difference in paper surface roughness with respect to the paper surface smoothness, and the signal from the paper type detection means, the paper surface becomes rough. Control means for automatically selecting and setting printing conditions that contribute to the print image density stored in advance according to the type of the paper so as to increase the print image density according to Ink supply means for supplying ink to the peripheral surface, pressing means for pressing the paper against the outer peripheral surface of the plate cylinder, and offset generated when the ink supply means is biased with respect to the pressing means in the rotational direction of the plate cylinder Offset adjusting means for adjusting the amount to a predetermined offset amount, the printing condition is the offset amount, and the control means adjusts the offset as the paper surface becomes rough. The offset adjusting means is configured to select a predetermined offset amount corresponding to the detected paper type from the printing conditions set so as to reduce the print amount, and to set the predetermined offset amount. ControlIt is characterized by that.
[0012]
  The invention described in claim 3The master made on the plate is wound around the plate cylinder, ink is supplied to the master on the plate cylinder, and printing is performed by pressing the paper against the master on the plate cylinder.In the printing device,Based on the paper type detection means for automatically detecting the paper type due to the difference in paper surface roughness with respect to the paper surface smoothness, and the signal from the paper type detection means, the paper surface becomes rough. Control means for automatically selecting and setting printing conditions contributing to the print image density stored in advance according to the type of the paper so as to increase the print image density according to Pressing means, and pressing force adjusting means for adjusting the pressing force of the pressing means against the plate cylinder to a predetermined pressing force, and the printing condition is the pressing force,
The control means selects a predetermined pressing force according to the detected paper type from the printing conditions set to increase the pressing force as the paper surface becomes rough. And controlling the pressing force adjusting means so as to set the predetermined pressing force.It is characterized by that.
[0013]
  The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to claim 1.Or any one of 3In the printing apparatus described,The paper type detecting means includes a light emitting means for projecting light on the surface of the paper and a light receiving means for receiving the reflected light reflected on the surface of the paper. The type of paper is automatically detected by moving and recognizing variations in the light receiving position of the reflected light received by the light receiving means.It is characterized by that.
[0014]
  The invention according to claim 5In a printing apparatus that winds a plate-making master around a plate cylinder, supplies ink to the master on the plate cylinder, and presses the paper against the master on the plate cylinder to perform printing, the paper surface relating to the surface smoothness of the paper The paper type setting means for setting the paper type based on the difference in roughness of the paper, and the paper so as to increase the print image density as the paper surface becomes rougher based on a signal from the paper type setting means. Control means for automatically selecting and setting printing conditions that contribute to the print image density stored in advance according to the type of plate making means, and a plate making means having a plurality of heating elements for making a master plate Perforating energy adjusting means for adjusting the perforating energy supplied to the individual heating elements of the plate making means to a predetermined energy, and the printing condition is the perforating energy, and the control means Selects a predetermined energy corresponding to the set paper type from the printing conditions set to increase the punching energy as the paper surface becomes rougher, and Control the drilling energy adjusting means to set a predetermined energy.It is characterized by that.
[0015]
  The invention described in claim 6In a printing apparatus that winds a plate-making master around a plate cylinder, supplies ink to the master on the plate cylinder, and presses the paper against the master on the plate cylinder to perform printing, the paper surface relating to the surface smoothness of the paper The paper type setting means for setting the paper type based on the difference in roughness of the paper, and the paper so as to increase the print image density as the paper surface becomes rougher based on a signal from the paper type setting means. Control means for automatically selecting and setting printing conditions that contribute to the stored print image density according to the type of ink, and an ink supply means for supplying ink to the inner peripheral surface of the plate cylinder, A pressing unit that presses the sheet against the outer peripheral surface of the plate cylinder, and an offset that adjusts an offset amount generated when the ink supply unit is biased in the rotation direction of the plate cylinder with respect to the pressing unit to a predetermined offset amount. Adjusting means, and the printing condition is the offset amount, and the control means is configured to reduce the offset amount as the paper surface becomes rough. A predetermined offset amount corresponding to the set paper type is selected from the above, and the offset adjusting means is controlled to set the predetermined offset amount.It is characterized by that.
[0016]
  The invention described in claim 7 is a printing apparatus that winds a master made on a plate cylinder, supplies ink to the master on the plate cylinder, and presses a sheet against the master on the plate cylinder to perform printing.Due to differences in paper surface roughness regarding paper surface smoothnessBased on the paper type setting means for setting the paper type and the signal from the paper type setting means,The print image density is increased as the paper surface becomes rougher.Pre-stored according to paper typeContributes to print image densityControl means to automatically select and set printing conditions.And pressing means for pressing the paper against the plate cylinder, and pressing force adjusting means for adjusting the pressing force of the pressing means against the plate cylinder to a predetermined pressing force, and the printing condition is the pressing force The control means selects a predetermined pressing force according to the set paper type from the printing conditions set to increase the pressing force as the paper surface becomes rougher. And controlling the pressing force adjusting means so as to set the predetermined pressing force.It is characterized by that.
[0028]
  Where the claim1,5As a specific example of the perforating energy adjusting means in the printing apparatus or the like described, for example, a microcomputer or a microprocessor that also serves as a control means can be used. The microcomputer and the microprocessor are electrically connected to the thermal head via a thermal head drive substrate having an output port, a thermal head driving circuit, and the like.
[0029]
  Claim5, 6,7 Printing equipmentIn placeAs a specific example of the paper type setting means in this case, for example, there is a paper type setting key provided on the operation panel of the printing apparatus for manually setting and inputting a desired type of printing paper.((Refer FIG. 4, FIG. 9).
[0030]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention including examples will be described with reference to the drawings. In each of the embodiments and the like, components (members, components, etc.) having the same function and shape are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted as much as possible. In the figure, components that are configured as a pair and do not need to be specifically distinguished and described are described by appropriately describing one of them in order to simplify the description. As an example, a pair of conveying rollers 12 of a plate making apparatus 70 and a pair of registration rollers 20 of a sheet feeding apparatus 90 shown in FIG. In addition, in order to simplify the drawings and the description, even if the components are to be represented in the drawings, the components that do not need to be specifically described in the drawings may be omitted as appropriate.
(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “Embodiment 1”) will be described. FIG. 1 shows an overall configuration of a stencil printing apparatus 100 as an example of a printing apparatus to which Embodiment 1 of the present invention is applied. First, the overall configuration will be described.
[0031]
The stencil printing apparatus 100 includes a plate cylinder 1 around which a master made from plate making is wound, and a plate cylinder printing pressure device 80 having a press roller as pressing means for pressing the sheet 39 against the master made on the plate cylinder 1, A plate making device 70 is provided on the right side of the plate cylinder printing pressure device 80 and includes a plate making means for making a master 8 that can be fed out. The plate making device 70 conveys the master 8 toward the plate cylinder 1. The ink supply device 18 supplies ink from the inner peripheral side of the plate cylinder 1, and the paper supply device 90 supplies the paper 39 between the plate cylinder 1 and the press roller 21.
[0032]
The plate making apparatus 70 is disposed on the downstream side of the master transport direction X1 adjacent to the master support member 8c and a master support member 8c as a master storage means for storing the master 8 so that the master 8 can be fed out in the master transport direction X1. The thermal head 11 as a plate making means for heating and making the master 8 according to the image information, and the master 8 is moved to the downstream side in the master transport direction X1 while being pressed against the thermal head 11, and is rotatable. A platen roller 10 and a pair of rotatable upper and lower transports that are disposed downstream of the platen roller 10 in the master transport direction X1 and transport the master 8 downstream of the platen roller 10 in the master transport direction X1. The roller 12 and the conveying roller pair 12 are disposed downstream of the master conveying direction X1 and directed toward the clamper 7 of the plate cylinder 1 The master 8 is disposed on a master conveying path between the pair of rotatable upper and lower reversing rollers 14 that convey the master 8 and between the conveying roller pair 12 and the reversing roller pair 14. Is mainly composed of a cutter 13 for cutting the sheet into a predetermined length.
[0033]
The master 8 has a continuous sheet shape and is wound around a synthetic resin roll core 8b to form a master roll 8a. The roll core 8 b protrudes from both end surfaces of the master roll 8 a and is formed longer than the width of the master 8. In the master roll 8a, the roll cores 8b on both ends are rotatably supported by the master support member 8c in the counterclockwise direction, and are detachable from the master support member 8c.
The roll cores 8b at both ends of the master roll 8a have brake rubbers (not shown) that apply back tension to the master 8 that has been fed out of the master roll 8a to such an extent that the master roll 8a does not rotate due to vibration or the like. It is arrange | positioned so that contact is possible. The master support member 8c is attached to a pair of plate making side plates (not shown) disposed on the left and right sides of the plate making apparatus 70 along the master transport direction X1. Therefore, the master 8 is stored by the master support member 8c so that it can be fed out from the master roll 8a in the master transport direction X1.
The master 8 is a well-known one in which a support of Japanese paper or synthetic fiber is bonded to a thermoplastic resin film having a thickness of 1 to 3 μm, for example. As the master 8, a master or the like that is substantially composed only of a thermoplastic resin film is also used.
[0034]
The platen roller 10 is formed integrally with the platen roller shaft through a metal core, and the outer periphery of the core is excellent in non-adhesiveness, heat resistance, conductivity, and compression set with respect to the master 8, for example. It is covered with a silicone rubber layer having a good conductivity.
The platen roller 10 is rotatable in the clockwise direction because both ends of the platen roller shaft are rotatably supported by the plate-making side plate pair. The platen roller 10 is connected to a stepping motor (not shown) serving as a platen roller driving means via a rotation transmission member (not shown) such as a timing belt and a gear, and is thereby driven to rotate clockwise.
As described above, when the platen roller 10 is driven to rotate clockwise by the stepping motor, the master 8 is pulled out from the master roll 8a while receiving back tension by the brake rubber.
[0035]
The thermal head 11 extends parallel to the platen roller shaft of the platen roller 10 and is brought into contact with and separated from the platen roller 10 via the master 8 by a contact and separation mechanism including a cam and a spring member (not shown). It is free. The thermal head 11 is urged by the spring member so as to contact the platen roller 10. In the main scanning direction orthogonal to the master transport direction X 1 in the thermal head 11, a large number of heating elements 11 a are arranged at portions that contact the platen roller 10 via the master 8. The thermal head 11 selectively heats each heating element 11a based on a digital image signal processed and sent out by an A / D converter and a plate making control device (both not shown) of a document reading device (not shown). Thus, the master 8 is selectively heated, melted and punched and made.
[0036]
The upper transport roller 12 is rotated at a peripheral speed (transport speed) slightly faster than the peripheral speed (transport speed) of the platen roller 10 by the stepping motor. The conveying roller pair 12 applies an appropriate front tension to the master 8 between the platen roller 10 and the conveying roller pair 12 while sliding between the conveying roller pair 12 and the master 8 via the stepping motor. The upper conveying roller 12 is connected to the stepping motor through a rotation transmission member (not shown) such as a plurality of gears, and is thereby driven to rotate in the clockwise direction.
The drive system around the platen roller 10 and the conveying roller pair 12 via the stepping motor has the same mechanism as the rotation transmission mechanism shown in FIG. 2 of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-77949 proposed by the applicant of the present application. Adopted.
[0037]
Each outer peripheral portion of the transport roller pair 12 is made of silicone rubber, and is formed integrally with a metal shaft. The conveying roller pair 12 is provided with an appropriate pressing force applied by an urging means such as a spring, and the both ends of each shaft are rotatably supported by the plate making side plate pair. They are rotatable in opposite directions.
[0038]
The cutter 13 is provided with a guillotine type cutter 13 having a fixed blade 13b and a movable blade 13a. The cutter 13 is not limited to the guillotine type, and a rotary blade moving type in which the movable blade moves while rotating in the master width direction perpendicular to the master transport direction X1 is also used.
[0039]
The upper reversing roller 14 is connected to the stepping motor via a plurality of gears or a rotation transmission member (not shown) such as a belt, and is thereby driven to rotate clockwise.
The reverse roller pair 14 is set to rotate at a peripheral speed (conveyance speed) slightly higher than the peripheral speed (conveyance speed) of the platen roller 10 by the rotation transmission member including the stepping motor. Appropriate front tension is applied to the master 8 while sliding between the two. An electromagnetic clutch (not shown) that connects and disconnects the rotational driving force of the stepping motor to the upper reverse roller 14 is provided at the shaft end of the upper reverse roller 14. This electromagnetic clutch consists of a powder type electromagnetic clutch or a hysteresis type electromagnetic clutch, for example. In place of the electromagnetic clutch, a single stepping motor independent of the stepping motor 35 may be driven.
[0040]
On the downstream side of the master conveyance direction X1 adjacent to the pair of reverse rollers 14, guide plates 15 for guiding the master 8 that has been subjected to plate making or the tip of the master 8 to the clamper 7 of the plate cylinder 1 are provided for each axis of the pair of reverse rollers 14. It extends in the direction.
[0041]
The plate cylinder 1 has a two-layer structure of a porous and cylindrical support cylinder and a mesh screen (not shown) made of a resin or metal mesh wound around a plurality of layers so as to cover the outer periphery of the support cylinder. Consists of. The plate cylinder 1 has a known configuration including an opening 1a (printable area) having a large number of ink-permeable holes and a non-opening (non-printable area) provided with a clamper 7 and the like. Have. The plate cylinder 1 is wound and fixed around an outer peripheral portion of an end plate flange (not shown), and is rotatably supported around a support shaft that also serves as an ink pipe 5 described later. The plate cylinder 1 is rotationally driven in the direction of the arrow (clockwise direction) in the figure by the rotational driving force of the electric motor being transmitted by a drive transmission means such as a gear or belt connected to an electric motor (not shown).
[0042]
The ink supply device 18 is arranged in parallel with the ink roller 2 as an ink supply means for supplying ink in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the plate cylinder 1, and a small gap with the ink roller 2. In between, a doctor roller 3 that forms an ink reservoir 4 having a wedge-shaped cross section and an ink pipe 5 that supplies ink to the ink reservoir 4 are mainly constituted.
[0043]
Both end portions of the ink roller 2 and the doctor roller 3 are freely rotatable through a pair of ink side plates 17a and 17b disposed on the front side and the back side of the paper surface in FIG. It is supported by. The ink roller 2 rotates in the direction of the arrow in the figure (clockwise direction) in synchronism with the plate cylinder 1 by transmitting the rotational driving force of the electric motor via a drive transmission means such as a gear or a belt (not shown). Driven. The ink in the ink reservoir 4 is sucked with an ink pump (not shown) from an ink pack (not shown) provided outside the plate cylinder 1 and supplied from a supply hole of the ink pipe 5.
The ink side plate pairs 17a and 17b are supported around the ink pipe 5 through a bearing (not shown) so as to be displaceable in the rotation direction of the plate cylinder 1 (clockwise and counterclockwise in FIG. 1 in the first embodiment). ing. In the following, in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, when the arrangement positions of the components are described, they are sometimes referred to as the left side (front side in FIG. 1) or the right side (back side in FIG. 1) when viewed in the paper transport direction X. .
[0044]
Inside the plate cylinder 1, an offset amount XA generated when the ink roller 2 is biased with respect to the press roller 21 in the rotation direction of the plate cylinder 1 (in the counterclockwise direction of FIG. 1 in the first embodiment) is a predetermined amount. An offset adjusting means 65 for adjusting the offset amount XA is provided.
The offset adjusting means 65 includes a partial fan-shaped worm wheel 67 formed at the upper end of the ink side plate 17a, a worm 66 meshing with the worm wheel 67, a moving motor 16 having the worm 66 as an output shaft, an ink An offset home sensor 19 provided so as to sandwich a light shielding plate 17c formed integrally with a portion near the upper end of the side plate 17a, and detecting the initial position of the offset amount by detecting the home position of the ink side plate 17a; 3 is mainly composed of an offset amount detection sensor 19A shown only in FIG. 3 for detecting the displacement amount of the ink side plate 17a, that is, the offset amount XA by detecting the rotation amount of the moving motor 16.
[0045]
The moving motor 16 is composed of, for example, a stepping motor, and is fixedly attached to a stationary member fixed to the ink pipe 5. Similarly, the offset home sensor 19 is also fixedly attached to the stationary member. An offset amount detection sensor 19A (not shown in FIG. 1) is provided on the output shaft of the moving motor 16, and is a transmission type provided so as to sandwich a photo encoder having a slit disk with a number of slits (not shown). Photosensor. The offset amount detection sensor 19A detects a change in pulse generated by the cooperation of the photo encoder and the transmission type photo sensor when the movement motor 16 is driven to rotate, thereby detecting the rotation amount of the movement motor 16, that is, the worm 66. The number of rotations is detected and the amount of offset is indirectly detected. In the case of the first embodiment, the offset amount control is always started from the home position of the photo encoder detected by the offset home sensor 19 of the offset adjusting means 65.
[0046]
A part of the plate cylinder 1 on the outer peripheral surface of the non-opening portion includes a ferromagnetic stage 6 provided along one bus bar of the plate cylinder 1 and clamper shafts provided on both side ends of the stage 6. And a clamper 7 having a rubber magnet that is pivotably attached to the flat portion of the stage 6 and can be opened and closed. The clamper 7 is opened and closed at a predetermined position of the plate cylinder 1 by an opening / closing device (not shown). The plate cylinder 1 is stopped at a plate feeding position where the clamper 7 is positioned substantially on the right side as shown in FIG. The plate cylinder 1 is configured as a plate cylinder unit integrally formed with the ink pack or the like, and is detachable in the axial direction of the ink pipe 5 with respect to a main body frame (not shown) of the stencil printing apparatus 100. .
[0047]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the press roller 21 is disposed near the lower part of the outer peripheral surface of the plate cylinder 1 facing the ink roller 2. The press roller 21 can be displaced in the vertical direction between a printing pressure position pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the plate cylinder 1 and a non-printing pressure position separated from the printing pressure position by a press roller displacing means 55 described later. 1 and a pressing force adjusting means 50 to be described later for changing a pressing force PA of the press roller 21 against the plate cylinder 1 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “printing pressure PA”). Therefore, the pressing force PA can be varied.
[0048]
The press roller 21 has an inner peripheral portion formed of a core metal and an outer peripheral portion formed of an elastic body such as rubber. The press roller 21 extends in parallel with the axial direction of the plate cylinder 1. The roller shafts 21a are integrally formed at both ends of each of the two, respectively, to form a known structure.
[0049]
The pressing force adjusting means 50 and the press roller displacing means 55 have the same configuration and function as those shown in FIG. 1 of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-315599 proposed by the applicant of the present application, for example. Briefly explain.
The press roller displacing means 55 has a known configuration and function for selectively displacing the press roller 21 between a printing pressure position for pressing the outer peripheral surface of the plate cylinder 1 and a non-printing pressure position separated from the printing pressure position. Have.
[0050]
The press roller displacing means 55 is provided so as to extend substantially in parallel with the left and right roller shafts 21a, and both ends thereof are supported by a pair of left and right main body side plates 54 so as to be rotatable at a predetermined angle, and the horizontal shaft 22A The free end is swingable around the horizontal shaft 22A, supports both ends of the roller shaft 21a of the press roller 21 so as to be rotatable, and the base end thereof is rotatable by a predetermined angle in the vicinity of both ends of the horizontal shaft 22A. A pair of left and right arms 22a and 22b supported by the intermediate link stay 22B, which is inserted into the arm pair 22a and 22b at a substantially central portion between the press roller 21 and the horizontal shaft 22A and connects the arm pair 22a and 22b to each other; Its base end is fixed to the central portion of the horizontal shaft 22A, and its free end holds the central portion of the intermediate connecting stay 22B with a slight gap, and rotates at a predetermined angle on the horizontal shaft 22A. A vertical follower arm 22C for transmitting to the intermediate connecting stay 22B, and a cam follower whose base end is integrally attached to the end of the horizontal shaft 22A of the left main body side plate 54 and whose free end can swing around the horizontal shaft 22A. A spring mounting arm 30 having 30A and one end of the spring mounting arm 30 are locked to the free end of the spring mounting arm 30, and the spring mounting arm 30 is oscillated and biased so as to press the press roller 21 against the outer peripheral surface of the plate cylinder 1. The printing pressure spring 29 (tensile coil spring) and the cam 27 that is rotatably supported by the left main body side plate 54 with a cam shaft 27a and selectively engages with the cam follower 30A of the spring mounting arm 30 are mainly configured.
[0051]
As described above, since a slight gap is provided between the intermediate connecting stay 22B and the vertical operation arm 22C, a mechanism capable of adjusting the left-right balance of the press roller 21 when printing pressure is applied. It has become.
The intermediate connecting stay 22B is made of a metal having a square cross section. The intermediate connecting stay 22B is inserted into the arm pair 22a, 22b, and then a retaining pin (not shown) is driven in a portion close to the outer wall surface of the arm pair 22a, 22b. Is prevented from coming off. The cam 27 is rotatably supported by the left main body side plate 54 with a cam shaft 27a. The spring mounting arm 30 has a triangular plate shape, and is selectively engaged with the contour peripheral surface of the cam 27 via the cam follower 30A. The vertical operation arm 22C and the horizontal shaft 22A are integrally fixed by press-fitting a fixing pin (not shown).
[0052]
Around the press roller 21, for example, press roller driving means (not shown) similar to that shown in FIG. 1 of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-315599 proposed by the applicant of the present application is disposed. The press roller driving means includes a main motor for rotating the plate cylinder 1 and swings / displaces the press roller 21 at the printing pressure position and the non-printing pressure position in synchronization with the rotation of the plate cylinder 1. It has a known configuration. Further, the press roller 21 is held at a non-printing pressure position separated from the outer peripheral surface of the plate cylinder 1 except when the paper is passed by a locking means (not shown).
[0053]
The pressing force adjusting means 50 is fixed to the left main body side plate 54 via a member (not shown), the worm 23 is attached to the output shaft thereof, and the printing pressure control motor 25 capable of normal rotation and reverse rotation, and the printing pressure spring 29 The other end is locked and supported only in the front-rear direction of the paper transport direction X through a groove (not shown) formed in the left main body side plate 54, and is internally threaded on its inner peripheral portion. , A rotatable rotary shaft 28 formed on the outer periphery of the movable shaft 31, which is screwed with the female screw of the movable shaft 31, and a rotary shaft 28 fixed to the worm 23. The worm wheel 24, the encoder 33A fixed to one end of the rotary shaft 28 and detecting the number of rotations of the worm wheel 24, and the encoder supported and supported at predetermined positions on the left main body side plate 54 via a member (not shown). A pressing force detection sensor 33 for pinching the slider 33A at a predetermined interval, a shielding plate 31a formed to protrude from the outer peripheral portion of the movable shaft 31, and a left main body side plate 54 are supported at predetermined positions via members (not shown). The photo sensor 32 mainly detects the home position of the encoder 33A (position indicating the printing pressure standard state) by sandwiching the shielding plate 31a at a predetermined interval.
[0054]
The encoder 33A is a well-known photo encoder configured to have a slit disk having a large number of slits (not shown). By the cooperation of the encoder 33A and the pressing force detection sensor 33, the rotation speed of the worm wheel 24, In other words, the pressing force PA can be detected indirectly by detecting the amount of movement of the movable shaft 31 before and after the sheet conveying direction X, in other words, the amount of displacement of the tension length of the printing pressure spring 29.
[0055]
Since the press roller displacing means 55 and the pressing force adjusting means 50 are configured as described above, both ends of the printing spring 29 are engaged with the free end of the spring mounting arm 30 and the movable shaft 31 so as to be displaceable. Will be. Therefore, the rotation amount of the printing pressure control motor 25 is transmitted from the worm 23 to the worm wheel 24 by the forward rotation or the reverse rotation driving of the printing pressure control motor 25, and further the sheet conveying direction X on the movable shaft 31 by the screw mechanism. Is converted into a linear motion in the forward or backward direction, the movable shaft 31 is moved in the forward or backward direction of the paper conveyance direction X, and the tensile length of the printing spring 29 is thereby changed. Since the tension of the printing pressure spring 29 is variable, the pressing force (printing pressure) PA of the press roller 21 against the plate cylinder 1 changes. In the case of the first embodiment, the above-described printing pressure control is always started from the home position of the encoder 33A of the pressing force adjusting means 50.
[0056]
The paper feeding device 90 includes a paper feeding tray 37 that is also called a paper feeding tray that can be moved up and down by loading paper 39, a paper feeding roller 35 that contacts the paper 39 on the paper feeding tray 37 and feeds it in the paper transport direction X, A paper feed for aligning the separation pad 36 as a separating member that separates and feeds the paper 39 one by one by cooperation with the paper feed roller 35 and the front end of the cow 39 loaded on the paper feed tray 37. The front plate 36A, a pair of upper and lower registration rollers 20 and 20 that convey the separated and fed paper 39 between the outer peripheral surface of the plate cylinder 1 and the press roller 21 at a predetermined timing, and the vicinity of the paper feed roller 35 And a paper type detection sensor 40 as a paper type detection means for automatically detecting the paper type due to the difference in the surface state of the paper 39.
[0057]
The paper feed tray 37 is provided with a vertical movement mechanism (not shown) similar to the vertical movement mechanism 42 shown in FIG. 7 of, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-144402. Is raised and lowered in a horizontal state. The paper feed roller 35 is rotationally driven via a pulley and a belt by a paper feed motor (not shown) including a stepping motor as a paper feed drive unit disposed independently of the plate cylinder drive system, for example. . The registration roller pair 20 is disposed independently of the plate cylinder driving system, for example, and a pulley or belt is moved by a registration motor including a stepping motor (not shown) as registration driving means different from the paper feeding driving means. It is rotationally driven through.
The sheet feed driving means and the registration driving means are not limited to those composed of the above stepping motors, but may be those via cams or gears for transmitting the driving force of the main motor of the plate cylinder driving system. used.
[0058]
On the upper surface of the paper feed tray 37, a pair of left and right side fences (not shown) are disposed so as to be movable in the paper width direction orthogonal to the paper transport direction X. These side fence pairs have a left-right interlocking structure, and are used by an operator to position the paper 37 in accordance with the side surfaces of the paper 37 according to the size of the paper 37. As shown in FIG. 1, a paper size detection mechanism for detecting the size of the paper 37 is disposed inside the paper feed tray 37.
The paper size detection mechanism is provided on a non-illustrated immovable member of the paper feed tray 37, and two paper size detection sensors 38 for detecting the length of the paper 39 stacked on the paper feed tray 37 in the paper transport direction X. , 38 and a paper size width detection sensor (not shown) for detecting the length of the paper in the paper width direction in conjunction with the movement of the pair of side fences in the paper width direction. The size of the paper 39 is detected from the combination data of the two paper size detection sensors 38, 38 and the paper size width detection sensor. As the details of such a paper size detection method, the one previously disclosed by the applicant of the present application, for example, disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-30714 is used.
As shown in FIG. 1, the stationary member of the paper feed tray 37 is provided with a paper presence / absence detection sensor 34 including a reflection type photosensor for detecting the presence or absence of the paper 39.
[0059]
More specifically, the paper type detection sensor 40 is located near the upper side of the uppermost sheet 39 near the sheet feeding roller 35 in a state where the uppermost sheet 39 on the sheet feeding tray 37 occupies the sheet feeding position. The uppermost sheet 39 is disposed together with a member that restricts jumping or the like during conveyance (refers to a member protruding below the sheet type detection sensor 40 shown on the rectangle). Here, the state in which the sheet 39 occupies the sheet feeding position is that the drive motor (not shown) of the vertical movement mechanism operates to raise the sheet feeding tray 37 and the uppermost sheet 39 on the sheet feeding tray 37. Means a state in which the sheet is brought into contact with the sheet feed roller 35 and can be fed.
[0060]
As shown in detail in an enlarged view in FIG. 5, the paper type detection sensor 40 is reflected by the light emitting portion 40 a having a light emitting element 40 aa as a light emitting means for projecting light onto the surface of the paper 39 and the surface of the paper 39. A light receiving section 40b having a plurality of light receiving elements 40ba as light receiving means for receiving the reflected light. The light emitting section 40a and the light receiving section 40b receive light with respect to the paper 39 that is moved by being conveyed. The type of paper is detected by recognizing the variation in the light receiving position of the reflected light received by the plurality of light receiving elements 40ba of the section 40b.
The light emitting element 40aa is made of an LED, and the plurality of light receiving elements 40ba are made of, for example, 39 photodiodes. The light emitting unit 40a and the light receiving unit 40b constituting the paper type detection sensor 40 are attached and fixed to the detection plate 40A protruding from the paper supply side plate disposed on the paper supply device 90 side in the main body frame to the front side of the paper surface in FIG. ing. The light emitting unit 40a (light emitting element 40aa) is connected to the control means 41 shown in FIG. 3 via a light emitting diode driving circuit and an output port (not shown), and the light receiving unit 40b (multiple light receiving elements 40ba) is connected to the photodiode driving circuit and not shown. Each is electrically connected to the control means 41 via a port or the like.
The plurality of light receiving elements 40ba are not limited to photodiodes, and may be configured by a plurality of phototransistors.
[0061]
The light emitting unit 40a and the light receiving unit 40b constituting the paper type detection sensor 40 are positions facing the surface of the paper 39 (the papers 39A and 39B in FIG. 5), and are the centers of the light emitting element 40aa and the 39 light receiving elements 40ba. The light receiving elements 40ba positioned at the position of the light receiving element 40ba are arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to a vertical plane orthogonal to the paper transport direction X of the paper 39 (paper 39A and 39B in FIG. 5).
[0062]
In the first exemplary embodiment, the light emitting unit 40a emits light at equal intervals of 20 times with respect to the paper 39 moving in the paper transport direction X at a constant transport speed va, that is, the 20 point paper surface as a measurement point. Measure the distance. If the paper surface 39A is extremely smooth, the light receiving position of the 20 times reflected light 40c received by the light receiving unit 40b is less varied at the light receiving unit 40b, and the distribution thereof is a substantially normal distribution such as 40c 'indicated by a solid line. Make.
On the contrary, if the paper 39B is rough and rough on the surface of the paper, the variation in the light receiving position at the light receiving part 40b of the 20 reflected light 40d received by the light receiving part 40b is due to the surface roughness of the paper 39B. The distribution becomes larger, and the distribution becomes a relatively low mountain-shaped distribution such as 40d 'shown by a broken line.
[0063]
Thus, as the paper surface is rougher, the variation in the light receiving position at the light receiving portion 40b becomes larger. Therefore, based on the pattern formed by the light receiving position distribution, in other words, each light receiving element 40ba at the light receiving portion 40b is replaced by the light emitting element 40aa. The sheet surface state is recognized by counting the number of times the light reflected from the light is received, and the control means 41 shown in FIG. 3 described later changes the surface state of the sheet 39 from “rough” to “fine”. The paper type is determined in five stages.
[0064]
Note that the sheets 39A and 39B shown in FIG. 5 are exaggerated so as to be positioned up and down, but this is due to the fact that they are shown in order to compare the reflection states of light. Thus, the sheets 39A and 39B are not positioned vertically. In order to more accurately compare the difference in surface condition (degree of smoothness and unevenness) of the sheets 39A and 39B, each sheet 39A and 39B is provided on the sheet conveyance path between the sheet feeding roller 35 and the upper registration roller 20 with each sheet. It is desirable to provide a pair of upper and lower paper guide plates having slits in the incident and reflection range of light that restricts the paper 39A and 39B to be in a flat state (not to be in a wavy state).
In addition, on the paper conveyance path between the paper feed roller 35 and the upper registration roller 20, it is normal to form wrinkles at the leading end of the paper 39 as will be described later. In a paper feeding apparatus having a layout in which there is a sufficient space in the paper conveyance path between the registration rollers 20, the paper feeding apparatus may be arranged on the paper conveyance path between the paper feeding roller 35 and the upper registration roller 20. Good.
[0065]
In the example of FIG. 5, the paper type detection sensor 40 is fixed to the paper feed side plate and the paper 39 side is moved. However, the configuration is not limited to this as long as the configuration can be allowed to be complicated. On the other hand, the paper type detection sensor 40 may be moved to the upstream side or the downstream side in the paper transport direction X to determine the paper type due to the difference in the surface state of the paper 39. In other words, the light emitting unit 40 a and the light receiving unit 40 b of the paper type detection sensor 40 may be configured to move relative to the paper 39.
[0066]
The paper type detecting means for automatically detecting the paper type due to the difference in the surface state of the paper 39 is not limited to the above-described paper type detecting sensor 40, and for example, FIG. 1 and paragraph number (0007) of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-172635. Or paragraph numbers (0014) to (0019) or the like, or as described in paragraph number (0023) of JP-A-9-69960, the surface roughness of the paper. The type of paper may be identified by using sensor means (surface roughness detection means) for detecting.
[0067]
On the left side of the plate cylinder 1, a known plate removal device that peels and removes a used master on the plate cylinder 1 is disposed. Below the plate removing device, a peeling claw (not shown) which is close to the outer peripheral surface of the plate cylinder 1 for peeling the paper from the master made on the plate cylinder 1 is peeled off by the peeling claw. A paper discharge device including a paper discharge tray (not shown) on which discharged printed sheets are stacked is provided.
[0068]
Above the plate cylinder 1 and the plate making apparatus 70, the scanner device having an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) for reading an image of a document and a document presence / absence detection sensor for detecting the presence / absence of the document are also used. A document reading device (not shown) having a document size detection sensor for detecting the size of the document is disposed.
The scanner device reads an image of a document automatically conveyed by an unillustrated automatic document feeder (ADF), or reads an image of a document placed on a contact glass (not illustrated) without passing through the ADF. You can do that. The document reading apparatus has a configuration similar to that shown in FIG. 1A of Japanese Patent No. 2756219 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-320851), for example.
[0069]
A detailed configuration of the operation panel 42 will be described with reference to FIG.
The operation panel 42 gives an instruction to operate the stencil printing apparatus 100 and obtains information or the like when operating the stencil printing apparatus 100, and is arranged on the upper part of the original reading apparatus. On the operation panel 42, a paper type input setting key 44 as a paper type setting means for manually setting the paper type depending on the surface condition of the paper 39, and the paper type input setting key 44 are input and set. A liquid crystal display unit 43 having a function of displaying a paper type or a paper type automatically detected by a paper type detection sensor 40 shown in FIG. 5 to be described later, and a paper input / set by a paper type input setting key 44 From a paper type indicator 45 that lights and displays the paper type automatically detected by the type or the paper type detection sensor 40 and a paper type manual setting mode using the paper type input setting key 44, as described later, the paper type detection sensor 40 A mode switching key 46 or the like as a mode switching means for switching to the paper type automatic detection mode automatically detected in (1) is arranged.
[0070]
The paper type indicator 45 is composed of a lamp composed of five LEDs (light emitting diodes). In the paper type indicator 45, the LED described as “coarse” in this order from the left, the LED corresponding to “slightly coarse”, and the LED described as “standard” become “slightly fine”. Corresponding LEDs are arranged so that the LEDs described as “fine” can be turned on.
The paper type input setting key 44 can input and set five types of paper, and any one of the five types of paper shown on the paper type indicator 45 and the liquid crystal display unit 43 can be selected. In FIG. 4, a paper type selection left shift key 44a for shifting to the left side and selecting a paper type in FIG. 4, and a paper type selection right shift key 44b for shifting to the right side and selecting a paper type in FIG. It consists of two keys.
[0071]
In the paper type display unit 43a of the liquid crystal display unit 43, “rough”, “standard”, and “fine” from the left are arranged so as to be displayed in black and white inversion display so as to display the paper type due to the difference in surface state. “・” Corresponding to “slightly coarse” between “coarse” and “standard”, and “•” corresponding to “slightly fine” between “standard” and “fine” can be displayed in black and white. Is arranged.
[0072]
When the mode switching key 46 is pressed once, “auto” of the paper type display unit 43 in the liquid crystal display unit 43 is displayed in black and white reversed to indicate that the mode has been switched to the paper type automatic detection mode. Each time the button is pressed, the mode is switched to the paper type automatic detection mode or the paper type manual setting mode.
As described above, the liquid crystal display unit 43 includes the paper type display unit 43a and also displays operation states and various messages. The liquid crystal display unit 43 is driven and controlled via a liquid crystal drive circuit and the like, and the five LEDs of the paper type indicator 45 are controlled via a diode drive circuit and the like.
[0073]
The operation panel 42 also starts plate making as an operation starting means for starting a series of steps (operations) from reading an image of a document to plate discharge, plate making, plate feeding, plate printing, and paper discharge steps. A key (not shown), a numeric keypad (not shown) for setting / inputting the number of prints and the like, and a print start key (for starting the printing operation for the number of prints set (input / set) with this numeric keypad) (Not shown) are arranged on the right side of the operation panel 42 omitted in FIG.
[0074]
In the first embodiment, the paper types that can be input / set by the paper type input setting key 44 or the paper types that can be automatically detected by the paper type detection sensor 40 are set to the five types as described above. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is needless to say that six or more types or less than five types of paper may be appropriately input and set, or may be automatically detected. Yes.
[0075]
Next, the control configuration of the stencil printing apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG.
In FIG. 3, reference numeral 41 denotes mainly the setting and detection of the paper type of the stencil printing apparatus 100, and the punching energy supplied to the individual heating elements 11 a of the thermal head 11 as the printing conditions, the offset amount described above, and the pressing force described above. The control means for performing control concerning pressure PA is shown.
The control means 41 includes a CPU (central processing unit), an I / O (input / output) port, a ROM (read only storage device), a RAM (read / write storage device), a timer, etc., which are not shown. Are provided with a microcomputer having a configuration connected by a signal bus.
[0076]
The CPU of the control means 41 (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as “control means 41” for the sake of simplicity) is a paper type input setting that configures the operation panel 42 via the input port. The paper type selection left shift key 44a and the paper type selection right shift key 44b of the key 44, the mode switching key 46, the offset home sensor 19, the offset amount detection sensor 19A, the paper type detection sensor 40 (more precisely, the light receiving unit 40b). ), The home position sensor 32, and the pressing force detection sensor 33, respectively, and receive an on / off signal and a data signal from each of these keys and sensors.
Further, although not shown in FIG. 3, the control means 41 is electrically connected to the paper presence / absence detection sensor 34 and the paper size detection sensor 38 via the input port, and is turned on by each of these sensors. / Receives off signal and data signal.
[0077]
The control means 41 is connected to the liquid crystal display section 43 and the paper type display 45 constituting the operation panel 42, the thermal head drive substrate 9, the printing pressure control motor 25, the moving motor 16 and the like via the output port. Although not shown in FIG. 3, they are electrically connected to the light emitting unit 40 a of the paper type detection sensor 40, and send various command signals to the liquid crystal display unit 43, paper type display unit 45, thermal unit via various drive circuits. The data is transmitted to the head drive substrate 9, the printing pressure control motor 25, the moving motor 16, and the light emitting unit 40a of the paper type detection sensor 40, respectively.
[0078]
In the first embodiment, the control means 41 has the following various control functions.
First, when a power switch (not shown) provided in the stencil printing apparatus 100 is turned on, the control means 41 transmits a command signal to be emitted to the light emitting unit 40a of the paper type detection sensor 40 to obtain a predetermined value. A function that performs a light emitting operation, determines a paper type based on an output signal related to the paper type detection from the light receiving unit 40b, and automatically selects and sets printing conditions stored in advance according to the paper type Have
[0079]
Second, in the first function described above, the control means 41 selects a predetermined energy, a predetermined offset amount XA, and a predetermined pressing force PA from the printing conditions, and sets the predetermined energy. As described above, the perforating energy adjusting means, the moving motor 16 of the offset adjusting means 65 so as to set a predetermined offset amount XA, and the printing pressure control of the pressing force adjusting means 50 so as to set a predetermined pressing force PA. Each of the motors 25 has a function of controlling.
[0080]
Third, when receiving a signal related to the paper type manual setting mode from the mode switching key 46, the control means 41 has priority over the control operation by the first and second functions described above, and inputs the paper type. Based on the signal from the paper type selection left shift key 44a or the paper type selection right shift key 44b of the setting key 44, it has a function of automatically selecting and setting printing conditions stored in advance according to the paper type. .
[0081]
In the ROM in the control means 41, the optimum printing according to the paper type, which has been obtained in advance through experiments or the like, for performing control by the CPU of the control means 41 having the first to third functions described above. A data table (see Table 1 below) relating to setting conditions (master drilling diameter setting, offset amount setting, printing pressure setting), a program for performing operations described later, and the like are stored in advance. The RAM in the control means 41 inputs / outputs these signals by temporarily storing judgment results and calculation results from the CPU, and storing output signals from various sensors and various keys as needed.
[0082]
[Table 1]

[0083]
Here, the energy adjusting means for drilling and its control will be described with reference to Table 1 above.
The perforating energy adjusting means is the same as the basic technical matter described in, for example, Japanese Patent No. 2756219 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-320851).
That is, in the stencil printing apparatus including the stencil printing apparatus 100 of the first embodiment, the print image density is determined by the amount of ink that oozes from the perforated portion of the master 8.
The amount of ink that oozes from the perforated portion of the master 8 is proportional to the perforated area of the individual micro perforations that form the perforated pattern formed on the master 8.
[0084]
Therefore, the paper 39 has poor surface smoothness, for example, when the paper 39B having poor surface smoothness as shown in FIG. 5 is used, and the ink is fixed only on the protruding portion of the fiber, so that the ink is uniformly formed. In the case where the printed image is poorly filled without being transferred or coated on 38B, or the paper 39 is excellent in ink permeability, and before the ink is diffused and filled on the surface of the paper 39, the ink is in the paper 39. In the case of using the paper 39 that penetrates the paper 39, by increasing the individual perforations that form the perforation pattern, it is possible to compensate for the reduction in solid filling due to the poor surface smoothness of the paper 39, A high quality and good print image can be obtained by compensating for a decrease in print image density due to excellent ink permeability.
[0085]
Conversely, for example, when a paper 39A with good surface smoothness as shown in FIG. 5 is used, a printed image with good solidity is obtained, or when the surface of the paper 39 has poor ink permeability, for example. When paper 39 such as coated paper with fine fibers is used, the perforation amount of ink is suppressed by relatively reducing individual perforations to obtain a high-quality and good print image. Can do.
[0086]
In other words, the size of each perforation (master perforation diameter) of the perforation pattern for obtaining the optimum print image density desired according to the paper type is determined, while the size of each perforation is determined by the thermal head 11. Since it is determined by the punching energy supplied to the heating element 11a corresponding to the heating temperature of each heating element 11a, there is a correspondence between the paper type and the punching energy for obtaining the optimum print image density. The relationship can be determined experimentally.
[0087]
Then, from the technical matters shown in FIG. 3 and the like of Japanese Patent No. 2756224, one unit of the punching pattern formed in the master 8 by the punching energy supplied to the individual heating elements 11a of the thermal head 11 As a result, the size of the perforation (master perforation diameter) can be controlled. This situation is the same whether the heating element is a rectangular type or a heat concentrated type.
As described in Japanese Patent No. 2756219, the perforation energy is adjusted by changing the value of the current flowing through each heating element 11a of the thermal head 11 or the voltage applied to the heating element 11a according to the image signal. However, in the first embodiment, it is performed by changing the energization pulse width supplied to the heating element 11 a of the thermal head 11 via the thermal head drive substrate 9.
[0088]
In the first embodiment, the control means 41 adjusts the drilling energy supplied to the individual heating elements 11a of the thermal head 11 to a predetermined energy (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “drilling energy”). It also has the function as
More specifically, when receiving a signal relating to the paper type manual setting mode from the mode switching key 46, the control means 41 outputs an output signal relating to detection of the paper type from the light receiving unit 40b of the paper type detection sensor 40. Prior to this, without taking in, based on the output signal relating to the paper type setting from the paper type selection left shift key 44a or the paper type selection right shift key 44b of the paper type input setting key 44, or from the mode switching key 46 Table 1 stored in advance according to the paper type based on the output signal related to the paper type detection from the light receiving unit 40b of the paper type detection sensor 40. From the energy for punching in the data table (here, energization pulse width) related to the printing condition setting shown in Fig. 2, a predetermined size capable of forming a punch having an appropriate size Select and set the energization pulse width as perforation energy (Table 1 distinguishes large, medium and small for simplification of explanation), and receives power supply from a power supply (not shown) according to the image signal. Thus, the thermal head drive substrate 9 is controlled so that the energization pulse width is supplied to the heating element 11a of the thermal head 11 to generate heat.
[0089]
In more detail, the above-mentioned ROM relates to “program for adjusting energy for punching” and setting of optimum printing conditions for obtaining an optimum print image according to the paper type as shown in Table 1. “Relationship between paper type, predetermined punching energy, predetermined offset amount XA, and predetermined pressing force PA” is predetermined and stored as a data table.
[0090]
From the technical matters described above, in Table 1, the energization pulse width as the perforation energy is set as “perforation energy” for the paper 39 with poor surface smoothness included in “rough” as the paper type and the paper 39 with excellent ink permeability. By enlarging the individual perforation diameters to form a perforation pattern by “large”, for the paper 39 belonging to “slightly coarse” as the paper type, the energization pulse width is set to “medium to large” and the individual perforation diameters are set. Is set to medium to large, and for the paper 39 belonging to “standard” as the paper type, the energization pulse width is set to “medium” and the individual perforation diameters are set to be medium, so that the paper type is set to “slightly fine”. For paper 39 belonging to “small” and “small” to “medium” with individual energizing pulse widths, so that the paper 39 belonging to “fine” as the paper type is energized. Pulse width By individual perforation diameter small in the small ", it is possible to obtain a good printed image with high quality.
[0091]
Next, control of the offset adjusting means 65 will be described.
In the stencil printing apparatus including the stencil printing apparatus 100, the print image density is determined by the amount of ink that oozes out from the perforated portion of the master 8, and the amount of ink that oozes out from the perforated portion of the master 8 is the ink roller 2 relative to the press roller 21. Is inversely proportional to the offset amount XA. If the offset amount XA is small, the amount of ink discharged from the perforated portion of the master 8 increases. Conversely, if the offset amount XA increases, the ink discharge amount decreases.
[0092]
Therefore, for example, when the paper 39B with poor surface smoothness as shown in FIG. 5 is used, the ink is not uniformly transferred onto the paper 38B and the printed image is poorly filled. When the paper 39 is excellent in ink permeability and the paper 39 in which the ink penetrates into the paper 39 before the ink is diffused and filled on the surface of the paper 39, the offset amount XA is reduced. By increasing the amount of ink discharged, this compensates for the reduction in solid filling due to poor surface smoothness of the paper 39, or compensates for the decrease in print image density due to excellent ink permeability. Thus, a high quality and good print image can be obtained.
[0093]
Conversely, for example, when a paper 39A with good surface smoothness as shown in FIG. 5 is used, a printed image with good solidity is obtained, or when the surface of the paper 39 has poor ink permeability, for example. When a paper 39 such as coated paper with fine fibers is used, a high quality and good print image can be obtained by increasing the offset amount XA and relatively suppressing the ink discharge amount.
[0094]
In other words, since the offset amount XA for obtaining the desired optimum print image density is determined according to the paper type, there is a correspondence between the paper type and the offset amount XA for obtaining the optimum print image density. This correspondence can be determined experimentally.
[0095]
More specifically, when receiving a signal relating to the paper type manual setting mode from the mode switching key 46, the control means 41 outputs an output signal relating to detection of the paper type from the light receiving unit 40b of the paper type detection sensor 40. Prior to this, without taking in, based on the output signal relating to the paper type setting from the paper type selection left shift key 44a or the paper type selection right shift key 44b of the paper type input setting key 44, or from the mode switching key 46 Table 1 stored in advance according to the paper type based on the output signal related to the paper type detection from the light receiving unit 40b of the paper type detection sensor 40. The appropriate offset amount XA (shown in mm in Table 1) is selected from the data table relating to the printing condition setting shown in Fig. 1, and the predetermined offset is selected. It controls the movement motor 16 of the offset adjusting means 65 so as to set the set amount of XA.
[0096]
From the technical matters described above, in Table 1, the offset amount XA is “0 ≦ XA <” for the paper 39 with poor surface smoothness included in “rough” as the paper type and the paper 39 with excellent ink permeability. By increasing the ink discharge amount to “2.0 mm”, the offset amount XA is set to “2.0 ≦ XA <2.5 mm” for the paper 39 belonging to “slightly rough” as the paper type. By setting the offset amount XA to “XA = 2.5 mm” for the paper 39 belonging to “standard” as the paper type, the offset amount for the paper 39 belonging to “slightly fine” as the paper type. By setting XA to “2.5 <XA ≦ 3.0 mm”, the offset amount XA is set to “3.0 <XA <6.0 mm” for the paper 39 belonging to “fine” as the paper type. And it makes it possible to respectively obtain a good printed image with high quality.
[0097]
Next, control of the pressing force adjusting means 50 will be described.
In the stencil printing apparatus including the stencil printing apparatus 100, the print image density is determined by the amount of ink that oozes out from the perforated portion of the master 8, and the amount of ink that oozes out from the perforated portion of the master 8 is determined by the press roller 21 for the plate cylinder 1. Is proportional to the pressing force PA (printing pressure PA). If the pressing force PA is large, the amount of ink discharged from the perforated portion of the master 8 increases. Conversely, if the pressing force PA is small, the ink discharge amount decreases.
Therefore, for example, when the paper 39B with poor surface smoothness as shown in FIG. 5 is used, the ink is not uniformly transferred onto the paper 38B and the printed image is poorly filled. When the paper 39 is excellent in ink permeability and the paper 39 in which the ink penetrates into the paper 39 before the ink is diffused and filled on the surface of the paper 39, the pressing force PA is increased. By increasing the amount of ink discharged, this compensates for the reduction in solid filling due to poor surface smoothness of the paper 39, or compensates for the decrease in print image density due to excellent ink permeability. Thus, a high quality and good print image can be obtained.
[0098]
Conversely, for example, when a paper 39A with good surface smoothness as shown in FIG. 5 is used, a printed image with good solidity is obtained, or when the surface of the paper 39 has poor ink permeability, for example. When a paper 39 such as coated paper with fine fibers is used, a high quality and good print image can be obtained by reducing the pressing force PA and relatively suppressing the ink discharge amount.
[0099]
In other words, since the pressing force PA for obtaining the desired optimum print image density is determined according to the paper type, there is a correspondence between the paper type and the pressing force PA for obtaining the optimum print image density. This correspondence can be determined experimentally.
[0100]
More specifically, when receiving a signal relating to the paper type manual setting mode from the mode switching key 46, the control means 41 outputs an output signal relating to detection of the paper type from the light receiving unit 40b of the paper type detection sensor 40. Prior to this, without taking in, based on the output signal relating to the paper type setting from the paper type selection left shift key 44a or the paper type selection right shift key 44b of the paper type input setting key 44, or from the mode switching key 46 Table 1 stored in advance according to the paper type based on the output signal related to the paper type detection from the light receiving unit 40b of the paper type detection sensor 40. Is selected from the data table relating to the printing condition setting shown in Fig. 1, and the appropriate pressing force PA (represented in N units in Table 1) is selected. Controlling the indicia pressure control motor 25 of the pressing force adjusting means 50 to set.
[0101]
From the technical matters described above, in Table 1, the pressure PA is set to “159 <PA <” for the paper 39 with poor surface smoothness included in “rough” as the paper type and the paper 39 with excellent ink permeability. By increasing the ink discharge amount to “200 N”, the paper type belonging to “slightly rough” as the paper type is set to “standard” as the paper type by setting the pressing force PA to “148 <PA ≦ 159 N”. Is set to “PA = 148N”, and the pressure PA is set to “137 ≦ PA <148N” for the paper 39 belonging to “slightly fine” as the paper type. By setting the pressing force PA to “100 <PA <137N” for the paper 39 belonging to “fine” as the paper type, high quality and good printing can be obtained respectively. Images can be obtained.
(Operation example 1)
Next, an operation example 1 of the first embodiment will be described.
First, when the user turns on a power switch (not shown), the operation panel 42 and the control means 41 are in a startable state and in a state in which power can be supplied to each device. Before and after the operation to turn on the power switch, if the paper 39 used for the current printing is insufficient on the paper feeding tray 37, the paper 39 of the paper type used for the current printing is loaded. If a paper 39 other than the paper type used for the current printing is placed or stacked on the paper 37 as appropriate, the paper 39 is removed from the paper feed tray 37 and then For example, after a sheet 39 of a sheet type to be used for printing is stacked on the sheet feed tray 37, the uppermost surface of the sheet 39 stacked on the sheet feed tray 37 is fed by pressing a sheet tray up / down key (not shown), for example. Let it face the position where paper can be fed (paper feeding position).
[0102]
When the power switch is turned on, the liquid crystal display unit 43 of the operation panel 42 displays, for example, “Before pressing the plate making start key, first press the mode switching key once or twice to select the automatic paper type detection mode or paper The message “Please select the manual seed setting mode” is displayed. The user performs an operation of selecting the paper type automatic detection mode or the paper type manual setting mode by looking at the message content displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 43. Here, if the mode switching key 46 is pressed once to set the paper type automatic detection mode, “auto” on the liquid crystal display unit 43 is reversed in black and white to indicate that the paper type automatic detection mode is set. Inform. An operation example related to the paper type automatic detection mode is referred to as an operation example 1.
[0103]
At the same time when the paper type automatic detection mode is set, the paper type detection operation by the paper type detection sensor 40 is performed. First, the sheet feeding roller 35 is rotated by the operation of a sheet feeding motor (not shown), whereby the uppermost sheet 39 on the sheet feeding tray 37 is separated by one sheet by the cooperative action with the separation pad 36. Then, the sheet is fed toward the registration roller pair 20. At this time, the light emitting section 40a emits light at equal intervals of 20 times for the paper 39 moving in the paper transport direction X at a constant transport speed va, that is, the distance from the 20-point paper surface as a measurement point. The state of the sheet surface is recognized by measuring and counting the number of received light that indicates how many times each light receiving element 40ba in the light receiving unit 40b has received the reflected light from the light emitting element 40aa, and an output signal relating to this paper type is controlled. 41. The control means 41 discriminates the surface state of the paper 39 in five stages from “rough” to “fine” based on the output signal relating to the paper type from the light receiving unit 40b of the paper type detection sensor 40, and discriminates the paper type. As for the determination result of the paper type, any one of “coarse” to “fine” in the column of the paper type display unit 43a in the liquid crystal display unit 43 is displayed in black and white.
[0104]
The leading edge of the sheet 39 conveyed by the sheet feeding roller 35 is abutted against the position immediately before the nip portion of the registration roller pair 20, and after the predetermined deflection is formed at the leading end of the sheet 39, the sheet feeding motor Stop operation. As a result, the leading end of the sheet 39 is temporarily held in a state where the above-described deflection is formed.
[0105]
Next, before and after the operation of depressing the mode switching key 46, the user places a document (not shown) having an image to be printed on a document placing table (not shown) arranged at the top of the document reading device. After the mode switch key 46 is pressed, the plate making start key is pressed. When the plate making start key is pressed, a plate making start signal generated thereby is input to the control means 41, whereby a plate discharging process is first executed. In this state, the used master used in the previous printing remains attached to the outer peripheral surface of the plate cylinder 1.
[0106]
The plate cylinder 1 rotates counterclockwise, and a used master on the outer peripheral surface of the plate cylinder 1 is peeled off and discharged to a plate discharge box (not shown) by a plate discharging device (not shown). When the used master is completely peeled from the outer peripheral surface of the plate cylinder 1, the plate discharging process is finished. Next, the plate cylinder 1 is stopped at a plate feeding position where the clamper 7 is positioned substantially to the right in FIG. 1, and the clamper 7 is opened by an opening / closing device (not shown) to enter a plate feeding standby state.
[0107]
In parallel with the above-described plate discharging process, the document reading device reads an image of a document (not shown). That is, the document placed on the document table is performed by an image reading operation similar to that described in paragraph (0016) of Japanese Patent No. 2756219 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-320851), The document from which the image has been read is discharged onto a document tray (not shown). The electrical signal photoelectrically converted by the image sensor is input to an analog / digital (A / D) conversion board (not shown) in the apparatus body and converted into a digital image signal.
[0108]
On the other hand, in parallel with this image reading operation, plate making and plate feeding processes are performed based on the digital signalized image information. That is, when the stepping motor for rotating the platen roller 10 is driven, the platen roller 10, the conveyance roller pair 12, and the reverse roller pair 14 start to rotate, and the master conveyance is performed while the master 8 is pulled out from the master roll 8a. It is conveyed downstream in the direction X1. A plurality of minute heating elements 11a arranged in a line on the thermal head 11 are selected in accordance with the digital image signal sent from the A / D conversion board with respect to the master 8 thus conveyed. The portion of the thermoplastic resin film of the master 8 in contact with the heat generating element 11a that has generated heat is melt punched. In this way, image information is written as a drilling pattern by position-selective melt drilling of the master 8 according to the image information.
[0109]
In the plate making process described above, the control means 41 selects an energization pulse width capable of forming an appropriately sized perforation from the data table relating to the paper feed condition setting shown in Table 1 according to the determined paper type. The thermal head drive substrate 9 is controlled to set and supply the optimum energization pulse width to the individual heating elements 11a of the thermal head 11 to generate heat.
[0110]
On the other hand, the offset adjusting means 65 is controlled inside the plate cylinder 1 in the plate feeding standby state. That is, the control means 41 selects an appropriate offset amount XA from the data table of Table 1 according to the discriminated paper type, and the moving motor of the offset adjustment means 65 so as to set the predetermined offset amount XA. 16 will be controlled.
[0111]
At the same time, the pressing force adjusting means 50 is controlled. That is, the control means 41 selects an appropriate pressing force PA from the data table shown in Table 1 according to the discriminated paper type, and sets the predetermined pressing force PA to the mark of the pressing force adjusting means 50. The pressure control motor 25 will be controlled.
[0112]
Next, when the stepping motor in the plate making apparatus 70 is driven to rotate a predetermined number of steps, the leading end portion of the master 8 is guided by the guide plate 15 and inserted between the stage 6 and the clamper 7. The reversing roller pair 14a, 14b is rotated by a predetermined angle, and the number of steps of the stepping motor reaches a set value correspondingly, and the leading end of the master 8 that has been made is between the stage 6 and the clamper 7. When it is determined that the clamper 7 has arrived, the clamper 7 is closed by the opening / closing device, and the leading end of the master 8 that has been subjected to plate making is sucked and held between the stage 6 and the clamper 7.
[0113]
After clamping the front end of the master 8 that has been made, the plate cylinder 1 resumes rotation by driving the main motor, and the master 8 that has been made is moved by the platen roller 10, the conveying roller pair 12, and the reverse roller pairs 14a and 14b. The plate is conveyed and supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the plate cylinder 1, but when the winding is performed on the outer peripheral surface of the plate cylinder 1, it is performed without generating winding wrinkles. When it is determined that the plate making to the master 8 and the transfer of the set amount of the pre-made master 8 have been completed by the rotation driving of the stepping motor by a predetermined number of steps, the rotation driving of the stepping motor is stopped and the platen is The rotation of the roller 10, the conveying roller pair 12, and the reverse roller pair 14 is stopped, and the movable blade 13a of the cutter 13 is operated to cut the master 8 that has been subjected to plate making.
Then, when the rear end of the master 8 that has been cut is drawn out of the plate making apparatus 70 by the rotation of the plate cylinder 1 and completely wound around the outer peripheral surface of the plate cylinder 1, the plate making to the plate cylinder 1 is performed. The winding of the completed master 8 is completed.
[0114]
When the pre-printing master 8 is completely wound around the plate cylinder 1, the printing process is started. The leading edge of the sheet 39 that is held in contact with the position just before the nip portion of the registration roller pair 20 is timed by the registration roller pair 20 and conveyed toward the outer peripheral surface of the plate cylinder 1 and the press roller 21. Is done. By detecting the passage of the paper 39 by a paper detection sensor (not shown) disposed in the vicinity of the paper conveyance direction X in the registration roller pair 20, the locking means is released, and the press roller 21 is moved by a printing pressure spring. The urging force 29 continuously presses the master 39 (not shown in FIG. 1) in which the paper 39 is wound around the outer peripheral surface of the plate cylinder 1 to thereby make the master 8 ready for printing. So-called plate-printing is performed so as to adhere to the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder 1. In this plate printing, ink oozes out from the opening portion of the plate cylinder 1 to the perforated portion of the master 8 that has been made, and is transferred to the surface of the paper 39 to form a printed image.
At this time, the ink roller 2 also rotates in the same direction as the rotation direction of the plate cylinder 1 and in synchronization with the rotation speed of the plate cylinder. The ink in the ink reservoir 4 is attached to the surface of the ink roller 2 by the rotation of the ink roller 2, and the amount of the ink is regulated when passing through the gap between the ink roller 2 and the doctor roller 3. To be supplied.
[0115]
The leading end portion of the paper 39 on which the printed image is formed in this manner is peeled off from the master 8 already made on the plate cylinder 1 by the peeling claw approaching the outer peripheral surface of the plate cylinder 1, and the peeled paper 39 is discharged from the paper discharge. Ejected and loaded on the tray. After the plate printing is completed, the press roller 21 is separated from the plate cylinder 1 and returned to the initial position, and is in a print standby state.
After the plate printing is completed, the user visually checks the printed material discharged to the paper discharge tray to determine whether or not the normal printing operation may be performed. If it is OK, the user can use the numeric keypad on the operation panel 42. When the number of prints is set and the print start key is pressed, the paper feed, printing and paper discharge processes are repeated for the set number of prints in the same process as described above, and the entire process of stencil printing is completed. To do.
[0116]
For example, when the paper types of the papers 39 stacked on the paper feed tray 37 are all the same, the paper type detection is performed only once during paper feeding for plate printing as in the above-described operation example 1. The sensor 40 may detect the paper type and the control means 41 may make the determination, but the following can also be performed. In other words, since the paper type detection sensor 40 is used in the operation example 1, for example, a paper 39 having a different paper type from the desired paper type loaded on the paper feed tray 37 is mixed. In this case, the paper type detection sensor 40 detects the paper type not only during plate printing but also during normal printing, and detects and discriminates the presence of a different paper 39 from the desired one. In some cases, the content of a message warning that may be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 43 of the operation panel 42, or the paper feeding operation may be stopped simultaneously with the warning / message.
(Operation example 2)
If the user views the message display content on the liquid crystal display unit 43 and presses the mode switching key 46 twice to set the paper type manual setting mode, the “auto” black and white reverse display on the liquid crystal display unit 43 disappears. For example, on the liquid crystal display 43, “the paper type manual setting mode has been switched, so the paper type selection left shift key 44a or the paper type selection right shift key 44b is used to select the paper type loaded on the paper feed tray 37. Please display "and display / notify that the paper type manual setting mode has been set. An operation example related to the automatic paper type detection mode is an operation example 2.
[0117]
Here, for example, if the user uses “rough” paper 39 as the paper type to be used for printing this time and this is loaded and replenished on the paper feed tray 37, the user operates the paper type selection left shift key 44a. Then, the “coarse” LED lamp of the paper type display 45 is turned on to select and set the “coarse” paper 39.
When the paper type manual setting mode is set, the paper type detection operation by the paper type detection sensor 40 is performed in the same manner as in the operation example 1. However, the control unit 41 receives the light receiving unit 40b of the paper type detection sensor 40. The output signal regarding the paper type from is not captured.
[0118]
Only differences from the first operation example will be described below. The first difference is that, in the plate making process, the control means 41 corresponds to the paper type “coarse” selected and set by the paper type selection left shift key 44a of the paper type input setting key 44 in Table 1 described above. From the data table relating to the paper feed condition setting, “large” which is an energization pulse width capable of forming an appropriately sized perforation is selected and set, and the optimum energization pulse is applied to each heating element 11 a of the thermal head 11. The thermal head drive substrate 9 is controlled so as to generate heat by supplying a width.
The second difference is that the control means 41 corresponds to the paper type “coarse” selected and set by the paper type selection left shift key 44a of the paper type input setting key 44 from the data table of Table 1. An appropriate offset amount XA “0 ≦ XA <2.0 mm” is selected and set, and the moving motor 16 of the offset adjusting means 65 is controlled to set the predetermined offset amount XA.
The third difference is that the control means 41 corresponds to the paper type “coarse” selected and set by the paper type selection left shift key 44a of the paper type input setting key 44 from the data table of Table 1. This is to select and set “159 <PA <200N”, which is an appropriate pressing force PA, and to control the printing pressure control motor 25 of the pressing force adjusting means 50 so as to set the predetermined pressing force PA.
The operation example 2 also uses the paper type detection sensor 40. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the control unit 41 automatically stops the operation of the paper type detection sensor 40 when the paper type manual setting mode is set. By doing so, it is of course possible to achieve energy saving by performing the same control as described above based only on the output signal from the paper type input setting key 44.
[0119]
As described above, according to the first embodiment, the paper type is automatically detected, the paper type is manually set, or these are used together to determine the paper type, and the paper type is set. The optimum printing conditions (master drilling diameter setting, offset amount setting, pressing force setting) can be automatically set according to this, so that the print image density can be varied appropriately and high quality print images Can be obtained.
(Embodiment 2)
5 and 7 show the control configuration and operation panel 42 of the second embodiment.
Compared with the first embodiment, the second embodiment has a control means 41A instead of the control means 41 of the first embodiment, has an operation panel 42A instead of the operation panel 42 of the first embodiment, The main difference is that only the operation related to the paper type automatic detection mode is performed.
[0120]
First, the control unit 41A immediately after the power switch is turned on and when the uppermost sheet 39 on the sheet feeding tray 37 occupies the sheet feeding position, the light emitting unit of the sheet type detection sensor 40. A command signal to be emitted is transmitted to 40a to perform a predetermined light emission operation, and based on an output signal relating to the detection of the paper type from the light receiving unit 40b, the paper type is determined and stored in advance according to the paper type. A function to automatically select and set the printing conditions.
[0121]
Second, in the first function, the control unit 41A selects a predetermined energization pulse width, a predetermined offset amount XA, and a predetermined pressing force PA from the printing conditions, and sets the predetermined The energization pulse width is supplied to the individual heating elements 11a of the thermal head 11 to generate heat, the thermal head drive substrate 9 is set, and the movement motor 16 of the offset adjusting means 65 is set to a predetermined offset amount XA. It has a function of controlling the printing pressure control motor 25 of the pressing force adjusting means 50 so as to set the pressing force PA. A specific example of the printing condition is similar to the energization pulse width (perforation energy) shown in Table 1 of Embodiment 1, and this numerical value is stored in advance in the ROM of the control means 41A.
[0122]
The operation panel 42A includes a paper type selection left shift key 44a and a paper type selection right shift key 44b that constitute the paper type input setting key 44, a mode switching key 46, and a paper type display from the configuration of the operation panel 42 of the first embodiment. 45 is removed. Therefore, in the second embodiment, only the operation related to the paper type automatic detection mode can be performed.
[0123]
Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described only with respect to differences from the first embodiment.
The operation of the second embodiment is different from the first operation example of the first embodiment in that the message displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 43 of the operation panel 42 is not displayed after the power switch is turned on. The only difference is that there is no need to perform an operation of selecting the mode or the paper type manual setting mode, and the rest can be easily implemented based on the operation example 1 of the first embodiment, and further explanation is omitted. .
[0124]
As described above, according to the second embodiment, the paper type is automatically detected to determine the paper type, and the optimum printing conditions (master punch diameter setting, offset amount setting, pressing force) according to the paper type are determined. Setting) can be automatically set, whereby the print image density can be varied appropriately, and a high-quality print image can be obtained.
(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 8 shows a control configuration of the third embodiment.
The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the paper type detection sensor 40 is removed, the control means 41B is provided instead of the control means 41 in the first embodiment, and the operation panel 42 in the first embodiment is provided. Instead, the main difference is that the operation panel 42B is provided and only the operation relating to the paper type manual setting mode is performed.
[0125]
First, after the power switch is turned on and the uppermost sheet 39 on the sheet feeding tray 37 occupies the sheet feeding position, the control unit 41B switches the sheet type selection left shift key of the sheet type input setting key 44. 44a or a paper type selection right shift key 44b, and a function for automatically selecting and setting printing conditions stored in advance according to the paper type based on an output signal relating to the paper type.
[0126]
Second, in the first function, the control unit 41B selects a predetermined energy, a predetermined offset amount XA, and a predetermined pressing force PA from the printing conditions, and sets a predetermined energization pulse. The thermal head drive substrate 9 is supplied to the individual heating elements 11a of the thermal head 11 so as to generate heat, and the moving motor 16 of the offset adjusting means 65 is set to a predetermined pressing force so as to set a predetermined offset amount XA. Each has a function of controlling the printing pressure control motor 25 of the pressing force adjusting means 50 so as to set PA.
[0127]
The operation panel 42B has a configuration in which the mode switching key 46 is removed from the operation panel 42 of the first embodiment. Therefore, in the third embodiment, only the operation related to the paper type manual setting mode can be performed.
[0128]
Next, only the differences from the first embodiment will be described for the operation of the third embodiment. In the operation of the third embodiment, compared with, for example, the operation example 2 of the first embodiment, after the power switch is turned on, the liquid crystal display unit 43 of the operation panel 42 displays, for example, “Before pressing the plate making start key, First, a message such as “Please select the paper type loaded on the paper feed tray 37 with the paper type selection left shift key 44a or the paper type selection right shift key 44b of the paper type input setting key 44” is displayed. Only the display / notification that the manual setting mode has been set is mainly different, and the rest can be easily implemented based on the operation example 2 of the first embodiment, so that further explanation is omitted.
[0129]
As described above, according to the third embodiment, the optimum printing conditions (master punch diameter setting, offset amount setting, pressing force setting) corresponding to the paper type are automatically set by manually setting the paper type. Therefore, the print image density can be appropriately changed, and a high-quality print image can be obtained.
[0130]
  As described above, in the first to third embodiments, for the convenience of describing the embodiment, the setting of three printing conditions (setting of predetermined energy for setting the master punch diameter, offset amount setting, pressing force setting) is considered. However, from the technical matters described in detail in the first to third embodiments, it is obvious that the fourth to sixth embodiments and their respective modifications can be configured immediately by the following simpler configuration. The description of the operation examples of the fourth to sixth embodiments and the modifications thereof will be described in comparison with the operation examples 1 and 2 of the above-described first embodiment for easy understanding.
(Embodiment 4)
  FIG. 10 shows a control configuration of the fourth embodiment.
  The fourth embodiment has a control means 41C instead of the control means 41 of the first embodiment, and has an operation panel 42A instead of the operation panel 42 of the first embodiment, as compared with the first embodiment. The main difference is that the offset adjusting means 65 and the pressing force adjusting means 50 of the first embodiment are removed, only the perforating energy adjusting means is provided, and only the operation relating to the paper type automatic detection mode is performed., 4reference).
[0131]
The control means 41C emits light to the light emitting portion 40a of the paper type detection sensor 40 immediately after the power switch is turned on and when the uppermost paper 39 on the paper feed tray 37 occupies the paper feed position. A command command signal is transmitted to perform a predetermined light emission operation, the paper type is determined based on the output signal related to the paper type detection from the light receiving unit 40b, and the printing conditions stored in advance according to the paper type A predetermined energization pulse width (perforation energy) is selected and set from the energization pulse width (perforation energy), and the set predetermined energization pulse width is supplied to each heating element 11a of the thermal head 11 to generate heat. The thermal head drive substrate 9 has a function of controlling so that the
[0132]
  In the operation of the fourth embodiment, the message displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 43 of the operation panel 42 is not displayed after the power switch is turned on, as compared with the first operation example of the first embodiment. It is not necessary to perform an operation for selecting the mode or the paper type manual setting mode, and all the operation descriptions related to the offset adjusting unit 65 and the pressing force adjusting unit 50 are deleted from the description of the operation example 1 of the first embodiment. The only difference is that the rest can be easily implemented based on the operation example 1 of the first embodiment.
  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, by automatically detecting the paper type, the paper type is determined, and predetermined energy (for example, energization pulse as perforation energy) is determined as the optimum printing condition according to the paper type. Width) can be automatically set, whereby the print image density can be appropriately varied, and a high-quality print image can be obtained.
(Modification 1)
  The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the fourth embodiment, and may be the following modified example 1.
  Compared with the fourth embodiment, the fourth modification has a control means 41D shown in parentheses in FIG. 10 instead of the control means 41C of the fourth embodiment, and replaces the operation panel 42A of the fourth embodiment. 10 having the operation panel 42B shown in parentheses in FIG. 10, removing the paper type detection sensor 40 from the control components shown in FIG. 10, and performing only operations related to the paper type manual setting mode. Mainly different (claims)5reference).
[0133]
After the power switch is turned on and the uppermost sheet 39 on the sheet feeding tray 37 occupies the sheet feeding position, the control unit 41D has the sheet type selection left shift key 44a of the sheet type input setting key 44 or the sheet type. A predetermined energization pulse width is selected from energization pulse widths (perforation energy) as printing conditions stored in advance according to the paper type based on the output signal relating to the paper type from the selection right shift key 44b. It has a function of controlling the thermal head drive substrate 9 so that the set predetermined energization pulse width is supplied to the individual heating elements 11a of the thermal head 11 to generate heat.
[0134]
Next, the operation of the first modification will be described only with respect to differences from the operation of the first embodiment. The operation of the modified example 1 is mainly different from the operation example 2 of the first embodiment in that all the operation explanations related to the offset adjusting unit 65 and the pressing force adjusting unit 50 are deleted from the explanation of the operation example 2. Since it can be easily implemented based on the operation example 2 of the first embodiment, further explanation is omitted.
As described above, according to the first modification, by manually setting the paper type, a predetermined energy (for example, energization pulse width as perforation energy) is automatically set as the optimum printing condition according to the paper type. Therefore, the print image density can be appropriately changed, and a high-quality print image can be obtained.
(Modification 2)
The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the fourth embodiment, and may be the following modified example 2.
Compared to the fourth embodiment, the fourth modification has a control means 41E shown in parentheses in FIG. 10 instead of the control means 41C of the fourth embodiment, and replaces the operation panel 42A of the fourth embodiment. 10 is mainly different from the operation panel 42 shown in parentheses in FIG. 10 and the operation related to the paper type automatic detection mode or the paper type manual setting mode.
[0135]
When the control means 41E receives a signal related to the paper type manual setting mode from the mode switching key 46, the control means 41E does not take in an output signal related to the paper type detection from the light receiving unit 40b of the paper type detection sensor 40, and Preferentially, based on an output signal relating to the paper type setting from the paper type selection left shift key 44a or the paper type selection right shift key 44b of the paper type input setting key 44, or automatically detected from the mode switch key 46. When a signal related to the mode is received, an energization pulse width as a printing condition stored in advance according to the paper type based on the output signal related to the paper type detection from the light receiving unit 40b of the paper type detection sensor 40 A predetermined energization pulse width is selected and set from (perforation energy), and the set predetermined energization pulse width is set to each heating element 11 of the thermal head 11. As supplied to generate heat to have a function of controlling the thermal head drive substrate 9.
[0136]
In the operation of the modification 2, for example, in comparison with the operation examples 1 and 2 of the first embodiment, all the operation descriptions related to the offset adjustment unit 65 and the pressing force adjustment unit 50 are deleted from the description of the operation examples 1 and 2. The only difference is mainly, and the rest can be easily implemented based on the operation examples 1 and 2 of the first embodiment.
As described above, according to the second modification, by automatically detecting the paper type, manually setting the paper type, or using these in combination, the optimum printing conditions according to the paper type can be obtained. Predetermined energy (for example, energization pulse width as perforation energy) can be automatically set, whereby the print image density can be appropriately changed, and a high-quality print image can be obtained.
[0137]
  In the ROM of each of the control means 41C, 41D, and 41E described above, the energization pulse width (perforation energy) corresponding to the paper type is similar to the specific example of the energization pulse width (perforation energy) in Table 1 in the first embodiment. However, in the above-described Embodiment 4 and Modifications 1 and 2, since the ink discharge amount due to the difference in paper type is corrected only by the perforation energy adjusting means, the energization pulse width (for perforation) in Table 1 is used. Energy) tends to be coarser than the setting example.
(Embodiment 5)
  FIG. 11 shows a control configuration of the fifth embodiment.
  Compared with the first embodiment, the fifth embodiment has a control means 41F instead of the control means 41 of the first embodiment, has an operation panel 42A instead of the operation panel 42 of the first embodiment, The main difference is that the punching energy adjusting means and the pressing force adjusting means 50 of the first embodiment are removed, only the offset adjusting means 65 is provided, and only the operation relating to the paper type automatic detection mode is performed.2, 4reference).
[0138]
The control means 41F emits light to the light emitting portion 40a of the paper type detection sensor 40 immediately after the power switch is turned on and when the uppermost paper 39 on the paper feed tray 37 occupies the paper feed position. A command command signal is transmitted to perform a predetermined light emission operation, the paper type is determined based on the output signal related to the paper type detection from the light receiving unit 40b, and the printing conditions stored in advance according to the paper type A predetermined offset amount XA is selected from the offset amounts XA, and the moving motor 16 of the offset adjusting means 65 is controlled to set the predetermined offset amount XA.
[0139]
  The operation of the fifth embodiment is different from the first operation example of the first embodiment in that the message displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 43 of the operation panel 42 is not displayed after the power switch is turned on. Mainly, it is not necessary to perform an operation of selecting the mode or the paper type manual setting mode, and all of the operation descriptions related to the drilling energy adjusting means and the pressing force adjusting means 50 are deleted from the description of the operation example 1 of the first embodiment. However, since it can be easily implemented based on the operation example 1 of the first embodiment, further explanation is omitted.
  As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, the paper type is automatically detected to determine the paper type, and the predetermined offset amount XA is automatically set as the optimum printing condition according to the paper type. As a result, the print image density can be appropriately varied, and a high-quality print image can be obtained.
(Modification 3)
  The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the fifth embodiment, and may be the following third modified example.
  As compared with the fifth embodiment, the third modification has a control means 41G shown in parentheses in FIG. 11 instead of the control means 41F of the fifth embodiment, and replaces the operation panel 42A of the fifth embodiment. 11 having the operation panel 42B shown in parentheses, removing the paper type detection sensor 40 from the control components shown in FIG. 11, and performing only the operation relating to the paper type manual setting mode. Mainly different (claims)6reference).
[0140]
After the power switch is turned on and the uppermost sheet 39 on the sheet feeding tray 37 occupies the sheet feeding position, the control unit 41G has the sheet type selection left shift key 44a of the sheet type input setting key 44 or the sheet type. Based on the output signal relating to the paper type from the selection right shift key 44b, a predetermined offset amount XA is selected from offset amounts XA as printing conditions stored in advance according to the paper type, and the predetermined offset is selected. It has a function of controlling the moving motor 16 of the offset adjusting means 65 so as to set the amount XA.
[0141]
Next, the operation of the modification 3 will be described only with respect to differences from the operation of the first embodiment. The operation of the modification 3 is mainly different from the operation example 2 of the first embodiment in that all the operation descriptions related to the drilling energy adjustment unit and the pressing force adjustment unit 50 are deleted from the description of the operation example 2. Since it can be easily implemented based on the operation example 2 of the first embodiment, further explanation is omitted.
As described above, according to the third modification, by manually setting the paper type, the predetermined offset amount XA can be automatically set as the optimum printing condition according to the paper type. The print image density can be appropriately varied, and a high-quality print image can be obtained.
(Modification 4)
The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the fifth embodiment, and may be the following modified example 4.
Compared with the fifth embodiment, the fourth modification has a control means 41H shown in parentheses in FIG. 11 instead of the control means 41F of the fifth embodiment, and replaces the operation panel 42A of the fifth embodiment. 11 is mainly different from the operation panel 42 shown in parentheses in FIG. 11 and the operation related to the paper type automatic detection mode or the paper type manual setting mode.
[0142]
When the control means 41H receives a signal relating to the paper type manual setting mode from the mode switching key 46, the control means 41H does not take in an output signal relating to the paper type detection from the light receiving unit 40b of the paper type detection sensor 40, and Preferentially, based on an output signal relating to the paper type setting from the paper type selection left shift key 44a or the paper type selection right shift key 44b of the paper type input setting key 44, or automatically detected from the mode switch key 46. When a signal related to the mode is received, an offset amount XA as a printing condition stored in advance according to the paper type based on the output signal related to the paper type detection from the light receiving unit 40b of the paper type detection sensor 40. A predetermined offset amount XA is selected from among them, and the moving motor 16 of the offset adjusting means 65 is controlled so as to set the predetermined offset amount XA. It has a function of.
[0143]
In the operation of the modification 4, for example, in comparison with the operation examples 1 and 2 of the first embodiment, all the operation descriptions related to the drilling energy adjustment unit and the pressing force adjustment unit 50 are deleted from the description of the operation examples 1 and 2. However, since it can be easily implemented based on the operation examples 1 and 2 of the first embodiment, further explanation is omitted.
As described above, according to the fourth modification, by automatically detecting the paper type, manually setting the paper type, or using these in combination, the optimum printing conditions according to the paper type are obtained. The predetermined offset amount XA can be automatically set, whereby the print image density can be appropriately varied, and a high-quality print image can be obtained.
[0144]
  In the ROM of each of the control means 41F, 41G, and 41H described above, an offset amount XA corresponding to the paper type is stored in advance, which is similar to the specific example of the offset amount XA in Table 1 in the first embodiment. In the fifth embodiment and the third and fourth modifications, the ink discharge amount due to the difference in the paper type is corrected only by the offset adjusting unit 65, and therefore, the tendency tends to be coarser than the offset amount XA setting example in Table 1.
(Embodiment 6)
  FIG. 12 shows a control configuration of the sixth embodiment.
  The sixth embodiment has a control means 41J instead of the control means 41 of the first embodiment, and an operation panel 42A instead of the operation panel 42 of the first embodiment, as compared with the first embodiment. The main difference is that the punching energy adjusting means and the offset adjusting means 65 of the first embodiment are removed, only the pressing force adjusting means 50 is provided, and only the operation relating to the paper type automatic detection mode is performed.3, 4reference).
[0145]
The control means 41J emits light to the light emitting portion 40a of the paper type detection sensor 40 immediately after the power switch is turned on and when the uppermost paper 39 on the paper feed tray 37 occupies the paper feed position. A command command signal is transmitted to perform a predetermined light emission operation, the paper type is determined based on the output signal related to the paper type detection from the light receiving unit 40b, and the printing conditions stored in advance according to the paper type A predetermined pressing force PA is selected from the pressing force PA, and the printing pressure control motor 25 of the pressing force adjusting means 50 is controlled to set the predetermined pressing force PA.
[0146]
  The operation of the sixth embodiment is different from the first operation example of the first embodiment in that the message displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 43 of the operation panel 42 is not displayed after the power switch is turned on. It is not necessary to perform an operation for selecting the mode or the paper type manual setting mode, and all of the operation descriptions related to the drilling energy adjustment means and the offset adjustment means 65 are deleted from the description of the operation example 1 of the first embodiment. The only difference is that the rest can be easily implemented based on the operation example 1 of the first embodiment.
  As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, the paper type is automatically detected to determine the paper type, and the predetermined pressing force PA is automatically set as the optimum printing condition according to the paper type. As a result, the print image density can be appropriately varied, and a high-quality print image can be obtained.
(Modification 5)
  The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the sixth embodiment, and may be the following modified example 5.
  Compared to the sixth embodiment, the fifth modified example includes a control unit 41K shown in parentheses in FIG. 12 instead of the control unit 41J of the sixth embodiment, and replaces the operation panel 42A of the sixth embodiment. 12 having the operation panel 42B shown in parentheses in FIG. 12, removing the paper type detection sensor 40 from the control components shown in FIG. 12, and performing only the operation relating to the paper type manual setting mode. Mainly different (claims)7 participationSee).
[0147]
After the power switch is turned on and the uppermost sheet 39 on the sheet feeding tray 37 occupies the sheet feeding position, the control unit 41K has the sheet type selection left shift key 44a of the sheet type input setting key 44 or the sheet type. Based on the output signal relating to the paper type from the selection right shift key 44b, a predetermined pressing force PA is selected from the pressing forces PA as printing conditions stored in advance according to the paper type, and the predetermined pressing force is selected. It has a function of controlling the printing pressure control motor 25 of the pressing force adjusting means 50 so as to set the pressure PA.
[0148]
Next, the operation of the modification 5 will be described only with respect to differences from the operation of the first embodiment. The operation of the modified example 5 is mainly different from the operation example 2 of the first embodiment, for example, in that all the operation explanations related to the drilling energy adjusting unit and the offset adjusting unit 65 are deleted from the explanation of the operation example 2. Since it can be easily implemented based on the operation example 2 of the first embodiment, further explanation is omitted.
As described above, according to the modified example 5, by manually setting the paper type, the predetermined pressing force PA can be automatically set as the optimum printing condition according to the paper type. The print image density can be appropriately varied, and a high-quality print image can be obtained.
(Modification 6)
The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the sixth embodiment, and may be the following modified example 6.
Compared with the sixth embodiment, the sixth modification has a control means 41L shown in parentheses in FIG. 12 instead of the control means 41J of the sixth embodiment, and replaces the operation panel 42A of the sixth embodiment. 12 is mainly different from the operation panel 42 shown in parentheses in FIG. 12 and the operation related to the paper type automatic detection mode or the paper type manual setting mode.
[0149]
When the control means 41L receives a signal related to the paper type manual setting mode from the mode switching key 46, the control means 41L does not take in an output signal related to the paper type detection from the light receiving unit 40b of the paper type detection sensor 40, and Preferentially, based on an output signal relating to the paper type setting from the paper type selection left shift key 44a or the paper type selection right shift key 44b of the paper type input setting key 44, or automatically detected from the mode switch key 46. When a signal related to the mode is received, a pressure PA as a printing condition stored in advance according to the paper type based on the output signal related to the paper type detection from the light receiving unit 40b of the paper type detection sensor 40. A predetermined pressing force PA is selected from the above, and the printing pressure control motor 25 of the pressing force adjusting means 50 is controlled to set the predetermined pressing force PA.
[0150]
In the operation of the modified example 6, as compared with, for example, the operation examples 1 and 2 of the first embodiment, all the operation descriptions related to the drilling energy adjustment unit and the offset adjustment unit 65 are deleted from the description of the operation examples 1 and 2. The only difference is mainly, and the rest can be easily implemented based on the operation examples 1 and 2 of the first embodiment.
As described above, according to the sixth modification, the optimum print condition according to the paper type can be obtained by automatically detecting the paper type, manually setting the paper type, or using these together. The predetermined pressing force PA can be automatically set, whereby the print image density can be appropriately varied, and a high-quality print image can be obtained.
[0151]
In the ROM of each of the control means 41J, 41K, and 41L described above, the pressing force PA corresponding to the paper type is stored in advance, which is similar to the specific example of the pressing force PA in Table 1 in the first embodiment. In the sixth embodiment and the modified examples 5 and 6, since the ink discharge amount due to the difference in paper type is corrected only by the pressing force adjusting means 50, the tendency tends to be coarser than the pressing force PA setting example in Table 1.
[0152]
  From the above description, it can be said that the present invention is not limited to Embodiments 1 to 6 and Modifications 1 to 6 described above, and the following configuration examples may be used. That is, a configuration comprising a combination of any two of the perforating energy adjusting means, the offset adjusting means 65, and the pressing force adjusting means 50, and a combination of the paper type detection sensor 40 and / or the operation panels 42, 42A, 42B. It may be a configuration having a configuration and a control means corresponding to the configuration.Yes.
[0153]
In addition, it has punching energy adjustment means, and in order to set an appropriate master punching diameter, a predetermined energy (for example, energizing pulse width) is selected and set from the punching energy (for example, energizing pulse width) as a printing condition. When the thermal head drive substrate 9 is controlled so as to supply the set predetermined energy (for example, energization pulse width) to the individual heating elements 11a of the thermal head 11 to generate heat, a more appropriate master drilling diameter is obtained. You can finely control the settings to make settings.
That is, the print image density is generally set to some degree of the amount of ink transferred to the paper 39 from experience, even if an appropriate master perforation diameter is set according to the paper type as described above. For example, the characteristic values of ink density-related factors (ink viscosity, ink temperature, thermal head 11 temperature, ink type in the printing drum, etc.) that affect the density of the printed image density vary depending on the level and type of the image. Therefore, it is conceivable to take this into account and control it more precisely. In addition to the above, the characteristic values (parameters) of the image density-related factors include, for example, a master type, a temperature inside the apparatus main body, an apparatus main body in a printing apparatus that can use a plurality of types of masters The internal humidity of the printer, the leaving time of the printing apparatus, the printing speed, and the like can also be mentioned. Since any control including the characteristic values of these image density-related factors can be easily performed based on the technique proposed by the applicant of the present application, further explanation is omitted.
[0154]
As described above, the present invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments including examples. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and the like, and is configured by appropriately combining the above-described embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various embodiments and examples can be configured within the scope of the present invention in accordance with the necessity and application.
[0155]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a novel printing apparatus by solving the problems of the conventional apparatus as described above. The effects for each claim are as follows.
  According to invention of Claim 1,The control means is set to increase the perforation energy as the paper surface becomes rougher according to the paper type due to the difference in paper surface roughness automatically detected by the paper type detection means. By selecting a predetermined energy from the printing conditions that contribute to the print image density and controlling the perforating energy adjusting means to set the predetermined energy, it is formed on the master for each paper type. By adjusting the size of the perforations, you can control the amount of ink ejected from the perforated part of the master, so that the print image density can be changed appropriately for a wide variety of papers due to differences in paper surface roughness. The print image densityA high-quality printed image can be obtained.
[0156]
  According to invention of Claim 2,The control means is set to reduce the offset amount as the paper surface becomes rough, according to the paper type due to the difference in paper surface roughness automatically detected by the paper type detection means. By selecting a predetermined offset amount from the printing conditions that contribute to the print image density and controlling the offset adjusting means to set the predetermined offset amount, the inner peripheral surface of the plate cylinder for each paper type The amount of ink discharged from the printer can be controlled, so the print image density can be changed appropriately for a wide variety of papers due to differences in paper surface roughness, and high-quality print images with respect to print image density Can be obtained.
[0157]
  According to invention of Claim 3,The control means is set to increase the pressing force as the paper surface becomes rough, according to the paper type due to the difference in paper surface roughness automatically detected by the paper type detection means. By selecting a predetermined pressing force from among the printing conditions that contribute to the print image density and controlling the pressing force adjusting means to set the predetermined pressing force, a plate cylinder is opened for each type of paper. The amount of ink discharged from the perforated part of the master and the master can be controlled, so the print image density can be changed appropriately for various types of paper due to the difference in paper surface roughness. A high-quality printed image can be obtained.
[0158]
  According to invention of Claim 4,In addition to the effect of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, by automatically detecting the paper type due to the difference in paper surface roughness, the paper type is set manually. Convenience is good compared to.
[0159]
  According to invention of Claim 5,The control means is set to increase the perforation energy as the paper surface becomes rougher according to the paper type due to the difference in paper surface roughness manually set by the paper type setting means. By selecting a predetermined energy from the printing conditions that contribute to the print image density and controlling the perforating energy adjusting means to set the predetermined energy, it is formed on the master for each paper type. By adjusting the size of the perforations, you can control the amount of ink ejected from the perforated part of the master, so that the print image density can be changed appropriately for a wide variety of papers due to differences in paper surface roughness. The print image densityA high-quality printed image can be obtained.
[0160]
  According to the invention described in claim 6,The control means is set to reduce the offset amount as the paper surface becomes rougher according to the paper type due to the difference in paper surface roughness manually set by the paper type setting means. By selecting a predetermined offset amount from the printing conditions that contribute to the print image density and controlling the offset adjusting means to set the predetermined offset amount, the inner peripheral surface of the plate cylinder for each paper type The amount of ink discharged from the printer can be controlled, so the print image density can be changed appropriately for various types of paper due to the difference in paper surface roughness, and high-quality print images with respect to print image density Can be obtained.
[0161]
  According to invention of Claim 7,The control means is set to increase the pressing force as the paper surface roughness becomes rough according to the paper type due to the difference in paper surface roughness manually set by the paper type setting means. By selecting a predetermined pressing force from among the printing conditions that contribute to the print image density and controlling the pressing force adjusting means to set the predetermined pressing force, a plate cylinder is opened for each paper type. The amount of ink discharged from the perforated part of the master and the master can be controlled, so the print image density can be changed appropriately for various types of paper due to the difference in paper surface roughness. A high-quality printed image can be obtained.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional front view of a main part of a stencil printing apparatus showing Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
2 is a perspective view showing a configuration around a pressing force adjusting means arranged in FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a plan view of a main part of the operation panel according to the first embodiment.
5 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration and operation of a paper type detection sensor arranged in FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the second embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a plan view of a main part of an operation panel according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the third embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a plan view of a main part of an operation panel according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration according to the fourth embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration according to the fifth embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of Embodiment 6 and the like.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 plate cylinder
2 Ink roller as ink supply means
8 Master
9 Thermal head drive board
11 Thermal head as plate making means
11a Heating element
21 Press roller as pressing means
39 paper
40 Paper type detection sensor as paper type detection means
40a Light emitting part as light emitting means
40b Light receiving portion as light receiving means
40c, 40d Reflected light
41, 41A to 41L control means
42, 42A, 42B Operation panel
44 Paper type input setting key as paper type setting means
44a Paper type selection left shift key constituting the paper type input setting key
44b Paper type selection right shift key constituting the paper type input setting key
46 Mode switch key
50 Pressure adjusting means
62 Printing paper
65 Offset adjustment means

Claims (7)

In a printing apparatus that winds a master made on a plate cylinder, supplies ink to the master on the plate cylinder, and presses the paper against the master on the plate cylinder to perform printing,
Based on the paper type detecting means for automatically detecting the paper type due to the difference in paper surface roughness with respect to the paper surface smoothness, and the signal from the paper type detecting means, the paper surface becomes rough. automatically closed and control means selects and sets the contributing print conditions to the print image density stored in advance according to the type of the sheet so as to increase the print image density in accordance with,
Plate making means having a plurality of heating elements for making a master plate, and punching energy adjusting means for adjusting the punching energy supplied to the individual heating elements of the plate making means to a predetermined energy; The condition is the above drilling energy,
The control means selects a predetermined energy corresponding to the detected paper type from the printing conditions set to increase the punching energy as the paper surface becomes rough. And controlling the perforating energy adjusting means so as to set the predetermined energy . In a printing apparatus that winds a master made on a plate cylinder, supplies ink to the master on the plate cylinder, and presses a sheet against the master on the plate cylinder to perform printing,
Based on the paper type detection means for automatically detecting the paper type due to the difference in paper surface roughness with respect to the paper surface smoothness, and the signal from the paper type detection means, the paper surface becomes rough Control means for automatically selecting and setting printing conditions contributing to the print image density stored in advance according to the type of the paper so as to increase the print image density according to
Ink supply means for supplying ink to the inner peripheral surface of the plate cylinder, pressing means for pressing paper against the outer peripheral surface of the plate cylinder, and the ink supply means with respect to the pressing means is biased in the rotational direction of the plate cylinder Offset adjusting means for adjusting an offset amount generated when the offset is generated to a predetermined offset amount, and the printing condition is the offset amount,
The control means selects a predetermined offset amount corresponding to the detected paper type from the printing conditions set so as to reduce the offset amount as the paper surface becomes rough. And controlling the offset adjusting means so as to set the predetermined offset amount . In a printing apparatus that winds a master made on a plate cylinder, supplies ink to the master on the plate cylinder, and presses a sheet against the master on the plate cylinder to perform printing,
Based on the paper type detection means for automatically detecting the paper type due to the difference in paper surface roughness with respect to the paper surface smoothness, and the signal from the paper type detection means, the paper surface becomes rough Control means for automatically selecting and setting printing conditions contributing to the print image density stored in advance according to the type of the paper so as to increase the print image density according to
A pressing unit that presses a sheet against the plate cylinder; and a pressing force adjusting unit that adjusts a pressing force of the pressing unit against the plate cylinder to a predetermined pressing force, and the printing condition is the pressing force.
The control means selects a predetermined pressing force corresponding to the detected type of the paper from the printing conditions set so as to increase the pressing force as the paper surface becomes rough. And controlling the pressing force adjusting means so as to set the predetermined pressing force . The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
The paper type detecting means includes a light emitting means for projecting light on the surface of the paper and a light receiving means for receiving the reflected light reflected on the surface of the paper. A printing apparatus for automatically detecting the type of the sheet by moving and recognizing a variation in a light receiving position of the reflected light received by the light receiving means . In a printing apparatus that winds a master made on a plate cylinder, supplies ink to the master on the plate cylinder, and presses the paper against the master on the plate cylinder to perform printing,
Based on the paper type setting means for setting the paper type according to the difference in paper surface roughness regarding the surface smoothness of the paper, and the signal from the paper type setting means, the printed image is increased as the paper surface becomes rougher. Control means for automatically selecting and setting printing conditions contributing to the print image density stored in advance according to the type of the paper so as to increase the density,
Plate making means having a plurality of heating elements for making a master plate, and punching energy adjusting means for adjusting the punching energy supplied to the individual heating elements of the plate making means to a predetermined energy; The condition is the above drilling energy,
The control means selects a predetermined energy corresponding to the set paper type from the printing conditions set to increase the punching energy as the paper surface becomes rough. And controlling the perforating energy adjusting means so as to set the predetermined energy . In a printing apparatus that winds a master made on a plate cylinder, supplies ink to the master on the plate cylinder, and presses the paper against the master on the plate cylinder to perform printing,
Based on the paper type setting means for setting the paper type according to the difference in paper surface roughness regarding the surface smoothness of the paper, and the signal from the paper type setting means, the printed image is increased as the paper surface becomes rougher. Control means for automatically selecting and setting printing conditions contributing to the print image density stored in advance according to the type of the paper so as to increase the density,
Ink supply means for supplying ink to the inner peripheral surface of the plate cylinder, pressing means for pressing paper against the outer peripheral surface of the plate cylinder, and the ink supply means with respect to the pressing means is biased in the rotational direction of the plate cylinder Offset adjusting means for adjusting an offset amount generated when the offset is generated to a predetermined offset amount, and the printing condition is the offset amount,
The control means selects a predetermined offset amount corresponding to the set paper type from the printing conditions set to reduce the offset amount as the paper surface becomes rough. And controlling the offset adjusting means so as to set the predetermined offset amount . In a printing apparatus that winds a master made on a plate cylinder, supplies ink to the master on the plate cylinder, and presses the paper against the master on the plate cylinder to perform printing,
Based on the paper type setting means for setting the paper type according to the difference in paper surface roughness regarding the surface smoothness of the paper, and the signal from the paper type setting means, the printed image is increased as the paper surface becomes rougher. Control means for automatically selecting and setting printing conditions contributing to the print image density stored in advance according to the type of the paper so as to increase the density,
A pressing unit that presses a sheet against the plate cylinder; and a pressing force adjusting unit that adjusts a pressing force of the pressing unit against the plate cylinder to a predetermined pressing force, and the printing condition is the pressing force.
The control means selects a predetermined pressing force corresponding to the set sheet type from the printing conditions set to increase the pressing force as the paper surface becomes rough. And controlling the pressing force adjusting means so as to set the predetermined pressing force .

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