JP4780942B2 - Printing device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to printing devices.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a printing apparatus such as an impact dot printer, a ribbon mask is disposed between an ink ribbon positioned at the front end of a print head and a paper as a medium to prevent the paper from being soiled. The ink of the ink ribbon is transferred to the paper from the ribbon mask hole formed in the mask.

  However, in the conventional printing apparatus, when printing is performed from the upper end portion of the paper, the corner portion of the paper slips into the ribbon mask hole, and troubles such as paper folding, paper running jam, and spacing error occur. May end up. Further, when the ribbon mask hole itself is damaged, in the subsequent printing, the ink ribbon or the damaged ribbon mask is rubbed (rubbed) on the paper, and the print quality is deteriorated.

  FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the medium conveying operation in the conventional printing apparatus, FIG. 3 is a side view showing the medium conveying operation in the conventional printing apparatus, and FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the curl of the medium in the conventional printing apparatus. .

  In the figure, reference numeral 41 denotes a sheet as a medium. The sheet 41 is fed from a sheet feeding port (not shown) on the front side (right side in FIG. 3) of the discharge route when printing is performed in the printing apparatus. Is detected and set by the table sensor 34. Next, the feed roller 44 is rotated to be conveyed in the upstream paper guide 42. At this time, the skew sensor 33 determines whether or not the upper end of the paper 41 is fed horizontally. If the paper is fed horizontally, the paper 41 is further conveyed onto the platen 46. A plurality of skew sensors 33 and table sensors 34 are provided.

  The sheet width sensor 32 disposed above the platen 46 detects the position of the sheet 41 by detecting the left end and the right end of the sheet 41. When the position of the sheet 41 is confirmed, the print head The print data is printed by 21. Then, the printed paper 41 is conveyed to a downstream paper guide 43 as a medium guide, and is discharged from a discharge port (not shown) on the rear side (left side in FIG. 3) of the discharge route.

  Here, when printing is performed from the upper end portion of the paper 41, the corners of the paper 41 slip into a ribbon mask hole (not shown), and troubles such as an edge fold of the paper 41, a paper running jam, and a spacing error occur. There's a problem. In addition, when the ribbon mask hole itself is damaged, there is a problem that, in the subsequent printing, an ink ribbon (not shown) or a damaged ribbon mask is rubbed against the paper 41 and the print quality is deteriorated.

  Such a problem tends to be particularly noticeable when the leading edge of the paper 41 is curled upward (curved) as shown in FIG. 4A shows a state where the curl is large, and FIG. 4B shows a state where the curl is small. When the leading edge of the paper 41 is curled, as shown in FIG. 3, when the paper 41 is transported, the leading edge of the paper 41 enters the downstream paper guide 43 disposed downstream from the printing position. There is a problem that paper jam is likely to occur because the paper guide 43 is sometimes caught on the tip of the downstream paper guide 43. Further, in the printing apparatus having the paper width sensor 32 as the paper width detection function, the left end position of the paper 41 cannot be accurately detected due to the curl of the front end of the paper 41 when the paper width is detected. In this case, there is a problem that the print format is shifted.

Therefore, in order to solve these problems, one paper guide is provided at each of the upstream and downstream of the printing position, and a paper holding plate is provided between the two paper guides. A printing apparatus that suppresses curling at the leading edge and the trailing edge of a sheet by restricting the sheet from above with a plate has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-124282

  However, since the conventional printing apparatus is provided with a special mechanism such as a sheet holding plate for suppressing the curling of the sheet, the structure becomes complicated and the cost of the entire printing apparatus increases.

The present invention solves the problems of the conventional printing apparatus, detects the breakage of the medium by detecting the end positions in the medium width direction at the first and second positions, respectively. fold in response to, and to provide a proper printing apparatus is Ru can be printed.

Therefore, in the printing apparatus of the present invention, a medium transport path for transporting a medium, a printing unit that performs printing by moving in the width direction of the medium, and a first position that is close to a leading portion in the transport direction of the medium The first medium edge position, which is the position of the edge in the width direction of the medium , is detected, and the edge in the width direction of the medium at a second position downstream of the first position in the transport direction. A detection unit that detects a second medium end position that is the position of the first medium, and a comparison unit that compares the first medium end position detected by the detection unit with the second medium end position A printing apparatus that performs a predetermined process based on a comparison result of the comparison unit, wherein the predetermined process is such that the detected first medium end position is the second medium end position. If the comparison result that a width direction inside than, before the printing unit Is moved in the widthwise central portion of the medium, have lines printed on the medium end direction the central portion as the printing start position, than the detected first medium position position said second medium position located If the comparison result that the width inward, is intends line printing as the printing start position handle end of the print area close to the current position of the printing unit.

According to the present invention, in the printing apparatus, the medium conveyance path for conveying the medium, the printing unit that performs printing by moving in the width direction of the medium, and the first position close to the leading portion in the medium conveyance direction The first medium edge position, which is the position of the edge in the width direction of the medium , is detected, and the edge in the width direction of the medium at a second position downstream of the first position in the transport direction. A detection unit that detects a second medium end position that is the position of the first medium, and a comparison unit that compares the first medium end position detected by the detection unit with the second medium end position A printing apparatus that performs a predetermined process based on a comparison result of the comparison unit, wherein the predetermined process is such that the detected first medium end position is the second medium end position. If the comparison result that a width direction inside than the medium to the printing unit Moving the central portion in the width direction, have the line printing on the medium end direction the central portion as a print start position, said detected first medium position position said second medium position width than the position If the comparison result that a inward, is intends line printing as the printing start position handle end of the print area close to the current position of the printing unit.

  In this case, it is possible to detect the breakage of the medium and perform printing appropriately corresponding to the breakage of the medium.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In the figure, reference numeral 15 denotes a data receiving unit that receives data and transmits / receives control signals from a host device (not shown). A main control unit 11 receives control data, print data, and control signals from the host device via the data receiving unit 15, and interprets the received control data, print data, and control signals, and an image buffer. Expand to. In addition, about the structure of the printing apparatus in this Embodiment, the description of the printing apparatus shown by FIG. 2 and 3 in "Prior art" is used.

  A mechanism control unit 12 includes a plurality of dot pins, and includes a print head 21 serving as a printing unit for printing a predetermined dot pattern generated by the main control unit 11, and the print head 21 is arranged in a horizontal direction. A space motor 22 that moves the paper 41 as a medium, a line feed motor 23 that transports the paper 41 as a medium in the vertical direction, and a line feed, and a gap motor 24 that raises and lowers the distance between the paper 41 and the print head 21, that is, the head gap. To control the operation.

  A detection circuit unit 13 is a gap for measuring the distance between the paper 41 and the print head 21 on the carriage on which the print head 21 is arranged in order to obtain an appropriate head gap when performing printing. A sensor 31; a paper width sensor 32 for measuring the width of the sucked paper 41 and grasping the paper position; a skew sensor 33 for detecting the upper end position and the lower end position of the sucked paper 41; and a table A signal from the table sensor 34 for recognizing the paper 41 placed on 45 is received.

  In the configuration of the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment, when the paper 41 is set in a predetermined range in the width direction of the printing apparatus, the paper 41 is automatically fed and the printing apparatus capable of printing is targeted. Therefore, it is assumed that a plurality of skew sensors 33 and table sensors 34 are arranged at regular intervals in the paper width direction. In addition, it is possible to detect whether or not the fed paper 41 is skewed based on the upper end position of the paper 41 detected by the skew sensor 33 during feeding.

  Reference numeral 14 denotes a storage circuit unit, which is a buffer memory for storing print data transmitted from the main control unit 11 and developing it in an image buffer in order to print the print data. The detection circuit unit The head gap information, paper width information, paper length information, etc. obtained in step 13 are stored. Furthermore, a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM storing the print start position registered in the setup mode and the medium mode is provided.

  An operation panel control unit 16 includes a switch 48 as an input unit and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 49 as a display unit. When the user operates the switch 48, an instruction to shift to each control mode is provided. Then, the paper 41 is supplied and discharged, and the interface between the user and the printing apparatus is performed. The LCD 49 displays internal information, warnings, errors, etc. of the printing apparatus from the printing apparatus to the user.

  Note that the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment has a medium transport path for transporting the paper 41, a printing unit that performs printing processing for the paper 41, and a first position in the width direction at the first position in the transport direction of the paper 41, from the viewpoint of functions. A detection unit that detects a first medium end position, detects a second medium end position in the width direction at a second position in the transport direction, and the first medium end position and the second medium A comparison unit for comparing the end position is provided. The printing apparatus is a kind of image processing apparatus. In this case, the printing unit functions as an image processing unit that performs image processing.

  Next, firmware control will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing firmware control in the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 5, 51 is a head gap control unit, which operates the gap motor 24 before detecting the paper width and opens the print head 21 and the paper width sensor 32 mounted on the print head 21. The head gap is widened. The head gap control unit 51 adjusts the interval between the paper 41 and the print head 21 to an appropriate position during printing.

  Reference numeral 54 denotes a paper width detection unit serving as a detection unit. The space motor 22 causes the print head 21 to reciprocate in the width direction of the paper 41, and the paper is detected via the paper width sensor 32 mounted on the print head 21. 41, the left end position and the right end position are detected.

  Reference numeral 53 denotes a curl detection control unit serving as a comparison unit that detects a fold of the medium, that is, a curl of the paper 41. Determine if is curled. In this case, the curl detection control unit 53 functions as a detection width comparison unit, and compares the first paper width detection position with the second paper width detection position to determine whether the leading edge of the paper 41 is curled. Can be determined.

  A paper feed control unit 55 controls the suction of the paper 41, the paper feed, and the paper discharge by the line feed motor 23. Further, the table sensor 34 and the skew sensor 33 are monitored to grasp the set state of the paper 41, the upper end position and the lower end position of the paper 41, and the like.

  Reference numeral 52 denotes a print control unit serving as a print control unit, which determines a print direction based on the curl position detected by the curl detection control unit 53 and executes a print operation.

  Next, the operation of the printing apparatus having the above configuration will be described. First, the operation of the curl detection control unit 53 will be described.

  6 is a first side view showing a curl detecting operation in the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a second side view showing a curl detecting operation in the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 9 is a plan view showing the curl detection operation in the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the curl detection control unit in the first embodiment of the present invention.

  First, in the printing apparatus, when printing is performed, the paper 41 is fed by a paper feed control unit 55 to a paper feed port (not shown) and conveyed onto the table sensor 34. Then, it is determined whether or not the sheet 41 is set on the table sensor 34. If the sheet 41 is not set, the process waits until it is set. When it is determined that the paper 41 is set, the head gap control unit 51 operates the gap motor 24, and the head motor opens the head gap. That is, an operation for widening the head gap is performed.

  Next, the paper 41 is fed to the skew sensor 33. The skew sensor 33 detects the upper end of the paper 41, determines whether or not the detected upper end of the paper 41 is fed horizontally, and When the paper is fed, the paper 41 is fed to a position below the paper width sensor 32. If the paper 41 is fed obliquely and the upper end of the paper 41 is not horizontal, the paper 41 is ejected, and the fact that the paper 41 is in the skewed state is displayed on the display screen of the LCD 49. Notify the user.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 6, the paper width detection unit 54 causes the space motor 22 to reciprocate the print head 21 in the width direction of the paper 41, and the paper width sensor 32 attached to the print head 21. The first paper width detection operation is performed at the first position. At this time, as shown in FIG. 8, the left end position detected for the first time is stored as L1, and the right end position is stored as R1. Subsequently, a predetermined amount of line feed is performed until the leading edge of the paper 41 does not pass the paper guide downstream from the printing position. Then, as shown in FIG. 7, the paper width sensor 32 performs the second paper width detection operation at the second position. At this time, as shown in FIG. 8, the left end position detected for the second time is stored as L2, and the right end position is stored as R2.

Subsequently, the curl detection control unit 53 compares the first and second left and right end positions of the sheet 41 detected by the sheet width detection unit 54 to determine whether or not the sheet 41 is curled. Judging. Specifically, the curl state is determined by comparing the first left end position L1 and right end position R1 with the second left end position L2 and right end position R2. As shown in FIG. 8, the leftmost position of the head spacing operation range is set as a reference position 0. Here, when the following expression (1) is satisfied, it is determined that there is curl at the left end of the sheet 41, and the curl amount at the left end of the sheet 41 is calculated by the following expression (2). Further, when the following expression (3) is satisfied, it is determined that there is no curl at the left end of the paper 41.
First left end position L1> Second left end position L2 Expression (1)
Left end curl amount = L1-L2 (2)
First left end position L1 ≦ Second left end position L2 Expression (3)
If the following equation (4) is satisfied, it is determined that there is curl at the right end of the paper 41, and the curl amount at the right end of the paper 41 is calculated by the following equation (5). Further, when the following expression (6) is satisfied, it is determined that there is no curl at the right end of the paper 41.
First right end position R1 <second right end position R2 Expression (4)
Right end curl amount = R2-R1 (5)
First right end position R1 ≧ second right end position R2 Expression (6)
Subsequently, when both the left end and the right end of the paper 41 are curled, the left end curl amount and the right end curl amount are compared, and the position where the curl amount is large is set as the curl position. Further, it is set that either the left end or the right end of the paper 41 is curled, and the processing is ended. If neither the left end nor the right end of the paper 41 is curled, the paper curl state information is set to indicate no curling, and the process ends.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S1: It is determined whether or not the paper 41 is set on the table sensor 34. When the paper 41 is set on the table sensor 34, the process proceeds to step S2. When the paper 41 is not set on the table sensor 34, the process waits.
Step S2: A head gap open operation is performed.
Step S3: Feeding operation is performed.
Step S4: It is determined whether or not the upper end of the paper 41 is fed horizontally. If the upper end of the paper 41 is fed horizontally, the process proceeds to step S6. If the upper end of the paper 41 is not fed horizontally, the process proceeds to step S5.
Step S5 The discharging operation is performed.
Step S6 A line feed is made to the upper end position of the paper 41.
Step S7 The first paper width detection operation is performed.
Step S8 Carry out a line feed for a certain amount.
Step S9: A second paper width detection operation is performed.
Step S10: Compare the paper width between the first time and the second time.
Step S11: It is determined whether either the left end or the right end of the paper 41 is curled. If either the left edge or the right edge of the paper 41 is curled, the process proceeds to step S12. If neither the left edge or the right edge of the paper 41 is curled, the process proceeds to step S13.
Step S12: Curling is set, and the process is terminated.
Step S13: It is set that the curling is not performed, and the process is terminated.

  Next, the operation of the print control unit 52 will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the print control unit in the first embodiment of the present invention.

  First, when the data receiving unit 15 receives print data and line feed data from a host device (not shown), the main control unit 11 analyzes the data, develops it in an image buffer, and then issues a print request to the mechanism control unit 12. Send. Then, it is determined whether or not the print data position to be printed is within the curl position range at the upper end of the paper 41. Here, the curl position range is an arbitrary range from the upper end of the paper 41. When printing at a position exceeding the curl position range, the paper 41 is fed to the print start line, and the print direction is set to the printing direction from the end of the print area that is the shortest distance from the current print head 21 position. To do.

  When printing in the curl position range, it is determined whether or not the paper 41 is curled from the paper curl state information set by the curl detection control unit 53 described above. If the paper 41 is not curled, the paper 41 is fed to the print start line, and the print direction is set to the direction in which printing is performed from the end of the print area that is the shortest distance from the current print head 21 position. . When the paper 41 is curled, the paper width detection unit 54 operates the space motor 22 to perform the spacing operation of the print head 21 to the center position inside the paper 41. Then, the paper 41 is conveyed to the printing start line and a line feed is performed.

  Subsequently, the print direction is set. First, it is determined whether or not the print position extends over the center position, that is, whether or not the print position extends across the center of the paper 41. If the print position does not extend over the center position, it is further determined whether or not the print position is on the left end side from the center of the paper 41. If the print position is on the left end side, the print direction is set to the left direction. If not, set the print direction to the right. When the print position extends over the center position, the divided print flag for performing printing in two steps is turned on, that is, the divided print flag is set, and the print direction is set to the right direction.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the head gap is in an open state. When the head gap is in an open state, the print head 21 is operated to an appropriate head gap position for printing by the gap motor 24 and the gap sensor 31, that is, a head gap closing operation is performed. Then, print data is printed. If the head gap is not open, the print data is printed as it is.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the divided print flag is ON. If it is not ON, that is, if it is OFF, the process is terminated. If the divided printing flag is ON, the area to be printed remains, so the head gap opening operation is performed again and the printing head 21 is moved to the center position inside the paper 41. Then, the division printing flag is turned OFF, the printing direction is set to the left direction, and the above operation is repeated in order to print the print data. Here, after printing in the curl position range, the first paper width detection operation and the second paper width detection operation may be performed again. Thereby, even if the curl more than the predetermined has occurred, the paper 41 is not discharged and no error occurs.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S21: It is determined whether the print data position is within the curl position range. If the print data position is in the curl position range, the process proceeds to step S22. If the print data position is not in the curl position range, the process proceeds to step S24.
Step S22: It is determined whether or not the paper 41 is curled. If the paper 41 is curled, the process proceeds to step S23, and if the paper 41 is not curled, the process proceeds to step S24.
Step S23 The spacing operation is performed up to the center position of the print head 21 inside the paper 41.
Step S24: The paper 41 is conveyed to the printing start line and a line feed is performed.
Step S25: The paper 41 is conveyed to the printing start line and a line feed is performed.
Step S26: It is determined whether the print position extends over the center position. If the print position extends over the center position, the process proceeds to step S28. If the print position does not extend over the center position, the process proceeds to step S27.
Step S27: It is determined whether the printing position is on the left end side. If the print position is on the left end side, the process proceeds to step S29. If the print position is not on the left end side, the process proceeds to step S30.
Step S28: The division print flag is turned ON.
Step S29: The printing direction is set to the left.
Step S30: The printing direction is set to the right direction.
Step S31: The printing direction is set to the right direction.
Step S32: The print direction is set to the print direction from the end of the print area closest to the current print head 21 position.
Step S33: It is determined whether or not the head gap is open. If the head gap is open, the process proceeds to step S34, and if the head gap is not open, the process proceeds to step S35.
Step S34 A head gap closing operation is performed.
Step S35 Print data is printed.
Step S36: It is determined whether or not the divided print flag is ON. If the divided print flag is ON, the process proceeds to step S37, and if the divided print flag is not ON, the process ends.
Step S37 A head gap opening operation is performed.
Step S38: The spacing operation is performed until the print head 21 reaches the center position inside the paper 41.
Step S39: The division print flag is turned OFF.

  As described above, in this embodiment, a ribbon mask is disposed between the ink ribbon positioned at the tip of the print head 21 and the paper 41, and the ink of the ink ribbon is formed through the ribbon mask hole formed in the ribbon mask. In the ink ribbon type printing apparatus that transfers the image to the paper 41, when it is determined that the upper end of the paper 41 is in the curled state, printing is performed from the inside of the paper 41 to the outer side which is the curl position. Thereby, since the corner | angular part of the paper 41 does not contact a ribbon mask hole, it can print, without damaging the paper 41. FIG.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, about the thing which has the same structure as 1st Embodiment, the description is abbreviate | omitted by providing the same code | symbol. Also, the description of the same operations and effects as those of the first embodiment is omitted.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing firmware control in the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment, a printing speed control unit 61 for newly setting the printing speed in firmware control is newly added to the configuration of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. Since the configuration of other points is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the operation of the printing apparatus in the present embodiment will be described. Here, since the operation of the curl detection control unit 53 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted, and the operation of the print control unit 52 will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the print control unit in the second embodiment of the present invention.

  Here, since the operation until the sheet 41 is conveyed to the printing start line and the line feed is performed is the same as that in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted. Subsequently, the print direction is set. First, it is determined whether or not the print position extends over the center position, that is, whether or not the print position extends across the center of the paper 41. If the print position does not extend over the center position, it is further determined whether or not the print position is on the left end side from the center of the paper 41. When the print data is on the left end side, a print end position (print spacing end position) when print data is printed at the minimum print speed of the printing apparatus is calculated.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the calculated print end position exceeds the left end curl range. Here, the left end curl range is an arbitrary range from the left end of the paper 41 toward the inside of the paper. When the print end position exceeds the left end curl range, the print speed control unit 61 sets the print speed to the minimum print speed, and further sets the print direction to the left. If the print end position does not exceed the left end curl range, the print direction is set to the left as it is.

  On the other hand, if it is determined whether the print position extends to the center position and the print position extends to the center position, the divided print flag for performing printing in two steps is turned ON, that is, the divided print flag is set. To do. Then, the print end position when the print data is printed at the minimum printing speed of the printing apparatus is calculated. Further, as described above, it is determined whether or not the print position is on the left end side from the center of the paper 41. Even when the print position is not on the left end side, the print end position when the print data is printed at the minimum print speed of the printing apparatus. Is calculated.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the calculated print end position exceeds the right end curl range. Here, the right end curl range is an arbitrary range from the right end of the paper 41 toward the inside of the paper. When the print end position exceeds the right end curl range, the print speed control unit 61 sets the print speed to the minimum print speed and further sets the print direction to the right direction. If the print end position does not exceed the right end curl range, the print direction is set to the right as it is.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the head gap is in an open state. When the head gap is in an open state, the print head 21 is operated to an appropriate head gap position for printing by the gap motor 24 and the gap sensor 31, that is, a head gap closing operation is performed. Then, print data is printed. If the head gap is not open, the print data is printed as it is.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the divided print flag is ON. If it is not ON, that is, if it is OFF, the process is terminated. If the divided printing flag is ON, the area to be printed remains, so the head gap opening operation is performed again and the printing head 21 is moved to the center position inside the paper 41. Then, the above-described operation is repeated to calculate the print end position when the divided print flag is turned OFF and the print data is printed at the minimum print speed of the printing apparatus, and the print data is printed.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S41: It is determined whether the print data position is within the curl position range. If the print data position is in the curl position range, the process proceeds to step S42. If the print data position is not in the curl position range, the process proceeds to step S44.
Step S42: It is determined whether or not the paper 41 is curled. If the paper 41 is curled, the process proceeds to step S43, and if the paper 41 is not curled, the process proceeds to step S44.
Step S43 A spacing operation is performed until the print head 21 reaches the center position inside the paper 41.
Step S44 The paper 41 is conveyed to the printing start line and a line feed is performed.
Step S45 The paper 41 is conveyed to the printing start line and a line feed is performed.
Step S46: It is determined whether the print position extends over the center position. When the print position extends over the center position, the process proceeds to step S48, and when the print position does not extend over the center position, the process proceeds to step S47.
Step S47: It is determined whether the print position is on the left end side. If the print position is on the left end side, the process proceeds to step S49. If the print position is not on the left end side, the process proceeds to step S53.
Step S48: The division print flag is turned ON.
Step S49: The printing end position when printing is performed at the minimum printing speed is calculated.
Step S50: It is determined whether the print end position when printing is performed at the minimum print speed exceeds the left end curl position. If the print end position when printing at the minimum print speed exceeds the left end curl position, the process proceeds to step S51. If the print end position when printing at the minimum print speed does not exceed the left end curl position, the process proceeds to step S52. .
Step S51: The printing speed is set to the minimum printing speed.
Step S52: The printing direction is set to the left.
Step S53 The printing end position when printing is performed at the minimum printing speed is calculated.
Step S54: It is determined whether or not the print end position when printing is performed at the minimum print speed exceeds the right end curl position. If the print end position when printing at the minimum print speed exceeds the right end curl position, the process proceeds to step S55. If the print end position when printing at the minimum print speed does not exceed the right end curl position, the process proceeds to step S56. .
Step S55: The printing speed is set to the minimum printing speed.
Step S56: The printing direction is set to the right direction.
Step S57: The print direction is set to the print direction from the end of the print area closest to the current print head 21 position.
Step S58: It is determined whether or not the head gap is open. If the head gap is open, the process proceeds to step S59, and if the head gap is not open, the process proceeds to step S60.
Step S59 A head gap closing operation is performed.
Step S60 Print data is printed.
Step S61: It is determined whether or not the division printing flag is ON. If the divided print flag is ON, the process proceeds to step S62. If the divided print flag is not ON, the process is terminated.
Step S62 The head gap opening operation is performed.
Step S63 The spacing operation is performed until the print head 21 reaches the center position inside the paper 41.
Step S64: The division print flag is turned OFF.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the printing speed control unit 61 reduces the printing speed to shorten the printing spacing operation distance, and the ribbon mask hole when the print head 21 passes through the curled portion. And the corner of the paper 41 can be prevented from contacting each other. In addition, curling is promoted by the printing operation by reducing the printing speed.

  Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, about the thing which has the same structure as 1st and 2nd embodiment, the description is abbreviate | omitted by providing the same code | symbol. The description of the same operations and effects as those in the first and second embodiments is also omitted.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing firmware control in the third embodiment of the present invention.

  In the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment, when printing is performed within the curl position range with respect to the configuration of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment, printing is performed at a position where the print head 21 gets over the curled portion. A curl crossing over control unit 62 is newly added for control as described above. Since the configuration of other points is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the operation of the printing apparatus in the present embodiment will be described. Here, since the operation of the curl detection control unit 53 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted, and the operation of the print control unit 52 will be described.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the print control unit in the third embodiment of the present invention.

  First, when the data receiving unit 15 receives print data and line feed data from a host device (not shown), the main control unit 11 analyzes the data, develops it in an image buffer, and then issues a print request to the mechanism control unit 12. Send. Then, it is determined whether or not the print data position to be printed is within the curl position range at the upper end of the paper 41. Here, the curl position range is an arbitrary range from the upper end of the paper 41. When printing at a position exceeding the curl position range, the paper 41 is fed to the print start line, and the print direction is set to the printing direction from the end of the print area that is the shortest distance from the current print head 21 position. To do.

  When printing in the curl position range, it is determined whether or not the paper 41 is curled from the paper curl state information set by the curl detection control unit 53 described above. If the paper 41 is not curled, the paper 41 is fed to the print start line, and the print direction is set to the direction in which printing is performed from the end of the print area that is the shortest distance from the current print head 21 position. . When the paper 41 is curled, it is determined whether or not the head gap is in a closed state. When the head gap is in the closed state, the head gap is opened, and the paper width detection unit 54 operates the space motor 22 to perform the spacing operation of the print head 21 to the center position inside the paper 41. I do. If the head gap is not in the closed state, the spacing operation is performed as it is. Then, the paper 41 is conveyed to the printing start line and a line feed is performed. Since subsequent operations are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S70: It is determined whether the print data position is within the curl position range. If the print data position is in the curl position range, the process proceeds to step S71. If the print data position is not in the curl position range, the process proceeds to step S72.
Step S71: It is determined whether or not the paper 41 is curled. If the paper 41 is curled, the process proceeds to step S73. If the paper 41 is not curled, the process proceeds to step S72.
Step S72 The paper 41 is conveyed to the printing start line and a line feed is performed.
Step S73: It is determined whether or not the head gap is in a closed state. If the head gap is in the closed state, the process proceeds to step S74. If the head gap is not in the closed state, the process proceeds to step S75.
Step S74 The head gap opening operation is performed.
Step S75: The spacing operation is performed until the print head 21 reaches the center position inside the paper 41.
Step S76 The paper 41 is conveyed to the printing start line and a line feed is performed.
Step S77: It is determined whether the print position extends over the center position. If the print position extends over the center position, the process proceeds to step S79. If the print position does not extend over the center position, the process proceeds to step S78.
Step S78: It is determined whether the printing position is on the left end side. If the print position is on the left end side, the process proceeds to step S80. If the print position is not the left end side, the process proceeds to step S81.
Step S79: The division print flag is turned ON.
Step S80 The printing direction is set to the left direction.
Step S81: The printing direction is set to the right direction.
Step S82: The printing direction is set to the right direction.
Step S83: The print direction is set to the print direction from the end of the print area closest to the current print head 21 position.
Step S84: It is determined whether or not the head gap is open. If the head gap is open, the process proceeds to step S85, and if the head gap is not open, the process proceeds to step S86.
Step S85 The head gap closing operation is performed.
Step S86 The print data is printed.
Step S87: It is determined whether the divided print flag is ON. If the divided print flag is ON, the process proceeds to step S88, and if the divided print flag is not ON, the process ends.
Step S88 The head gap opening operation is performed.
Step S89 The spacing operation is performed until the print head 21 reaches the center position inside the paper 41.
Step S90: The division print flag is turned off.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when printing is performed within the curl position range, the print head 21 is spaced inside the paper 41 after the head gap is opened, and the head gap is set when printing the print data. It is supposed to be in a closed state. Thereby, the contact between the curled portion and the print head 21 can be prevented. That is, in the curl position range, when the head spacing operation is performed from the outer side to the inner side of the paper 41, the curl portion getting over control unit 62 is controlled to perform the printing operation after getting over the curled portion.

  Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, about the thing which has the same structure as the 1st-3rd embodiment, the description is abbreviate | omitted by providing the same code | symbol. Explanation of the same operations and effects as those in the first to third embodiments is also omitted.

  FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing firmware control in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  In the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment, a print start position control unit 63 for setting a print start position is newly added to the configuration of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. Since the configuration of other points is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the operation of the printing apparatus having the above configuration will be described. Here, since the operation of the print control unit 52 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted, and the operation of the curl detection control unit 53 will be described.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the curl detection control unit in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  Here, it is determined whether or not the sheet 41 is curled, and it is set that either the left end or the right end of the sheet 41 is curled or the sheet curl state information is not curled. The operations up to here are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

  Subsequently, when the paper curl state information is set, the print start position control unit 63 sets the print start position. In this case, the left end position L2 detected in the second paper width detection operation is set as the reference position 0, that is, the non-printable area from the left end of the paper 41 to the print start position as a margin amount set by the user in the setup mode or the like. Is set as the print start position. For example, when the left end position of the paper 41 is 20 [mm] from the leftmost end position of the spacing operation and the margin amount is 5.1 [mm], the print start position is set to 25.1 [mm]. . That is, with the left end position L2 as the reference position 0, a position of 5.1 [mm] is set as the print start position. When the print start position is set, the print control unit 52 performs a print operation from the print start position.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S91: It is determined whether or not the paper 41 is set on the table sensor 34. If the paper 41 is set on the table sensor 34, the process proceeds to step S92. If the paper 41 is not set on the table sensor 34, the process waits.
Step S92 The head gap opening operation is performed.
Step S93: Feeding operation is performed.
Step S94: It is determined whether the upper end of the paper 41 is fed horizontally. If the upper end of the paper 41 is fed horizontally, the process proceeds to step S96. If the upper end of the paper 41 is not fed horizontally, the process proceeds to step S95.
Step S95 The discharging operation is performed.
Step S96 A line feed is made to the upper end position of the paper 41.
Step S97 The first paper width detection operation is performed.
Step S98 Carry out a line feed for a certain amount.
Step S99 A second paper width detection operation is performed.
Step S100: Compare the paper width between the first time and the second time.
Step S101: It is determined whether either the left end or the right end of the paper 41 is curled. If either the left edge or the right edge of the paper 41 is curled, the process proceeds to step S102. If neither the left edge or the right edge of the paper 41 is curled, the process proceeds to step S103.
Step S102: The curl is set.
Step S103 It is set that there is no curling.
Step S104: The print start position is set with the left end position L2 of the paper 41 detected by the second paper width detection operation as the reference position 0, and the process ends.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the paper 41 is fed, the print start position control is performed with the left end position L2 of the paper 41 detected at a position conveyed by a certain amount from the upper end of the paper 41 as the reference position 0. The printing start position is set by the part 63. Thereby, even if the paper 41 is curled, erroneous detection of the left end position can be eliminated, so that it is possible to prevent a print format shift during printing.

  Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, about the thing which has the same structure as 1st-4th embodiment, the description is abbreviate | omitted by providing the same code | symbol. Explanation of the same operations and effects as those in the first to fourth embodiments is also omitted.

  FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing firmware control in the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

  In the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment, when the curl detection control unit 53 detects a curl amount of paper 41 that cannot be conveyed, compared to the configuration of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment, An error discharge control unit 64 that controls to discharge the paper 41 and an error display unit 65 that displays on the LCD 49 that the curled amount of paper 41 that cannot be conveyed is discharged and notifies the user are newly added. ing. Since the configuration of other points is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the operation of the printing apparatus having the above configuration will be described. Here, since the operation of the print control unit 52 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted, and the operation of the curl detection control unit 53 will be described.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the operation of the curl detection control unit in the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

  Here, since the operation until it is determined whether or not the paper 41 is curled is the same as that in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  Subsequently, the curl detection control unit 53 compares the first and second left and right end positions of the paper 41 detected by the paper width detection unit 54 to determine whether or not the paper 41 is curled. to decide. Specifically, the curl state is determined by comparing the first left end position L1 and right end position R1 with the second left end position L2 and right end position R2. As shown in FIG. 8, the leftmost position of the head spacing operation range is set as a reference position 0. In this case, when the expression (1) is satisfied, it is determined that there is a curl at the left end of the paper 41, and the curl amount at the left end is calculated by the expression (2). Further, in the case of Expression (3), it is determined that there is no curl at the left end of the paper 41.

  In the case of Expression (4), it is determined that there is curl at the right end of the paper 41, and the curl amount at the right end is calculated by Expression (5). Further, in the case of Expression (6), it is determined that there is no curl at the right end of the paper 41.

  Subsequently, when neither the left end nor the right end is curled, it is set in the paper curl state information that there is no curl, and the process is terminated. If both the left end and the right end are curled, the left end curl amount is compared with the right end curl amount, the larger curl amount is compared with the threshold value, and the curl amount is It is determined whether it is less than the threshold value. In this case, the threshold value is a curl amount at which a failure such as a jam or a paper break may occur when the curled paper 41 passes the paper guide downstream from the printing position, and this threshold value is obtained in advance by an experiment. And If the curl amount is less than the threshold value and the curl amount is such that the sheet can be normally conveyed, it is set that either the left end or the right end of the sheet 41 is curled, and the process ends. If the curl amount exceeds the threshold and the curl amount is such that the paper cannot be conveyed, the error discharge control unit 64 discharges the paper 41, and the error display unit 65 displays the curl that cannot be conveyed as an error message. The LCD 49 displays that the amount of paper 41 has been discharged and notifies the user. At this time, for example, when the LCD 49 is an LCD unit capable of displaying 16 digits (two digits) of kana, the upper part of the LCD 49 is “Karashioshikashishishita”, the lower part of the LCD 49 is “Yoshikakuinshi teshidasai”, etc. Is displayed, and the printer waits for a new paper 41 to be set.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S111: It is determined whether or not the paper 41 is set on the table sensor 34. If the paper 41 is set on the table sensor 34, the process proceeds to step S112. If the paper 41 is not set on the table sensor 34, the process waits.
Step S112 The head gap opening operation is performed.
Step S113: A paper feeding operation is performed.
Step S114: It is determined whether the upper end of the paper 41 is fed horizontally. If the upper end of the paper 41 is fed horizontally, the process proceeds to step S116, and if the upper end of the paper 41 is not fed horizontally, the process proceeds to step S115.
Step S115 The discharging operation is performed.
Step S116 A line feed is made to the upper end position of the paper 41.
Step S117: The first paper width detection operation is performed.
Step S118 A line feed for a certain amount is performed.
Step S119: A second paper width detection operation is performed.
Step S120: Compare the first and second paper widths.
Step S121: It is determined whether either the left end or the right end of the paper 41 is curled. If either the left edge or the right edge of the paper 41 is curled, the process proceeds to step S123. If neither the left edge or the right edge of the paper 41 is curled, the process proceeds to step S122.
Step S122: The curl is not set, and the process is terminated.
Step S123: The curl amount is compared with the threshold value. If the curl amount is less than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S126. If the curl amount exceeds the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S124.
Step S124 The discharging operation is performed.
Step S125 The error display unit 65 displays a warning that the curled paper as the error medium has been discharged on the LCD 49.
Step S126: The curling is set, and the process is terminated.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the paper traveling jam that occurs when the upper end of the paper 41 passes the paper guide downstream from the printing position is prevented, and the paper damage and the ribbon mask hole damage during printing are prevented. It can be prevented in advance. Further, it is possible to prevent a delay in printing work due to erroneous printing on the paper 41 whose corners are already completely folded.

  Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, about the thing which has the same structure as 1st-5th embodiment, the description is abbreviate | omitted by providing the same code | symbol. Explanation of the same operations and effects as those in the first to fifth embodiments is also omitted.

  FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing firmware control in the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

  In the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment, a discharge direction control unit 71 for setting the discharge direction of the paper 41 is newly added to the configuration of the printing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. Since the configuration of other points is the same as that of the fifth embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the operation of the printing apparatus having the above configuration will be described. Here, since the operation of the print control unit 52 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted, and the operation of the curl detection control unit 53 will be described.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the operation of the curl detection control unit in the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

  Here, since the operation until it is determined whether or not the paper 41 is curled is the same as that in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  Subsequently, the curl detection control unit 53 compares the first and second left and right end positions of the paper 41 detected by the paper width detection unit 54 to determine whether or not the paper 41 is curled. to decide. Specifically, the curl state is determined by comparing the first left end position L1 and right end position R1 with the second left end position L2 and right end position R2. As shown in FIG. 8, the leftmost position of the head spacing operation range is set as a reference position 0. In this case, when the expression (1) is satisfied, it is determined that there is a curl at the left end of the paper 41, and the curl amount at the left end is calculated by the expression (2). Further, in the case of Expression (3), it is determined that there is no curl at the left end of the paper 41.

  In the case of Expression (4), it is determined that there is curl at the right end of the paper 41, and the curl amount at the right end is calculated by Expression (5). Further, in the case of Expression (6), it is determined that there is no curl at the right end of the paper 41.

  Subsequently, when neither the left end nor the right end is curled, it is set in the paper curl state information that there is no curl, and the process is terminated. When both the left end and the right end are curled, the left end curl amount and the right end curl amount are compared, the larger curl amount is compared with the threshold value, and whether or not the curl amount is less than the threshold value is determined. to decide. If the curl amount is less than the threshold value and the curl amount is such that the sheet can be normally conveyed, it is set that either the left end or the right end of the sheet 41 is curled, and the process ends. If the curl amount exceeds the threshold and the curl amount is such that the sheet cannot be conveyed, the discharge direction control unit 71 sets the discharge direction to the front paper feed port.

  Next, the discharge operation of the paper 41 is performed by the error discharge control unit 64, and the discharge direction is set to the setup mode or the direction set by the switch operation, and either the front side paper supply port or the rear side discharge port is set. return. Then, the error display unit 65 displays on the LCD 49 that the curled amount of paper 41 that cannot be conveyed is discharged as an error message, and notifies the user. Subsequently, when an error message is displayed, it waits for a new sheet 41 to be set.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S131: It is determined whether or not the paper 41 is set on the table sensor 34. If the paper 41 is set on the table sensor 34, the process proceeds to step S132. If the paper 41 is not set on the table sensor 34, the process waits.
Step S132 A head gap open operation is performed.
Step S133 Paper feeding operation is performed.
Step S134: Whether the upper end of the paper 41 is fed horizontally is determined. If the upper end of the paper 41 is fed horizontally, the process proceeds to step S136, and if the upper end of the paper 41 is not fed horizontally, the process proceeds to step S135.
Step S135 The discharging operation is performed.
Step S136 A line feed is made to the upper end position of the paper 41.
Step S137 The first paper width detection operation is performed.
Step S138 Carry out a line feed for a certain amount.
Step S139 A second paper width detection operation is performed.
Step S140: Compare the first and second paper widths.
Step S141: It is determined whether either the left end or the right end of the paper 41 is curled. If either the left edge or the right edge of the paper 41 is curled, the process proceeds to step S143. If neither the left edge or the right edge of the paper 41 is curled, the process proceeds to step S142.
Step S142: It is set that no curling is performed, and the process is terminated.
Step S143 The curl amount is compared with the threshold value. If the curl amount is less than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S148, and if the curl amount exceeds the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S144.
Step S144: The discharge direction is set to the paper feed port.
Step S145 The discharging operation is performed.
Step S146: The discharge direction is returned to the set discharge direction.
Step S147 The error display unit 65 displays a warning that the curled paper as the error medium has been discharged on the LCD 49.
Step S148: Curling is set and the process is terminated.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the printing apparatus has a configuration in which the discharge direction of the paper 41 can be set to either the front paper supply port or the rear discharge port, the curled paper is discharged. At this time, the discharge direction control unit 71 fixes the discharge direction to the front paper feed port. As a result, it is possible to prevent a paper travel jam or paper damage when the paper guide or the feed roller is crossed.

  Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, about the thing which has the same structure as 1st-6th embodiment, the description is abbreviate | omitted by providing the same code | symbol. Explanation of the same operations and effects as those in the first to sixth embodiments is also omitted.

  FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing firmware control in the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

  In the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment, a paper guide excess control unit 72 that determines whether or not the upper end position of the paper 41 exceeds the paper guide and controls the configuration of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. Has been added. Since the configuration of other points is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the operation of the printing apparatus having the above configuration will be described. Here, since the operation of the curl detection control unit 53 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted, and the operation of the print control unit 52 will be described.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the operation of the print control unit in the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the data receiving unit 15 receives print data and line feed data from a host device (not shown), analyzes the data in the main control unit 11, develops the data into an image buffer, and transmits a print request to the mechanism control unit 12. Then, it is determined whether or not the print data position to be printed is within the curl position range at the upper end of the paper 41. Here, the curl position range is an arbitrary range from the upper end of the paper 41. When printing is performed at a position beyond the curl position range, it is determined whether or not the paper 41 is curled.

If the paper 41 is not curled, the paper 41 is fed to the print start line, and the print direction is set to the direction in which printing is performed from the end of the print area that is the shortest distance from the current print head 21 position. If the paper 41 is curled, the paper guide crossing control unit 72 determines whether or not the current upper end position of the paper 41 exceeds the paper guide on the downstream side of the printing position. If the paper guide already exceeds the downstream paper guide, a normal line feed operation is performed. If the paper guide is not over the downstream paper guide and is in front, it is determined whether or not the upper end position of the paper 41 exceeds the downstream paper guide by performing a line feed operation. When the line feed operation does not exceed the downstream paper guide, a normal line feed operation is performed. When the line feed operation is performed and the downstream paper guide is exceeded, the print head 21 is moved to the curl position. Here, when there is a curl at the left end position of the paper 41, the operation amount is calculated by the following equation (7).
Operation amount = paper left end position−current print head 21 position (7)
Subsequently, the paper 41 is fed to the print start line, and the print direction is set to the direction in which printing is performed from the end of the print area that is the shortest distance from the current print head 21 position.

  Further, as described above, it is determined whether the print data position is within the curl position range of the upper end of the paper 41, and when printing is performed in the curl position range, the curl position set by the curl detection control unit 53 described above. It is determined from the information whether or not the paper 41 is curled. If the paper 41 is not curled, the paper 41 is fed to the print start line, and the print direction is set to the direction in which printing is performed from the end of the print area that is the shortest distance from the current print head 21 position. When the paper 41 is curled, the paper width detection unit 54 operates the space motor 22 to perform the spacing operation of the print head 21 to the center position inside the paper 41. Then, the paper 41 is conveyed to the printing start line and a line feed is performed. Since subsequent operations are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S151: It is determined whether the print data position is within the curl position range. If the print data position is in the curl position range, the process proceeds to step S152. If the print data position is not in the curl position range, the process proceeds to step S161.
Step S152 It is determined whether or not the paper 41 is curled. If the paper 41 is curled, the process proceeds to step S153. If the paper 41 is not curled, the process proceeds to step S165.
Step S153: The printing head 21 is moved to the center position inside the paper 41.
Step S154: The paper 41 is conveyed to the printing start line and a line feed is performed.
Step S155: It is determined whether the print position extends over the center position. If the print position extends over the center position, the process proceeds to step S157. If the print position does not extend over the center position, the process proceeds to step S156.
Step S156: Whether the print position is on the left end side is determined. If the print position is on the left end side, the process proceeds to step S158. If the print position is not on the left end side, the process proceeds to step S159.
Step S157: The division print flag is turned ON.
Step S158: The printing direction is set to the left direction.
Step S159: The printing direction is set to the right direction.
Step S160: The printing direction is set to the right direction.
Step S161: It is determined whether or not the paper 41 is curled. If the paper 41 is curled, the process proceeds to step S162. If the paper 41 is not curled, the process proceeds to step S165.
Step S162: It is determined whether the upper end of the paper 41 exceeds the paper guide on the downstream side of the printing position. If the upper end of the paper 41 exceeds the paper guide downstream from the printing position, the process proceeds to step S165. If the upper end of the paper 41 does not exceed the paper guide downstream from the printing position, the process proceeds to step S163.
Step S163: It is determined whether or not the position where the line feed amount is added to the upper end of the paper 41 exceeds the paper guide on the downstream side of the printing position. If the position where the line feed amount is added to the upper end of the paper 41 exceeds the paper guide downstream of the print position, the process proceeds to step S164, and the position where the line feed amount is added to the upper end of the paper 41 is positioned downstream of the print position. If not, the process proceeds to step S165.
Step S164: The printing head 21 is moved to the curl position.
Step S165: The paper 41 is conveyed to the printing start line and a line feed is performed.
Step S166: The print direction is set to the print direction from the end of the print area closest to the current print head 21 position.
Step S167: It is determined whether the head gap is in an open state. If the head gap is open, the process proceeds to step S168, and if the head gap is not open, the process proceeds to step S169.
Step S168: A head gap closing operation is performed.
Step S169 Print the print data.
Step S170: It is determined whether the divided print flag is ON. If the divided print flag is ON, the process proceeds to step S171. If the divided print flag is not ON, the process ends.
Step S171: A head gap opening operation is performed.
Step S172 The spacing operation is performed until the print head 21 reaches the center position inside the paper 41.
Step S173: The division print flag is turned OFF.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the curled paper 41 passes the paper guide downstream from the print position, the print head 21 is operated on the curl position. As a result, the paper 41 can be prevented from floating when the paper guide is exceeded, and the occurrence of paper running jam can be suppressed.

  Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, about the thing which has the same structure as 1st-7th embodiment, the description is abbreviate | omitted by providing the same code | symbol. Explanation of the same operations and effects as those in the first to seventh embodiments is also omitted.

  FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing firmware control in the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

  In the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment, the sheet lower end position control is performed to determine whether or not the lower end position of the sheet 41 exceeds the upstream paper guide with respect to the configuration of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. A unit 73 and the discharge direction control unit 71 are newly added. Since the configuration of other points is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the operation of the printing apparatus having the above configuration will be described. Here, since the operation of the curl detection control unit 53 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted, and the operation of the print control unit 52 will be described.

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the operation of the print control unit in the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

  Here, since the operation until printing of the print data is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the divided print flag is ON. If it is not ON, that is, if it is OFF, it is determined whether or not the paper 41 is curled. If the paper 41 is not curled, the process is terminated. If the paper 41 is curled, the paper lower end position control unit 73 determines whether the lower end position of the paper 41 has passed the paper guide upstream of the print position after printing and line feed. If the current lower end position of the paper 41 does not exceed the upstream paper guide, the process is terminated. Further, when the current lower end position of the sheet 41 exceeds the upstream paper guide, the discharge direction control unit 71 temporarily sets the discharge direction to the rear discharge port. Furthermore, the discharge direction is set to the rear discharge port during automatic discharge when the lower end of the paper 41 is over, or when there is an instruction for a discharge designation command from a host device (not shown).

  If the divided printing flag is ON, the area to be printed remains, so the head gap opening operation is performed again and the printing head 21 is moved to the center position inside the paper 41. Then, the division printing flag is turned OFF, the printing direction is set to the left direction, and the above operation is repeated in order to print the print data.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S181: It is determined whether the print data position is within the curl position range. If the print data position is in the curl position range, the process proceeds to step S182. If the print data position is not in the curl position range, the process proceeds to step S191.
Step S182: It is determined whether or not the paper 41 is curled. If the paper 41 is curled, the process proceeds to step S183. If the paper 41 is not curled, the process proceeds to step S191.
Step S183: The spacing operation is performed until the print head 21 reaches the center position inside the paper 41.
Step S184: The paper 41 is conveyed to the printing start line and a line feed is performed.
Step S185: It is determined whether the print position extends over the center position. If the print position extends over the center position, the process proceeds to step S187. If the print position does not extend over the center position, the process proceeds to step S186.
Step S186: Whether the print position is on the left end side is determined. If the print position is on the left end side, the process proceeds to step S188. If the print position is not on the left end side, the process proceeds to step S189.
Step S187: The division print flag is turned ON.
Step S188: The printing direction is set to the left direction.
Step S189: The printing direction is set to the right direction.
Step S190: The printing direction is set to the right direction.
Step S191: The paper 41 is conveyed to the printing start line and a line feed is performed.
Step S192: The print direction is set to the print direction from the end of the print area closest to the current print head 21 position.
Step S193: It is determined whether or not the head gap is open. If the head gap is open, the process proceeds to step S194. If the head gap is not open, the process proceeds to step S195.
Step S194: A head gap closing operation is performed.
Step S195 Print data is printed.
Step S196: Whether the division print flag is ON is determined. If the divided print flag is ON, the process proceeds to step S200. If the divided print flag is not ON, the process proceeds to step S197.
Step S197: It is determined whether or not the paper 41 is curled. If the paper 41 is curled, the process proceeds to step S198. If the paper 41 is not curled, the process is terminated.
Step S198: It is determined whether or not the lower end of the paper 41 exceeds the paper guide upstream of the printing position. If the lower end of the paper 41 exceeds the paper guide upstream of the printing position, the process proceeds to step S199. If the lower end of the paper 41 does not exceed the paper guide upstream of the printing position, the process ends.
Step S199: The discharge direction is set to the discharge port, and the process ends.
Step S200 The head gap opening operation is performed.
Step S201: A spacing operation is performed until the print head 21 reaches the center position inside the paper 41.
Step S202: The division print flag is turned off.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the printing apparatus has a configuration in which the discharge direction of the paper 41 can be set to either the front paper supply port or the rear discharge port, the curling is performed at the upper end of the paper 41. When the state is detected, it is considered that there is a high possibility that the lower end of the paper 41 is also curled due to the thickness and property of the paper 41. Then, when the lower end of the sheet 41 comes into contact with the paper guide downstream from the printing position when the sheet 41 is discharged, it is possible to prevent the sheet traveling jam from occurring.

  Next, a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, about the thing which has the same structure as 1st-8th embodiment, the description is abbreviate | omitted by providing the same code | symbol. Explanation of the same operations and effects as those in the first to eighth embodiments is also omitted.

  FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing firmware control in the ninth embodiment of the present invention.

  In the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment, a special medium control unit 74 is newly added to the configuration of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. Since the configuration of other points is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the operation of the printing apparatus having the above configuration will be described. Here, since the operation of the print control unit 52 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted, and the operation of the curl detection control unit 53 will be described.

  FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of a special medium according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the curl detection control unit according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention.

  Here, since the operation until it is determined whether or not the upper end of the paper 41 is fed horizontally is the same as in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted. If the paper 41 is fed obliquely and the upper end of the paper 41 is not horizontal, the paper 41 is ejected, and the user is caused to display on the display screen of the LCD 49 that the paper 41 is skewed. ,Notice.

  If the paper 41 is fed horizontally, it is determined whether the setup mode or the mode specified on the operation panel is the special medium mode. Note that the special medium is a medium in which the shape of the upper end corner of the paper 41 is not a right angle. For example, a slip used in a courier as shown in FIG. 26A, FIG. A passbook or card as shown in FIG. 26, an envelope as shown in FIG.

  In the special medium mode, the paper 41 is transported to the paper width detection position for the special medium mode set by the special medium control unit 74 in the setup mode. When printing on a specially shaped medium, it is desirable that the user registers and sets the paper width detection position for each medium in advance via the setup mode or the operation panel. Subsequently, the sheet width detection operation for the special medium mode is performed, and the left end position and the right end position of the sheet 41 are detected. Then, it is set in the paper curl state information that there is no curl, and the process is terminated.

  If the special medium mode is not selected, the paper 41 is fed to the paper width sensor 32 after being line-breaked. Since subsequent operations are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S201: It is determined whether or not the paper 41 is set on the table sensor 34. If the paper 41 is set on the table sensor 34, the process proceeds to step S202. If the paper 41 is not set on the table sensor 34, the process waits.
Step S202 The head gap opening operation is performed.
Step S203: Feeding operation is performed.
Step S204: It is determined whether the upper end of the paper 41 is fed horizontally. If the upper end of the paper 41 is fed horizontally, the process proceeds to step S206. If the upper end of the paper 41 is not fed horizontally, the process proceeds to step S205.
Step S205 The discharging operation is performed.
Step S206: Whether the special medium mode is set is determined. If it is the special medium mode, the process proceeds to step S207, and if it is not the special medium mode, the process proceeds to step S210.
Step S207: The paper 41 is conveyed to the paper width detection position for the special medium mode and a line feed is made.
Step S208: A paper width detection operation for the special medium mode is performed.
Step S209: It is set that no curling is performed, and the process is terminated.
Step S210: A line feed is made to the upper end position of the paper 41.
Step S211 The first paper width detection operation is performed.
Step S212 A line feed for a certain amount is performed.
Step S213: The second paper width detection operation is performed.
Step S214: Compare the first and second paper widths.
Step S215: It is determined whether either the left end or the right end of the paper 41 is curled. If either the left edge or the right edge of the paper 41 is curled, the process proceeds to step S216. If neither the left edge or the right edge of the paper 41 is curled, the process proceeds to step S209.
Step S216: The curl is set and the process is terminated.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection of the curled state when printing on the paper 41 as a medium having a special shape.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, It can change variously based on the meaning of this invention, and does not exclude them from the scope of the present invention.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating an operation of conveying a medium in a conventional printing apparatus. It is a side view which shows the operation | movement of medium conveyance in the conventional printing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the curl of the medium in the conventional printing apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the firmware control in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a 1st side view which shows the curl detection operation | movement in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a 2nd side view which shows the curl detection operation | movement in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the curl detection operation | movement in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the curl detection control part in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the printing control part in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the firmware control in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the printing control part in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the firmware control in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the printing control part in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the firmware control in the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the curl detection control part in the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the firmware control in the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the curl detection control part in the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the firmware control in the 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the curl detection control part in the 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the firmware control in the 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the printing control part in the 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the firmware control in the 8th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the printing control part in the 8th Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the firmware control in the 9th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the special medium in the 9th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the curl detection control part in the 9th Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

21 Print Head 41 Paper 43 Downstream Paper Guide 53 Curl Detection Control Unit 54 Paper Width Detection Unit

Claims (7)

(A) a medium conveyance path for conveying the medium;
(B) a printing unit that performs printing by moving in the width direction of the medium;
(C) A first medium end position, which is an end position in the width direction of the medium , is detected at a first position close to a head portion in the medium transport direction, and the transport direction is more than the first position. A detection unit that detects a second medium end position that is a position of an end part in the width direction of the medium at a second position on the downstream side of the medium ;
(D) a comparison unit that compares the first medium end position detected by the detection unit with the second medium end position;
(E) a printing apparatus that performs predetermined processing based on the comparison result of the comparison unit;
(F) When the predetermined process is a comparison result that the detected first medium edge position is inside in the width direction with respect to the second medium edge position, the printing unit is moved to the medium. is moved in the widthwise central portion, have rows printed on the medium end direction the central portion as a print start position, said detected first medium position position the second width direction than the medium end position If the comparison result that inside the printing apparatus, characterized in that the print end of the printing area close to the current position of the printing unit as a printing start position is intends processing line. (A) a medium guide disposed downstream of the printing unit in the conveyance direction of the medium;
(B) The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the position of the second medium end is detected before the leading end of the medium reaches the medium guide. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second medium end position is detected and the predetermined processing is restricted based on the type of the medium. (A) the printing unit includes a print head for performing printing by performing spacing;
(B) If the detected result is that the detected first medium end position is inside in the width direction with respect to the second medium end position, at least the first position in the transport direction and the second position between a position, the printing apparatus according to print endwise the row cormorants請 Motomeko 1 from the central portion in the width direction of the medium. The printing apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the predetermined process includes a process of changing a printing speed. The predetermined process includes a process of opening a gap when the print head is moved to the center in the width direction of the medium in order to perform printing from the center in the width direction of the medium to the end. 5. The printing apparatus according to 4 . The printing apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the predetermined process includes a process of transporting the medium to a print start position after the print head is moved to a central portion in the width direction of the medium.

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