JP5166784B2 - Printing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus that performs printing in dot units, and more particularly to a printing apparatus that is suitable when the layout of a print head is different.

  FIG. 35 shows a control block of a printing apparatus which is a conventional serial dot impact printer. 35, the conventional printing apparatus 1 includes a print head 2, a head driver 3, a program ROM 4, a control LSI 5, and a RAM 6. The control LSI 5 includes a layout information storage unit 7, a layout selection unit 8, a print data conversion unit 9, an impact data extraction unit 10, and an impact execution unit 11. The RAM 6 includes a print data storage unit 12 and an impact data storage unit 13. Other than the above, the print head 2 is mounted on a substrate 14 provided in the printing apparatus 1. The printing apparatus 1 is connected to a host apparatus (host computer) 15 and print data is transmitted from the host apparatus 15.

  Next, the operation will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. When the printer 1 is turned on, pin layout information of several types of print heads is stored in the layout information storage unit 7 from the program ROM 4 (step 1). Next, according to the layout shape of the print head 2 to be actually used, information for specifying the layout shape, for example, information indicating whether the layout shape is a diamond type or a staggered type is set from the program ROM 4 to the layout selection unit 8. (Step 2).

  Thereafter, when print data is transmitted from the host device 15 (step 3), the print data is stored in the print data storage unit 12 (step 4). The print data conversion unit 9 extracts the print data from the print data storage unit 12 (step 5), selects a pin layout based on information from the layout information storage unit 7 and the layout selection unit 8, and then sends the print data to the print head 2. Data conversion is performed in accordance with the pin layout (step 6).

  Here, data conversion will be described. When the pin layout of the print head 2 is, for example, a 24 pin pseudo diamond shape as shown in FIG. 37, first, the 24 pins are divided into four groups as shown in FIG. That is, when the pin # 1, pin # 2,..., Pin # 24 are arranged in order from the top, the leftmost four pins (# 9, # 11, # 13, and # 15) are group A and the next. 4 pins (# 5, # 7, # 17, # 19) on the right side and 4 pins (# 2, # 4, # 22, # 24) on the right side from group B, 3 from the left The 4th pin (# 1, # 3, # 21, # 23) and the 4th pin (# 6, # 8, # 18, # 20) from the right are group C, and the rightmost pin A certain four pins (# 10, # 12, # 14, # 16) are group D.

  At this time, the distance between the left pin (ODD pin) and the right pin (EVEN pin) in each of group B and group C is (8/240) inches away, as shown in FIG. Data movement is performed so that the print data of the EVEN pin is separated from the print data of the ODD pin by 8 columns. Note that the example shown in FIG. 39 shows the case of vertical bar printing in which print data exists on all pins. In this way, the print data is converted based on the pin layout information of the print head 2. The print data converted as described above is stored in the impact data storage unit 13 (step 7).

  When an impact interrupt signal is input (step 8), the impact data extraction unit 10 extracts impact data from the impact data storage unit 13 (step 9). When the next impact interrupt signal is input (step 10), printing is performed. Perform (step 11).

  Printing is performed at the timing shown in FIG. FIG. 40 is a time chart showing the conventional impact timing. In FIG. 40, an impact timing signal is input for each column, and each time an impact timing signal is input, an impact timing signal for each group is input with a shifted timing. The EVEN pins of group B, group C, and group D are not printed at the impact timing of the first column, but are printed at the impact timing of the eighth column.

As described above, for example, JP-A-7-52413 discloses one in which a plurality of pins are divided into several groups and printing control is performed for each group.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-52413

However, in the above-described conventional printing apparatus, the print data can be converted based on the layout information only when the pin layout shape of the print head to be used is known in advance. In addition, in order to prepare all possible print head shape layout data in the control LSI, the number of gates becomes enormous, which is not practical. Therefore, only several types of layout data can actually be prepared.

  Therefore, if it is necessary to change the pin layout of the print head during the development of the printing device, it becomes impossible to change, or if you want to use the existing control LSI that is the asset up to now, There was a problem that it could not be used because it could not be controlled.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a printing apparatus that performs printing in units of dots by a print head, and transmits layout information of a plurality of print elements included in the print head to be used from an operation unit or a host device of the printing apparatus. Based on the predetermined command data generated, layout input setting means capable of input setting for each printing element, and timing for printing for each printing element are generated based on the layout information input and set by the layout input setting means. A timing generation means is provided.

According to the present invention, the layout information of a plurality of printing elements provided in the print head to be used can be set for each printing element by predetermined command data transmitted from the operation unit of the printing apparatus or the host device . Even if the layout of a plurality of printing elements included in the print head to be used is not set in advance, the timing for printing for each printing element can be generated in accordance with the layout information of the plurality of printing elements included in the print head to be used. possible and will, to change the print head on the way developing device, walk the same control circuit even when the layout is changed and it is possible to use the same control LSI.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Elements common to the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals. FIG. 1 is a control block diagram illustrating the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 1, a printing apparatus 21 according to the first embodiment includes a print head 2, a head driver 3, a program ROM 4, a control LSI 5, and a RAM 6 as in the conventional example.

  The control LSI 5 includes a layout information setting register unit 22, a print DPI setting register unit 23, a layout information storage unit 24, a timing counter unit 25, a print data conversion unit 9, an impact data extraction unit 10, and an impact execution unit 11. The RAM 6 includes a print data storage unit 12 and an impact data storage unit 13. Of the above, components other than the print head 2 are mounted on the substrate 14. The printing device 21 is connected to a host device (host computer) 15, and print data is transmitted from the host device 15.

  The layout information setting register unit 22 includes a register that can set the position of each pin of the print head 2 in units of (1/720) inches. The print DPI setting register unit 23 is a register for setting a print DPI (dots per inch). The layout information storage unit 24 stores the pin layout information of the print head 2 set by the layout information setting register unit 22. The timing counter unit 25 generates a timing counter for generating impact timing based on information input from the layout information setting register unit 22 and the print DPI setting register unit 23.

  Next, the printing operation of the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the printing operation of the first embodiment. First, the pin layout of the print head 2 used by the apparatus 21 is input to the layout information setting register unit 22 (step 21). Input is set in units of (1/720) inches for each pin of the print head 2. The layout information is set to the layout information setting register unit 22 which is a control register in the control LSI 5 by firmware (program) processing. As shown in FIG. Set the information of how far away. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the setting of pin layout information.

  In FIG. 3, for example, the pin # 1 is separated from the reference point “0” by a value “25”, and the set value of the pin # 1 is “25”. Similarly, the pin # 2 is separated from the reference point “0” by a value “46”, and the setting value of the pin # 2 is “46”. Thus, the value of how far from the reference point is set for each pin. Here, the set value “1” corresponds to (1/720) inch. Setting layout information for all pins can be realized if there is a control register for 6 bits (= 0 to 63) × 24 pins. The input layout information of each pin of the print head 2 is stored in a layout information storage unit 24 that is an internal register in the control LSI 5. The vertical position of the pin is fixed in advance by a program because it is fixed by a print head such as 9 pins or 24 pins.

  Next, when print data is input from the host device 15 (step 22), the print data is stored in the print data storage unit 12 (step 23). Here, the DPI mode designated in the print data is input to the print DPI setting register 23 and set (step 24). Next, the layout information of each pin set in the layout information setting register unit 22 and the information in the print DPI setting register unit 23 are input to the timing counter unit 25. The timing counter unit 25 generates a timing counter for generating impact timing. Is generated (step 25).

  The generation of the timing counter will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing generation of a timing counter. In FIG. 4, first, a basic (1/720) inch impact timing is counted to obtain a timing for printing a desired print DPI. For example, in the case of 360 DPI, since the print timing is in units of (2/720) inches, the (1/720) inch timing is equivalent to two and is generated as shown in FIG. In the case of other DPIs, the print timing is generated similarly.

  Further, the impact timing based on the layout information of each pin is set to a timing that is separated from the pin that prints at the first dot position by the separation distance with respect to the printing timing of the first dot position. For example, in the case of (3/720) inch away from the pin printed at the first dot position, it is set to the counted timing obtained by separating (1/720) inch by three.

  The information in the layout information setting register unit 22 and the information in the print DPI setting register unit 23 are input to the layout information storage unit 24 (step 26). In the layout information storage unit 24, based on the input information, that is, based on the information of the pin separation distance between the ODD pin and the EVEN pin of the print head 2 and the print DPI, the print data separation amount and the delay from the impact timing ( (Delay) amount is calculated for each pin. This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing how to determine the delay amount of the impact timing.

  The example shown in FIG. 5 shows a case where black solid printing is performed at 360 DPI with the print head having the pseudo tiremond 24 pins shown in FIG. 3, and the case where the print timing can be set in units of (1/720) inches. Show. In FIG. 5, the ODD pin of group A (shown in FIG. 38) takes the printing timing at the timing of “0” in the printing of the first column, but the ODD pin of group B is between the pins as shown in FIG. Is separated from the ODD pin of group A by (3/720) inch, so that it is delayed by (3/720) inch from the printing timing of the first column. Similarly, since the ODD pin of group C is separated from the ODD pin of group B by (3/720) inch, it is delayed by (6/720) inch from the printing timing of the first column. Similarly, the printing timing is set by delaying the pins of each group by the distance between the pins. The group D ODD pin and the group A EVEN pin are not actually printed.

  Next, the print data conversion unit 9 takes out the print data stored in the print data storage unit 12 (step 27), and prints the print data along the pin layout of the print head 2 based on the information in the layout information storage unit 24. Data conversion is performed in the form (step 28). In this data conversion, for example, the # 3 pin and the # 8 pin shown in FIG. 4 straddle the print timing, that is, they are located in the middle of the print timing based on the DPI. The data is converted so as to have an impact at the printing timing.

  The print data converted as described above is stored in the impact data storage unit 13 (step 29). When an impact interrupt signal is input (step 30), the impact data extraction unit 10 extracts impact data from the impact data storage unit 13 (step 31). When the next impact interrupt signal is input (step 32), printing is performed. Perform (step 33).

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the pin layout information is input and set in the layout information setting register unit 22 in accordance with the print head 2 to be used. If you need to change the print head pin layout during the development of the printing device, you can use the existing control circuit or control LSI that is the asset up to now. It becomes. The pin layout input setting can be input from an operation unit of an operator panel provided in the printing apparatus, or can be transmitted by transmitting predetermined command data from a host apparatus.

  Next, a second embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a control block diagram illustrating the printing apparatus according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 6, the printing apparatus 31 of the second embodiment is similar to the printing apparatus of the first embodiment in that the layout information setting register unit 22, the print DPI setting register unit 23, the layout information storage unit 24, and the timing. A counter unit 25 is provided, and a non-volatile memory 32 is mounted on the print head 2.

  Pin layout information of the print head 2 is stored in advance in the non-volatile memory 32, and when the print head 2 is mounted on the printing device 31, the non-volatile memory 32 is connected to the control LSI 5. Data can be exchanged. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the printing operation of the second embodiment. First, the print head 2 provided with the nonvolatile memory 32 is mounted on the printing apparatus 31 (step 41). With this mounting, the nonvolatile memory 32 is connected to the control LSI 5. Next, when the power of the device 31 is turned on (step 42), the layout information setting register unit 22 reads the pin layout information of the nonvolatile memory 32 to acquire the pin layout data (step 43).

  Next, when print data is input from the host device 15 (step 44), the print data is stored in the print data storage unit 12 (step 45). Here, the DPI mode designated in the print data is input to the print DPI setting register 23 and set (step 46). Next, the layout information of each pin set in the layout information setting register unit 22 and the information in the print DPI setting register unit 23 are input to the timing counter unit 25. As in the first embodiment, the timing counter unit 25 Then, a timing counter for generating impact timing is generated (step 47).

  Information in the layout information setting register unit 22 and information in the print DPI setting register unit 23 are input to the layout information storage unit 24 (step 48). In the layout information storage unit 24, as in the first embodiment, the print data is based on the input information, that is, the pin separation distance between the ODD pin and the EVEN pin of the print head 2 and the print DPI information. And the amount of delay from the impact timing is calculated for each pin.

  Next, the print data conversion unit 9 takes out the print data stored in the print data storage unit 12 (step 49), and prints based on the information in the layout information storage unit 24 as in the first embodiment. Data conversion is performed on the data along the pin layout of the print head 2 (step 50).

  The converted print data is stored in the impact data storage unit 13 (step 51). When an impact interrupt signal is input (step 52), the impact data extraction unit 10 extracts impact data from the impact data storage unit 13 (step 53). When the next impact interrupt signal is input (step 54), printing is performed. Perform (step 55).

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the print head 2 is provided with pin layout information of the print head 2 and the pin is turned on when the power is turned on. Since the layout information is set in the layout information setting register unit 22, it is not necessary to select the print head 2 by a program (firmware processing), and it is possible to apply different print heads depending on the use of the apparatus. .

  Next, a third embodiment will be described. By the way, when a non-standard printing position deviation occurs in the spacing direction (forward direction / reverse direction) of the print head, a so-called registration correction is conventionally performed, for example, the current position of the print head recognized by the firmware. Deviation due to the difference between the actual print head position and the actual print head position is corrected. However, this control method shifts the impact timing by performing delay control using a timer such as a CPU or vice versa with respect to the impact timing. Led to a decline. The third embodiment has been made in view of this point.

FIG. 8 is a control block diagram illustrating a printing apparatus according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 8, the printing apparatus 41 of the third embodiment is provided with a print quality detection unit 42 and a print quality adjustment unit 43. The print quality detection unit 42 detects whether or not the difference between the position of the print head 2 recognized by the firmware and the actual position of the print head 2 satisfies a predetermined print quality. When it is determined that the predetermined print quality is not satisfied, an alarm signal is output to the print quality adjustment unit 43. When an alarm signal is input from the print quality detection unit 42, the print quality adjustment unit 43 calculates an adjustment value for adjusting the print quality, and sends the calculated adjustment value to the layout information setting register unit 22. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  The print quality detection unit 42 is connected to a position detection mechanism that detects the actual position of the print head 2. FIG. 9 shows the position detection mechanism. In FIG. 9, the position detection mechanism 44 includes a linear scale 46 provided behind a movable carriage 45 on which the print head 2 is mounted, and a linear sensor 47 provided on the carriage 45. The linear scale 46 is provided on the main body side of the printing apparatus 41, and includes black and white print patterns alternately in a band shape. The linear scale 46 is disposed along the moving direction of the print head 2.

  The linear sensor 47 is provided on the carriage 45 so as to face the linear scale 46, and includes a light emitting unit 47a and a light receiving unit 47b. The light emitted from the light emitting unit 47a is reflected by the linear scale 46 and received by the light receiving unit 47b. For example, a light emitting diode can be used as the light emitting portion 47a, and a photodiode or a phototransistor can be used as the light receiving portion 47b.

If a stepping motor is used as a spacing motor that moves the carriage 45 (printing head 2), and if there is no mechanism for detecting the actual position of the printing head 2, the printing recognized by the firmware If the position of the head 2 and the actual position of the print head 2 are different, the print misalignment in the spacing direction cannot be corrected, and the print quality deteriorates.

  Therefore, by providing a mechanism for detecting the position of the print head 2 as described above, the actual position of the print head 2 is detected, and the position of the print head 2 recognized by the firmware and the actual position of the print head 2 are determined. This difference can be applied as a print quality correction value. Specifically, the above-described difference is detected during the initial operation, and the print layout is maintained at a predetermined level or more by dynamically changing the pin layout of the print head 2 as described later using the difference as a correction value. is there.

  Next, the operation of the third embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B. 10A and 10B are flowcharts showing the operation of the third exemplary embodiment. First, as in the first embodiment, pin layout information of the print head 2 used in the apparatus 41 is input to the layout information setting register unit 22 (step 61). Input is set in units of (1/720) inches for each pin of the print head 2. The layout information is set to the layout information setting register unit 22 which is a control register in the control LSI 5 by firmware (program) processing. As shown in FIG. Set the information of how far away. The input layout information of each pin of the print head 2 is stored in a layout information storage unit 24 that is an internal register in the control LSI 5.

  Next, when print data is input from the host device 15 (step 62), the print data is stored in the print data storage unit 12 (step 63). Here, the DPI mode designated in the print data is input to the print DPI setting register 23 and set (step 64). Next, the layout information of each pin set in the layout information setting register unit 22 and the information in the print DPI setting register unit 23 are input to the timing counter unit 25. The timing counter unit 25 generates a timing counter for generating impact timing. Is generated (step 65).

  The information in the layout information setting register unit 22 and the information in the print DPI setting register unit 23 are input to the layout information storage unit 24 (step 66). In the layout information storage unit 24, as in the first embodiment, the print data is based on the input information, that is, the pin separation distance between the ODD pin and the EVEN pin of the print head 2 and the print DPI information. And the amount of delay from the impact timing is calculated for each pin.

  Next, the print data conversion unit 9 takes out the print data stored in the print data storage unit 12 (step 67), and prints based on the information in the layout information storage unit 24 as in the first embodiment. Data conversion is performed on the data along the pin layout of the print head 2 (step 68). The converted print data is stored in the impact data storage unit 13 (step 69).

  When an impact interrupt signal is input (step 70), it is determined whether the print quality detection unit 42 is outputting an alarm signal (step 71). The print quality detection unit 42 obtains information on the actual position of the print head 2 from the position detection mechanism 44 and obtains information on the position of the print head 2 recognized by the firmware from a control signal of a spacing motor (not shown). .

  Referring to FIG. 11, the print quality detection unit 42 obtains the actual position of the print head 2 from the linear scale ΦA signal and the linear scale ΦB signal output from the position detection mechanism 44, and recognizes the print head by the firmware. 2 is determined from the spacing (SP) motor ΦA signal and the spacing (SP) motor ΦB signal. The light receiving section 47b of the linear sensor 47 shown in FIG. 9 outputs two linear scale signals (ΦA, ΦB) whose phases of the pulses are shifted from each other by 90 °.

  The print quality detection unit 42 obtains a difference between the position of the print head 2 recognized by the firmware and the actual position of the print head 2 from both pieces of position information, and the difference affects the print quality. Whether it is present or not is determined by comparing with a predetermined reference value, and if it is equal to or greater than the reference value, an alarm signal is output to the print quality adjustment unit 43. The print quality detection unit 42 outputs an alarm signal and sends a difference value to the print quality adjustment unit 43.

  When a difference α occurs between the position of the print head 2 recognized by the firmware and the actual position of the print head 2 (in the example shown in FIG. 11, the position of the actual print head 2 is too advanced). The printing start position is shifted by α with respect to the first dot printing position recognized by the firmware. Considering the deviation between the printing in the FOW direction and the printing in the REV direction of the print head 2, A print deviation of β (= 2α) occurs.

  Upon receiving the difference information from the print quality detection unit 42, the print quality adjustment unit 43 calculates a print adjustment value from the information (step 72). For example, when the difference α between the position of the print head 2 recognized by the firmware and the actual position of the print head 2 is 0.1 mm, (3/720) inch = 0.05058 mm, Since correction is possible by shifting the pin layout of the print head 2 as a whole by (3/720) inches, (3/720) inches is the print adjustment value.

  The print quality adjustment unit 43 inputs the calculated adjustment value to the layout information setting register unit 22 (step 73). Since the pin layout information of the print head 2 has already been set in the layout information setting register unit 22, the pin layout information is corrected with the adjustment value. A specific example will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing correction of pin layout by adjustment values.

  FIG. 12 shows the case of black solid printing at 360 DPI as in FIG. 5, FIG. 12 (a) shows the printing timing of the pins of each group before correction, and FIG. 12 (b) shows the pins of each group after correction. Indicates the printing timing.

  For example, if the difference α between the position of the print head 2 recognized by the firmware and the actual position of the print head 2 is 0.1 mm, the pin layout of the print head 2 is entirely changed as described above. (3/720) It is necessary to shift the inch, but since the actual print head 2 has moved too far, a difference has occurred, so as shown in FIG. The timing is shifted by (3/720) inches in the direction of increasing the timing.

  When no alarm signal is output from the print quality detection unit 42 in step 71 and after the adjustment value calculated by the print quality adjustment unit 43 is input to the layout information setting register unit 22 in step 73, the impact data extraction unit 10 Impact data is extracted from the impact data storage unit 13 (step 74), and when the next impact interrupt signal is input (step 75), printing is performed (step 76).

  The printing in step 76 is performed at the printing timing before correction. However, in the printing of the next line, the printing of the next page, or the printing of the next job, it depends on the register value of the layout information setting register unit 22 corrected by the adjustment value. Printing is performed at the printing timing. As a result, it is possible to prevent printing displacement in the spacing direction.

  As described above, the third embodiment has the following effects in addition to the effects of the first embodiment. That is, conventionally, a timer such as a CPU is used to correct the print misalignment in the spacing direction (forward direction / reverse direction) of the print head. However, according to the third embodiment, the detected difference Since the print quality adjustment unit 43 calculates the adjustment value based on the above and corrects the register value of the layout information setting register unit 22 with the adjustment value, the print deviation is corrected without degrading the performance. Is possible.

  Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 is a control block diagram illustrating a printing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 13, the printing apparatus 51 of the fourth embodiment is provided with a layout information setting register A unit 22a and a layout information setting register B unit 22b. Pin layout information of the print head 2 used in the apparatus 51 is input to the layout information setting register A unit 22a in column units. The layout information setting register B section 22b receives pin layout information of the print head 2 used in the device 51 in units of columns or less. The timing counter unit 25 generates a timing counter for generating an impact timing from information from the layout information setting register A unit 22a, the layout information setting register B unit 22b, and the print DPI setting register unit 23. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  Next, the operation of the fourth embodiment will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the printing operation of the fourth embodiment. The description will be made with reference to the operation explanatory diagrams of FIGS. First, in step 1, the pin layout information of the print head 2 is input to the layout information setting register A unit 22a and the layout information setting register B unit 22b for each pin and each pin group.

  The information input to the layout information setting register A section 22a is the amount of separation in units of separated columns from the point at which the “print head pin layout information setting range” is scanned and reaches the basic print timing to the print head pin. . The information input to the layout information setting register B section 22b is scanned by the “print head pin layout information setting range”, and is separated in units below the separated column from the point where the basic print timing is reached to the print head pin. Amount. The units below the column differ depending on the print DPI. This will be described with reference to the drawings.

  15A to 15H are operation explanatory views showing scanning of the print head pin layout information setting range. Scanning of the print head pin layout information setting range is performed by rotating a spacing motor (not shown) and moving the print head 2 by spacing. 15A to 15H exemplify a 24-pin pseudo-tyremond print head with four groups A to D, a distance between pins of 1/240 inch, and 180 DPI. First, in FIG. 15A, the head of the print head pin layout information setting range 52 is located at the stop position. In this state, the print head has not reached the “print start point”. From this state, scanning is performed in the right direction in the figure.

  When the print head pin layout information setting range 52 is at the position shown in FIG. 15B, that is, when the print head pin layout information setting range 52 is 3/720 inches ahead of the stop position in FIG. 15A, the group A pin has reached the print start position. The A pin impacts at this printing timing. Other groups of pins have no impact. At this time, the group A pin separation distance is set to “0”. Further, when the head advances 3/720 inches from the position of FIG. 15B to reach the position shown in FIG. 15C, the pin of group B reaches the print start position, so the pin of group B impacts at this print timing. Other groups of pins have no impact. At this time, the separation distance of the group B pins is set to “3”.

  Further, when the position advances to 1/720 inch from the position of FIG. 15C and reaches the position shown in FIG. 15D, the pin of group A has reached the print timing position, so the pin of group A impacts at this print timing. Other groups of pins have no impact. Further, when the head advances by 2/720 inch from the position of FIG. 15D and reaches the position shown in FIG. 15E, the pin of group C reaches the print timing position, and therefore the pin of group C impacts at this print timing. Other groups of pins have no impact. At this time, the distance of the group C pins is set to “6”.

  Further, when the position advances to 1/720 inch from the position shown in FIG. 15E and reaches the position shown in FIG. 15F, the pin of group B reaches the print timing position, so the pin of group B impacts at this print timing. Other groups of pins have no impact. Further, when the position advances to 1/720 inch from the position of FIG. 15F and reaches the position shown in FIG. 15G, the pin of group A has reached the print timing position, so the pin of group A impacts at this print timing. Other groups of pins have no impact.

  Further, when the position advances to 1/720 inch from the position of FIG. 15G and reaches the position shown in FIG. 15H, the pin of group D reaches the print start position, and therefore, the pin of group D impacts at this print timing. Other groups of pins have no impact. At this time, the separation distance of the pins of group D is set to “9”.

  As described above, the group A and group B pins impact in the first column (print timing), the group C pin impacts in the second column, and the group D pin impacts in the third column. And Group B are set to “0” as a column unit, Group C is set to “1” as a column unit, and Group D is set to “2” as a column unit. Group A is set to “0” as the unit below the column, Group B is set to “3” as the unit below the column, Group C is set to “2” as the unit below the column, and Group D is the column The following unit is set to “1”.

  FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of a 24-pin pseudo tire Mond print head, in which four groups A to D have a distance between pins of 1/240 inch and an example at 60 DPI. As shown in FIG. 16, in this case, since all pins can impact during one printing timing, the column unit is set to “0” for all groups of pins. For the units below the column, group A is set to “0”, group B is set to “3”, group C is set to “6”, and group D is set to “9”.

  FIG. 17 is a 24 pin type pseudo tire Mond print head, and is an explanatory diagram in the case of 360 DPI when the distance between pins is 1/240 inches in 4 groups A to D. As shown in FIG. 17, in this case, Group A pins impact in the first column, Group B pins impact in the second column, Group C pins impact in the fourth column, and Group D pins. Is impacted in the fifth column, group A is set to “0” as a column unit, group B is set to “1” as a column unit, group C is set to “3” as a column unit, group D Is set to “4” as a column unit. For units below the column, group A and group C are set to “0”, and group B and group D are set to “1”.

  FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of a print head having a 9-pin system tilt arrangement, in which 9 groups A to J (I is not present), the distance between pins is 1/240 inch, and the case of 60 DPI is taken as an example. FIG. 19 shows a pin layout of a 9-pin system inclined array type. In FIG. 19, pins # 1 to # 9 are arranged so as to be inclined by 1/240 inch. In this pin layout, each pin constitutes a group.

As shown in FIG. 18, in this case, the pins of group A to group D impact on the first column, the pins of group E to group H impact on the second column, and the pins of group J impact on the third column. Therefore, the groups A to D are set to “0” as a column unit, the groups E to H are set to “1” as a column unit, and the group J is set to “2” as a column unit. For the units below the column, group A, group E, and group J are set to “0”, group B and group F are set to “3”, group C and group G are set to “6”, Group D and Group H are set to “9”.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of a print head having a 9-pin tilt arrangement, in which 9 groups A to J (I is not present), the distance between pins is 1/240 inch, and 360 DPI is taken as an example. As shown in FIG. 20, in this case, the group A pin impacts in the first column, the group B pin impacts in the second column, the group C pin impacts in the fourth column, and the group D pin. Impacts in the 5th column, Group E pins impact in the 7th column, Group F pins impact in the 8th column, Group G pins impact in the 10th column, Group H pins impact Since the impact occurs in the 11th column and the pin of the group J impacts in the 13th column, the group A is set to “0”, the group B is set to “1”, and the group C is set to “3”. Group D is set to “4”, Group E is set to “6”, Group F is set to “7”, Group G is set to “9”, -Loop H is set to "10", the group J is set to "12".

As units below the column, group A, group C, group E, group G, and group J are set to “0”, and group B, group D, group F, and group H are set to “1”.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory view of a print head of a 9-pin system inclined arrangement, in which 9 groups A to J (I is not present), the distance between pins is 1/240 inch, and 135 DPI is taken as an example. In the case of 135 DPI, since the print timing interval is 1/135 inch, the print timing is generated every (5/720) + {(1/720) × (1/3)} inch. In FIG. 21, the print timing is shown in units of {(1/720) × (1/3)} inches. Therefore, printing timing occurs every 16 / (720 × 3) inches.

As shown in FIG. 21, in this case, the pins of group A and group B impact in the first column, the pins of group C and group D impact in the second column, and the pins of group E and group F are the first. Impact in 3 columns, group G and group H pins impact in the 4th column, group J pins impact in the 5th column, so group A and group B are set to “0” as a column unit , Group C and Group D are set to “1”, Group E and Group F are set to “2”, Group G and Group H are set to “3”, and Group J is set to “4”.

In this example, since the information in {(1/720) × (1/3)} inch, which is a fraction, is lost only with the layout information in the column unit, the impact on the accurate print position cannot be made. In addition to units, layout information must be set in units below the column. As the unit below the column, group A (1 pin) is set to “0”, group B (2 pin) is set to “9”, group C (3 pin) is set to “2”, group D (pin 4) is set to “11”, group E (pin 5) is set to “4”, group F (pin 6) is set to “13”, and group G (pin 7) is set to “6”. ”, Group H (pin 8) is set to“ 15 ”, and group J (pin 9) is set to“ 8 ”.

The above set value for each column is set in the layout information setting register A section 22a, and the set value for each column and below is set in the layout information setting register B section 22b.

Next, when print data is input from the host device 15 (step 82), the print data is stored in the print data storage unit 12 (step 83). Here, the DPI mode designated in the print data is input to the print DPI setting register 23 and set (step 84). Next, the layout information of each pin set in the layout information setting register A section 22a and the layout information setting register B section 22b and the information of the print DPI setting register section 23 are input to the timing counter section 25. The timing counter section 25 Similar to the first embodiment, a timing counter for generating impact timing is generated (step 85).

  Further, the information of the layout information setting register A section 22a and the layout information setting register B section 22b and the information of the print DPI setting register section 23 are input to the layout information storage section 24 (step 86). Similar to the first embodiment, the layout information storage unit 24 calculates the separation amount of the print data and the delay amount from the impact timing for each pin based on the input information.

  Next, the print data conversion unit 9 takes out the print data stored in the print data storage unit 12 (step 87), and prints based on the information in the layout information storage unit 24 as in the first embodiment. Data conversion is performed on the data along the pin layout of the print head 2 (step 88).

  The converted print data is stored in the impact data storage unit 13 (step 89). When an impact interrupt signal is input (step 90), the impact data extraction unit 10 extracts impact data from the impact data storage unit 13 (step 91). When the next impact interrupt signal is input (step 92), printing is performed. Perform (step 93).

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the pin layout information is set not only in the column unit but also in the unit below the column, so that it is accurate regardless of the print DPI. It is possible to make an impact at the printing timing. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 18, the print data is printed at the timing by shifting the # 8 pin of group H by one column unit and by two units below the column (1/720 inch). Can do.

Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. FIG. 22 is a control block diagram illustrating a printing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. In FIG. 22, a simultaneous pin setting register unit 62 is provided in the printing apparatus 61 according to the fifth embodiment. The simultaneous pin setting register unit 62 sets information of a plurality of pins that are driven simultaneously, and is connected to the program ROM 4 and the impact execution unit 11.

Here, a problem when a plurality of pins are simultaneously driven will be described. First, the mechanism for impact of the pins of the impact type print head will be described. When printing is not performed, the printing pin is attracted to the permanent magnet in the print head, and the printing pin does not protrude. Also, a leaf spring that is biased when the printing pin is attracted by the permanent magnet is arranged, and the magnitude relationship between the spring force of the leaf spring generated by the bias and the attractive force of the permanent magnet is (permanent magnet force)> ( The force of the leaf spring. Permanent magnets are not individually provided for each pin, but are provided in common for all pins.

When printing is performed, when a current (demagnetizing current) for canceling the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet is applied to release the attracted printing pin, the printing pin protrudes by the spring force of the leaf spring. When the simultaneous drive pins are generated, a degaussing current is supplied to each pin. At this time, the degaussing currents influence each other, and the degaussing effect is reduced. As a result, the impact force is weakened and the print quality is impaired. As a countermeasure against this, when simultaneous drive pins are generated, an extra current corresponding to the number of pins is supplied to increase the demagnetizing force and to set the impact force normally.

The combination of pins that are driven simultaneously differs depending on the combination of the print DPI and the print head pin layout. Therefore, when the pin layout is determined in advance as in the prior art, it is possible to incorporate a combination of simultaneous drive pins in the logic circuit according to the pin layout, but the pin layout is variable as in the present invention. In some cases, the combination of simultaneous drive pins becomes enormous due to the combination of print DPI and pin layout.

In the fifth embodiment, control support is provided by setting a combination in which simultaneous driving of a plurality of pins can occur in the simultaneous pin setting register unit 62 in the control LSI 5. More specifically, the simultaneous pin setting register unit 62 has a 16-bit configuration, and is prepared by the number of the total number of print heads 2 to be supported divided by “2”.

For example, in the case of a print head having a 9-pin system inclined arrangement and a distance between pins of 1/240 inch and a print head of 120 DPI, as shown in FIG. 23, # 1, # 3, # 5, # 7, # Each pin of 9 becomes one simultaneous drive group, and each pin of # 2, # 4, # 6, and # 8 becomes another simultaneous drive group. In this case, the setting of the simultaneous pin setting register unit 62 is as shown in FIG. FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing the simultaneous drive pins, and FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing a setting example of the simultaneous pin setting register unit. In FIG. 24, when the bit is “0”, it is impacted alone.

As described above, when the pattern of the simultaneous drive pins (the combination pattern having the possibility of impact at the same time) is set, this information is sent to the impact execution unit 11 at the time of printing. The impact execution unit 11 is sent with the impact data extracted from the impact data storage unit 13 by the impact data extraction unit 10. The impact execution unit 11 is simultaneously driven based on the simultaneous drive pin pattern data and the impact data. To control the demagnetization current. Specifically, in the case of simultaneous driving of a plurality of pins, the current amount is controlled to be the same as that in the case of single driving by extending the drive time.

As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, the simultaneous pin setting register unit 62 is provided, and the simultaneous drive pin pattern data is set in the register unit 62. Therefore, the print head that can be used with the print DPI is used. Even if it is not necessary to configure all patterns of combinations of pin layouts with logic circuits, the impact force of each pin can be set normally. The pattern data is also set by the operation unit or predetermined command data.

Next, a sixth embodiment will be described. FIG. 25 is a control block diagram illustrating a printing apparatus according to the sixth embodiment. In FIG. 25, in the printing apparatus 71 according to the sixth embodiment, a nonvolatile memory 72 is provided in the print head 2. The non-volatile memory 72 is provided with a layout information storage unit 73, a print DPI information storage unit 74, and a simultaneous pin setting register unit 75.

The layout information storage unit 73 stores the layout information of the print head pins, and is configured to be able to send the pin layout information directly to the print data conversion unit 9 and the timing counter unit 25.

The print DPI information storage unit 74 stores print DPI information, and the stored print DPI information is sent to the timing counter unit 25. The simultaneous pin setting register unit 75 stores the pattern information of the simultaneous drive pins for each print DPI described in the fifth embodiment, and the pin pattern information can be sent directly to the impact execution unit 11.

When the print head 2 is mounted, the nonvolatile memory 72 is connected to each part of the control LSI 5. When print data is sent from the host device 15, the print data is stored in the print data storage unit 12. Here, the DPI mode designated in the print data is input to the print DPI information storage unit 74. Next, the layout information of each pin stored in the layout information storage unit 73 and the DPI information of the print DPI information storage unit 74 are input to the timing counter unit 25, and the timing counter unit 25 as in the first embodiment. Generates a timing counter for generating impact timing.

  The pin layout information in the layout information storage unit 73 is also input to the print data conversion unit 9. The print data conversion unit 9 takes out the print data stored in the print data storage unit 12 and outputs the print data to the print head 2 on the basis of the information from the layout information storage unit 73 as in the first embodiment. Data conversion is performed according to the pin layout.

The converted print data is stored in the impact data storage unit 13, and when an impact interrupt signal is input, the impact data extraction unit 10 extracts the impact data from the impact data storage unit 13, and the next impact interrupt signal is input. Perform printing.

Information in the simultaneous pin setting register unit 75 is sent to the impact execution unit 11 at the time of printing. Impact data extracted from the impact data storage unit 13 by the impact data extraction unit 10 is sent to the impact execution unit 11, and the impact execution unit 11 performs simultaneous drive pin pattern data as in the fifth embodiment. And demagnetizing current when simultaneously driven based on impact data.

As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, the layout information storage unit 73 and the print DPI information storage unit 74 are provided in the print head 2 to be used, so that the pin layout information of the print head 2 can be obtained by a program (firmware processing). In addition, there is no need to set print DPI information. Further, since the simultaneous pin setting register unit 75 is provided in the print head 2, it is not necessary to generate and store the pattern information of the simultaneous drive pins by a program. For example, even when the print head layout is changed after the program has been debugged, it is not necessary to re-determine the pattern of the simultaneous drive pins.

Next, a seventh embodiment will be described. FIG. 26 is a control block diagram illustrating a printing apparatus according to the seventh embodiment. In FIG. 26, a printing apparatus 81 according to the seventh embodiment includes a timing counter unit 82, a print DPI sorting unit 83, and a timing selection unit 84. Information of the layout information setting register A unit 22a and the layout information setting register B unit 22b is input to the timing counter unit 82.

The timing counter unit 82 includes timing pattern generation 1 unit 82-1 to timing pattern generation N unit 82-n. The timing pattern generation 1 unit 82-1 generates a print timing in units of (1/720 inch) × (1/1), and the timing pattern generation 2 unit 82-2 generates (1/720 inch) × (1 / 2) A unit print timing is generated, and the timing pattern generation N unit 82-n generates a print timing of (1/720 inch) × (1 / n) unit.

The print DPI sorting unit 83 sorts the print DPI based on the print DPI information sent from the print DPI setting register unit 23. As the classification type, the set print DPI is “(1/720 inch) × (1/1) unit”, “(1/720 inch) × (1/2) unit”,. It is determined which one of “1/720 inch) × (1 / n) unit” is applicable.

For example, in the case of 120 DPI, since it is 6/720 inch, it becomes “(1/720 inch) × (1/1) unit”, and in the case of 96 DPI, 7.5 / 720 inch = 15 / (720 × 2) inch. Therefore, “(1/720 inch) × (1/2) unit”, and in the case of 108 DPI, since 6.66 / 720 inch = 20 / (720 × 3) inch, “(1/720 inch) × (1/3) unit ".

Further, in the case of 411.47 DPI, since 1.75 / 720 inch = 7 / (720 × 4) inch, it becomes “(1/720 inch) × (1/4) unit”, and in the case of 200 DPI, 3. Since 6/720 inch = 18 / (720 × 5) inch, “(1/720 inch) × (1/5) unit”. As described above, the print DPI is sorted so that “A” of “A / (720 × N) inch” becomes an integer.

The timing counter unit 82 and the print DPI sorting unit 83 are connected to the timing selection unit 84. The timing selection unit 84 selects which timing pattern generation unit in the timing counter unit 82 is to use based on the classification result of the print DPI classification unit 83.

Next, the operation will be described. Here, the operation of the timing counter unit 82 will be mainly described with reference to FIG. FIG. 27 is a time chart showing generation of print timing. The timing pattern generation 1 unit 82-1 of the timing counter unit 82 generates a printing timing of (1/720 inch) × (1/1) unit shown in FIG. 27A, and a timing pattern generation 2 unit 82-2. Generates print timing in units of (1/720 inch) × (1/2). In general, the timing pattern generation N unit 82-n generates print timing in units of (1/720 inch) × (1 / n).

Therefore, for example, in the case of 120 DPI, since it is 6/720 inch, as shown in FIG. 27 (a), “(1/720 inch) × (1/1) unit” generated by the timing pattern generation unit 82-1 The basic print timing and the output timing of each print pin are generated using only the timing of. In the case of 96 DPI, since 7.5 / 720 inch = 15 / (720 × 2) inch, it becomes “(1/720 inch) × (1/2) unit”, as shown in FIG. The basic print timing and the timing of each pin at the timing generated by the timing pattern generation 1 unit 82-1 and the timing “(1/720 inch) × (1/2) unit” generated by the timing pattern generation 2 unit 82-2. Generate print timing.

In the case of 108 DPI, since 6.66 / 720 inch = 20 / (720 × 3) inch, it becomes “(1/720 inch) × (1/3) unit”, and as shown in FIG. Timing generated by the timing pattern generation 1 unit 82-1; timing generated by the timing pattern generation 2 unit 82-2; and “(1/720 inch) × (1 / 3) Generate basic printing timing and printing timing of each pin at the timing of “unit”. In the case of 411.47 DPI, since 1.75 / 720 inch = 7 / (720 × 4) inch, “(1/720 inch) × (1/4) unit” is obtained, as shown in FIG. In addition, the timing generated by the timing pattern generation 1 unit 82-1, the timing generated by the timing pattern generation 2 unit 82-2, the timing generated by the timing pattern generation 3 unit 82-3, and the timing pattern generation 4 unit 82 The basic print timing and the print timing of each pin are generated at the timing of “(1/720 inch) × (1/4) unit” generated in -4.

Furthermore, in the case of 200 DPI, since 3.6 / 720 inch = 18 / (720 × 5) inch, it becomes “(1/720 inch) × (1/5) unit”, and as shown in FIG. Timing generated by the timing pattern generation 1 unit 82-1, timing generated by the timing pattern generation 2 unit 82-2, timing generated by the timing pattern generation 3 unit 82-3, and timing pattern generation 4 unit 82-4 The basic print timing and the print timing of each pin are generated at the timing generated in step 5 and the timing of “(1/720 inch) × (1/5) unit” generated by the timing pattern generation 5 section.

As described above, the print timing of each pin is also generated for a print DPI that is not a print DPI of “(1/720 inch) × (1/1) unit”. As described above, in the seventh embodiment, the timing of “1/1”, “1/2”,..., “1 / N” is generated from the basic (1/720) inch unit timing. By doing so, it is possible to accurately generate the print timing of the print DPI other than (1/720) inch units.

Next, an eighth embodiment will be described. FIG. 28 is a control block diagram illustrating a printing apparatus according to the eighth embodiment. The printing apparatus 91 according to the eighth embodiment includes a delay direction selection unit 92, a delay basic clock selection unit 93, and a delay amount setting unit 94. Other configurations are the same as those of the seventh embodiment.

When performing open-loop control such as a stepping motor as a drive source for moving the print head 2 and when it is known in advance that the moving speed of the print head 2 varies, acceleration printing or deceleration printing is performed. In such a case, a print position shift may occur at a position where speed variation occurs or where acceleration / deceleration is performed. In that case, the print position is corrected so as not to deteriorate the print quality.

For example, a location where accelerated printing is performed will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 29, a solid line a is a control curve (theoretical curve), and a solid line b indicates an actual speed of the print head. As shown in the figure, the control curve a and the actual measurement value b do not match. Therefore, for example, in section A, the theoretical speed is larger than the actually measured speed, so the print timing interval (print DPI dot interval) is narrower than in the normal case. When the theoretical speed is smaller than the actually measured speed as in section B, the print timing interval is widened.

FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the printing area and the speed of the stepping motor. In FIG. 30, a print area surrounded by a dotted line is a print area when the stepping motor is accelerated when printing in the forward direction, and a print area when the stepping motor is at a constant speed when printing in the reverse direction. The upper part of FIG. 29 shows the position of the print timing in the part surrounded by the dotted line in FIG.

In FIG. 29, the thick line indicates the printing timing position, the upper thick line indicates the printing timing position when moving in the forward direction, and the lower thick line indicates the printing timing position when moving in the reverse direction. The arrow indicates the amount of deviation in printing timing between forward and reverse. As shown in the drawing, at the time of forward that is acceleration, the print timing position is shifted to the left side with respect to the time of reverse that is constant speed.

The reason why the print position is shifted in this way is that when open loop control of a stepping motor or the like is performed as a drive source for moving the print head, the firm program for controlling the stepping motor does not show the actual behavior of the print head. However, since there is no means to detect the behavior, there is a difference between the theoretical movement speed of the print head and the actual movement speed of the print head, and even if a print position deviation occurs, the deviation should be corrected. I can't. If the moving speed is different, the theoretical cumulative moving distance and the actual cumulative moving distance will be different, so it is necessary to correct the deviation.

As one method of correction, there is a method of determining a correction value from the amount of print misalignment and applying the determined correction value. For example, as shown in FIG. 31, first, a printing misregistration amount δ is measured in a state where no correction is applied, and the measured misregistration amount δ is applied as a correction value to eliminate a printing position deviation. The print timing position shown in FIG. 31 is the same as the example shown in FIG.

In the conventional correction method to which this method is applied, as shown in FIG. 32, only the (1/720) inch timing is received from the stepping motor control unit, and the print timing position is corrected by delaying the timing. I was trying to do it. That is, when the delay is applied to the “+ side”, the print timing is set to a timing obtained by adding the time to be delayed.

Here, when the delay time exceeds (1/720) inch timing, the delay time not exceeding (1/720) inch timing is added to the next (1/720) inch timing of the print timing. It was. For example, in the case of 120 DPI, if the delay time exceeds (1/720) inch timing by 100 μs, the print timing is ((6 + 1) / 720 inch timing) + (time to apply delay (100 μs)). .

In addition, when the delay is applied to the “−” side, the timing is set to the (1/720) inch timing before the print timing plus the time to apply the delay. Here, when the delay time exceeds (1/720) inch timing, the delay time not exceeding (1/720) inch timing is added to the previous (1/720) inch timing. It was. For example, in the case of 120 DPI, if the delay time exceeds (1/720) inch timing by 150 μs, ((6-2) / 720 inch timing) + (time to delay (150 μs)) is the print timing. It is said.

However, in the above-described conventional correction method, when the delay is applied to the “−” side, if the delay time is longer than (1/720) inch timing, there is a problem that (1/720) inch timing is lost. To do. Referring to FIG. 32, when a delay larger than (1/720) inch timing is applied to the “− side”, (5/720) inch timing (timing surrounded by a dotted line) after (4/720) inch timing. The print timing occurs earlier. In this case, there is no (5/720) inch timing surrounded by a dotted line, and data to be printed is reset at this timing, so that printing cannot be performed, and a problem arises that dedotting occurs.

In the eighth embodiment, the print position deviation is corrected without causing the dot removal. In FIG. 28, instead of receiving “(1/720) inch timing” from a stepping motor control unit (not shown), “(1/720) inch generation timer value” is received. The received timer value is delayed by giving respective set values to the delay direction selection unit 92, the delay basic clock selection unit 93, and the delay amount setting unit 94.

The delay direction selection unit 92 selects and sets whether to apply a delay to the “+ side” or to apply a delay to the “− side”. The basic delay clock selection unit 93 selects and sets whether the minimum unit of the delay amount (amount (time) applied when the delay setting value = 1) is “large” or “small”. To do. For example, when the moving speed of the print head 2 is slow, if the minimum unit is set to “small” and the delay set value (time) = 1 is set, there is a case where the degree of advance is small and the effect of correction is not manifested. . In that case, the effect of correction can be made to appear by setting the minimum unit to “large”. Further, when the moving speed of the print head 2 is fast, if the minimum unit is set to “Large” and the delay set value (time) = 1 is set, the degree of advance may be too large and the meaning of correction may be lost. is there. In that case, the effect of the correction can be appropriately exhibited by setting the minimum unit to “small”. The delay amount setting unit 94 is set with a delay amount (time) to be applied.

FIG. 33 is a timing chart showing the operation of the eighth embodiment, and shows the case of 120 DPI. In FIG. 33, the timing signal is generated when the count value becomes “0” after decrement counting from the timer register set value having a 1/180 inch cycle. The timing signal interval corresponds to (1/720) inch timing. If correction is not performed, the print timing is (6/720) inch timing.

As shown in FIG. 33, when the delay is applied to the “+ side”, first, the timer counter counts by the timing of (1/720) inch, and then the timer count value for the delay is further counted. Then, from the point of time when the counting is completed, the counting is again performed for the timing of (1/720) inch, and the timer count value for the delay is counted. By repeating this six times, a print timing having a longer interval by the delay is obtained.

When delaying to the “− side”, first, the timer counter counts by the timing of (1/720) inch, and then the timer count value for the delay is counted to the “− side”. Then, from the point of time when the counting is completed, the timer counts again to the “+ side” by the timing of (1/720) inch, and further, the timer count value for the delay is counted to the “− side”. By repeating this six times, a printing timing having a short interval corresponding to the delay is obtained. At this time, the basic (1/720) inch timing is counted six times, so that the (1/720) inch timing is not lost.

As described above, according to the eighth embodiment, by counting the timer value of the basic (1/720) inch timing, the print position is not lost without missing the (1/720) inch timing. It is possible to correct misalignment and maintain good print quality.

Next, a ninth embodiment will be described. FIG. 34 is a control block diagram illustrating a printing apparatus according to the ninth embodiment. In FIG. 34, the printing apparatus 101 of the ninth embodiment is provided with a print quality detection unit 42 and a print quality adjustment unit 43, as in the third embodiment. The print quality detection unit 42 detects whether or not the difference between the position of the print head 2 recognized by the firmware and the actual position of the print head 2 satisfies a predetermined print quality. When it is determined that the predetermined print quality is not satisfied, an alarm signal is output to the print quality adjustment unit 43. When an alarm signal is input from the print quality detection unit 42, the print quality adjustment unit 43 calculates an adjustment value for adjusting the print quality, and the calculated adjustment value is used as a delay direction selection unit 92, a delay basic clock selection unit 93, This is sent to the delay amount setting unit 94. Other configurations are the same as those in the eighth embodiment.

  The print quality detection unit 42 is connected to a position detection mechanism 44 shown in FIG. When a stepping motor is used as a spacing motor that moves the print head 2 and there is no mechanism for detecting the actual position of the print head 2, the position of the print head 2 recognized by the firmware If the actual position of the print head 2 is different, the printing deviation in the spacing direction cannot be corrected, and the print quality deteriorates.

Therefore, by providing a mechanism for detecting the position of the print head 2 as described above, the actual position of the print head 2 is detected, and the position of the print head 2 recognized by the firmware and the actual position of the print head 2 are determined. This difference can be applied as a print quality correction value. Specifically, during the initial operation, the print quality detection unit 42 detects the difference between the print head 2 position recognized by the firmware and the actual print head 2 position, and the print quality adjustment unit 43 detects the difference. The difference is set as a delay correction value in the delay direction selection unit 92, the delay basic clock selection unit 93, and the delay amount setting unit 94, thereby correcting the printing position deviation as described in the eighth embodiment. .

  As described above, according to the ninth embodiment, the difference between the position of the print head 2 recognized by the firmware and the actual position of the print head 2 is detected, and the delay correction value is obtained from this difference. As a result, in addition to the effect of the eighth embodiment, the delay correction value can be easily calculated.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the dot impact printer has been described as an example of the printing apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can also be applied to an inkjet printer having a print head in units of dots.

It is a control block diagram which shows the printing apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the printing operation of 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the setting of the layout information of a pin. It is explanatory drawing which shows the production | generation of a timing counter. It is explanatory drawing which shows how to obtain | require the delay amount of an impact timing. It is a control block diagram which shows the printing apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the printing operation of 2nd Embodiment. It is a control block diagram which shows the printing apparatus of 3rd Embodiment. It is a mechanism figure which shows a position detection mechanism. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of 3rd Embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for detecting a positional deviation of a print head. It is explanatory drawing which shows correction | amendment of the pin layout by an adjustment value. It is a control block diagram which shows the printing apparatus of 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the printing operation of 4th Embodiment. FIG. 10 is an operation explanatory diagram illustrating scanning of a print head pin layout information setting range. FIG. 10 is an operation explanatory diagram illustrating scanning of a print head pin layout information setting range. FIG. 10 is an operation explanatory diagram illustrating scanning of a print head pin layout information setting range. FIG. 10 is an operation explanatory diagram illustrating scanning of a print head pin layout information setting range. FIG. 10 is an operation explanatory diagram illustrating scanning of a print head pin layout information setting range. FIG. 10 is an operation explanatory diagram illustrating scanning of a print head pin layout information setting range. FIG. 10 is an operation explanatory diagram illustrating scanning of a print head pin layout information setting range. FIG. 10 is an operation explanatory diagram illustrating scanning of a print head pin layout information setting range. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating scanning of a print head pin layout information setting range. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating scanning of a print head pin layout information setting range. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating scanning of a print head pin layout information setting range. It is explanatory drawing which shows the pin layout of 9 pin system inclination array type. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating scanning of a print head pin layout information setting range. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating scanning of a print head pin layout information setting range. It is a control block diagram which shows the printing apparatus of 5th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows a simultaneous drive pin. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a setting of a simultaneous pin setting register part. It is a control block diagram which shows the printing apparatus of 6th Embodiment. It is a control block diagram which shows the printing apparatus of 7th Embodiment. It is a time chart which shows the production | generation of printing timing. It is a control block diagram which shows the printing apparatus of 8th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows printing position shift. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the printing area | region and the speed of a stepping motor. It is explanatory drawing which shows the printing position shift amount. It is a time chart which shows the conventional printing position shift correction method. It is a timing chart which shows operation | movement of 8th Embodiment. It is a control block diagram which shows the printing apparatus of 9th Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the control block of the conventional printing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the conventional printing apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the pin layout of a print head. It is explanatory drawing which shows grouping of a pin. It is explanatory drawing which shows conversion of print data. It is a time chart which shows the conventional impact timing.

Explanation of symbols

2 Print heads 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81, 91, 101 Printing device 22 Layout information setting register unit 22a Layout information setting register A unit 22b Layout information setting register B unit 23 Print DPI setting register unit 25, 82 Timing counter unit 32, 72 Non-volatile memory 42 Print quality detection unit 43 Print quality adjustment unit 62, 75 Simultaneous pin setting register unit 73 Layout information storage unit 74 Print DPI information storage unit 83 Print DPI sorting unit 84 Timing selection unit 94 Delay Volume setting section

Claims (9)

In a printing device that prints in dot units with a print head,
Layout input setting means capable of inputting and setting layout information of a plurality of printing elements included in a printing head to be used for each printing element by predetermined command data transmitted from an operation unit of the printing apparatus or a host device ;
A printing apparatus comprising: a timing generation unit configured to generate a timing for printing for each printing element based on the layout information input and set by the layout input setting unit. Position detecting means for detecting the position of the print head in the spacing direction;
A print quality detection means for detecting a difference between an actual position in the spacing direction of the print head detected by the position detection means and a position in the spacing direction of the print head recognized on the firmware;
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a print quality adjustment unit that adjusts the layout information set in the layout input setting unit based on a difference detected by the print quality detection unit. The print quality detection means alarms when a difference between the print head spacing direction position detected by the position detection means and the print head spacing direction position recognized by the firmware lowers the print quality. Send a signal to the print quality adjustment means,
The printing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the print quality adjustment unit adjusts the layout information based on a difference sent from the print quality detection unit when the alarm signal is received from the print quality detection unit. Having print density input setting means for inputting and setting print density information;
The layout input setting means includes a first layout setting means for setting layout information of each printing element in units of columns based on the print density information of the print density input setting means, and the print density information of the print density input setting means. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a second layout setting unit that sets layout information of each printing element in units of columns or less based on the above.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a simultaneous printing element information setting unit configured to set information on a combination of a plurality of printing elements driven simultaneously based on layout information and printing density information of a printing element included in a printing head to be used. 6. The printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the layout input setting means, the print density input setting means for inputting and setting print density information, and the simultaneous printing element information setting means are provided in a print head. The timing generator includes a basic timing generator that generates a print timing at a basic print timing, and a plurality of 1 / N timing generators that generate a print timing that is 1 / N of the basic print timing.
Timing selection means for selecting either the basic timing generation unit or the 1 / N timing generation unit based on the print density information of the print density input setting unit;
The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a printing timing having a printing density obtained by dividing the basic printing timing into N equal parts is obtained by combining the basic timing generation unit and the 1 / N timing generation unit. A delay amount setting means for setting a delay amount;
A counting means for counting the count value corresponding to the basic print timing and the count value set in the delay amount set in the delay amount setting means;
8. The printing apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the counting unit obtains a print timing corresponding to a print density by counting a count value corresponding to the delay amount every time a count value corresponding to a basic print timing is counted. Position detecting means for detecting the position of the print head in the spacing direction;
A print quality detection means for detecting a difference between an actual position in the spacing direction of the print head detected by the position detection means and a position in the spacing direction of the print head recognized on the firmware;
The printing apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising: a print quality adjustment unit that adjusts the layout information set in the layout input setting unit based on the difference detected by the print quality detection unit.

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