JPH01113256A - Matrix printer and printing method by matrix printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To enable use of concurrent printing of conventional letters on two separate lines and printing of expanded letters over the two lines by making an element row of printing elements substantially neither be interfoliated with nor partially overlap with printed portion by printing elements of other element row when the rows are rotated at a second angular position. CONSTITUTION: When printing is made in the state that each element row forms clockwise angle of 45 deg. with respect to the direction of parallel motion H, print consisting of printed dots due to printing elements 3-11 of an element row 12 in the direction of arrow H and print consisting of printed dots due to printing elements 13-24 of an element row 25 neither be interfoliated with nor partially overlap with prints consisting of printing elements 13-24 and 3-11 of element rows 25 and 12. This is caused by the fact that printing elements of the first element row are all at one side of support center C, and on the other hand, those of the second element row are all at the other side of support center C, when viewed in the direction of arrow V.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] 1. The present invention is an atrix printer.
and the printing by such matrix printing presses. More particularly, the present invention provides a method and matrix printing machine for printing with different combinations of printing speed and print quality. The invention also relates to a method and a matrix printing machine for printing one or two rows at a time in the form of rows. Furthermore, the present invention provides a method and a matrix printer capable of printing lines with either a type height extending over one line or a type height extending over two lines.

PRIOR ART In matrix printing presses with needles or similar printing threads with sections of regenerative capacity, which are especially necessary with regard to large printing speeds, it is possible to print 3J (tran) sheets of high quality and size.
script) means at least partially contradictory requirements regarding the number and orientation of printing pixels and their relative positions with respect to one another. Therefore, the matrix printing press is embodied in such a way that it can be performed with any combination of at least two of the usual printing speed and quality. This combination means that printing is done at relatively high speeds and with relatively low quality19. Another combination means that printing can be done at relatively low speeds and with relatively high quality.

According to West German Publication DE-02-2632293,
It is known to arrange printing elements in two parallel rows of pixels in the print head of a matrix printing press. In order to print with such markings on the recording support, the print head is movable relative to the recording support and at two different predetermined angles relative to the direction of movement. Can be rotated into position. One angular position is used when printing at relatively high speeds and relatively low quality. The other corner 1α position is used when printing at relatively low speed and relatively high quality. When printing substantially simultaneously by the printing pixels of both pixel rows, the printing by the printing pixels of one pixel row is identical to the printing of the other pixel row, regardless of which angular position is used. The pixel printing is substantially alternating or overlapping in the direction of movement.

According to West German Publication 1) E-Δ1-32 08 104, more than two parallel pixel rows are present in the print head of a matrix printing press, for example each ! 6 prints m in l element sequence
Matrix printing machines are already known which have a large number of printing elements arranged in four or six pixel columns with pixels. In connection with printing in a print direction onto a vapor or other recording support, the print head is 2
It is rotatable to two different predetermined angular positions. For high speed but low quality printing, the print head is rotated to one of these angular positions.

The print head is rotated to the other angular position for slower but higher quality printing. These corner 1 (j positions and the mutual positions of the printing pixels are such that the printing by the printing pixels of any pixel row is substantially interleaved with the printing by the printing n pixels of the other pixel row, Or a portion becomes m.

According to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 60-727468, characters of different sizes are printed on a recording support in front of a row by a matrix printing machine by rotating the print head to different angular positions relative to the row direction. However, it is known to simultaneously adapt the rotation of the print head in the row direction.

In matrix printing machines having needles or similar printing elements with flexible parts, the speed at which the moving parts of the separate needles or printing elements are moved is usually limited to a limited number and a limited number of printing elements. This is a factor that limits the printing speed. Furthermore, at limited printing speeds, the number of needles or printing elements and their mutual position and orientation relative to the printing direction are limiting factors on the quality and dimensions of the print. ′? The number of needles or printing elements and their relative position and orientation during printing for a printing speed and quality of 4 are also important to the complexity cost and price of the matrix printing press. The manner in which printing is done at different speeds and qualities is also of considerable importance to the cost and complexity associated with the software.

Problems to be Solved by the Invention The object of the invention is to maintain the quality and dimensions of printed matter, different spacing, and as high a printing speed as possible in a relatively E"II'l and inexpensive manner. Letter sentence IX
The goal is to provide a matrix printing machine and printing method that provides the possibility of a large change to the first prize.

Instructions for completing lesson 31.

The features of the printing method and the matrix printing machine according to the invention are clear from the claims.

Briefly, the matrix printing machine according to the invention is similar to known matrix printing machines. A main matrix printing press has a print head with a number of printing elements arranged in two parallel rows of pixels. When printing is carried out by the printing elements on the recording support, these pixel rows are rotated to different predetermined angular positions and the levers are moved parallel to the recording support while maintaining the predetermined angular position. It is possible.

The matrix printing press according to the invention and particularly preferred embodiments thereof are capable of controlling these particular angular positions, the spacing between these pixel rows, the printing of the pixel rows, the different relative positions of the printing pixels, the different pixel rows. Preferably, the number of printing elements and their mutual combinations differ from known matrix printing machines.

The printing method according to the invention is somewhat similar to the known printing xH method. The method of the invention uses a matrix printer having a print head with a number of printing elements arranged in two pixel columns. In connection with intermediate work, these pixel rows can be rotated and moved parallel to the recording support, maintaining a predetermined angular position with respect to the direction of this parallel movement. In this method, the first angular position of these predetermined angular positions +, y, + is such that the printing by the printing pixels of one pixel row is different from the printing of the other pixel row. The pixel printing may be used in such a way that it at least partially overlaps, or more often in alternating leaves.

The method according to the invention and particularly preferred embodiments thereof mainly depend on the difference between the second predetermined angular position and the first predetermined angular position and the printing pixels of these two pixel rows. It differs from known methods in how it is used in conjunction with printing at the second angle la position n.

In the printing method and matrix printing press according to the invention, if the second predetermined angular position is printed simultaneously by printing i elements of both pixels + IJ, then the printing machine of one pixel column The elements are not substantially alternately printed in the direction of parallel motion with the printing m elements of the other pixel row,
It also enables it to be used to print printed materials that may not be partially printed.

The implementation of the matrix printing press and method of marking with a matrix printing press according to the invention has important advantages.

The first predetermined rotational position can be used when printing in row mode, which provides relatively high quality printing at relatively low speeds. The second predetermined rotational position can be used to print at relatively high speeds and relatively low quality. This itself is known. However, this second predetermined angular position can also be used for either the simultaneous printing of normal size characters in two separate lines or the printing of extra large characters extending over two lines. be.

The distance between both pixel rows relative to the distance between the printed m elements of one pixel row, and the angle in the i1 direction and 1■1 direction when the distance between both pixel rows and both pixel rows is about 45° with respect to one direction of movement. The hardware and software required to operate the separate printing elements in angular positions forming the printing presses can be made particularly simple and inexpensive. The number of printing elements in one m wooden figure is -b more than the number in the second pixel row, and the printing pixels in one pixel row are compared to the printing pixels in the other pixel row. By providing relative displacements, printing of different line spacings, printing of lowered or taller characters, underlining, etc. can also be carried out particularly easily and quickly.

Other advantages of the printing method according to the invention and the history of matrix printing machines will be understood by those skilled in the art after reading the following description of the preferred embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows a print head 1 of a matrix printing press in a highly simplified form. For printing on vapor or other recording support 2, the print head has a number of needles or other types of similar printing elements. Needles or printing elements 3.4.5.6°7.8.9.10 and 11 are the first
The needles or printing elements 13, 14, 15, 16 are arranged at equal intervals within the needle row or pixel row 12.
．． 17.18.19.20, 21.22.23 and 24
are arranged at equal intervals within the second needle row or i-element row 25. These needles or printing elements are homogeneous to each other, and the rows of needles or pixels are parallel, i.e. the line passing through the center of the needles or printing elements 3-11 is the same as that of the needles or printing elements 13-24. parallel to the line passing through the center of The distance between the line passing through the center of printing pixels 3-11 of the first pixel column 12 and the line passing through the center of printing pixels 13-24 of the second pixel column 25 is the distance between printing pixels 3 and 9. or the center distance between printing elements 13 and 19. This also means that the distance between the pixel columns is 11
It can be expressed as several times as large as the distance between two adjacent printing elements in a 1Fi column. It can also be said that the distance between m pixel rows is smaller than the total distance between the first printing pixel 3 and the last printing pixel 11 of the pixel row 12,
It can also be said that it is smaller than the total distance between the first printing pixel Ia&13 and the last printing pixel 24 of the pixel row 25.

Since the number of printing pixels in the first pixel row is 9 and the number of printing pixels in the second i-series is 12, the distance between both II pixel rows is also the same as that of printing pixels 3 and 11. b greater than half the distance between printing elements 13 and 24, but approximately the same as half the distance between printing elements 13 and 24. If the number of printing pixels in pixel row 25 is less than, for example, 11, the distance between both pixel rows is also
6, which is considerably larger than half the distance between the first printing pixel and the last printing pixel of the pixel row 25.

The first marked VA pixel 3 of the first pixel row 12 is directly opposite the first printing pixel 13 of the second pixel row 25; It is located directly opposite. The last printing element 24 of the second pixel row 25 is not located directly opposite the last printed i-element 11 of the first pixel row 12, but almost directly opposite the printing pixel 7 or 8. It is in. Furthermore,
The central printing element 7 of the first pixel row 12 is not located directly opposite either of the two central printing elements 18 or 19 of the second pixel row 25, but almost directly opposite the printing press 123 or 24. It is located directly opposite. Therefore, the printing element 3-1 of the first pixel row 12
1 may be said to be displaced with respect to the printing elements 13-24 of the second machine bank 25 by a distance which is in the common direction of both 11 trains.

This displacement will be different depending on whether it is measured between the first printed W element, the middle printing element or the last printing element of both pixel rows. Because,
This is because there are more printing pixels in pixel row 25 than in pixel row 12. However, regardless of where it is measured, this displacement is at least three times the center distance between adjacent printing pixel elements of one pixel column. If the nominal measurement is made between the first printing pixels of each pixel row, the displacement is approximately 6 of the center distance between adjacent printing pixels of one pixel row.
It's double.

The matrix printing press of the present invention has a device for individually actuating the separate printing elements a selected number of times to produce separate printed dots on the recording support, and for producing separate printed dots on the recording support. The position of the dots and their position relative to the curves are related to the position and orientation of the pixel array relative to the recording support. At the moment when the print head is in position and is oriented relative to the recording support as in FIG.
Printed dots can be printed on the recording support, determining the size and position of the dots.

In order to change the orientation of the pixel columns relative to the recording support, the matrix printer rotates the print head so that the pixel columns are rotated synchronously about a common pivot center C! Get the rotating device. Furthermore, in matrix printing machines, the pixel row is the first
It has a movement device which moves the print head in a first direction of parallel movement parallel to arrow 11 in the figure and in an opposite direction to have an orientation held parallel to the recording support. The direction of this parallel movement is sometimes referred to as the horizontal direction or the row direction when printing rows on a recording support. Matrix printers also use the arrows in FIG. A device is provided for moving the recording support relative to the print head in a second or opposite direction of movement parallel to V. This direction of movement is sometimes referred to as the perpendicular direction.

Needles and other markings on the print head of a matrix printing press II
Various types of devices for operating A-elements and printing elements are known to those skilled in the art. Apparatus for moving the print head of a matrix printing press along the rows and arrangements for moving vapor and other recording supports perpendicular to the row direction relative to the print head are well known to those skilled in the art. Therefore, there is no need to describe such a device here. Also, for the sake of clarity, these devices are not shown in the drawings.

In FIG. 1, the print head to the right of the pixel column occupies a first predetermined rotational position relative to the direction of movement. Each pixel column forms a counterclockwise angle of 45° with respect to the direction H of parallel movement, referred to as the printing direction during printing of the rows along the row direction or parallel lines 26. When the printing pixels of both pixel rows are oriented as shown in FIG. 1 and both pixel rows move in the direction of arrows 1 and 1 or in the opposite direction and printing is performed by the printing pixels of both pixel rows, The printing consisting of printing dots by printing pixels 3-11 of pixel row 12 is printed by pixel row 25.
Printing consisting of printing dots by the printing elements 13-22 is intersected with printing in the form of a confection or in a partial mold. However, since pixel row 25 has three more printing pixels than pixel row 12, the printing consisting of print dots by printing pixels in pixel row 25 is made by printing pixels 3-11 in pixel row 12. For printing consisting of printed dots, there is only a partial overlap or only a partial alternation of leaves.

Therefore, the printing consisting of printing dots by the printing elements 23 and 24 is any printing of the pixel array 12! Printing by L-cords is not done in alternating leaves or in parts.

In FIG. 2, the printhead with the pixel array is rotated through a second predetermined rotation (G ii
It's in 'J. Each pixel row is 45° to the parallel motion direction H.
forming a clockwise angle. When both pixel rows oriented as shown in FIG. Printing machine 43-11 for cable row 12
The printing of the printed dots by the printing elements 13-24 of the pixel row 25 does not alternate or overlap with the printing of the printed dots by the printing elements 13-24 of the pixel array 25.

Of course, the print made up of printed dots by printing elements 13-24 of pixel row 25 intersects with the print made up of printed dots made by printing machine 'MS-11 of pixel row 12! i. They are neither lobed nor partially overlapping. The reason for this is that all the printing elements of the first 8m element row in FIG. 2 are on one side of the pivot center C when viewed in the direction of arrow V, while the
! ! This is because all the printing pixels of the second pixel row in I are located on the other side of the pivot center C when viewed in the direction of arrow V. If the printing elements and the pixel rows are oriented relative to the recording support as shown in FIG. For printing to be done or to be done in part, both pixel rows must be moved at least slightly in the direction of arrow V.

In FIG. 3, L3. L4. L5, 16°L7. L8
．． L9. Lo, L., 11. L13゜L14.115,
116. Li2. Li2゜L19. L20. L21. L
22. L23 and 124 are the printing elements 3-11 and 13 when both pixel rows are moved parallel in the direction of arrow H while retaining the first predetermined rotational position according to FIG.
-24 indicates the line or row on which printing dots can be printed. From Figure 3, line L3 is straight between lines L13 and 114, line 114 is straight between lines 1-3 and 4, l2L4 is drawn, and line 114 is straight between 14 and L15. It is clear that line L15 is straight between lines L4 and L5, and so on. Therefore, line 111 is 1L
21 and L22. When both pixel columns are in the predetermined rotational position according to FIG.
111 and 12113-122 are arranged in an alternating leaf shape. When both pixel rows are in the first predetermined rotational position, the printing pixels of both pixel rows are in the arrow! It can be used to print by means of printing dots that partially overlap each other in the direction of arrow H and in the direction of arrow V during one series *h in the direction of *h. In this way, relatively high quality printing can be achieved by arrow 1
It is possible to print along one line during one movement in the direction of arrow H or during one movement in the direction opposite to the direction of arrow H. This causes the printed dots by the printing pixels of each pixel column to partially overlap each other in the row direction, ie in the direction of arrow H, but not in the direction of arrow V.

As an example of the relatively high quality print that can be made in this way with both pixel rows in the first predetermined rotational position, the letter N is shown consisting of a number of circular dots.

In Figure 4, the lines, 3. L4. ...Lll.

Li2. L14. ...L23 and L24 are the second rows according to FIG. 2 in which both n-element arrays are relative to the recording support.
When the printing elements 3-11 and 13- are rotated parallel to the arrow 11 direction while maintaining the predetermined rotational position of
24 indicates lines or rows that can be printed. From this figure, it is clear that the distance between any two adjacent lines in L 3-124 is large. Therefore, the distance between lines L24 and L3 is the same as the distance between lines 23 and 124, and is the same as the distance between lines [-3 and L4. In this way, 113-Lll and 113-L, 24
together form a screen of regularly spaced lines. By means of a regular line screen consisting of 21 lines when both such pixel rows are oriented in a second predetermined angular position according to FIGS. It can be used to perform various types of printing as indicated by the five letters P in FIG. This second
One method of printing with printing pixels at predetermined angular positions is to print the first pixel column 12 when printing multiple lines.
Printing one line of characters by printing Ia element 3-11 only, and substantially simultaneously printing element 13-2 of the second column of pixels.
It is to print one line of characters with only 4 characters. Low-position characters can be printed by printing elements 22-24, and the distance between adjacent character lines can be varied.

Another method of printing with both pixel rows in a second predetermined square position is to print with two printing pixels of both pixel rows.
It is to print extra large characters with a height that extends across a line. It is possible to print simply large or conversely small characters that extend over one line, or large characters that extend over two lines. If small characters are to be printed, the printing speed can be increased because two lines of characters can be printed during one movement of the pixel array in both the arrow [] direction and the opposite direction. In this case the print quality is relatively low.

In matrix printing presses where the printing elements of one pixel row are not perpendicular to the printing direction, the angle between the pixel row and the printing direction is taken into account when the separate printing elements are activated. It is known in the art that this must be done. For example, in order to print a large number of dots perpendicular to the printing direction, the pixel rows are different in the printing direction (if the pixel row is in the must be activated.The character generator (cha
It is necessary to sequentially delay the signals from the (racter-gencrator) before they are applied to the actuators of the separate printing elements. The more dl the angle between pixel element 1 and the printing direction deviates from 90° frJ, the more the signals for adjacent printing elements need to be delayed with respect to each other. In the method and matrix printing press according to FIGS. 1-4, the angle between the IIM element row and the printing direction is the precision of both rotational positions, respectively. Therefore, the signal η° to the adjacent printing elements of one ta+ element column is n must be delayed. This provides important advantages in the design S1 of the delay device and the implementation of the printing method.

The invention is of course not limited to the embodiments described above in connection with FIGS. 1 to 4, but the method and the matrix printing machine can be modified within the scope of the claims. I can do it. For example, it is not absolutely necessary to have f/ number of printing elements in both pixel columns, and therefore to have 9 printing elements in the -h pixel column and the other It is not absolutely necessary to have 12 printing elements in a row.

The number of printing pixels, the spacing of printing pixels within one pixel row, and the spacing between both pixel rows can be different from that shown in FIGS. 1-4. It is also possible for the two predetermined rotational positions to differ from each other by an angle of less than 90°, but this is by no means desirable.

Effects of the Invention Since the present invention is configured as described above, relatively little PJ is required.
Queuing machines and printing machines that give the possibility of greatly varying print quality and dimensions, different spacing, and low or high character documents while maintaining the highest possible printing speeds at low cost. A method is provided, wherein at a first predetermined angular position, the printing by the marking mWIN of one pixel column is at least substantially partially smaller than the printing by the printing pixel of the other Il column. or alternatively, may be made in an intersecting configuration to enable high-quality, low-speed printing, and in a second predetermined angular position, one when printing simultaneously by both aX row printing elements. The printing elements of the FjAA column are arranged in two separate rows so that the printing elements of the column FjAA are not substantially interleaved with the printing pixels of the other column in the direction of parallel movement, nor do they overlap. Good results can be obtained that can be used either for simultaneous printing of normal size characters or for printing extra large characters stretched over two lines.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 shows a greatly simplified form, which is moved during printing parallel to the recording support while maintaining a first predetermined rotational position relative to the direction of this St' row movement. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a number of printing elements arranged in two pixel rows. Figure ff12 shows, in a greatly simplified form, two machines which are moved parallel to the recording support during printing, while maintaining a second predetermined rotational position relative to the direction of this parallel movement. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a large number of printing elements arranged in rows. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing printing a line of characters at a first predetermined angular position of a pixel array. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing printing a line of characters at a second predetermined angular position of a pixel array that is 90° different from the angular position of FIG. 3; 1... Print head 2... Recording support 3-11... Needle or mark 94n Element 12...
・First m element array 13-24... Needle or mark @ element 25...
・Second pixel column 26... Line or row C... Pivotal center H... Arrow or direction 3 to 24... Line or row ■...・・・Arrow or direction

Claims (11)

[Claims] (1) A method of printing on a recording support (2) by means of a matrix printing machine, said matrix printing machine comprising a number of printing elements arranged in two parallel rows of pixels (12, 25). (3-11
, 13-24), wherein both rows of pixels are rotatable synchronously in relation to the printing operation and movable parallel to the recording support; and maintaining a predetermined angular position with respect to the direction of this parallel movement, both said rows of elements are synchronously rotated to a first predetermined angular position, and one The printing pixels (3-11) of the pixel row (12) are at least in contact with the printed portion by the printing pixels (13-24) of the other pixel row (25) in the direction of parallel movement (H). In a printing method used to print substantially alternating or partially overlapping printed portions, both rows of pixels are rotated to a second predetermined angular position. The printing elements of one row of pixels are not substantially interleaved or overlap in the parallel direction with the printing elements of the other row of pixels; A method characterized in that it is used to print a printed part. (2) one predetermined angular position in which both said rows of elements form a clockwise angle of approximately 45° with respect to the direction of parallel motion (H); (
A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the method is rotated to another predetermined angular position forming a counterclockwise angle of about 45° with respect to H). 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the alphanumeric characters are printed along substantially parallel rows on the recording support.
two rows are printed substantially simultaneously, wherein both rows of pixels are rotated to said second predetermined angular position, and the characters of one row are printed on a printing machine of one row of pixels. The method is characterized in that the pixels are arranged to cause the characters of the other row to be printed substantially simultaneously with the printing pixels of the other column of pixels. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the alphanumeric characters are printed along substantially parallel rows on the recording support, wherein the large height characters extend across two adjacent rows. printing, wherein both rows of pixels are rotated to the second predetermined angular position, and printing pixels of both rows of pixels are used together to print the large character. method, characterized in that characters of small height, which do not extend beyond one line, are printed by the printing elements of each column. (5) A matrix printing machine having a print head (1) with a number of printing pixels (3-11, 13-24) arranged in two parallel rows of pixels (12, 25), When printing by the printing elements on the recording support (2), the matrix printing press prints both rows of pixels on the recording support (2).
), and the matrix printing machine includes two predetermined displacement devices for the direction in which both rows of pixels are moved parallel to the recording support during printing. a device for simultaneously rotating both rows of elements into a defined angular position, wherein a first predetermined angular position of said two angular positions rotates both said arrays in this angular position; When printing substantially simultaneously by the printing pixels of a row of pixels, the printing pixels (3-
11), wherein the printing by the printing elements (13, 24) of the other column of pixels (25) substantially overlaps or is interleaved, at least in part, in the direction of parallel movement (11); In a matrix printing press, said second predetermined angular position is arranged such that one of said second predetermined angular positions prints substantially simultaneously by printing pixels of both said rows of pixels at this angular position. The printed parts by the printing pixels (3-11) of the pixel row (12) alternate in the direction of said parallel movement with the printed parts by the printing pixels (13-24) of the other pixel row (25). A processional printing machine characterized in that it is not formed into leaves and does not partially overlap. (6) said rows of elements at one of said two predetermined angular positions form a clockwise angle of about 45° with respect to the direction of said parallel movement; 6. Matrix printing machine according to claim 5, characterized in that both said rows of pixels at other predetermined angular positions form a counterclockwise position of about 45° with respect to said parallel motion. . 7. A matrix printing press according to claim 5, wherein said printing elements are equally spaced within each column of pixels, and wherein both columns of pixels are spaced apart from each other at equal intervals within each column of pixels. Matrix printing press characterized in that they are arranged at a mutual spacing distance several times the spacing of the printing pixels. (8) Both columns of pixels are one column of pixels (12)
characterized in that they are spaced from each other by a distance greater than half the distance between the first printing element (3) and the last printing element (11), but less than the entire distance. A matrix printing machine according to claim 5. (9) The printing pixels of one pixel row are at the beginning of one pixel row (12) in the common direction of both pixel rows with respect to the printing pixels of the other pixel row. according to claim 5, characterized in that the first printing element (3) is displaced by a distance greater than half the distance between the last printing element (11), but less than the entire distance. procession printing machine. (10) Matrix printing according to claim 5, characterized in that the number of printing pixels in one pixel column (25) is greater than the number of printing pixels in the other pixel column (12). Machine. (11) The number of printing pixels in one pixel column (25) is 12
and the number of printing pixels in the other pixel column (12) is 9
A matrix printing machine according to claim 5, characterized in that: