JPH09164749A - Printing start position adjustment method for image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shorten the adjustment time by securing the adjustment amount for setting the printing start position and making the adjustment easily. SOLUTION: In an image forming device printed on the surface of a label 2 stuck on a carried belt-shaped release paper 3, a plurality of width direction straight lines WL of a certain length extending not to overlap in the width direction orthogonal to the carrying direction of the label 2 are printed as test patterns at every equal intervals in the carrying direction, and one points in respective width direction straight lines WL are set as start points, and same points in the carrying direction are set as terminal points. Then numbers of 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 corresponding to the shift amount from the reference printing start positions are printed on the extension lines of the carrying direction straight lines SL, and the printing start positions are adjusted based on the shift amount from the reference printing start positions based on the numbers printed on the extension lines of the carrying direction straight lines SL.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus for printing on the surface of a label attached to a release paper being conveyed, which test patterns do not overlap in the width direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the label. An image forming apparatus that prints a plurality of width-direction straight lines having a constant length extending at even intervals in the transport direction and adjusts the print start position based on the printing relationship of the plurality of width-direction straight lines on the label Printing start position adjustment method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional first print start position adjusting method for an image forming apparatus uses a print format for printing a normal bar code label as shown in FIG. After the production and assembly, the deviation of the print start position from the reference position, which is caused by the accumulated error of the assembled parts and the like, is adjusted.

That is, the adjustment of the deviation of the print start position is
The distance D between the arbitrary print end and the label end of the printed label L shown in FIG. 8 is measured with a ruler, a loupe with a scale, or the like, and the difference between the reference position and the difference is calculated. This is done by inputting an appropriate correction amount proportional to the print start position correction input section.

Further, in the conventional print start position adjusting method for the second image forming apparatus, since the parting off of the end portion of the print portion may not be clear in the above normal print pattern, as shown in FIG. The deviation of the print start position from the reference position is adjusted by using a test pattern that facilitates correction.

That is, in this case as well, the print end and the label L are
The distance D from the end of the sheet is measured with a ruler or a loupe with a scale, and a correction value proportional to the deviation from the reference position is input to the print start position correction input section.

Further, in the conventional print start position adjusting method of the third image forming apparatus, the deviation between the print quality of the fax and the reference position of the print start position is made by using the test pattern shown in FIG. 10 used for adjusting the print start position. Was to make adjustments.

That is, in this case as well, the print end and the label L are
The edge of the sheet is measured with a ruler or a loupe with a scale, and a correction value proportional to the deviation from the reference position is input to the print start position correction input section.

[0008]

The above-mentioned conventional print start position adjusting method for the first image forming apparatus is, for example, ± 0.1 mm.
When it is necessary to adjust the print start position with a certain degree of accuracy, it is generally difficult to measure with the naked eye to ensure accuracy, so a measuring instrument such as a loupe with a scale is required and many measurements are required. There is a problem that time is required and a measurement error is likely to occur.

Further, in recent years, management of bar codes has progressed even for small parts, and there is a tendency to print bar codes to the fullest in line with the reduction in the area of labels. In other words, it is required that the margins other than the printing portion are small and the accuracy alignment is more severe.

Further, since the printing start position adjusting method of the above-mentioned second conventional image forming apparatus uses a test pattern for facilitating measurement of the deviation amount as shown in FIG. 9, the actual method as shown in FIG. Measurement is easier than the above-mentioned first print start position adjustment method that uses the output pattern, but measurement with a loupe with a scale or the like is unavoidable, spending a lot of measurement time, and risk of measurement error. There was a problem that there was no substitute for the existence of.

Further, the above-mentioned third conventional method for adjusting the print start position of the image forming apparatus uses a test pattern which is used for the print position alignment of a fax machine or the like. When aligning with high precision, the printed edge and the label edge must be measured with a ruler or a loupe with a scale, so it takes a lot of measurement time and there is a risk of measurement error. There was a problem of not having.

The inventor of the present invention prints a plurality of width-direction straight lines having a constant length extending in the width direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the label so as not to overlap as a test pattern at equal intervals in the transport direction. Focusing on the technical idea of the present invention that the print start position is adjusted based on the print relationship of the plurality of width-direction straight lines to the label, and further research and development have been conducted, and as a result, the adjustment amount of print start position alignment is secured. And the invention has been reached which achieves the object of facilitating the adjustment and reducing the adjustment time.

[0013]

A method for adjusting a print start position of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention (the first invention according to claim 1) is directed to a surface of a label attached to a belt-shaped release paper to be conveyed. In an image forming apparatus for printing, a plurality of width-direction straight lines having a constant length extending so as not to overlap in the width direction perpendicular to the label transport direction are printed as test patterns at a regular interval in the transport direction. The print start position is adjusted based on the print relationship of the plurality of width-direction straight lines on the label.

The print start position adjusting method for an image forming apparatus of the present invention (the second invention according to claim 2) is the method for adjusting the print start position in the first invention, wherein one point on each of the widthwise thin lines is a starting point and extends rearward in the transport direction. The existing conveyance direction straight line is printed, and the print start position is adjusted based on the printing relationship between the plurality of width direction straight lines and the conveyance direction straight line on the label.

The print start position adjusting method for an image forming apparatus according to the present invention (the third invention according to claim 3) is the same as the second invention, wherein one point on each of the width direction thin lines is set as a start point and the print direction is adjusted in the conveying direction. Is printed so that the end point is at the same point in the direction of conveyance, and a number corresponding to the amount of deviation from the reference print start position is printed on the extension line of the direction of conveyance, The print start position is adjusted based on the amount of deviation from the reference print start position based on the number printed on the extension line of the direction straight line.

The print start position adjusting method for an image forming apparatus according to the present invention (the fourth invention according to claim 4) is the same as the third invention, wherein the image forming apparatus is arranged at a constant interval on a strip-shaped release paper to be conveyed. It is composed of a label printer that sequentially prints on the surface of a plurality of labels stuck together.

(Operation) According to the method of adjusting the print start position of the image forming apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, the test pattern has a fixed length extending so as not to overlap in the width direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the label. A plurality of width-direction straight lines are printed at equal intervals in the conveying direction, the print start position is adjusted based on the printing relationship of the plurality of width-direction straight lines to the label, and then the belt-like shape is conveyed by the image forming apparatus. The printing is performed on the surface of the label attached to the release paper.

In the method of adjusting the print start position of the image forming apparatus of the second aspect of the present invention, a straight line in the carrying direction extending rearward in the carrying direction is printed starting from one point on each thin line in the width direction, and the plurality of lines are printed. The print start position is adjusted based on the printing relationship between the width-direction straight line and the conveyance-direction straight line on the label.

In the method for adjusting the print start position of the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, the start point is one point on each of the widthwise thin lines and the same point in the transfer direction is the end point in the transfer direction. Print a straight line extending in the transport direction,
A number corresponding to the amount of deviation from the reference print start position is printed on the extension line of the transport direction straight line, the number printed on the extension line of the transport direction straight line is read, and the reference print start position based on the number is read. The print start position is adjusted based on the deviation amount.

In the print start position adjusting method of the image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the print start position is adjusted in the third aspect of the invention, and then the label printer constituting the image forming apparatus conveys the print start position. It is configured such that printing is performed one after another on the surface of a label that is attached to a plurality of strip-shaped release papers at regular intervals.

[0021]

The print start position adjusting method for the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, which has the above-described operation, uses a straight line in the width direction of the constant length extending in the width direction of the label as a test pattern,
Multiple prints were made at equal intervals in the transport direction, and the print start position was adjusted based on the print relationship of the plurality of width-direction straight lines to the label. This has the effect of shortening the time.

In the method for adjusting the print start position of the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, a straight line in the carrying direction extending backward in the carrying direction is printed from one point on each of the thin lines in the width direction as a starting point, and the plurality of lines are printed. Since the print start position is adjusted on the basis of the printing relationship between the straight line in the width direction and the straight line in the transport direction on the label, there is an effect that the amount of adjustment for adjusting the print start position is secured more reliably.

According to the method for adjusting the print start position of the image forming apparatus of the third aspect of the present invention, the number corresponding to the deviation amount from the reference print start position is printed on the extension line of the straight line in the transport direction, and the print direction is adjusted. The number printed on the extension line of the straight line is read, and the print start position is adjusted based on the amount of deviation from the reference print start position based on the read number, making it easier to secure the adjustment amount for print start position alignment. Has the effect of

According to the print start position adjusting method of the image forming apparatus of the fourth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of tape-shaped release papers are attached at a constant interval by the label printer whose print start position is adjusted. It is possible to print on the surface of the label one after another.

[0025]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention are described below.
This will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) The print start position adjusting method of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment is a label 2 attached to a strip-shaped release paper 3 conveyed as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5. In the image forming apparatus 1 for printing on the surface of the label 2, width-direction straight lines WL having a constant length extending so as not to overlap in the width direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the label 2 are equally spaced in the transport direction as test patterns. A plurality of prints are made for each printing, and a conveyance direction straight line SL extending rearward in the conveyance direction is printed so that one point on each width direction straight line WL is a start point and the same point in the conveyance direction is an end point. The number 0 corresponding to the amount of deviation from the reference printing start position on the extension line of the direction straight line SL,
1, 2, 3, and 4 are printed, and the print start position is adjusted based on the amount of deviation from the reference print start position based on the number printed on the extension line of the transport direction straight line SL.

In the first embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 sequentially prints on the surface of a label which is affixed to the strip-shaped release paper conveyed at a constant interval as shown in FIG. The label printer 10 is used.

As shown in FIG. 2, the label printer 10 includes a roll 4 around which a release paper 3 to which labels 2 to be printed are adhered at regular intervals is wound, and the roll 4 is supplied from the roll 4. Marks 5 arranged at regular intervals to indicate relative positions of printing start of the label 2 attached to the release paper 3;
A platen roller 6 that conveys and presses the release paper 3 to which the label 2 is attached, a thermal head 7 that is provided facing the platen roller 6 and has a heating element, and the thermal head that is wound around a roll. 7 and the platen roller 6 and an ink donor film 8 interposed between the roll 4 and the platen roller 6, and a label detection sensor 9 for detecting the position of the label. is there.

The control system of the first embodiment includes a controller 100 for controlling the entire system as shown in FIG.
Required for control: a test mode switch 101 for accepting the test print mode, a key switch unit 102 for accepting various operation modes, a display unit 103 showing an input state, an operation state, etc., a print start position correction input unit 104, A ROM in which various programs are written and a RAM 105 in which data can be read and written are composed of a test pattern ROM 106 in which a test pattern necessary to print a test pattern is written and a motor 107 that drives a platen roller. Composed.

An example of a test pattern that facilitates adjustment and facilitates measurement of the amount of deviation from the ideal position that is the reference position for starting printing in the first embodiment will be described in detail.

As for the printing of the above-mentioned test pattern, as shown in FIG. 4, the printing of a thin line WL in the width direction of the label 2 which is perpendicular to the carrying direction of the label 2 and which has a predetermined length in the width direction is uniformly printed in the carrying direction. A plurality of them are provided at intervals, and they are arranged in order and at equal intervals so as not to overlap in the width direction perpendicular to the transport direction.

The middle point of each of the thin lines in the width direction is an intersection, and a thin line S in the conveying direction is a straight line of a predetermined length which extends rearward from the intersection in the conveying direction and ends at the same point in the conveying direction.
Print L and add a number on the extension line.

The above number is zero on the extension of the transport direction thin line SL at the ideal position which is the print start reference position, and is proportional to the amount of deviation from the ideal print start position on the extension of the other transport direction thin lines SL. The value.

The method for adjusting the print start position of the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment having the above-described structure is used in the test mode switch 101 shown in FIG. 3 at the time of factory shipment or for adjusting the print start position of each machine in the market. Switch to test mode,
The test pattern printing shown in FIG. 1 is performed, which is different from the normal printing shown in FIG. 8 in the first conventional apparatus.

To read for adjusting the print start position, first, as shown in the test pattern output of FIG. 1, the first widthwise thin line WL printed on the label 2 attached to the release paper 3, that is, the label 2 is printed. Width thin line WL printed on
Read the lowest number in.

The smallest read number corresponds to the amount of deviation from the ideal print start position as described above. According to the first embodiment, a conventional ruler or a measuring aid such as a loupe with a scale is not necessary.

Based on the number which is the read value above,
The print start position correction amount input from the print start position correction input unit 104 is determined. The print start position correction amount is the amount of deviation from the ideal print start position multiplied by the coefficient A as shown in the following formula. A is generally a value that is empirically determined by design or experiment. Print start position correction amount = amount of deviation from ideal print start position x A

An example in which the print start position is shifted in the positive and negative directions with respect to the label 2 and test printed is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.
Shown in In FIG. 4, since the horizontal line printed on the label 2 is -2 which is the smallest number, the correction amount of the print start position is given by the following formula. Print start position correction amount = -2 x A

In FIG. 5, since the horizontal line printed on the label 2 is the smallest numeral, the correction amount at the print start position is given by the following equation. Print start position correction amount = 2 x A

Further, in the actual work, in order to confirm that the correction has been made correctly, the above-mentioned work is repeated once more as necessary.

In the method of adjusting the print start position of the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment having the above-described operation, the widthwise thin lines WL having a constant length extending in the widthwise direction of the label are evenly arranged in the conveying direction as the test pattern. Since a plurality of prints are made at each interval and the print start position is adjusted based on the print relationship of the plurality of width direction straight lines to the label, the effect of facilitating the adjustment of the print start position and shortening the adjustment time can be obtained. Play.

Further, in the method of adjusting the print start position of the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment, the conveyance direction thin line SL extending backward in the conveyance direction is printed starting from the middle point on each width direction thin line WL, Width thin line WL and transport direction thin line SL
Since the print start position is adjusted on the basis of the printing relationship on the label, there is an effect that the adjustment amount of the print start position alignment is ensured.

Further, according to the print start position adjusting method of the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment, the number corresponding to the deviation amount from the reference print start position is printed on the extension line of the carrying direction thin line SL, and the carrying direction thin line is printed. Since the number printed on the extension line of SL is read and the print start position is adjusted based on the amount of deviation from the reference print start position based on the read number, it is even easier to secure the adjustment amount for print start position alignment. Has the effect of

In the method of adjusting the print start position of the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment, the label printer having the print start position adjusted adjusts that a plurality of the strip-shaped release papers 3 that are conveyed are stuck at regular intervals. This has the effect of enabling printing on the surface of the label 2 one after another at reference positions.

(Second Embodiment) The print start position adjusting method of the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment.
While the deviation amount is detected by the number on the extension line of the letter-shaped thin line, as shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of test patterns are printed at equal intervals in the transport direction and extend in the width direction of the label. The main difference is that the thickness of each width-direction thin line WL having a constant length is made thicker toward the right in the figure.

The print start position adjusting method of the second embodiment is to read the thickness of the width direction thin line WL printed first on the label 2 attached to the release paper 3,
The print start position is adjusted based on the amount of deviation from the reference print start position based on the thickness of the read first width direction thin line WL.

In the print start position adjusting method of the second embodiment, the print start position is adjusted based on the amount of deviation from the reference print start position based on the thickness of the read first widthwise thin line WL. The adjustment amount of the start position adjustment is easily obtained, the adjustment of the print start position adjustment is facilitated, and the adjustment time is shortened.

The printing start position adjusting method of the second embodiment is to read the thickness of the width direction thin line WL printed first on the label 2 attached to the release paper 3,
The bar code reader normally used as a reading sensor can be used.

(Third Embodiment) The print start position adjusting method for the image forming apparatus of the third embodiment adjusts the print start position of the label in the conveying direction of the release paper of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the difference is that a test pattern for adjusting the print start position of the label in the width direction of the release paper is used.

In the print start position adjusting method of the third embodiment, a plurality of transport direction thin lines WL having a constant length and extending in the label transport direction so as not to overlap in the label transport direction are used as test patterns at equal intervals in the width direction. Print the width direction straight line extending to the right in the width direction so that the middle point on each of the conveying direction thin lines is the starting point and the same point on the width direction is the ending point, and the width direction straight line is extended. A number corresponding to the amount of deviation from the reference print start position is printed on the line, the number printed on the extension line of the width direction straight line WL is read, and the reference print start position in the width direction based on the read number. The print start position is adjusted based on the amount of deviation.

In the print start position adjusting method of the third embodiment, a number corresponding to the deviation amount from the reference print start position is printed on the extension line of the widthwise thin line WL, and the number is extended on the extension line of the widthwise thin line WL. The print start position is adjusted on the basis of the amount of deviation from the reference print start position based on the read number, and it is easier to secure the adjustment amount for the print start position adjustment in the width direction. In addition, the adjustment of the print start position adjustment in the width direction is facilitated and the adjustment time is shortened.

The embodiments described above are merely examples for the purpose of explanation, and the present invention is not limited to them. Those skilled in the art will recognize from the claims, the detailed description of the invention and the description of the drawings. Modifications and additions can be made without departing from the technical idea of the present invention.

In the first and third embodiments described above, as an example, the number on the extension of the thin line first printed on the label is read and the deviation amount is detected, but the present invention is not limited thereto. However, it is possible to adopt a mode in which characters such as A, B, and C or other easily readable codes are used according to the amount of deviation, if necessary.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a test pattern (reference position) used in a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view showing the label printer according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control system of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a test pattern printed with a shift in the positive direction in the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a test pattern printed by being displaced in the negative direction in the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a test pattern used in the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a test pattern used in the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a test pattern used in a conventional first method.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a test pattern used in a second conventional method.

FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a test pattern used in a third conventional method.

[Explanation of symbols]

 WL Width direction straight line SL Transport direction straight line 2 Label 3 Release paper

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Eiki Morisawa 1900 Ifunacho, Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture Suzuka Fuji Zelocks Co., Ltd. Within the corporation

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus for performing printing on the surface of a label attached to a belt-shaped release paper to be conveyed, wherein a fixed length extending so as not to overlap in a width direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the label. A plurality of width-direction straight lines are printed as a test pattern at equal intervals in the transport direction, and the print start position is adjusted based on the printing relationship of the plurality of width-direction straight lines on the label. How to adjust the print start position of the device. 2. The transport direction straight line extending rearward in the transport direction starting from one point on each of the width direction thin lines, according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of width direction straight lines and the transport direction straight line are printed on the label. A method for adjusting a print start position of an image forming apparatus, wherein the print start position is adjusted based on a print relationship. 3. The conveyance direction straight line extending rearward in the conveyance direction according to claim 2, wherein one point on each of the width direction thin lines is set as a start point and the same point in the conveyance direction is set as an end point. A number corresponding to the deviation amount from the reference print start position is printed on the extension line of the conveyance direction straight line, and is printed based on the deviation amount from the reference print start position based on the number printed on the extension line of the conveyance direction straight line. A method for adjusting a print start position of an image forming apparatus, which comprises adjusting a start position. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image forming apparatus is constituted by a label printer that sequentially prints on a surface of a plurality of labels attached to a belt-shaped release paper to be conveyed at a constant interval. A method for adjusting a print start position of a characteristic image forming apparatus.