JP4428377B2 - Print medium conveyance control apparatus and serial type printing apparatus in printing apparatus - Google Patents

Print medium conveyance control apparatus and serial type printing apparatus in printing apparatus Download PDF

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JP4428377B2
JP4428377B2 JP2006293165A JP2006293165A JP4428377B2 JP 4428377 B2 JP4428377 B2 JP 4428377B2 JP 2006293165 A JP2006293165 A JP 2006293165A JP 2006293165 A JP2006293165 A JP 2006293165A JP 4428377 B2 JP4428377 B2 JP 4428377B2
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print medium
conveyance
speed
paper
printing
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JP2007015865A (en
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輝樹 倉科
徹司 武石
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Seiko Epson Corp
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Description

本発明は、印刷中の印刷媒体(例えば用紙)を搬送(紙送り)する際に、その搬送途中に搬送速度を変更すべき領域が存在する場合、その領域に合わせた適切な搬送速度に制御する印刷装置における印刷媒体搬送制御装置及びシリアル式印刷装置に関するものである。   In the present invention, when a print medium (for example, paper) being printed is transported (paper feed), if there is a region where the transport speed is to be changed during the transport, control is performed to an appropriate transport speed according to the region. The present invention relates to a printing medium conveyance control device and a serial printing device in a printing device.

一般にシリアルプリンタでは、図10に示すように、紙送りローラ30と排紙ローラ31により搬送される用紙Pに対し、両ローラ30,31間に配置されたプラテン32の上方を主走査方向に往復移動するキャリッジ33の下端に備えられた記録ヘッド34からインクが吐出されるなどの方法で印刷が施される。両ローラ30、31は駆動ローラ30A,31Aと従動ローラ30B,31Bからなる一対でそれぞれ構成され、両駆動ローラ30A,31Aが紙送りモータ(図示せず)の動力により回転駆動されることにより用紙Pは紙送り方向へ搬送される。そして、プリンタに内蔵された図示しないASIC(特定用途向けIC)が印刷データに基づきキャリッジモータ、紙送りモータおよび記録ヘッド34を駆動制御する。これにより、キャリッジ33の主走査方向への移動時の記録ヘッド34による印刷動作と、各ローラ30,31が駆動されることによる紙送り動作とが交互に行われ、用紙Pへの印刷は進められる。また、用紙Pの搬送経路上には紙検出センサ35が紙送りローラ30の上流側位置(図10における右側位置)に設けられ、給紙された用紙Pの紙端がこのセンサ35により検出されることで用紙Pの位置が把握され用紙Pの頭出しが行われる。   In general, in a serial printer, as shown in FIG. 10, a sheet P conveyed by a paper feed roller 30 and a paper discharge roller 31 reciprocates in the main scanning direction above a platen 32 disposed between both rollers 30 and 31. Printing is performed by a method such as ejecting ink from the recording head 34 provided at the lower end of the moving carriage 33. Both rollers 30 and 31 are each composed of a pair of drive rollers 30A and 31A and driven rollers 30B and 31B, and the drive rollers 30A and 31A are driven to rotate by the power of a paper feed motor (not shown). P is conveyed in the paper feeding direction. An ASIC (specific application IC) (not shown) built in the printer drives and controls the carriage motor, paper feed motor, and recording head 34 based on the print data. As a result, the printing operation by the recording head 34 when the carriage 33 moves in the main scanning direction and the paper feeding operation by driving the rollers 30 and 31 are alternately performed, and the printing on the paper P proceeds. It is done. A paper detection sensor 35 is provided on the upstream side of the paper feed roller 30 (on the right side in FIG. 10) on the transport path of the paper P, and the paper edge of the fed paper P is detected by the sensor 35. Thus, the position of the paper P is grasped, and the paper P is cued.

ところで、この種のシリアルプリンタでは図10(a)に示すように、用紙Pの後端が紙送りローラ30から離れる際、用紙Pの後端が回転する紙送りローラ30に蹴飛ばされる(弾き出される)蹴飛ばし現象が起こっていた。特に近年、写真印刷などの高画質印刷に「縁なし印刷」が普及して用紙Pの後端位置まで印刷される場合も多く、この蹴飛ばし現象によって用紙Pの後端付近の位置精度が低下すると、用紙後端付近に印刷される印刷画質の低下にも繋がる。   By the way, in this type of serial printer, as shown in FIG. 10A, when the trailing edge of the paper P moves away from the paper feeding roller 30, the trailing edge of the paper P is kicked (bounced) by the rotating paper feeding roller 30. ) There was a kicking phenomenon. In particular, in recent years, “borderless printing” has been widely used for high-quality printing such as photographic printing, and printing is often performed up to the rear end position of the paper P. If the position accuracy near the rear end of the paper P is reduced due to the kicking phenomenon. This also leads to a decrease in print image quality printed near the rear end of the paper.

この蹴飛ばし現象に起因する印刷画質の低下を防止するために、例えば図10(b)に示すように、用紙Pの後端が紙送りローラ30を通る範囲(領域)に低速領域を設定し、この低速領域を用紙Pの後端が通過するときはその紙送り速度を通常速度より遅い低速度に変更する方法が考えられていた。すなわち、紙検出センサ35により用紙Pの後端が検出されてから所定量紙送りされることで用紙Pの後端が低速領域に入ると、その低速領域を通過する間は低速の紙送りを行い、それにより用紙Pの後端の蹴飛ばし現象を防止していた(例えば、特許文献1参照。)。   In order to prevent a decrease in print image quality due to the kicking phenomenon, for example, as shown in FIG. 10B, a low speed region is set in a range (region) where the rear end of the paper P passes through the paper feed roller 30, When the trailing edge of the paper P passes through this low speed region, a method of changing the paper feed speed to a low speed slower than the normal speed has been considered. That is, when the trailing edge of the paper P enters the low speed region after the trailing edge of the paper P is detected by the paper detection sensor 35, the low speed paper is fed while passing through the low speed region. This prevents the phenomenon of kicking the trailing edge of the paper P (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

また、低速領域を通るときの用紙Pの搬送速度を低速に落とす方法としては、用紙Pの搬送速度を速度制御により途中で低速に変速させる方法が考えられるが、変速させる方法は変速過程での用紙Pの位置管理が難しく、用紙Pの位置精度を確保することが比較的困難となる。そのため、例えば用紙Pを紙送りする目標位置(紙送り後の紙後端位置)が低速領域にあるとき、または、用紙の紙送り開始位置(現在位置(紙送り前の紙後端位置))が低速領域にあるときは、その紙送りを低速で行う方法が考えられていた。
特開2002−096512号公報(第10−16頁、第1図)
In addition, as a method of reducing the conveyance speed of the paper P when passing through the low speed region, a method of shifting the conveyance speed of the paper P to a low speed in the middle by speed control is conceivable. It is difficult to manage the position of the paper P, and it is relatively difficult to ensure the positional accuracy of the paper P. Therefore, for example, when the target position (paper trailing edge position after paper feeding) of paper P is in the low speed region, or the paper feeding start position (current position (paper trailing edge position before paper feeding)) of the paper When is in a low speed region, a method of performing the paper feeding at a low speed has been considered.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-096512 (pages 10-16, FIG. 1)

ところで、近年のプリンタは、印刷速度の向上の面から多ノズル化の採用により記録ヘッド34の全長(紙送り方向長さ)が長くなる傾向がある。よって、キャリッジ一回移動当たりの印刷幅(紙送り方向幅)が広くなるため、それに合わせて1回分の紙送り量も多くなる。このように1回分の紙送り量が多くなると、用紙Pの後端が低速領域を跨ぐような紙送りの指示がなされることも十分起こり得る。この場合は、低速領域を比較的速い通常速度で用紙Pの後端は通過し、紙送りローラ30による用紙Pの後端の蹴飛ばしが起こってしまう。また、紙送りの目標位置が低速領域内にあるとASICが判断したときは、紙送り開始位置(現在位置)が低速領域からかなり手前の位置であっても、その現在位置から低速で紙送りを行うため効率が悪く、それにより印刷速度の遅延を招くことになる。   By the way, recent printers tend to increase the total length (length in the paper feed direction) of the recording head 34 by adopting a multi-nozzle configuration in terms of improving the printing speed. Therefore, since the printing width per one movement of the carriage (paper feeding direction width) is widened, the paper feeding amount for one time is also increased accordingly. When the paper feed amount for one time increases in this way, it is possible that a paper feed instruction is issued so that the trailing edge of the paper P straddles the low speed region. In this case, the trailing edge of the sheet P passes through the low speed region at a relatively high normal speed, and the trailing edge of the sheet P is kicked by the sheet feeding roller 30. Also, when the ASIC determines that the paper feed target position is within the low speed area, even if the paper feed start position (current position) is a position considerably before the low speed area, the paper feed is performed at a low speed from the current position. The efficiency is poor, and this causes a delay in printing speed.

本発明は上記課題を解決するためになされたものであって、その目的は、印刷媒体の後端が低速領域の入口より不要に手前から低速で搬送されて搬送所要時間が不要に長くなる事態を回避しつつ、印刷媒体の後端が低速領域に存在するとき、その低速領域に設定された低速な搬送速度で印刷媒体を適切に搬送制御できる印刷装置における印刷媒体搬送制御装置及びシリアル式印刷装置を提供することにある。 The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problem, and the purpose of the present invention is to prevent the trailing edge of the print medium from being unnecessarily conveyed at a low speed from the entrance of the low speed region and unnecessarily increase the time required for conveyance. Print medium conveyance control device and serial printing in a printing apparatus capable of appropriately conveying the print medium at a low conveyance speed set in the low speed area when the trailing edge of the print medium exists in the low speed area To provide an apparatus.

上記目的を達成するために本発明では、印刷媒体に印刷を行う記録ヘッドと、印刷媒体を記録ヘッドを挟んで上流から下流へ搬送する搬送手段と、前記記録ヘッドと搬送手段とを制御する制御手段とを有する印刷媒体搬送制御装置において、印刷媒体の搬送経路上には、前記搬送手段を構成すると共に前記記録ヘッドの記録位置より搬送方向上流側に配置された搬送ローラが印刷媒体と係合可能な係合位置を挟む範囲に低速領域が設定されており、印刷媒体の後端が前記低速領域にあるうちは、該印刷媒体が第1速度で搬送されるようになっており、前記制御手段は、印刷媒体の後端が前記低速領域より搬送方向上流側に位置する搬送開始位置から当該印刷媒体の後端が前記低速領域の入口を越える目標位置までの搬送量で当該印刷媒体の搬送を実行する場合に、印刷媒体の後端が、前記低速領域の入口又は入口近傍に設定された位置であって前記後端が当該位置にあるときに開始される搬送が前記第1速度で行われるように設定された設定位置に一致する位置で一旦停止するように前記搬送量複数に分割して当該印刷媒体の前記搬送量の搬送を複数回に分けて行うようにし、その分割された最初の搬送量での搬送を前記第1速度より高速な第2速度で実行するとともに、該最初の搬送量での搬送が終了して印刷媒体が停止した後、次の搬送量での搬送であって前記低速領域における印刷媒体搬送を前記第1速度で実行する、ことを要旨とする。なお、「設定された低速領域」は、制御手段が上記印刷媒体搬送の制御を行うときまでに設定されていれば足りるうえ、固定の低速領域(固定領域)である必要もない。例えば印刷媒体の種類(例えば紙種)や印刷モードの種類に応じた低速領域を設定したり、あるいは印刷媒体の1回の搬送毎に低速領域をその都度設定したりするなどの構成でも構わない。さらに、「設定位置」は、固定位置に限定されず可変位置であってもよい。これらの点は本発明にかかる以下に述べるその他の構成(他の請求項に係る構成)においても同様である。 In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention, a recording head for printing on a printing medium, a conveying means for conveying the printing medium from upstream to downstream across the recording head, and a control for controlling the recording head and the conveying means And a conveying roller that constitutes the conveying unit and is arranged on the upstream side in the conveying direction from the recording position of the recording head on the conveying path of the printing medium. possible are ranges sandwiching the engagement position is set to the low speed region, the rear end of the print medium, among which is in the low speed area, said print medium is adapted to be conveyed at a first speed, wherein, the print in the conveyance amount to the target position beyond the inlet mouth of the rear end of the print medium from the conveyance starting position the rear end of the printing medium is positioned in the conveying direction upstream side of the low speed range is the low speed range Medium When performing transmission, rear end of the print medium, the conveyance of the rear end a set position in the inlet or near the inlet of the low-speed region is started when in the corresponding position in the first speed the conveyance amount so as to temporarily stop at a position corresponding to the set set position, as performed in a plurality to perform separately conveying of the conveying amount of the print medium a plurality of times, is the division The first transport amount is transported at a second speed higher than the first speed, and after the first transport amount is finished and the print medium is stopped, the next transport amount is transported. The gist of the invention is that the printing medium is transported at the first speed in the low speed region. The “set low speed region” only needs to be set by the time when the control unit controls the printing medium conveyance, and need not be a fixed low speed region (fixed region). May be, for example, the type of print medium (e.g. paper type) and to set the low speed range according to the type of printing mode or configuration, such as the one low-speed area for each transport of the print medium and set each time . Furthermore, the “set position” is not limited to a fixed position and may be a variable position. These points are the same in other configurations (configurations according to other claims) described below according to the present invention.

この構成によれば、印刷媒体が、その後端が低速領域より搬送方向上流側に位置する搬送開始位置から、その後端が低速領域の入口を越える目標位置までの搬送量で搬送される場合に、印刷媒体の後端が低速領域の入口又は入口近傍に設定された印刷媒体搬送の分割点となる設定位置で一旦停止するように前記搬送量が分割され、印刷媒体の前記搬送量の搬送が複数回に分けて行われる。そして、その分割された最初の搬量での搬送が第2速度で実行される。そして、この最初の搬送が終了して印刷媒体が停止した後、次の搬の搬送であって前記低速領域における印刷媒体搬送が第2速度より低速な第1速度で実行される。従って、印刷媒体の後端が低速領域を通るときはその殆ど全域で低速に搬送できるうえ、例えば低速領域の入口からかなり離れた手前から低速で搬送されて搬送所要時間が長くなる事態が発生しにくくなる。よって、印刷媒体の後端が低速領域に存在するとき、その低速領域に設定された低速な搬送速度(第1速度)で印刷媒体を適切に搬送制御できる。 According to this configuration, when the print medium is transported at a transport amount from the transport start position where the rear end is located upstream in the transport direction from the low speed region to the target position where the rear end exceeds the entrance of the low speed region, The conveyance amount is divided so that the trailing edge of the print medium temporarily stops at a setting position that is a division point of the print medium conveyance set at or near the entrance of the low speed region, and the conveyance of the conveyance amount of the print medium is performed. It is divided into several times . Then, the conveyance of the first conveyance amount of its divided is executed in the second speed. Then, after the print medium this first conveyance is completed is stopped, the conveyance of the next conveyance amount by the printing medium in the low speed range to a conveyance of runs slower first speed than the second speed The Therefore, when the trailing edge of the print medium passes through the low speed region, it can be transported at a low speed in almost the entire region, and for example, it may be transported at a low speed from a position far away from the entrance of the low speed region, resulting in a long transport time. It becomes difficult. Therefore, when the trailing edge of the print medium exists in the low speed region, the print medium can be appropriately transported at the low speed transport speed (first speed) set in the low speed region.

また、本発明は、記録ヘッドとキャリッジの駆動により印刷媒体に印刷を行う印刷手段と、印刷媒体を記録ヘッドを挟んで上流から下流へ搬送する搬送手段と、印刷媒体搬送と印刷実行を交互に行うよう前記印刷手段と搬送手段とを制御する制御手段とを有するシリアル式印刷装置において、印刷媒体の搬送経路上には、前記搬送手段を構成すると共に前記記録ヘッドの記録位置より搬送方向上流側に配置された搬送ローラが印刷媒体と係合可能な係合位置を挟む範囲に固定領域が予め設定されており、印刷媒体の後端が前記固定領域にあるうちは、該印刷媒体が第1速度で搬送されるようになっており、前記制御手段は、印刷媒体の後端が前記固定領域の搬送方向上流側に位置する搬送開始位置から当該印刷媒体の後端が前記固定領域の入口を超える目標位置までの搬送量で当該印刷媒体の搬送を実行する際、前記印刷媒体の後端が、前記固定領域の入口又は入口近傍に設定された位置であって前記後端が当該位置にあるときに開始される搬送が前記第1速度で行われるように設定された設定位置に一致する位置で、一旦停止するように前記搬送量複数に分割して当該印刷媒体の前記搬送量の搬送を複数回に分けて行うようにし、その分割された最初の搬送量での搬送を前記第1速度より高速な第2速度で実行するとともに、該最初の搬送が終了して印刷媒体が停止した後、次の搬送量での搬送であって前記固定領域における印刷媒体搬送を前記第1速度で実行する、ことを要旨とする。 The present invention also provides a printing unit that prints on a printing medium by driving a recording head and a carriage, a conveying unit that conveys the printing medium from upstream to downstream across the recording head, and printing medium conveyance and printing execution alternately. In the serial type printing apparatus having the printing means and the control means for controlling the conveying means, the conveying means is configured on the conveying path of the printing medium and upstream of the recording position of the recording head on the printing medium conveying path. fixing region in a range arranged conveying rollers pinch the print medium and can engage the engaged position in which is set in advance, the rear end of the print medium, among which is in the fixed area, the print media adapted to be transported at a first speed, said control means, the trailing end of the print medium from the conveyance starting position the rear end of the printing medium is positioned in the upstream side of the fixing region of the fixing region When performing the feed transportable of the print medium conveyance amount up to the target position beyond the mouth, the rear end of the print medium, the fixing region of the inlet or the a set position near the entrance rear end the The conveyance amount is divided into a plurality of the conveyance amounts so as to temporarily stop at the position that coincides with the set position set so that the conveyance that is started at the first speed is performed at the first speed. to perform separately conveying amount a plurality of times, and executes at the divided first second speed conveyor faster than the first speed in the conveying amount, printing the first conveyance is finished after medium has been stopped, to perform the conveyance of the print medium in the fixing region a transfer at the next conveyance amount by the first speed, and summarized in that.

この構成によれば、印刷媒体の後端が、固定領域の搬送方向上流にある搬送開始位置から、その後端が固定領域の入口を超える目標位置までの搬送量で印刷媒体の搬送を実行する場合、前記後端が、固定領域の入口又は入口近傍に設定されかつ印刷媒体搬送の分割点となる設定位置で一旦停止するように前記搬送量複数に分割して、当該印刷媒体の前記搬送量の搬送が複数回の搬送に分けて行われる。その分割された最初の搬送が第1速度より高速な第2速度で実行されるとともに、該最初の搬送が終了して印刷媒体が停止した後、次の搬送量での搬送であって前記固定領域における印刷媒体搬送が第1速度で実行される。よって、印刷媒体はその後端が搬送ローラを通過する際に低速な第1速度で搬送されるので、印刷媒体の後端を搬送ローラが蹴飛ばす現象を緩和又は防止することが可能となる。
さらに、本発明は、印刷媒体に印刷を行う記録ヘッドと、印刷媒体を記録ヘッドを挟んで上流から下流へ搬送する搬送手段と、前記搬送経路上において前記搬送ローラよりも搬送方向上流側に設けられて印刷媒体の後端を検出可能な検出手段と、前記記録ヘッドと搬送手段とを制御する制御手段とを有する印刷媒体搬送制御装置において、印刷媒体の搬送経路上には、前記搬送手段を構成すると共に前記記録ヘッドの記録位置より搬送方向上流側に配置された搬送ローラが印刷媒体と係合可能な係合位置を挟む範囲に低速領域が設定されており、印刷媒体の後端が、前記低速領域にあるうちは、該印刷媒体が第1速度で搬送されるようになっており、前記制御手段は、前記検出手段が印刷媒体の後端を検出した後において、印刷媒体の後端が前記低速領域より搬送方向上流側に位置する搬送開始位置から当該印刷媒体の後端が前記低速領域の入口を越える目標位置までの搬送量で当該印刷媒体の搬送を実行する場合に、印刷媒体の後端が、前記低速領域の入口又は入口近傍に設定された位置であって前記後端が当該位置にあるときに開始される搬送が前記第1速度で行われるように設定された設定位置に一致する位置で一旦停止するように前記搬送量を複数に分割して当該印刷媒体の前記搬送量の搬送を複数回に分けて行うようにし、その分割された最初の搬送量での搬送を前記第1速度より高速な第2速度で実行するとともに、該最初の搬送量での搬送が終了して印刷媒体が停止した後、次の搬送量での搬送であって前記低速領域における印刷媒体の搬送を前記第1速度で実行する、ことを要旨とする。
According to this configuration, the end after the print medium, the transport start position in the conveying direction upstream of the fixed area, the rear end performs the conveyance of the print medium in the transport amount up to the target position beyond the inlet of the fixed area In this case, the transport amount of the print medium is divided by dividing the transport amount into a plurality of portions so that the rear end is set at or near the entrance of the fixed region and temporarily stops at a set position serving as a print medium transport division point. the amount of the transfer is performed by dividing the transport of multiple times. With its divided first conveyance is performed at a high second rate than the first speed, after the initial conveyance is finished printing medium is stopped, there is fed transportable in the next transport amount Then, the conveyance of the print medium in the fixed area is executed at the first speed. Therefore, since the print medium is conveyed at a low first speed when the trailing edge passes the conveyance roller, it is possible to reduce or prevent the phenomenon that the conveyance roller kicks the trailing edge of the printing medium.
Furthermore, the present invention provides a recording head for printing on a printing medium, a conveying means for conveying the printing medium from upstream to downstream across the recording head, and an upstream side of the conveying roller in the conveying direction on the conveying path. And a control means for controlling the recording head and the transport means. In the print medium transport control apparatus, the transport means is disposed on the transport path of the print medium. And a low speed region is set in a range sandwiching an engagement position at which a conveyance roller arranged on the upstream side in the conveyance direction from the recording position of the recording head can be engaged with the print medium, and the trailing edge of the print medium is While in the low speed region, the print medium is transported at the first speed, and the control means detects the trailing edge of the print medium after the detecting means detects the trailing edge of the print medium. But When transporting the print medium with a transport amount from the transport start position located upstream in the transport direction from the low speed region to the target position where the rear end of the print medium exceeds the entrance of the low speed region, The rear end is a position set at or near the entrance of the low speed region, and the transfer is started when the rear end is at the position. The conveyance amount is divided into a plurality of times so as to temporarily stop at the coincident position, and the conveyance amount of the print medium is divided into a plurality of times, and the conveyance at the divided first conveyance amount is performed. It is executed at a second speed that is higher than the first speed, and after the conveyance at the first conveyance amount is finished and the print medium is stopped, the conveyance at the next conveyance amount is performed and the print medium in the low-speed region is Carrying the transfer at the first speed , And summarized in that.

図1は、シリアルプリンタ1の電気的な構成図である。シリアルプリンタ1には、CPU2、CPU2にバス3を介して接続されたROM4、RAM5およびASIC(Application Specific IC(特定用途向けIC))6が搭載されている。ROM4にはCPU2により実行される制御プログラムが記憶されている。RAM5は、ホストコンピュータ(PC)7からインタフェイス8を介して受信した印刷データやプリンタ内部で所定処理が施された印刷データが一時蓄積される受信バッファおよび印刷バッファとして機能し、またCPU2が実行する各種プログラムに用いられるデータ等が一時記憶されるメモリ領域も備える。もちろん、受信バッファ、印刷バッファおよびメモリ領域を別々のRAMで構成してもよい。   FIG. 1 is an electrical configuration diagram of the serial printer 1. The serial printer 1 includes a CPU 2, a ROM 4, a RAM 5, and an ASIC (Application Specific IC) 6 connected to the CPU 2 via a bus 3. The ROM 4 stores a control program executed by the CPU 2. The RAM 5 functions as a reception buffer and a print buffer for temporarily storing print data received from the host computer (PC) 7 via the interface 8 and print data subjected to predetermined processing inside the printer. A memory area is also provided for temporarily storing data used for various programs. Of course, the reception buffer, the print buffer, and the memory area may be configured by separate RAMs.

ASIC6は、CPU2からの制御信号およびホストコンピュータ7から受信した印刷データに基づき印刷制御を実行し、シリアルプリンタ1の印刷メカニカル機構を構成するアクチュエータ類を駆動制御する処理回路である。ASIC6は、ヘッド駆動回路9およびモータ駆動回路10,11を介して記録ヘッド12、紙送りモータ13およびキャリッジモータ14等とそれぞれ電気的に接続されており、キャリッジ制御、ヘッド制御(インク吐出制御)および紙送り制御などの印刷制御を実行する。また、紙送りモータ13の回転はエンコーダ19により検出されるようになっており、エンコーダ19により検出された検出パルスはASIC6に入力される。   The ASIC 6 is a processing circuit that executes print control based on a control signal from the CPU 2 and print data received from the host computer 7 and drives and controls actuators constituting the print mechanical mechanism of the serial printer 1. The ASIC 6 is electrically connected to the recording head 12, the paper feed motor 13, the carriage motor 14, and the like via the head drive circuit 9 and the motor drive circuits 10 and 11, respectively, and performs carriage control and head control (ink ejection control). And print control such as paper feed control. The rotation of the paper feed motor 13 is detected by the encoder 19, and the detection pulse detected by the encoder 19 is input to the ASIC 6.

図2はプリンタの紙送り機構部分を示す模式平面図、図3は紙送り機構部分を示す模式側面図である。図2,図3に示すように、キャリッジ20は、主走査方向に延びるガイドロッド(図示省略)に案内されるとともにキャリッジモータ14が正転・逆転駆動されることで正逆転するタイミングベルト(図示省略)に固定されており、キャリッジモータ14の正転・逆転駆動によって主走査方向に往復移動する。記録ヘッド12は、キャリッジ20の下端に取り付けられキャリッジ20と一体に主走査方向に往復移動可能となっている。   2 is a schematic plan view showing a paper feed mechanism portion of the printer, and FIG. 3 is a schematic side view showing the paper feed mechanism portion. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the carriage 20 is guided by a guide rod (not shown) extending in the main scanning direction and at the same time, a timing belt (not shown) that rotates forward and backward as the carriage motor 14 is driven to rotate forward and backward. And is reciprocated in the main scanning direction by forward / reverse driving of the carriage motor 14. The recording head 12 is attached to the lower end of the carriage 20 and can reciprocate in the main scanning direction integrally with the carriage 20.

図1,図3に示すように、記録ヘッド12を紙送り方向に挟むその上流側と下流側には紙送りローラ15と排紙ローラ16がそれぞれ配置されている。両ローラ15,16は、駆動ローラ15A,16Aと従動ローラ15B,16Bからなる一対でそれぞれ構成されている。紙送りモータ13はギヤ列(図示省略)を介して各駆動ローラ15A,16Aと作動連結されており、紙送りモータ13の駆動によって両ローラ15,16は同期回転するようになっている。また、両ローラ15,16間には記録ヘッド12と対向する下側にプラテン17が配置されており、用紙Pにはプラテン17の上側に載る部分に印刷が施される。   As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, a paper feed roller 15 and a paper discharge roller 16 are disposed on the upstream side and the downstream side of the recording head 12 in the paper feed direction, respectively. Both rollers 15 and 16 are respectively constituted by a pair of driving rollers 15A and 16A and driven rollers 15B and 16B. The paper feed motor 13 is operatively connected to the drive rollers 15A and 16A through a gear train (not shown), and the rollers 15 and 16 are rotated synchronously by the drive of the paper feed motor 13. A platen 17 is disposed between the rollers 15 and 16 on the lower side facing the recording head 12, and printing is performed on a portion of the paper P placed on the upper side of the platen 17.

紙検出センサ18は、紙送りローラ15のやや用紙搬送方向上流側に配置され、例えば接触式センサ(スイッチ式センサ)からなる。紙検出センサ18は、例えば待機位置と用紙検知位置との間を揺動可能な検知レバーと、用紙検知位置にあるときの検知レバーを検知可能な光学センサ(投光器と受光器)とから構成される。検知レバーは搬送経路上の用紙Pと干渉可能に配置されており、紙検出センサ18は、給紙された用紙Pの先端が検知レバーに当たってこれを変位させることでオンし、用紙Pの後端が検知レバーを通過してその検知レバーが元の待機位置に復帰することによりオフする。   The paper detection sensor 18 is disposed slightly upstream of the paper feed roller 15 in the paper conveyance direction, and is composed of, for example, a contact type sensor (switch type sensor). The paper detection sensor 18 includes, for example, a detection lever that can swing between a standby position and a paper detection position, and an optical sensor (a projector and a light receiver) that can detect the detection lever when in the paper detection position. The The detection lever is disposed so as to be able to interfere with the paper P on the transport path, and the paper detection sensor 18 is turned on when the leading edge of the fed paper P hits the detection lever and displaces it, and the trailing edge of the paper P Is turned off by passing the detection lever and returning the detection lever to the original standby position.

図1に示すように、ASIC6は位置カウンタ21を内蔵し、エンコーダ19から入力される検出パルスのパルス数を位置カウンタ21により計数する。この位置カウンタ21は、紙検出センサ18によって用紙先端が検知された後、所定カウント値を計数して用紙Pが頭出しされた時にリセットされる。従って、位置カウンタ21は、用紙Pの頭出しされた位置を始点「0」とした紙送り量の累積値を計数する。ASIC6は、位置カウンタ21の計数値に基づき用紙Pの現在位置を把握する。なお、位置カウンタ21の計数値は用紙Pの先端位置を示すが、現在印刷中の用紙Pの「用紙長」についてはホストコンピュータ7から受信した印刷データに含まれる情報から既知であるため、位置カウンタ21の計数値から用紙Pの後端位置を把握することができる。   As shown in FIG. 1, the ASIC 6 includes a position counter 21, and the position counter 21 counts the number of detection pulses input from the encoder 19. The position counter 21 is reset when the paper P is cueed by counting a predetermined count value after the paper leading edge is detected by the paper detection sensor 18. Accordingly, the position counter 21 counts the accumulated value of the paper feed amount with the position where the head of the paper P is cued as the start point “0”. The ASIC 6 grasps the current position of the paper P based on the count value of the position counter 21. The count value of the position counter 21 indicates the leading end position of the paper P. However, since the “paper length” of the paper P currently being printed is known from the information included in the print data received from the host computer 7, The rear end position of the paper P can be grasped from the count value of the counter 21.

そして、ASIC6は、印刷終了コマンドを受け付ければその時点で印刷制御から排紙制御に移行し、そうでないときは位置カウンタ21の計数値に基づき用紙Pが最終印刷位置に到達したと判断するとその最終印刷位置の印刷を終えると印刷制御から排紙制御に移行する。   If the ASIC 6 accepts the print end command, it shifts from the print control to the paper discharge control at that time. If not, the ASIC 6 determines that the paper P has reached the final print position based on the count value of the position counter 21. When the printing at the final printing position is completed, the printing control is shifted to the paper discharge control.

また、ASIC6は、印刷データに基づき紙種および印刷モードを把握するとともに、紙送りコマンドから印刷時の紙送り量を把握する。ここで、紙種には、光沢紙(写真用紙)、普通紙などがある。また、印刷モードには、写真印刷(高画質印刷)モード、通常印刷(普通画質印刷)モード、縁無し印刷モードなどがある。   Further, the ASIC 6 grasps the paper type and print mode based on the print data, and grasps the paper feed amount at the time of printing from the paper feed command. Here, the paper types include glossy paper (photo paper) and plain paper. The print modes include a photo print (high quality print) mode, a normal print (normal image quality print) mode, and a borderless print mode.

通常速度で紙送りされると、紙送りローラ15が用紙Pの後端を蹴飛ばす現象が発生する。高画質印刷時はこの蹴飛ばし現象が印刷画質の低下を招く。このため、本実施形態では、「写真印刷モード」かつ「光沢紙」が選択されている高画質印刷時は、紙送りローラ15が用紙Pの後端を蹴飛ばす現象を防止するため、紙送りローラ15を挟む範囲に用紙Pの搬送速度(紙送り速度)を通常速度より低速にする低速領域ABSを設定するようにしている。そして、用紙Pの後端が紙送りローラ15を通過するときに紙送りローラ15が低速度で回転することで、紙送りローラ15による用紙Pの後端の蹴飛ばし現象が回避される。   When the paper is fed at a normal speed, a phenomenon occurs in which the paper feed roller 15 kicks the trailing edge of the paper P. During high image quality printing, this kicking phenomenon causes a decrease in print image quality. For this reason, in the present embodiment, the paper feed roller 15 prevents the phenomenon that the paper feed roller 15 kicks the trailing edge of the paper P during “high quality printing” in which “photo printing mode” and “glossy paper” are selected. A low-speed area ABS is set so that the conveyance speed (paper feed speed) of the paper P is lower than the normal speed in a range where 15 is sandwiched. Then, when the trailing edge of the paper P passes the paper feeding roller 15, the paper feeding roller 15 rotates at a low speed, so that the trailing edge of the paper P by the paper feeding roller 15 is avoided.

ここで、通常速度とは予め印刷モード毎に設定された印刷速度(mm/s)で、PID制御で速度制御される。すなわち、ASIC6はエンコーダ19からの検出パルスに基づき用紙Pの実搬送速度を検出し、その実搬送速度を予め設定された通常速度用の目標速度パターンに沿った目標速度に一致させるように、紙送りモータ13をPID制御(フィードバック制御)する。また、ASIC6には、低速度用の目標速度パターンも予め設定されており、用紙Pの低速搬送条件成立時は、検出された実搬送速度を低速用の目標速度パターンに沿った目標速度に一致させるように、紙送りモータ13をフィードバック制御する。いずれの目標速度パターンも、搬送距離(搬送パルス数)に対する搬送速度(モータ駆動速度)のパターンが台形のラインを描き、一定加速度で立ち上がる加速領域と定速領域と一定減速度で立ち下がる減速領域とを有する。なお、本実施形態では、紙送りモータ13の通常速度の駆動を「PS駆動」、低速度の駆動を「B S駆動」と呼ぶものとする。   Here, the normal speed is a printing speed (mm / s) set in advance for each printing mode, and the speed is controlled by PID control. That is, the ASIC 6 detects the actual transport speed of the paper P based on the detection pulse from the encoder 19, and feeds the paper so that the actual transport speed matches the target speed according to a preset target speed pattern for normal speed. The motor 13 is subjected to PID control (feedback control). The ASIC 6 is also preset with a target speed pattern for low speed. When the low-speed transport condition for the paper P is satisfied, the detected actual transport speed matches the target speed along the target speed pattern for low speed. Thus, the paper feed motor 13 is feedback-controlled. In any target speed pattern, the transport speed (motor drive speed) pattern with respect to the transport distance (number of transport pulses) draws a trapezoidal line, the acceleration area rises at a constant acceleration, the constant speed area, and the deceleration area that falls at a constant deceleration And have. In the present embodiment, the normal speed driving of the paper feed motor 13 is referred to as “PS driving”, and the low speed driving is referred to as “B S driving”.

図4は、用紙搬送制御上において設定された各種設定領域を説明するものである。用紙Pの後端がこれら各種領域のうちどの領域に属するかによって用紙搬送制御上のシーケンスが進められる。同図に示すように、低速領域(以下、BS駆動領域という)ABSは、紙送りローラ15を中央に挟む所定の範囲に設定されている。このBS駆動領域ABSは蹴飛ばし現象を回避できる限りにおいてなるべく狭い方がよい。BS駆動領域ABSはその入口Pbとその出口Pcの間の領域として特定される。BS駆動領域ABSの上流側と下流側(同図では左方が上流)には、入口Pbより少し上流側位置に閾値Paが設定され、出口Pcより少し下流側位置に閾値Pdが設定されている。閾値Paと入口Pbの間にはBS駆動拡張領域Aが設定され、出口Pcと閾値Pdの間にはBS駆動拡張領域Bが設定されている。駆動拡張領域AはA パルス分の長さで、BS駆動拡張領域BはBパルス分の長さに設定されている。両領域幅のパルス長A,Bの設定理由については後述する。   FIG. 4 illustrates various setting areas set in the paper conveyance control. The sequence in the paper conveyance control is advanced depending on which of the various areas the trailing edge of the paper P belongs to. As shown in the figure, the low speed region (hereinafter referred to as BS drive region) ABS is set to a predetermined range with the paper feed roller 15 sandwiched in the center. The BS driving area ABS should be as narrow as possible as long as the kicking phenomenon can be avoided. The BS driving area ABS is specified as an area between the inlet Pb and the outlet Pc. A threshold value Pa is set at a position slightly upstream from the inlet Pb, and a threshold value Pd is set at a position slightly downstream from the outlet Pc on the upstream side and downstream side of the BS driving area ABS (the left side is upstream in the figure). Yes. A BS drive expansion area A is set between the threshold value Pa and the inlet Pb, and a BS drive expansion area B is set between the outlet Pc and the threshold value Pd. The drive extension area A is set to a length corresponding to A pulses, and the BS drive extension area B is set to a length corresponding to B pulses. The reason for setting the pulse lengths A and B for both widths will be described later.

また、給紙元(図4における左側)から紙検出センサ(PE検出器)18の検出位置PEまでは「通常紙送り領域」となっており、この位置PEから前記閾値Paまでは「BS駆動準備領域」となっている。また、用紙Pの後端が紙検出センサ18を過ぎた後、用紙Pが印刷領域の最終印刷位置に搬送されるまでの範囲がオーバライド領域となっており、閾値Pdからオーバライド領域の出口までの範囲が通常紙送り領域に設定されている。この通常紙送り領域を用紙Pの後端が越えると排紙処理に移行する。   Further, the area from the paper supply source (left side in FIG. 4) to the detection position PE of the paper detection sensor (PE detector) 18 is a “normal paper feed area”, and from this position PE to the threshold value Pa, the “BS drive” is performed. "Preparation area". Further, the range from the trailing edge of the paper P past the paper detection sensor 18 until the paper P is transported to the final printing position of the printing area is an override area, from the threshold Pd to the exit of the override area. The range is set to the normal paper feed area. When the trailing edge of the paper P exceeds the normal paper feed area, the process shifts to paper discharge processing.

本実施形態では、用紙Pの後端が「BS駆動領域(低速領域)」内を搬送されるときは適正にその領域に見合った低速度で用紙Pが搬送されるように、「BS駆動領域(低速領域)」の境界部である入口Pbと出口Pcで一旦停止し搬送速度が変速されるようにしている。すなわち、入口Pbと出口Pcのうち少なくとも一方を跨ぐ紙送りが指令された際は、入口Pbと出口Pcのうちその跨ぐ位置で紙送りを一旦停止させるように紙送りを分割するとともに、その分割した各紙送り毎の搬送速度(紙送り速度)をその搬送される領域に応じて変速させる。但し、紙送りによっては、制御の精度上、入口Pbで正しく停止できない不都合や、出口Pcで停止させると次の目標位置に位置精度よく停止させられない不都合があるため、これらの不都合を解消するために紙送り分割しない例外としてBS駆動拡張領域A,Bを設けている。つまり、入口Pbの極手前からの開始位置であるとPS駆動の最小移動距離を進めただけで入口Pbを越えてしまう場合があり、また出口Pcで一旦停止させてしまうと、出口PcからPS駆動の最小移動距離を進めただけで目標位置を越えてしまう場合がある。そこで、前者の対策のため、PS駆動の最小移動距離に等しい長さA pulseのBS駆動拡張領域Aを設定し、用紙Pの後端の紙送りの開始位置(現在位置)がこのBS駆動拡張領域A内に位置する状態から紙送りを開始するときは直接BS駆動させて用紙Pの後端が入口Pbを跨ぐように用紙Pを低速度で搬送する。一方、後者の対策のため、PS駆動の最小移動距離に等しい長さB pulseのBS駆動拡張領域Bを設定している。そして、このBS駆動拡張領域B内に用紙Pの後端の搬送先である目標位置P2が位置することになるときは出口Pcで紙送りを停止させることなく用紙Pの後端が出口Pcを跨いで直接目標位置に至るように用紙PをBS駆動で低速搬送する。   In the present embodiment, when the trailing edge of the paper P is transported in the “BS driving area (low speed area)”, the “BS driving area is appropriately set so that the paper P is transported at a low speed corresponding to the area. The conveyance speed is changed by temporarily stopping at the entrance Pb and the exit Pc, which are the boundary of (low speed region). That is, when a paper feed across at least one of the entrance Pb and the exit Pc is instructed, the paper feed is divided so that the paper feed is temporarily stopped at a position between the entrance Pb and the exit Pc and the division is performed. The transport speed (paper transport speed) for each paper transport is changed according to the transported area. However, depending on the paper feeding, there are inconveniences that cannot be stopped correctly at the entrance Pb due to control accuracy, and inconveniences that cannot be stopped at the next target position with high positional accuracy if they are stopped at the exit Pc. Therefore, BS drive expansion areas A and B are provided as an exception that does not divide the paper feed. In other words, if the start position is from the very front of the entrance Pb, the entrance Pb may be exceeded only by advancing the minimum movement distance of the PS drive, and if the stop is temporarily stopped at the exit Pc, the PS from the exit Pc to the PS The target position may be exceeded only by advancing the minimum moving distance of the drive. Therefore, as a countermeasure against the former, a BS drive expansion area A having a length A pulse equal to the minimum movement distance of PS drive is set, and the paper feed start position (current position) at the rear end of the paper P is the BS drive expansion. When the paper feed is started from the state positioned in the area A, the paper P is directly driven to transport the paper P at a low speed so that the rear end of the paper P straddles the entrance Pb. On the other hand, as a countermeasure against the latter, a BS drive extension region B having a length B pulse equal to the minimum movement distance of PS drive is set. When the target position P2, which is the transport destination of the rear end of the paper P, is located in the BS drive expansion area B, the rear end of the paper P opens the outlet Pc without stopping the paper feed at the outlet Pc. The sheet P is conveyed at low speed by BS driving so as to reach the target position directly across the bridge.

なお、その他の不都合として、入口Pbで一旦停止させてしまうと、入口PbからBS駆動の最小移動距離を進めただけで目標位置を越えてしまう場合があり、また出口Pcの極手前からBS駆動でその最小移動距離を進めただけで出口Pcを越えてしまう場合がある。前者の対策としては、BS駆動領域ABSにおける入口Pbの内側にBS駆動の最小移動距離に等しい長さのBS駆動管理領域を設定し、このBS駆動管理拡張領域に目標位置があるときはまず閾値Paで紙送りを分割する。   As another inconvenience, once stopping at the entrance Pb, the target position may be exceeded only by advancing the minimum movement distance of the BS drive from the entrance Pb, and the BS drive from the extreme front of the exit Pc. In some cases, the outlet Pc may be exceeded simply by advancing the minimum moving distance. As a measure against the former, a BS drive management area having a length equal to the minimum movement distance of the BS drive is set inside the entrance Pb in the BS drive area ABS. Divide the paper feed by Pa.

そして一旦停止した閾値Paから入口Pbで紙送りを停止させることなく2回目の紙送りを用紙Pの後端が入口Pbを跨いで直接目標位置に至るようにBS駆動で行う。一方、後者の対策としては、BS駆動領域ABSにおける出口Pcの内側にBS駆動の最小移動距離に等しい長さのBS駆動管理領域を設定し、このBS駆動管理領域から紙送りを開始するときは直接BS駆動させて用紙Pをその後端が入口Pbを跨いで閾値Pdに至るまで低速度で搬送する。そして閾値Pdで一旦停止させた後、次の2回目の紙送りで用紙PをPS駆動で目標位置まで搬送する。もちろん、用紙Pを目標位置に位置精度よく停止させる対策のためのBS駆動拡張領域、BS駆動管理領域のみを採用することもできる。   Then, the second paper feed is performed by BS driving so that the trailing edge of the paper P directly reaches the target position across the entrance Pb without stopping the paper feed at the entrance Pb from the temporarily stopped threshold Pa. On the other hand, as a countermeasure against the latter, when a BS drive management area having a length equal to the minimum movement distance of the BS drive is set inside the outlet Pc in the BS drive area ABS, and paper feeding is started from this BS drive management area Directly the BS is driven and the paper P is conveyed at a low speed until the trailing edge reaches the threshold value Pd across the entrance Pb. Then, after temporarily stopping at the threshold value Pd, the paper P is transported to the target position by PS driving in the next second paper feed. Of course, it is also possible to adopt only the BS drive extension area and the BS drive management area as a countermeasure for stopping the sheet P at the target position with high accuracy.

図8,図9は紙送り分割処理の動作を説明する説明図である。ここで、図8は、(1)閾値Paより上流側の現在位置(開始位置)P1からBS駆動領域ABS内の目標位置P2まで紙送りする紙送り指令があった場合と、(2)BS駆動領域ABS内の現在位置P1から通常紙送り領域内の目標位置P2まで紙送りする紙送り指令があった場合との2種類の動作を説明する。また、図9は、(3)閾値Paより上流側の現在位置からBS駆動領域ABSを跨いで通常紙送り領域内の目標位置まで紙送りする紙送り指令があった場合の動作を説明する。なお、指令のあった紙送りの開始位置を「P1」、目標位置を「P2」とする。   8 and 9 are explanatory diagrams for explaining the operation of the paper feed division process. Here, FIG. 8 shows (1) when there is a paper feed command for feeding paper from the current position (start position) P1 upstream of the threshold value Pa to the target position P2 in the BS drive area ABS, and (2) BS. Two types of operations when there is a paper feed command for feeding paper from the current position P1 in the drive area ABS to the target position P2 in the normal paper feed area will be described. FIG. 9 illustrates (3) an operation when there is a paper feed command for paper feeding from the current position upstream of the threshold value Pa to the target position in the normal paper feed area across the BS drive area ABS. It is assumed that the paper feed start position where the command is issued is “P1” and the target position is “P2”.

図8に示すように、まず用紙Pの後端が入口Pbを跨いでBS駆動領域ABS内の目標位置に達するまで紙送りする上記(1)の紙送り指令があった場合は、次のような紙送り分割処理が行われる。その指令のあった1回分の紙送り量を、用紙Pの後端が入口Pbで一旦停止するよう2分割し、用紙Pの後端が開始位置P1から入口Pbまで移動する1回目の紙送りと、入口Pbから目標位置P2まで移動する2回目の紙送りとに分割する。このため、BS駆動領域ABSの入口Pbまでの紙送りはPS駆動による通常速度VNRで行われ、その入口Pbから目標位置までの紙送りはBS駆動により低速度VBSで行われる。   As shown in FIG. 8, when there is a paper feed command (1) for feeding paper until the rear end of the paper P reaches the target position in the BS drive area ABS across the entrance Pb, the following is performed. A paper feed division process is performed. The paper feed amount for one command is divided into two so that the trailing edge of the paper P temporarily stops at the entrance Pb, and the first paper feeding in which the trailing edge of the paper P moves from the start position P1 to the entrance Pb. And the second paper feed moving from the entrance Pb to the target position P2. For this reason, the paper feed to the inlet Pb of the BS driving area ABS is performed at the normal speed VNR by PS driving, and the paper feeding from the inlet Pb to the target position is performed at the low speed VBS by BS driving.

そして、用紙Pの後端が出口Pcを跨いでBS駆動領域ABS内の現在位置から下流側の通常送り領域内の目標位置に達するまで紙送りする上記(2)の紙送り指令があった場合は、次のような紙送り分割処理が行われる。その指令のあった1回分の紙送り量を、用紙Pの後端が出口Pcで一旦停止するよう2分割し、用紙Pの後端が開始位置P1から出口Pcまで移動する1回目の紙送りと、出口Pcから目標位置P2まで移動する2回目の紙送りとに分割する。このため、BS駆動領域ABSの出口Pcまでの紙送りはBS駆動による低速度VBSで行われ、その出口Pcから目標位置までの紙送りはPS駆動により通常速度VNRで行われる。   When there is a paper feed command (2) that feeds the paper P from the current position in the BS drive area ABS to the target position in the downstream normal feed area across the outlet Pc. The following paper feed division processing is performed. The paper feed amount for one command is divided into two so that the trailing edge of the paper P temporarily stops at the exit Pc, and the first paper feeding in which the trailing edge of the paper P moves from the start position P1 to the outlet Pc. And the second paper feed that moves from the exit Pc to the target position P2. For this reason, the paper feed to the outlet Pc of the BS driving area ABS is performed at a low speed VBS by BS driving, and the paper feeding from the outlet Pc to the target position is performed at a normal speed VNR by PS driving.

また、図9に示すように、BS駆動領域ABSを跨ぐ紙送りを指示する上記(3)の紙送り指令があった場合は、次のような紙送り分割処理が行われる。すなわち、同図に示すように、用紙Pの後端を開始位置P1から目標位置P2まで移動させる1回の紙送りを、用紙Pの後端を入口Pbと出口Pcで一旦停止するように3分割し、その1回分の紙送り量を各停止位置に合わせて3分割する。そして、この1回の紙送りを、用紙Pの後端が開始位置P1から入口Pbまで移動する1回目の紙送りと、入口Pbから出口Pcまで移動する2回目の紙送りと、出口Pcから目標位置P2まで移動する3回目の紙送りとに分割する。そして、1回目の紙送りでは用紙Pの後端が入口Pbに達するまで通常速度VNRで送られ、2回目の紙送りでは入口Pbから出口PcまでのBS駆動領域をBS駆動で低速度VBSで送られ、3回目の紙送りでは出口Pcから目標位置P2まで通常速度VNRで送られる。   As shown in FIG. 9, when there is a paper feed command (3) that instructs paper feed across the BS drive area ABS, the following paper feed division processing is performed. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the paper feed is moved once from the start position P1 to the target position P2, and the rear end of the paper P is temporarily stopped at the entrance Pb and the exit Pc. The paper is divided into three parts according to each stop position. Then, this one-time paper feed is performed by the first paper feed in which the rear end of the paper P moves from the start position P1 to the entrance Pb, the second paper feed in which the rear end moves from the entrance Pb to the exit Pc, and the exit Pc. This is divided into a third paper feed that moves to the target position P2. In the first paper feed, the normal speed VNR is fed until the trailing edge of the paper P reaches the inlet Pb, and in the second paper feed, the BS drive region from the inlet Pb to the outlet Pc is driven by the BS at a low speed VBS. In the third paper feed, the paper is fed at the normal speed VNR from the exit Pc to the target position P2.

以上の紙送り分割処理における分割ルールをまとめると、指令された紙送りを分割するか否かは、用紙後端の開始位置(現在位置)P1と目標位置P2とによって以下のように決まる。但し、P1<P2である。
(A)入口Pbで2分割:
開始位置P1<Pa、且つ、Pb<目標位置P2≦Pdが成立したとき。
(B)出口Pcで2分割:
Pa≦開始位置P1、且つ、Pd<目標位置P2が成立したとき。
(C)入口Pbと出口Pcで3分割:
開始位置P1<位置Pa、且つ、目標位置P2>Pdが成立したとき。
(D)分割なしで低速搬送(BS駆動):
Pa≦開始位置P1、且つ、目標位置P2≦Pd
ASIC6は、メモリに紙送り分割処理のためのプログラムを記憶しており、このプログラムを実行することにより紙送り分割処理を行う。図5〜図7に示すフローチャートがこのプログラムを示すものである。以下、図5〜図7に示すフローチャートに従って紙送り分割処理について説明する。なお、このプログラムは、紙送りコマンドを受け付けて次の紙送りを行う前に実行され、この実行に先立ち予め次の紙送り量は取得されている。
To summarize the division rules in the above paper feed division processing, whether or not to divide the commanded paper feed is determined as follows according to the start position (current position) P1 and the target position P2 of the rear end of the paper. However, P1 <P2.
(A) Divided into two at the entrance Pb:
When start position P1 <Pa and Pb <target position P2 ≦ Pd.
(B) Divide into two at exit Pc:
When Pa ≦ start position P1 and Pd <target position P2.
(C) Divided into 3 at the entrance Pb and the exit Pc:
When start position P1 <position Pa and target position P2> Pd are satisfied.
(D) Low speed conveyance without division (BS drive):
Pa ≦ start position P1 and target position P2 ≦ Pd
The ASIC 6 stores a program for paper feed division processing in a memory, and performs paper feed division processing by executing this program. The flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 show this program. Hereinafter, the paper feed division process will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. This program is executed before a paper feed command is received and the next paper feed is performed, and the next paper feed amount is acquired in advance prior to this execution.

ステップ(以下、単に「S」と記す)10では、紙種、印刷モードを判別して紙送り分割処理の該当条件を満たすか否かを判断する。すなわち、本実施形態では、例えば「写真印刷(高画質印刷)モード」で「光沢紙」を用いて印刷するときが条件に該当し、紙送り分割処理の対象とされる。この条件に該当するときはS20に進み、この条件に該当しないときはS90に進む。S90に移行した場合は、PS駆動モードで通常速度の紙送りが実行される。   In step (hereinafter, simply referred to as “S”) 10, the paper type and the print mode are determined to determine whether or not the corresponding condition of the paper feed division process is satisfied. In other words, in the present embodiment, for example, the case where printing is performed using “glossy paper” in the “photo printing (high quality printing) mode” corresponds to the condition and is the target of paper feed division processing. When this condition is met, the process proceeds to S20, and when this condition is not met, the process proceeds to S90. When the process proceeds to S90, the normal speed paper feed is executed in the PS drive mode.

S20では、用紙後端が紙検出センサ(PE)18により検出されたか否かを判断する。用紙後端が検出されないうちはS90に進んで通常速度の紙送りが行われ、用紙後端が既に検出されていればS30に進む。   In S20, it is determined whether or not the trailing edge of the sheet is detected by the paper detection sensor (PE) 18. As long as the trailing edge of the sheet is not detected, the process proceeds to S90 to perform normal speed paper feeding. If the trailing edge of the sheet has already been detected, the process proceeds to S30.

S30では、位置カウンタ21により計数された計数値から用紙後端位置を取得する。
次のS40では、紙後端の現在位置P 1と次の紙送り後の目標位置P2が、P2>PbとP1<Pcを満たすか否かを判断する。この条件を満たさなければ、すなわち目標位置P2が入口Pbと一致または手前であったり(P2≦Pb)、用紙後端が既に出口Pcを通過している(P1≧Pc)場合はS90に進み、一方、この条件を満たす場合はS50に進む。
In S30, the paper trailing edge position is acquired from the count value counted by the position counter 21.
In next step S40, it is determined whether or not the current position P1 at the trailing edge of the paper and the target position P2 after the next paper feed satisfy P2> Pb and P1 <Pc. If this condition is not satisfied, that is, the target position P2 coincides with or is in front of the entrance Pb (P2 ≦ Pb), or the rear end of the paper has already passed the exit Pc (P1 ≧ Pc), the process proceeds to S90. On the other hand, if this condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to S50.

S50では、紙後端の現在位置P1がP1<Paを満たすか否かを判断する。P1<Paが成立すればS60に進み、P 1<Paが不成立であればS100(図6)に進む。
S60では、用紙後端の次の紙送り後の目標位置P2が、BS駆動領域内またはBS駆動拡張領域B(B Pulse)内にあるか否かを判断する。この条件が成立すればS70に進み、この条件が不成立であればS160(図7)に進む。
In S50, it is determined whether or not the current position P1 of the trailing edge of the paper satisfies P1 <Pa. If P1 <Pa is established, the process proceeds to S60, and if P1 <Pa is not established, the process proceeds to S100 (FIG. 6).
In S60, it is determined whether the target position P2 after the next paper feed at the trailing edge of the paper is within the BS drive area or the BS drive extended area B (B Pulse). If this condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to S70, and if this condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to S160 (FIG. 7).

S70では、用紙後端が入口Pbに達するまでPS駆動モードで紙送りする。
次のS80では、用紙後端が目標位置P2に達するまでBS駆動モードで紙送りする。
一方、S100(図6)においては、用紙後端の次の紙送り後の目標位置P2が、BS駆動領域内またはBS駆動拡張領域B(B Pulse)内にあるか否かを判断する。この条件が成立すればS110に進み、BS駆動モードで停止位置まで紙送りをする。一方、この条件が不成立であればS120に進む。
In S70, the paper is fed in the PS drive mode until the trailing edge of the paper reaches the entrance Pb.
In the next S80, the paper is fed in the BS drive mode until the trailing edge of the paper reaches the target position P2.
On the other hand, in S100 (FIG. 6), it is determined whether the target position P2 after the next paper feed at the rear end of the paper is within the BS drive area or the BS drive extended area B (B Pulse). If this condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to S110, and the paper is fed to the stop position in the BS drive mode. On the other hand, if this condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to S120.

S120では、次の紙送り量Fが最大送り量Bmaxより大きい(F>Bmax)か否かを判断する。ここで、最大送り量Bmax(Band max)とは、用紙Pが最終印刷位置まで搬送されるときの紙送り量である。この値Bmax以下の範囲の紙送りであれば次に印刷もくるが、この値Bmaxを超える送り量の紙送りであると、印刷位置(ヘッド位置)が用紙上の空白または改行の位置にくるか、印刷領域を通過して排紙処理への移行位置にくることになるので、次に印刷がくることがない。よって、次の紙送り量Fが最大送り量Bmaxより大きい(F>Bmax)ときは、紙送りしても空白、改行、排紙処理移行のいずれかの位置にきて次に印刷がくることがないので、用紙Pを低速搬送する必要がない。従って、この条件(F>Bmax)が成立すればS130に進み、次の紙送り後の目標位置P2までPS駆動モードの紙送りをする。一方、この条件(F>Bmax)が不成立のときはS140に進む。   In S120, it is determined whether or not the next paper feed amount F is larger than the maximum feed amount Bmax (F> Bmax). Here, the maximum feed amount Bmax (Band max) is a paper feed amount when the paper P is transported to the final printing position. If the paper feed is within the range of this value Bmax, the next printing will be performed. However, if the paper feed is greater than this value Bmax, the print position (head position) will be at the blank or line feed position on the paper. Or, since it passes through the printing area and reaches the transition position to the paper discharge process, the next printing does not occur. Therefore, when the next paper feed amount F is larger than the maximum feed amount Bmax (F> Bmax), even if the paper is fed, the next printing is performed after reaching the position of blank, line feed, or paper discharge processing transition. Therefore, it is not necessary to convey the paper P at a low speed. Accordingly, if this condition (F> Bmax) is satisfied, the process proceeds to S130, and the paper is fed in the PS drive mode to the target position P2 after the next paper feed. On the other hand, when this condition (F> Bmax) is not satisfied, the process proceeds to S140.

S140では、BS駆動領域をBS駆動モードで紙送りする。そして次のS150では、目標位置P2までP S駆動モードで紙送りする。
一方、S160(図7)では、次の紙送り量FがBmaxより大きい(F>Bmax)か否かを判断する。この条件が成立すればS170に進み、目標位置P2までPS駆動モードの紙送りをする。一方、この条件が不成立のときはS180に進む。
In S140, the BS drive area is fed in the BS drive mode. In next S150, the paper is fed in the PS drive mode to the target position P2.
On the other hand, in S160 (FIG. 7), it is determined whether or not the next paper feed amount F is larger than Bmax (F> Bmax). If this condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to S170, and the PS drive mode is fed to the target position P2. On the other hand, when this condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to S180.

S180では、用紙後端が入口Pbに達するまでPS駆動モードで紙送りする。
次のS190では、BS駆動領域をBS駆動で紙送りする。さらにS200では、目標位置P2までPS駆動モードで紙送りする。
In S180, the paper is fed in the PS driving mode until the trailing edge of the paper reaches the entrance Pb.
In the next S190, the BS driving area is fed by BS driving. Further, in S200, the paper is fed in the PS drive mode to the target position P2.

こうして図8,図9に示すような分割紙送り処理が行われる。よって、光沢紙を用いて写真印刷(高画質印刷)モードで印刷するときは、用紙Pの後端が紙送りローラ15を通過するときに紙送りローラ15がBS駆動で低速回転するので、用紙Pの後端が紙送りローラ15から離間する際に、蹴飛ばし現象が発生しにくくなる。この結果、用紙Pの後端付近における印刷画質の精度が高くなる。   In this way, the divided sheet feeding process as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 is performed. Therefore, when printing in photo printing (high quality printing) mode using glossy paper, the paper feed roller 15 rotates at a low speed by the BS drive when the trailing edge of the paper P passes through the paper feed roller 15, so the paper When the rear end of P is separated from the paper feed roller 15, the kicking phenomenon is less likely to occur. As a result, the accuracy of the print image quality in the vicinity of the rear end of the paper P is increased.

以上詳述したように本実施形態によれば、以下に示す効果が得られる。
(1)用紙Pを紙送りする過程で用紙Pの後端が低速領域(BS駆動領域)ABSを跨ぐ紙送り指令があった場合は、紙送り量を3分割する。そして、低速領域ABSの入口Pbまで通常速度VNRで紙送りして一旦停止し、次に低速領域ABSを低速度VBSで紙送りして一旦停止し、さらに低速領域ABSの出口Pcから目標位置P2まで通常速度VNRで紙送りされる。従って、低速度VBSで紙送りされる距離を必要最小限に留めることができる。この結果、高画質印刷時におけるスループットを向上させることができる。また、従来技術で述べた搬送方法のように、低速領域を跨ぐ紙送りのときに通常速度で紙送りされる不都合も回避できる。従って、このような低速領域を跨ぐ紙送りの際も、用紙Pの後端付近における印刷画質の精度を高めることができる。
As described above in detail, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) In the process of feeding the paper P, when there is a paper feed command in which the trailing edge of the paper P straddles the low speed region (BS drive region) ABS, the paper feed amount is divided into three. Then, the paper is fed to the inlet Pb of the low speed area ABS at the normal speed VNR and temporarily stopped. Next, the low speed area ABS is fed with the low speed VBS and temporarily stopped. Further, the target position P2 from the outlet Pc of the low speed area ABS is temporarily stopped. Up to the normal speed VNR. Therefore, it is possible to keep the distance of paper feeding at the low speed VBS to the minimum necessary. As a result, it is possible to improve the throughput during high-quality printing. In addition, it is possible to avoid the inconvenience that the paper is fed at the normal speed when the paper is fed over the low speed region as in the transport method described in the prior art. Therefore, the accuracy of the print image quality in the vicinity of the rear end of the paper P can be improved even when paper is fed over such a low speed region.

(2)用紙Pを紙送りする過程で低速領域(BS駆動領域)ABS内に入るか、低速領域(BS駆動領域)ABS内から外へ出るかの紙送り指令があった場合は、紙送り量を2分割する。そして、前者の場合は、低速領域の入口Pbまで通常速度で紙送りして一旦停止した後、次に低速領域内の目標位置P2まで低速度で紙送りする。また、後者の場合は、低速領域ABSの出口Pcまで低速度で紙送りして一旦停止した後、次に目標位置P2まで通常速度VNRで紙送りする。従って、このような場合も、低速度VBSで紙送りされる距離を必要最小限に留めることができ、例えば高画質印刷時におけるスループットを向上させることができる。   (2) If there is a paper feed command for entering the low speed area (BS drive area) ABS or exiting from the low speed area (BS drive area) ABS in the process of feeding paper P, paper feed Divide the quantity into two. In the former case, the paper is fed at a normal speed to the entrance Pb in the low speed area and temporarily stopped, and then the paper is fed at a low speed to the target position P2 in the low speed area. In the latter case, the paper is fed to the outlet Pc of the low speed area ABS at a low speed and temporarily stopped, and then the paper is fed to the target position P2 at the normal speed VNR. Therefore, even in such a case, the distance that the paper is fed at the low speed VBS can be kept to the minimum necessary, and for example, the throughput during high image quality printing can be improved.

(3)紙送りを途中で一旦停止させることなく低速領域ABSの境界部で変速させるだけの構成(以下、変速制御構成という)では、変速過程における用紙Pの位置管理が比較的難しい。これに対し本実施形態では、1回分の紙送りを複数の紙送りに分割し、前記変速制御構成に比べ単純な各紙送りを分割の数だけ繰り返す構成なので用紙Pを位置管理し易い。従って、低速領域ABSの境界部で紙送りを変速させても、用紙Pを目標位置に正しく停止させ易くなる。さらに前記変速制御構成では、変速用の速度パターンデータ等のデータを追加する必要があるが、本実施形態の構成では、これまでの通常用と低速用の速度パターンデータを流用でき、データの新規追加が不要であるとともに、分割した個々の紙送りの制御もこれまでと同じで済む。   (3) With a configuration in which the paper feed is not temporarily stopped in the middle of the transmission and only shifted at the boundary of the low speed region ABS (hereinafter referred to as a shift control configuration), the position management of the paper P in the shift process is relatively difficult. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, since the paper feed for one time is divided into a plurality of paper feeds, and the simple paper feed is repeated by the number of divisions compared to the shift control configuration, the position of the paper P can be easily managed. Therefore, even if the paper feed is shifted at the boundary portion of the low speed area ABS, it is easy to correctly stop the paper P at the target position. Further, in the shift control configuration, it is necessary to add data such as speed pattern data for shifting. However, in the configuration of the present embodiment, the conventional speed pattern data for normal and low speed can be diverted and new data can be used. There is no need for addition, and the control of individual divided paper feeds is the same as before.

(4)PS駆動の最小移動距離に等しい長さA pulseのBS駆動拡張領域Aを設定し、用紙Pの後端の紙送り開始時の位置である開始位置P1がこのBS駆動拡張領域A内に位置する状態から紙送りを開始するときは直接BS駆動させて用紙Pの後端が入口Pbを跨ぐように用紙Pを低速搬送する。従って、用紙Pの後端を入口Pbで一旦停止させようとしたがため、用紙Pの後端が低速領域ABSの入口Pbで停止できずこれを超える位置まで通常速度VNRで搬送されてしまう不都合が回避される。よって、低速領域ABSでは従来技術に比べより確実に低速搬送を実現できる。   (4) A BS drive expansion area A having a length A pulse equal to the minimum movement distance of PS drive is set, and the start position P1 which is the position at the start of paper feeding at the rear end of the paper P is within the BS drive expansion area A. When the paper feed is started from the state of the paper P, the paper P is directly driven at a low speed so that the rear end of the paper P straddles the entrance Pb. Therefore, since the rear end of the paper P is temporarily stopped at the entrance Pb, the rear end of the paper P cannot be stopped at the entrance Pb of the low speed area ABS, and is transported at a normal speed VNR to a position beyond this. Is avoided. Therefore, the low-speed area ABS can realize low-speed conveyance more reliably than the conventional technology.

(5)PS駆動の最小移動距離に等しい長さB pulseのBS駆動拡張領域Bを設定し、このBS駆動拡張領域B内に用紙Pの後端の搬送先である目標位置P2が位置するときは出口Pcで紙送りを停止させることなく用紙Pの後端が出口Pcを跨いで直接目標位置に至るよう用紙PをBS駆動で低速搬送する。従って、用紙Pの後端を出口Pcで一旦停止させたがため、用紙Pの後端を目標位置P2に停止させることができなくなる不都合が回避される。よって、用紙Pの後端が目標位置P2に位置精度よく停止するので、高い印刷画質精度を保証できる。   (5) When a BS drive extended area B having a length B pulse equal to the minimum movement distance of PS drive is set, and the target position P2 as the transport destination of the rear end of the paper P is located in the BS drive extended area B Transports the paper P at a low speed by BS driving so that the trailing edge of the paper P directly reaches the target position across the outlet Pc without stopping the paper feed at the outlet Pc. Accordingly, since the trailing edge of the paper P is temporarily stopped at the outlet Pc, the inconvenience that the trailing edge of the paper P cannot be stopped at the target position P2 is avoided. Therefore, since the trailing edge of the paper P stops at the target position P2 with high positional accuracy, high print image quality accuracy can be guaranteed.

なお、実施の形態は、上記に限定されず次のような態様でも実施できる。
(変形例1)前記実施形態では、通常速度領域と低速領域とを設け、用紙後端が低速領域を通る際に低速度で紙送りされるようにした。これに対し、通常速度と高速領域とを設け、例えば用紙の所定位置が高速領域を通るときに通常速度より高速で紙送りする制御において適用することもできる。要するに、変速速度は、通常速度に対し低速でも高速でもどちらでよい。また、用紙の所定位置も用紙後端に限定されない。
In addition, embodiment is not limited above, It can implement also in the following aspects.
(Modification 1) In the embodiment, the normal speed region and the low speed region are provided, and the paper is fed at a low speed when the trailing edge of the paper passes through the low speed region. On the other hand, a normal speed and a high-speed area are provided, and for example, the present invention can be applied to control for feeding paper at a higher speed than the normal speed when a predetermined position of the paper passes through the high-speed area. In short, the shift speed may be lower or higher than the normal speed. Further, the predetermined position of the paper is not limited to the rear edge of the paper.

(変形例2)図8の紙送り分割制御と、図9の紙送り分割制御のいずれか一方のみを採用するだけの制御方法でも構わない。
(変形例3)前記実施形態では、紙送りの分割点となる設定位置を変速領域((低速領域)(BS駆動領域))の入口と出口に設定したが、これに限定されるものではない。低速領域の入口手前のBS駆動拡張領域(A Pulse)で紙送りが一旦終わるように、設定位置をBS駆動拡張領域(A Pulse)に設定してもよいし、設定位置を低速領域の入口より少し領域内に入った位置に設定しても構わない。また、低速領域の出口より少し下流側位置のBS駆動拡張領域(B Pulse)で紙送りが一旦終わるように、設定位置をBS駆動拡張領域(B Pulse)に設定してもよいし、設定位置を低速領域の出口より少し領域内に入った位置に設定しても構わない。要するに、紙送り量を分割する設定位置は、変速領域(低速領域)の入口近傍の所定位置や出口近傍の所定位置であれば足りる。なお、分割点となる設定位置は、請求項1では変速領域の境界部に該当する。
(Modification 2) A control method may be employed in which only one of the paper feed division control in FIG. 8 and the paper feed division control in FIG. 9 is employed.
(Modification 3) In the above-described embodiment, the setting positions as the paper feed division points are set at the entrance and exit of the speed change area ((low speed area) (BS drive area)), but the present invention is not limited to this. . The setting position may be set to the BS drive expansion area (A Pulse) so that the paper feed temporarily ends in the BS drive expansion area (A Pulse) before the entrance to the low speed area, or the setting position can be set from the entrance of the low speed area It may be set to a position slightly within the area. In addition, the setting position may be set to the BS drive expansion area (B Pulse) so that the paper feed is temporarily finished in the BS drive expansion area (B Pulse) slightly downstream from the exit of the low speed area. May be set to a position slightly within the area from the exit of the low speed area. In short, it is sufficient that the set position for dividing the paper feed amount is a predetermined position near the entrance of the speed change region (low speed region) or a predetermined position near the exit. In addition, the setting position used as a division | segmentation point corresponds to the boundary part of the speed change area | region in Claim 1.

(変形例4)前記実施形態では、エンコーダの検出パルスを計数して用紙Pの位置を把握したが、エンコーダが無い構成において、紙送りモータを駆動させるための指令パルスを計数することにより用紙Pの位置を把握する構成を採用することもできる。   (Modification 4) In the above embodiment, the position of the paper P is grasped by counting the detection pulses of the encoder. However, in the configuration without the encoder, the paper P is counted by counting the command pulses for driving the paper feed motor. It is also possible to adopt a configuration for grasping the position of.

(変形例5)前記実施形態では、用紙の印刷のための搬送エリア内に変速領域を設定し、用紙Pの所定位置(後端)が変速領域(低速領域(BS駆動領域))を通る間だけ搬送速度を変速速度(低速度)に変更する構成とした。これに対し、用紙がはじめは低速度(通常速度)で搬送され、設定された変速領域を通る間だけ搬送速度を通常の高速度(変速速度)に戻す搬送制御を採用することもできる。また、用紙が給紙のはじめから変速領域を通るように変速領域が位置設定され、はじめに低速度(変速速度)で搬送された用紙Pが変速領域から出ると通常の高速度(通常速度)に戻る構成としてもよい。   (Modification 5) In the above embodiment, a speed change area is set in the transport area for printing paper, and a predetermined position (rear end) of the paper P passes through the speed change area (low speed area (BS drive area)). Only the conveyance speed is changed to a shift speed (low speed). On the other hand, it is also possible to employ a conveyance control in which the sheet is initially conveyed at a low speed (normal speed) and the conveyance speed is returned to a normal high speed (shift speed) only while passing through the set shift region. Also, the shift area is set so that the sheet passes through the shift area from the beginning of paper feeding, and when the sheet P first transported at a low speed (shift speed) comes out of the shift area, it becomes a normal high speed (normal speed). It is good also as a structure which returns.

(変形例6)変速領域(BS駆動領域)は、予め設定された固定領域であることに限定されない。ASIC6が判断処理を行うときまでに変速領域は設定されていれば足り、例えば紙種や印刷モードの種類に応じた所定時期、あるいは1回の紙送りの度にその都度、変速領域が設定されても構わない。   (Modification 6) The speed change region (BS drive region) is not limited to a preset fixed region. It is sufficient that the speed change area is set by the time when the ASIC 6 performs the determination process. For example, the speed change area is set at a predetermined time according to the type of paper and the type of printing mode or each time paper is fed. It doesn't matter.

(変形例7)前記実施形態では、紙送りの分割点とする設定位置を、変速領域(BS駆動領域)の入口Pbおよび出口Pcに設定したが、変速領域の入口位置とは異なる入口近傍位置や、変速領域の出口位置とは異なる出口近傍位置を設定位置に設定することができる。つまり、搬送した場合に、印刷媒体の所定位置が超えるか否かを判断する判断の基準とする基準位置と、印刷媒体搬送(紙送り)を分割する分割点(分割位置)(一旦停止させる停止位置)とが異なる位置であっても構わない。さらに、設定位置は、予め決められた固定位置であることに限らず、可変位置であってもよい。   (Modification 7) In the above embodiment, the setting positions as the paper feed division points are set at the entrance Pb and the exit Pc of the speed change area (BS drive area). Alternatively, an exit vicinity position different from the exit position of the speed change region can be set as the set position. In other words, when transported, the reference position used as a reference for determining whether or not the predetermined position of the print medium is exceeded, and the dividing point (split position) for dividing the print medium transport (paper feed) (stop temporarily stopped) (Position) may be a different position. Furthermore, the set position is not limited to a predetermined fixed position, and may be a variable position.

(変形例8)用紙の種類と印刷モードとに基づいて紙送り分割処理を採用するか否かを判断する構成としたが、いずれか一方のみに基づいて紙送り分割処理を採用するか否かを判断する構成とすることもできる。その他、紙送り分割処理を採用するか否かを判断する判断内容は適宜設定することができる。   (Modification 8) Although it is determined whether or not the paper feed division process is adopted based on the paper type and the print mode, it is determined whether or not the paper feed division process is adopted based on only one of them. It can also be set as the structure which judges. In addition, the determination content for determining whether or not to adopt the paper feed division processing can be set as appropriate.

(変形例9)印刷装置は用紙に印刷するものに限定されない。印刷媒体は例えばフィルム状又はシート状の基板であってもよい。例えば液晶ディスプレイ、FED(面発光ディスプレイ)、等の電極形成に用いられる電極材(導電ペースト)噴射ヘッド、バイオchip製造に用いられる生体有機物噴射ヘッド、精密ピペットとしての試料噴射ヘッド等を備えた産業用途の印刷装置(液体噴射装置)に適用することもできる。   (Modification 9) The printing apparatus is not limited to printing on paper. The print medium may be a film-like or sheet-like substrate, for example. For example, industries equipped with electrode material (conductive paste) jet heads used for electrode formation such as liquid crystal displays and FEDs (surface-emitting displays), bioorganic jet heads used for biochip manufacturing, sample jet heads as precision pipettes, etc. The present invention can also be applied to a printing apparatus (liquid ejecting apparatus) for use.

前記実施形態及び別例から把握される技術的思想を、以下に記載する。
(1)前記制御手段は、所定量の印刷媒体搬送を実行する際、その指示された印刷媒体搬送を実行した場合に、印刷媒体の所定位置が前記変速領域を跨ぐときには、印刷媒体の所定位置が該変速領域の入口又は入口近傍に設定された前記設定位置と該変速領域の出口又は出口近傍に設定され印刷媒体搬送の別の分割点となる設定位置で一旦停止するように前記所定量を3分割して3回の印刷媒体搬送に分割し、その分割された1回目と3回目の印刷媒体搬送を前記第2速度で実行し、2回目の印刷媒体搬送を前記第1速度で実行することを特徴とする請求項1に記載の印刷装置における印刷媒体搬送制御装置。この構成によれば、所定量の印刷媒体搬送を実行する際、その指示された印刷媒体搬送を実行した場合に、印刷媒体の所定位置が前記変速領域を跨ぐときには、当該印刷媒体搬送が3回の印刷媒体搬送に分割される。すなわち、印刷媒体の所定位置が該変速領域の入口又は入口近傍に設定された設定位置と、該変速領域の出口又は出口近傍に設定され印刷媒体搬送の別の分割点となる設定位置で一旦停止するように前記所定量が3分割されて3回の印刷媒体搬送に分割される。その分割された1回目の印刷媒体搬送は第2速度で実行され、1回目が終了して停止した後、2回目の印刷媒体搬送が第2速度より低速な第1速度で実行され、さらに2回目が終了して停止した後、3回目の印刷媒体搬送が第2速度で実行される。よって、印刷媒体の所定位置が変速領域を通るときは、その殆ど全域で印刷媒体は低速な第1速度で搬送される。また、変速領域の上流側と下流側では高速な第2速度で搬送されるので、変速領域で低速で搬送する割に、搬送所要時間がさほど長くならない。
The technical idea grasped from the embodiment and another example will be described below.
(1) When the control unit executes a specified amount of print medium conveyance, when the specified print medium conveyance is executed, when the predetermined position of the print medium crosses the speed change region, the control unit performs a predetermined position of the print medium. The predetermined amount is temporarily stopped at the set position set at or near the entrance of the shift area and at the set position set at the exit or near the exit of the shift area to be another division point of the print medium conveyance. Divided into three print media conveyances, the divided first and third print medium conveyances are executed at the second speed, and the second print medium conveyance is executed at the first speed. The printing medium conveyance control apparatus in the printing apparatus according to claim 1. According to this configuration, when a predetermined amount of printing medium conveyance is executed, when the designated printing medium conveyance is executed, when the predetermined position of the printing medium crosses the speed change region, the printing medium conveyance is performed three times. Divided into print media transport. That is, the print medium is temporarily stopped at a set position where the predetermined position of the print medium is set at or near the entrance of the shift area and a set position which is set at the exit or near the exit of the shift area and is another division point of the print medium conveyance. The predetermined amount is divided into three so as to be divided into three print medium conveyances. The divided first printing medium conveyance is executed at the second speed, and after the first time is finished and stopped, the second printing medium conveyance is executed at the first speed lower than the second speed, and further 2 After the end of the second stop, the third printing medium conveyance is executed at the second speed. Therefore, when a predetermined position of the print medium passes through the speed change region, the print medium is conveyed at a low first speed almost throughout the entire area. In addition, since the sheet is conveyed at a high second speed on the upstream side and the downstream side of the speed change area, the required conveyance time is not so long for the low speed conveyance in the speed change area.

(2)前記制御手段は、所定量の印刷媒体搬送を実行する際、その指示された印刷媒体搬送を実行した場合に、印刷媒体の所定位置が前記変速領域内に位置することになるときには、印刷媒体の所定位置が前記変速領域の入口又は入口近傍に設定された前記設定位置で一旦停止するように前記所定量を2分割して2回の印刷媒体搬送に分割し、その分割された最初の印刷媒体搬送を前記第2速度で実行するとともに、残りの印刷媒体搬送を前記第1速度で実行することを特徴とする請求項1に記載の刷装置における印刷媒体搬送制御装置。この構成によれば、所定量の印刷媒体搬送を実行する際、その指示された印刷媒体搬送を実行した場合に、印刷媒体の所定位置が予め設定された変速領域内に位置することになるときには、印刷媒体の所定位置が変速領域の入口又は入口近傍に設定された設定位置で一旦停止するように所定量が2分割されて2回の印刷媒体搬送に分割される。その分割された最初の印刷媒体搬送が第2速度で実行され、最初の印刷媒体搬送が終了して停止した後、残りの印刷媒体搬送が第2速度より低速な第1速度で実行される。
(3)印刷媒体に印刷を行う記録ヘッドと、印刷媒体を記録ヘッドを挟んで上流から下流へ搬送する搬送手段と、前記記録ヘッドと搬送手段とを制御する制御手段とを有する印刷媒体搬送制御装置において、印刷媒体の所定位置が、設定された変速領域にあるうちは、該印刷媒体が第1速度で搬送されるようになっており、前記制御手段は、印刷媒体の所定位置が前記変速領域内にある搬送開始位置から、所定量の印刷媒体搬送を実行した場合に、印刷媒体の所定位置が前記変速領域の出口を越えるときには、印刷媒体の所定位置が前記変速領域の出口又は出口近傍に設定され印刷媒体搬送の分割点となる設定位置で一旦停止するように前記所定量を2分割して2回の印刷媒体搬送に分割し、その分割された最初の印刷媒体搬送を前記第1速度で実行するとともに、該最初の印刷媒体搬送を終了して停止した後、残りの印刷媒体搬送を前記第1速度より高速な第2速度で実行することを特徴とする印刷装置における印刷媒体搬送制御装置。
(2) When the control unit executes a predetermined amount of print medium conveyance, when the designated print medium conveyance is executed, when the predetermined position of the print medium is located in the shift region, The predetermined amount is divided into two and divided into two print medium conveyances so that the predetermined position of the print medium is temporarily stopped at the set position set at or near the entrance of the shift area. The printing medium conveyance control device in the printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing medium conveyance is performed at the second speed and the remaining printing medium conveyance is performed at the first speed. According to this configuration, when a predetermined amount of print medium conveyance is executed, when the designated print medium conveyance is executed, the predetermined position of the print medium is located within a preset shift region. Then, the predetermined amount is divided into two so that the predetermined position of the print medium is temporarily stopped at the set position set at or near the entrance of the speed change region, and the print medium is divided into two times. The divided first print medium conveyance is executed at the second speed, and after the first print medium conveyance is finished and stopped, the remaining print medium conveyance is executed at the first speed lower than the second speed.
(3) Print medium conveyance control comprising: a recording head for printing on a printing medium; a conveying means for conveying the printing medium from upstream to downstream with the recording head interposed therebetween; and a control means for controlling the recording head and the conveying means. In the apparatus, as long as the predetermined position of the print medium is in the set shift region, the print medium is transported at the first speed, and the control means is configured so that the predetermined position of the print medium is the speed change. When a predetermined amount of print medium is transported from the transport start position in the area, if the predetermined position of the print medium exceeds the exit of the shift area, the predetermined position of the print medium is near the exit or exit of the shift area The predetermined amount is divided into two so as to temporarily stop at a set position that is set as a print medium conveyance division point, and divided into two print medium conveyances. The divided first print medium conveyance is the first Speed And after the first print medium conveyance is finished and stopped, the remaining print medium conveyance is executed at a second speed higher than the first speed. apparatus.

この構成によれば、印刷媒体の所定位置が変速領域内にある搬送開始位置から、所定量の印刷媒体搬送を実行する際、その指示された印刷媒体搬送を実行した場合に、印刷媒体の所定位置が変速領域の出口を越えるときには、印刷媒体の所定位置が変速領域の出口又は出口近傍に設定され印刷媒体搬送の分割点となる設定位置で一旦停止するように所定量を2分割して2回の印刷媒体搬送に分割される。そして、その分割された最初の印刷媒体搬送が第1速度で実行され、最初の印刷媒体搬送が終了して停止した後、残りの印刷媒体搬送が第1速度より高速な第2速度で実行される。よって、印刷媒体の所定位置が変速領域内に位置する搬送開始位置から搬送を開始しても、変速領域にあるうちは出口又は出口近傍の設定位置まで低速な第1速度で搬送でき、その設定位置からの残りの印刷媒体搬送で第2速度に切り替わる。例えば変速領域から外へかなり出る目標位置まで搬送される際、第1速度のまま目標位置まで搬送される不都合が回避され易くなる。すなわち、出口又は出口近傍の設定位置を過ぎれば、第2速度での高速な印刷媒体搬送に切り替わるので、搬送所要時間がさほど長くならない。   According to this configuration, when a predetermined amount of print medium conveyance is performed from the conveyance start position where the predetermined position of the print medium is within the speed change region, when the designated print medium conveyance is executed, the predetermined print medium is determined. When the position exceeds the exit of the shift area, the predetermined amount of the print medium is divided into two so that the predetermined position of the print medium is set at the exit of the shift area or in the vicinity of the exit and temporarily stops at the set position that becomes the division point of the print medium conveyance Divided into one printing medium transport. Then, the divided first print medium conveyance is executed at the first speed, and after the first print medium conveyance is finished and stopped, the remaining print medium conveyance is executed at the second speed higher than the first speed. The Therefore, even if the conveyance starts from the conveyance start position where the predetermined position of the print medium is located in the speed change area, the print medium can be conveyed at a low first speed to the outlet or a set position near the outlet while in the speed change area. The remaining speed of the print medium from the position is switched to the second speed. For example, when transporting to a target position that is considerably out of the speed change region, the inconvenience of transporting to the target position at the first speed is easily avoided. That is, if the set position near the exit or the vicinity of the exit is passed, switching to high-speed print medium transport at the second speed is performed, so the required transport time is not so long.

(4)前記印刷装置は、記録ヘッドとキャリッジの駆動により印刷媒体に印刷を行う印刷手段と、印刷媒体を記録ヘッドを挟んで上流から下流へ搬送する前記搬送手段と、印刷媒体搬送と印刷実行を交互に行うよう前記印刷手段と搬送手段とを制御する制御手段とを有するシリアル式印刷装置であることを特徴とする請求項1、2、前記技術的思想(1)〜(3)のいずれか一項に記載の印刷装置における印刷媒体搬送制御装置。   (4) The printing apparatus includes a printing unit that performs printing on a printing medium by driving a recording head and a carriage, the conveying unit that conveys the printing medium from upstream to downstream with the recording head interposed therebetween, and printing medium conveyance and printing execution. A serial type printing apparatus having a control means for controlling the printing means and the conveying means so as to alternately perform printing, and any one of the technical ideas (1) to (3) A printing medium conveyance control device in the printing apparatus according to claim 1.

(5)印刷媒体の種類と印刷モードとのうち少なくとも一方に応じて印刷媒体の搬送速度を変更する変速領域を設定するか否かを判断する判断手段を備え、前記制御手段は、前記判断手段により前記変速領域の設定が必要であると判断されたときに限り、前記変速領域を設定して印刷媒体の搬送速度変更処理を実行することを特徴とする請求項1、2、前記技術的思想(1)〜(4)のいずれか一項に記載の印刷装置における印刷媒体搬送制御装置。   (5) Judgment means for judging whether or not to set a shift area for changing the conveyance speed of the print medium according to at least one of the type of print medium and the print mode, and the control means comprises the judgment means 2. The technical concept according to claim 1, wherein the shift area is set and the printing medium conveyance speed changing process is executed only when it is determined that the shift area needs to be set. The printing medium conveyance control apparatus in the printing apparatus as described in any one of (1)-(4).

この構成によれば、印刷媒体の種類と印刷モードとのうち少なくとも一方に応じて印刷媒体の搬送速度を変更する変速領域を設定することが必要と判断されたときに限り、変速領域を設定し、印刷媒体の搬送速度変更処理が実行される。例えば高画質印刷する際は、高画質印刷時に用いられる種類の印刷媒体(例えば光沢紙)であることや、高画質印刷モード(例えば写真印刷モード)であると、変速領域が設定される。その結果、印刷媒体の所定位置が変速領域にあるときに印刷媒体が低速で搬送されることにより、印刷媒体の蹴飛ばし現象などが緩和又は防止され、高画質印刷が可能となる。また、変速領域で低速での搬送が必要ないときは変速領域が設定されず、印刷媒体は第2速度で高速搬送される。   According to this configuration, the shift area is set only when it is determined that it is necessary to set the shift area for changing the conveyance speed of the print medium according to at least one of the type of print medium and the print mode. Then, the printing medium conveyance speed changing process is executed. For example, when high-quality printing is performed, the shift area is set when the type of printing medium (for example, glossy paper) used during high-quality printing or in the high-quality printing mode (for example, photo printing mode). As a result, the print medium is conveyed at a low speed when the predetermined position of the print medium is in the speed change region, so that the kicking phenomenon of the print medium is alleviated or prevented, and high-quality printing is possible. In addition, when the low speed conveyance is not required in the speed change area, the speed change area is not set, and the print medium is conveyed at a high speed at the second speed.

(6)前記制御手段は、次の印刷媒体の搬送後に印刷がなされない所定量で搬送されるときは、印刷媒体の前記所定位置が前記変速領域の入口又は出口を跨ぐ搬送であるときでも、印刷媒体を第2速度で搬送することを特徴とする請求項1、2、前記技術的思想(1)〜(5)のいずれか一項に記載の印刷装置における印刷媒体搬送制御装置。この構成によれば、次に印刷がなされない搬送時は、印刷媒体が第2速度で搬送されるため、スループットを向上できる。   (6) When the control means is transported by a predetermined amount that is not printed after transport of the next print medium, even when the predetermined position of the print medium is transport across the entrance or exit of the shift area, The printing medium conveyance control device in the printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 and 2, and the technical ideas (1) to (5), wherein the printing medium is conveyed at a second speed. According to this configuration, when the printing is not performed next, the print medium is conveyed at the second speed, so that the throughput can be improved.

(7)前記変速領域の入口側の設定位置のすぐ上流側には印刷媒体の第2速度における最小搬送距離にほぼ匹敵する長さの拡張領域が設定され、印刷媒体の搬送開始時の所定位置が該拡張領域内に存在するときには、前記制御手段は、前記所定位置が前記入口側の設定位置に一致する位置で停止させることをせず該入口側の設定位置を跨ぐようにはじめから前記第1速度で印刷媒体を搬送することを特徴とする請求項1、技術的思想(1)〜(6)のいずれか一項に記載の印刷装置における印刷媒体搬送制御装置。   (7) An extended area having a length substantially equal to the minimum transport distance at the second speed of the print medium is set immediately upstream of the set position on the inlet side of the shift area, and a predetermined position at the start of transport of the print medium Is present in the expansion region, the control means does not stop at the position where the predetermined position coincides with the set position on the inlet side, but from the beginning so as to straddle the set position on the inlet side. The printing medium conveyance control device for a printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 and 6, wherein the printing medium is conveyed at one speed.

(8)前記変速領域の出口側の設定位置のすぐ下流側には印刷媒体の第2速度における最小搬送距離にほぼ匹敵する長さの拡張領域が設定され、印刷媒体の所定位置の搬送先である目標位置が該拡張領域内に存在するときには、前記制御手段は、前記所定位置が前記出口側の設定位置に一致する位置で停止させることをせず該出口側の設定位置を跨いで前記目標位置まで前記第1速度で印刷媒体を搬送することを特徴とする請求項1、技術的思想(1)〜(7)のいずれか一項に記載の印刷装置における印刷媒体搬送制御装置。この構成によれば、出口側の設定位置で一旦停止させたがため、所定位置を目標位置に停止させることができなくなる不都合が回避される。従って、印刷媒体の所定位置が目標位置に位置精度よく停止するので、高い印刷画質精度が保証される。   (8) An extended area having a length substantially equal to the minimum transport distance at the second speed of the print medium is set immediately downstream of the set position on the exit side of the shift area, and is set at a transport destination at a predetermined position of the print medium. When a certain target position exists in the expansion region, the control means does not stop the predetermined position at a position that matches the set position on the outlet side and straddles the target position across the set position on the outlet side. The printing medium conveyance control device in the printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing medium is conveyed to the position at the first speed. According to this configuration, since the vehicle is temporarily stopped at the set position on the outlet side, the inconvenience that the predetermined position cannot be stopped at the target position is avoided. Accordingly, since the predetermined position of the print medium stops at the target position with high positional accuracy, high print image quality accuracy is guaranteed.

(9)前記変速領域は、前記記録ヘッドより上流側に位置する搬送ローラを挟む範囲に設定されており、前記所定位置は印刷媒体の後端であることを特徴とする請求項1、2、前記技術的思想(1)〜(8)のいずれか一項に記載の印刷装置における印刷媒体搬送制御装置。   (9) The shift region is set in a range sandwiching a conveyance roller located upstream from the recording head, and the predetermined position is a rear end of the print medium. The printing medium conveyance control apparatus in the printing apparatus as described in any one of said technical thought (1)-(8).

シリアルプリンタの電気的構成図。The electrical block diagram of a serial printer. 紙送り機構部分を示す模式平面図。FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view showing a paper feed mechanism portion. 紙送り機構部分を示す模式側面図。FIG. 4 is a schematic side view showing a paper feed mechanism portion. 紙送り分割処理における設定領域を説明する説明図。Explanatory drawing explaining the setting area | region in a paper feed division | segmentation process. 紙送り分割処理のフローチャート。The flowchart of a paper feed division | segmentation process. 同じく紙送り分割処理のフローチャート。Similarly, a flowchart of a paper feed division process. 同じく紙送り分割処理のフローチャート。Similarly, a flowchart of a paper feed division process. 2分割紙送り処理を説明する説明図。Explanatory drawing explaining a 2 division | segmentation paper feeding process. 3分割紙送り処理を説明する説明図。Explanatory drawing explaining a 3 division | segmentation paper feeding process. (a),(b)従来技術における紙送り制御を示す模式側面図。(A), (b) The schematic side view which shows the paper feed control in a prior art.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

1…印刷装置及びシリアル式印刷装置としてのプリンタ、6…制御手段及び判断手段としてのASIC、12…印刷手段を構成する記録ヘッド、13…搬送手段を構成する紙送りモータ、14…印刷手段を構成するキャリッジモータ、15…搬送手段を構成するとともに搬送ローラとしての紙送りローラ、20…キャリッジ、P…印刷媒体としての用紙、ABS…変速領域としてのBS駆動領域(低速領域)、Pb…入口側の設定位置としての入口、Pc…出口側の設定位置としての出口、A…入口側の拡張領域としてのBS駆動拡張領域、B…出口側の拡張領域としてのBS駆動拡張領域、P1…開始位置(現在位置)、P2…目標位置、VNR…第2速度としての通常速度、VBS…第1速度としての低速度。   DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printer as a printing apparatus and serial type printing apparatus, 6 ... ASIC as control means and judgment means, 12 ... Recording head which comprises printing means, 13 ... Paper feed motor which comprises conveyance means, 14 ... Printing means Carriage motor, 15... Conveying means and paper feed roller as a conveying roller, 20... Carriage, P... Paper as printing medium, ABS... BS driving area (low speed area) as a shifting area, Pb. Inlet as the set position on the side, Pc ... Exit as the set position on the exit side, A ... BS drive extension area as the extension area on the inlet side, B ... BS drive extension area as the extension area on the exit side, P1 ... Start Position (current position), P2 ... target position, VNR ... normal speed as second speed, VBS ... low speed as first speed.

Claims (3)

印刷媒体に印刷を行う記録ヘッドと、
印刷媒体を記録ヘッドを挟んで上流から下流へ搬送する搬送手段と、
前記記録ヘッドと搬送手段とを制御する制御手段とを有する印刷媒体搬送制御装置において、
印刷媒体の搬送経路上には、前記搬送手段を構成すると共に前記記録ヘッドの記録位置より搬送方向上流側に配置された搬送ローラが印刷媒体と係合可能な係合位置を挟む範囲に低速領域が設定されており、印刷媒体の後端が前記低速領域にあるうちは、該印刷媒体が第1速度で搬送されるようになっており、
前記制御手段は、印刷媒体の後端が前記低速領域より搬送方向上流側に位置する搬送開始位置から当該印刷媒体の後端が前記低速領域の入口を越える目標位置までの搬送量で当該印刷媒体の搬送を実行する場合に、印刷媒体の後端が、前記低速領域の入口又は入口近傍に設定された位置であって前記後端が当該位置にあるときに開始される搬送が前記第1速度で行われるように設定された設定位置に一致する位置で一旦停止するように前記搬送量複数に分割して当該印刷媒体の前記搬送量の搬送を複数回に分けて行うようにし、その分割された最初の搬送量での搬送を前記第1速度より高速な第2速度で実行するとともに、該最初の搬送量での搬送が終了して印刷媒体が停止した後、次の搬送量での搬送であって前記低速領域における印刷媒体搬送を前記第1速度で実行する、ことを特徴とする印刷装置における印刷媒体搬送制御装置。
A recording head for printing on a print medium;
Transport means for transporting the print medium from upstream to downstream across the recording head;
In a print medium conveyance control device having a control means for controlling the recording head and the conveyance means,
On the print medium conveyance path, a low-speed region is formed in a range where the conveyance roller that constitutes the conveyance unit and that is disposed upstream of the recording position of the recording head in the conveyance direction sandwiches an engagement position that can be engaged with the print medium. there is set, the trailing end of the print medium, among which is in the low speed area, said print medium is adapted to be conveyed at a first speed,
Wherein, the print in the conveyance amount to the target position beyond the inlet mouth of the rear end of the print medium from the conveyance starting position the rear end of the printing medium is positioned in the conveying direction upstream side of the low speed range is the low speed range When carrying the medium, the first start is carried when the rear end of the print medium is a position set at or near the entrance of the low-speed region and the rear end is at the position. once in position corresponding to the set setting position, as is done at a rate by dividing the conveying distance so as to stop into a plurality to perform separately conveying of the conveying amount of the print medium a plurality of times, the The transport at the divided first transport amount is executed at the second speed higher than the first speed , and after the transport at the first transport amount is finished and the print medium is stopped, the transport is performed at the next transport amount. printing in the low speed region a of the transport Performing a conveyance of the body at the first speed, the print medium conveyance control apparatus in a printing apparatus characterized by.
記録ヘッドとキャリッジの駆動により印刷媒体に印刷を行う印刷手段と、
印刷媒体を記録ヘッドを挟んで上流から下流へ搬送する搬送手段と、
印刷媒体搬送と印刷実行を交互に行うよう前記印刷手段と搬送手段とを制御する制御手段とを有するシリアル式印刷装置において、
印刷媒体の搬送経路上には、前記搬送手段を構成すると共に前記記録ヘッドの記録位置より搬送方向上流側に配置された搬送ローラが印刷媒体と係合可能な係合位置を挟む範囲に固定領域が予め設定されており、印刷媒体の後端が前記固定領域にあるうちは、該印刷媒体が第1速度で搬送されるようになっており、
前記制御手段は、印刷媒体の後端が前記固定領域の搬送方向上流側に位置する搬送開始位置から当該印刷媒体の後端が前記固定領域の入口を超える目標位置までの搬送量で当該印刷媒体の搬送を実行する際、
前記印刷媒体の後端が、前記固定領域の入口又は入口近傍に設定された位置であって前記後端が当該位置にあるときに開始される搬送が前記第1速度で行われるように設定された設定位置に一致する位置で、一旦停止するように前記搬送量複数に分割して当該印刷媒体の前記搬送量の搬送を複数回に分けて行うようにし、その分割された最初の搬送量での搬送を前記第1速度より高速な第2速度で実行するとともに、該最初の搬送が終了して印刷媒体が停止した後、次の搬送量での搬送であって前記固定領域における印刷媒体搬送を前記第1速度で実行することを特徴とするシリアル式印刷装置。
Printing means for printing on a print medium by driving a recording head and a carriage;
Transport means for transporting the print medium from upstream to downstream across the recording head;
In a serial printing apparatus having a control unit for controlling the printing unit and the conveyance unit so as to alternately perform printing medium conveyance and printing execution,
On the print medium conveyance path, a fixed region is formed in a range that sandwiches an engagement position that constitutes the conveyance means and that is disposed upstream of the recording position of the recording head in the conveyance direction with which the conveyance roller can be engaged with the print medium. there are preset, the rear end of the print medium, among which is in the fixed area, the print medium being adapted to be conveyed at a first speed,
The control means, the print medium conveyance amount from the conveyance start position the trailing end of the printing medium is positioned in the upstream side of the fixed region to the target position the rear end of the print medium is greater than an inlet of said fixing region when you run a conveyance,
The rear end of the print medium is set at a position set at or near the entrance of the fixed region, and the transport that is started when the rear end is at the position is set to be performed at the first speed. in a position that matches the position and, once divided into a plurality of the conveyance amount so as to stop to perform separately conveying of the conveying amount of the print medium a plurality of times, the first transport amount that is the divided and executes at a high second speed transport than the first speed in, after the initial conveyance is finished and print medium is stopped, printing in the fixing region a transfer at the next conveyance amount serial printing device and executes the conveyance of the medium in the first speed.
印刷媒体に印刷を行う記録ヘッドと、A recording head for printing on a print medium;
印刷媒体を記録ヘッドを挟んで上流から下流へ搬送する搬送手段と、  Transport means for transporting the print medium from upstream to downstream across the recording head;
前記搬送経路上において前記搬送ローラよりも搬送方向上流側に設けられて印刷媒体の後端を検出可能な検出手段と、  Detection means provided on the upstream side in the transport direction with respect to the transport roller on the transport path and capable of detecting the trailing edge of the print medium;
前記記録ヘッドと搬送手段とを制御する制御手段とを有する印刷媒体搬送制御装置において、  In a print medium conveyance control device having a control means for controlling the recording head and the conveyance means,
印刷媒体の搬送経路上には、前記搬送手段を構成すると共に前記記録ヘッドの記録位置より搬送方向上流側に配置された搬送ローラが印刷媒体と係合可能な係合位置を挟む範囲に低速領域が設定されており、印刷媒体の後端が、前記低速領域にあるうちは、該印刷媒体が第1速度で搬送されるようになっており、  On the print medium conveyance path, a low-speed region is formed in a range where the conveyance roller that constitutes the conveyance unit and that is disposed upstream of the recording position of the recording head in the conveyance direction sandwiches an engagement position that can be engaged with the print medium. Is set, and while the trailing edge of the print medium is in the low speed region, the print medium is conveyed at the first speed,
前記制御手段は、前記検出手段が印刷媒体の後端を検出した後において、印刷媒体の後端が前記低速領域より搬送方向上流側に位置する搬送開始位置から当該印刷媒体の後端が前記低速領域の入口を越える目標位置までの搬送量で当該印刷媒体の搬送を実行する場合に、印刷媒体の後端が、前記低速領域の入口又は入口近傍に設定された位置であって前記後端が当該位置にあるときに開始される搬送が前記第1速度で行われるように設定された設定位置に一致する位置で一旦停止するように前記搬送量を複数に分割して当該印刷媒体の前記搬送量の搬送を複数回に分けて行うようにし、その分割された最初の搬送量での搬送を前記第1速度より高速な第2速度で実行するとともに、該最初の搬送量での搬送が終了して印刷媒体が停止した後、次の搬送量での搬送であって前記低速領域における印刷媒体の搬送を前記第1速度で実行する、ことを特徴とする印刷装置における印刷媒体搬送制御装置。  After the detecting means detects the trailing edge of the print medium, the control means detects that the trailing edge of the printing medium is at the low speed from the conveyance start position where the trailing edge of the printing medium is located upstream of the low speed region in the conveying direction. When transporting the print medium with a transport amount to a target position that exceeds the entrance of the area, the rear end of the print medium is a position set near the entrance or entrance of the low speed area, and the rear end is The transport of the print medium is performed by dividing the transport amount into a plurality of portions so that the transport that starts when the printer is at the position is temporarily stopped at a position that matches the set position that is set to be performed at the first speed. The conveyance of the amount is divided into a plurality of times, and the conveyance with the divided first conveyance amount is executed at the second speed higher than the first speed, and the conveyance with the first conveyance amount is completed. After the print media stops, To run in the first speed conveyance of the printing medium in the low speed range to a transfer at the carry amount, the print medium conveyance control apparatus in a printing apparatus characterized by.
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