JP3674622B2 - Printing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus, and more particularly to a printing apparatus that uses continuous paper.

  Conventionally, as shown in FIG. 35, there has been a printing apparatus 200 that prints continuous paper. The printing apparatus 200 is connected to a post-processing apparatus 201 that performs post-processing such as cutting, folding, or storing the printed continuous paper. The printing apparatus 200 includes a printing transport unit 207 that transports continuous paper during printing, and a continuous paper printing unit 208 that prints continuous paper.

  The post-processing device 201 includes a post-processing transport unit 205 that transports the printed continuous paper printed by the printing device 200, and a cutting unit 202 that cuts the printed continuous paper for each designated number designated by the host device. The apparatus includes folding means 203 for folding the conveyed continuous paper, a tray 204 for storing the folded continuous paper, and a buffering instruction means 206 for instructing buffering processing.

  In the printing apparatus according to the conventional example, every time the number of sheets designated by the host apparatus is cut, the sheet supplied from the printer side is temporarily stored in the buffer unit according to an instruction from the buffering instruction unit. Therefore, the sheet is then conveyed to the tray at a lower conveyance speed (tray feed).

  At this time, if the number of print sheets per job designated by the host apparatus is small and the number of cuts is large, the number of buffering increases. Since printing is stopped during buffering, there is a problem that the processing speed may be lowered when viewed as a whole.

  Further, depending on the type of paper or the like, a paper feed failure (jam) occurs in the buffer unit, and each time the operator has to reset the paper, there is a problem that a great deal of labor is required. Furthermore, depending on the type of sheet and the conveyance speed, there is a problem that the leading edge of the next sheet after cutting may be folded incorrectly at the tray.

  In the conventional example, in the paper post-processing device of the continuous paper printing device, when the upper-level device cuts the number of sheets specified for each job unit, conventionally, pages before and after the cutting position are also printed. The printing paper before and after the cutting position is cut due to the deviation of the cutting position. This is because it is difficult in terms of mechanism to cut at the perfect perforation position, and a deviation of several millimeters is inevitable.

  In particular, when printing and cutting, such as a form sheet, and then handing it directly to a business partner, there has been a problem that the deviation of the cutting position is unsightly. Further, at the cutting position, the printing surface of the paper is directly rubbed with other paper or containers, which may cause the printing surface to become dirty, print ink, etc. to be rubbed or blurred. It was.

  Further, conventionally, the cut position is designated at the position designated by the host apparatus so as to cut each job. Therefore, the designation of the cut position cannot be cut by the cutting means unless there is an instruction from the host device, and the operator cannot arbitrarily designate the number of cuts or change the cut position thereafter. Therefore, for example, when it is necessary to cut the tray unexpectedly, for example, when the tray for storing paper is full, the operator cuts the paper by operating a manual cut switch or the like. The paper inside has to be taken out, and complicated operator operations are required, making it difficult to handle.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made for the purpose of solving the above-described problems. Instead of always performing buffering, it can be switched so that it can be performed only when necessary. It is an object of the present invention to provide a reliable printing apparatus that can prevent a failure of the printer, can perform a quick process, and has few accidents.

  It is another object of the present invention to prevent issuance of irregular and non-standard forms due to deviations in the cut position, and to prevent the printing surface from becoming dirty and the printing from becoming unclear. In addition, it is possible to automatically specify the number of cuts, designation of cut position, or cut instruction not only from the host device, but also from the operator, the form type, etc. The present invention has been made for the purpose of providing an easy-to-handle printing apparatus provided for the above.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, as shown in FIG. 7, continuous paper printing means 31 for printing continuous paper, and a printed continuous paper printed by the continuous paper printing means 31 are conveyed. As a result of determining the necessity / unnecessity of the buffering process by the necessity determining unit that detects the necessity of the buffering process by detecting the size, thickness, conveyance speed, or the like of the continuous sheet. Based on this, the paper storage means 33 that folds and stores the printed continuous paper that is conveyed, and the storage limit detection means 43 that detects whether or not the paper is stored exceeding the storage limit of the paper storage means 33. When, along with an instruction of the upper level device or operator of printed continuous paper every specified designated number of the cutting, to be housed limit by the housing limit detecting means 43 A cut instructing unit 34 for instructing cutting of the perforation at the end of transfer of the page being printed, and a cutting unit for cutting the printed continuous paper according to the instruction of the cut instructing unit 34 32, when it is detected that the storage limit of the paper storage means 33 has been exceeded, the transfer for each page is instructed to stop the printing operation after the transfer of the page being printed by the printing means 31 is completed. Instructing means 35 is provided.

The operation of the above invention will be described. When the printed continuous paper printed by the continuous paper printing means 31 is transported, the necessity determining means detects the size, thickness, transport speed, etc. of the continuous paper before printing and requires buffering processing.・ Determine unnecessary. Based on the determination result, the paper storage means 33 folds and stores the printed continuous paper being conveyed. When it is detected by the storage limit detection means 43 that the paper is stored exceeding the storage limit of the paper storage means 33, the page-by-page transfer end instruction means 15 prints to the continuous paper printing means 31. An instruction is given to stop the printing operation after the transfer of the middle page is completed.

  Further, when it is detected that the storage limit is reached, the cut instructing unit 34 instructs the cutting unit 32 to cut at the position of the perforation at the end of transfer of the page being printed.

  Accordingly, since the operator monitors the paper storage means one by one and does not need to operate a manual cut switch or the like when the paper is full, the burden on the operator is reduced and the page and the transfer end instruction means Since the printing operation is stopped after the transfer of the middle page is completed, printing for that page is not wasted.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention, as shown in FIG. 8, when continuous paper printing means 31 for printing continuous paper and a continuous paper printed by the continuous paper printing means 31 are conveyed. As a result of determining the necessity / unnecessity of the buffering process by the necessity determining unit that detects the necessity of the buffering process by detecting the size, thickness, conveyance speed, or the like of the continuous sheet. Based on this, the paper storage means 33 that folds and stores the printed continuous paper that is conveyed, and the storage limit detection means 43 that detects whether or not the paper is stored exceeding the storage limit of the paper storage means 33. When, along with an instruction of the upper level device or operator of printed continuous paper every specified designated number of the cutting, to be housed limit by the housing limit detecting means 45 In the case of being issued, the cutting instruction means 38 for instructing cutting for the next perforation, the cutting means 32 for cutting the printed continuous paper according to the instruction of the cutting instruction means 38, and the paper storage When it is detected that the storage limit of the means 33 has been exceeded, an immediate transfer end instruction means 37 for instructing the end of transfer immediately is provided.

The operation of the above invention will be described. When the printed continuous paper printed by the continuous paper printing means 31 is transported, the necessity determining means detects the size, thickness, transport speed, etc. of the continuous paper before printing and requires buffering processing.・ Determine unnecessary. Based on the determination result, the paper storage means 33 folds and stores the printed continuous paper being conveyed. When it is detected by the storage limit detection means 43 that the paper has been stored exceeding the storage limit of the paper storage means 33, the immediate transfer end instruction means 37 immediately transfers to the continuous paper printing means 31. Instruct the end of.

  Further, when it is detected that the cutting limit is reached, the cut instructing means 38 instructs the next perforation to cut. Therefore, when it is detected that the storage limit is reached, the end of transfer is instructed immediately, and the sheet is immediately cut in time, so that subsequent processing can be quickly handled.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the present invention provides a printing transport means 11 for transporting continuous paper during printing and continuous post-processing for cutting, folding, or storing printed continuous paper. A post-processing transport unit 12 for transporting paper, a switching unit 15 for switching whether or not to perform buffering processing according to an operator's instruction, and the post-processing transport unit 12 and the switching unit 15 based on the switching. It may have a buffering instruction means 14 for instructing or not instructing buffering processing to the printing transport means 11 or the like.

  Here, the conveyance speed of the “printing conveyance means 11” and the conveyance speed of the “post-processing conveyance means 12” are the same in the normal conveyance, but when performing buffering processing, one speed is set. Stop as 0 and carry on the other side only.

  The “buffering process” means that the paper supplied from the printer is stored in the buffer unit every time the paper is cut (buffering), and the paper is transported to the paper storage means at a predetermined transport speed (tray feed). For example, as shown in FIG. 18, after instructing the printing transport unit 11 to stop the transport of the printed continuous paper, when a predetermined amount of paper has accumulated in the buffer unit, the post-processing transport unit 11 This refers to the processing from when the conveyance is started and when the conveyance of the printing conveying means 11 is stopped and the slack is removed. “Switching of buffering” can be performed, for example, by an operator, a command from a printing device, or a command from a host device.

  The operation of the above invention will be described. The printed continuous paper that has been printed is conveyed by the conveying means 11 for printing and by the conveying means 12 for post-processing. At that time, the operator or the host device or the like switches in advance whether or not to perform the buffering process by using the switching means 15.

  For example, if the transport speed is high, the paper size is large, the paper is thick, or if you want to print carefully, switch to buffering. deep.

  Then, the buffering instruction unit 14 instructs the post-processing conveyance unit 12 and the printing conveyance unit 11 to perform buffering processing, for example, as shown in FIG. Used paper will be stored.

  On the other hand, when switching is made so that the buffering process is not performed, the buffered instructing unit 14 does not perform the buffering process, and the printed continuous sheet is directly stored in the sheet storing unit 33. Become. Accordingly, continuous paper can be printed, transported, and stored efficiently at high speed without reducing the transport speed of continuous paper.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the present invention provides a printing transport means 11 for transporting continuous paper during printing and continuous post-processing for cutting, folding, or storing printed continuous paper. Based on the determination results of the post-processing transport unit 12 that transports the sheet, the necessity determination unit 17 that determines the necessity of the buffering process, and the necessity determination unit 17, whether or not to perform the buffering process is switched. Based on the switching of the determination result switching means 16 and the determination result switching means 16, a buffering instruction means 14 that instructs the post-processing transport means 12, the print transport means 11, etc. to perform buffering processing or not. It may have.

  Here, as a case where the necessity determination unit 17 determines that there is no need for buffering processing, the effect does not change whether or not buffering is performed (buffering is not performed). Therefore, there is a case in which the conveyance becomes smooth) or a defect occurs by performing buffering. When there is no need for buffering, for example, if the paper size is small and buffering is performed many times, the number of times may cause a delay in the conveyance speed. If the paper is thin and easy to fold. A case where the conveyance speed is not high is mentioned.

  The operation of the above invention will be described. The printed continuous paper is transported by the printing transport means 11. At that time, the necessity determining unit 17 detects the necessity of buffering processing by detecting the set conveyance speed, the sheet size, the sheet thickness, or the like.

  For example, when the conveyance speed is high, the paper size is large, or the paper is thick, it is determined that there is a need for buffering processing. When the necessity determining unit 17 determines that the buffering process is necessary, the determination result switching unit 16 switches to perform the buffering process, and the buffering instruction unit 14 The ring processing is instructed to the post-processing transport unit 12 and the printing transport unit 11.

  If it is determined that there is no need for buffering processing, the determination result switching means 16 switches so as not to perform buffering processing. In this case, the printed continuous paper transported by the post-processing transport means 12 is directly stored in the paper storage means 33.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to perform reliable printing by performing buffering only when buffering processing is truly necessary, and to perform prompt printing by not performing unnecessary buffering processing. Printing processing can be performed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, in the present invention, when printing is performed on continuous paper (S1), post-processing for cutting, folding, or storing the printed continuous paper is started (S2). When switched to perform ring processing (S3), buffer processing is performed during post-processing (S4), and when switched to not buffer processing, post-processing is performed. In addition, the post-processing may be terminated without performing the buffering process (S5).

  The operation of the above invention will be described. Printing of continuous paper is started in step S1, and the paper is cut in step S2. In step S3, it is determined whether or not to perform buffering processing. Whether or not to perform buffering processing may be switched by, for example, switching by an operator or a host device, or automatically by determining the necessity of buffering processing. When the buffering process is performed, it is executed in step S4.

  On the other hand, when the buffering process is not performed in step S3, the printed continuous sheet is directly conveyed and then accommodated. Therefore, buffering is performed only when there is a need for buffering, such as when the paper size is large, when the paper thickness is thick, or when the conveyance speed is high, and the number of printing papers per job is particularly small. When the paper size is small and the number of cuts is large, switching is performed so as to omit the buffering that occurs many times, thereby reducing the processing speed for stopping printing due to buffering, and paper feeding failure (jamming in the buffer unit). ) And the labor and time of the operator such as paper re-setting can be saved, and a printing apparatus that is easy to handle at high speed can be provided.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the present invention includes a continuous paper printing unit 21 that prints continuous paper and a continuous paper printed by the continuous paper printing unit 21, such as cutting, folding, and storing. Blank page printing before and after sandwiching the perforation at the recognized cut position, post-processing means 22 for performing post-processing, cut position recognition means 23 for recognizing the perforation at the cut position where the continuous paper is to be cut And blank print instructing means 24 for instructing.

  The operation of the above invention will be described. With respect to the continuous paper printed by the continuous paper printing means 21, the cut position recognition means 23 recognizes the perforation at the cut position where the continuous paper should be cut. Then, the blank print instructing unit 24 instructs the continuous paper printing unit 21 to print a blank page before and after the perforated line at the recognized cut position.

  Therefore, since printing is not performed before and after the perforation at the cut position, a reliable printing apparatus that can prevent the issuance of irregular and non-standard forms due to a shift in the cut position is provided. It is possible to prevent the printing surface from becoming dirty and the printing from becoming unclear.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the present invention includes a continuous paper printing unit 21 for printing continuous paper, and a continuous paper printed by the continuous paper printing unit 21, such as cutting, folding, and storing. A blank page is placed before and after the post-processing means 22 for performing post-processing, the cut position recognition means 23 for recognizing the perforation at the cut position where the continuous paper is to be cut, and the perforation at the cut position of the continuous paper. When blank page printing is set by the blank page necessity setting means 27 for setting whether to print or the blank page necessity setting means 27, before and after the perforated line at the recognized cut position is sandwiched. It is also possible to have blank print instructing means 26 for instructing blank printing on this page.

  The operation of the above invention will be described. For the continuous paper printed by the continuous paper printing means 21, the cut position recognition means 23 recognizes the position of the perforation at the cut position where the continuous paper should be cut. The blank print instructing means 26 can detect the recognized cut position only when the necessity of a blank page is set through the blank page necessity setting means 27 by the operator. Print blank pages before and after the perforation. Therefore, in the case of materials that are not used in transactions, blank pages are not provided, so paper is not wasted and processing time is not consumed easily.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the present invention includes a continuous paper printing unit 21 for printing continuous paper, and a continuous paper printed by the continuous paper printing unit 21, such as cutting, folding, and storing. Blank pages are printed before and after the post-processing means 22 for performing post-processing, the cut position recognition means 23 for recognizing the perforation at the cut position where the continuous paper should be cut, and before and after the perforation at the detected cut position. A blank page necessity setting unit 27 for setting whether to perform or not, a blank page number setting unit 28 for setting the number of blank pages before and after the perforation at the cut position, and a blank page necessity setting unit 27 When printing of blank pages is set, the blank page number setting unit 28 instructs the blank page number setting unit 28 to print the number of blank pages corresponding to the set number of pages. Door may have an.

  The operation of the above invention will be described. In the present invention, the continuous paper printing means 21 recognizes the position of the perforation of the cut position where the continuous paper should be cut for the continuous paper printed. The blank print instructing unit 29 determines the number of blank pages set by the blank page number setting unit 28 when the necessity of blank pages is set by the operator via the blank page necessity setting unit 27. Instruct to print before and after the perforation at the recognized cut position. Therefore, the minimum number of blank pages can be set according to the paper size.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 9, the present invention includes a continuous paper printing means 31 for printing continuous paper, a cut number designating means 39 for designating the number of cut continuous printed paper by an operator, and the continuous paper. The number of printed sheets printed by the printing unit 31 is counted, and when the specified number of cuts is reached, the number of printed sheets 41 and the cutting unit 32 for erasing the counting results up to that point are instructed by the host device. Or the cut instruction means 40 for instructing cutting when the counting result of the number-of-printing-counting means 41 matches the designated number of cuts, and the printed continuous paper is cut by an instruction from the cut instruction means 40 It may have the cutting means 32 to do.

  The operation of the printing apparatus according to the ninth aspect will be described. An operator or a host device or the like designates the number of cut sheets of printed continuous paper using the cut number designation means 39.

  Then, the cut instructing unit 40 issues a cut instruction to the cutting unit 32 based on an instruction from the host device or when the counting result of the printed sheet counting unit 41 matches the designated number of cuts.

  Accordingly, it is possible to provide an easy-to-handle printing apparatus that allows the operator to designate an arbitrary number of cuts as necessary and to prepare for various situations that require cutting.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 10, the present invention includes a continuous paper printing unit 31 that prints continuous paper, a paper storage unit 33 that folds and stores printed continuous paper, and the paper storage unit 33. When the number of printed sheets printed by the continuous sheet printing unit 31 is counted and the specified number of cut sheets is reached, the storage limit detecting unit 49 that detects whether or not the sheet that has exceeded the storage limit is counted. The printed sheet counting means 41 for erasing the counting result, the cut number designating means 39 for designating the number of cuts of the printed continuous paper by the operator, and the counting result of the printed sheet counting means 41 according to the designated cut number. When the number of cuts matches, the cutting means 32 is instructed to cut, while when the accommodation limit is detected by the accommodation limit detection means 43, Regardless of the set number of cuts, the cutting instruction means 44 for instructing cutting to the cutting means 32 and the cutting means 32 for cutting the printed continuous paper according to the instruction from the cutting instruction means 44 may be used. Good.

  The operation of the printing apparatus according to the above invention will be described. An operator or a host device or the like designates the number of cut sheets of printed continuous paper using the cut number designation means 39.

  Thereafter, the storage limit detecting means 49 detects that the paper stored in the paper storage means 33 exceeds the storage limit. Then, the cut instructing unit 44 immediately determines whether the cutting unit 32 is based on an instruction from the host device or whether the count result of the printed sheet counting unit 41 matches the designated number of cuts. Instruct to disconnect.

  Therefore, even if the operator does not monitor the paper storage means, the paper is automatically cut by the cutting means when the paper is full. Therefore, it is not necessary to operate a manual cut switch or the like, which is convenient because the burden on the operator can be reduced and the operator can designate the number of cuts as needed.

  Further, according to the present invention, as shown in FIG. 11, continuous paper printing means 31 for printing continuous paper, paper storage means 33 for folding and storing printed continuous paper, and the number of prints of the continuous paper printing means 31 are as follows. When the number of printed sheets matches the specified number of cut sheets, a printed sheet number counting means 41 for erasing the counting results up to that time, a cut number designation means 39 for designating the number of cuts by a host apparatus or operator, The sheet height designating unit 10 for designating the height of the sheet stored in the sheet storing unit 33 and the height of the stacked sheets stored in the sheet storing unit 33 are determined by the sheet height designating unit 10. A height limit detection means 30 for detecting whether or not the specified height is exceeded, and if the count result of the print number counting means 41 matches the specified number of cuts, the cutting hand If the height limit detection unit 30 detects that the height of the stacked sheets exceeds the specified height, the cutting number is specified. Regardless of this, it may be provided with a cutting instruction means 46 for instructing cutting to the cutting means 32 and a cutting means 32 for cutting the printed continuous paper according to an instruction from the cutting instruction means 46.

  The operation of the printing apparatus according to the above invention will be described. An operator or a host device or the like designates the number of cut sheets of the printed continuous paper by using the cut number designation means 39 and designates the height of the paper to be cut by the paper height designation means 10.

  After the printing is started, the paper height limit detection means 30 indicates that the height of the paper stored in the paper storage means 33 exceeds the height of the paper designated in advance by the paper height designation means 10. Is detected by the cut instruction means 46 based on an instruction from the host apparatus or regardless of whether or not the counting result of the print number counting means 41 matches the designated cut number. The cutting unit 32 is instructed to cut.

  Therefore, the operator can automatically obtain a bundle of sheets that can be transported by the operator without monitoring the height of the sheet and without operating a manual cut switch or the like. , The burden on the operator can be reduced.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 12, the present invention includes a continuous paper printing unit 31 for printing continuous paper, a cut mode designating unit 42 for designating a cut mode depending on the type of form, and a form type or switching thereof. Form switching detection means 47 to be detected, and cut instruction means for instructing the cutting means 32 to cut in a cut mode set by the form switching detection means 47 according to the type of the form detected. 48 and a cutting means 32 for cutting the printed continuous paper according to an instruction from the cutting instruction means 48.

  Here, “forms” generally refers to paper that is preprinted and used for data input or output, and includes paper having various forms such as documents. The “cutting mode depending on the type of form or its switching” is not limited to simply cutting every time the type of form is switched, but is the same when cutting only for a specific type of form. There are various cases, such as a case where a cut is performed for each combination of a plurality of forms of different types or each time such a combination is switched. Each invention may be arbitrarily combined.

  The operation of the printing apparatus according to the above invention will be described. The operator, the host device, or the like designates the cut mode depending on the type of the form or a combination of a plurality of the same or different types of forms by the cut mode specifying means 42.

  For example, there are cases where cutting is performed each time the form type is switched, cutting is performed for each combination of a plurality of forms, and the front and back are cut only when a certain type of form is printed. . Then, the form switching detection means 47 prints a certain type of form for each combination of a plurality of forms every time the type of form is switched based on the designation by the cut mode designation means 42. Detect when there is.

  The cut instructing unit 48 instructs the cutting unit 32 to cut in the set cutting mode according to the type of form detected by the detecting unit 47. Therefore, since various forms of cuts can be designated according to the type of form, when cutting various forms, the operator can reduce the trouble of setting the paper cutting, and it is easy to handle. It is possible to provide a reliable printing apparatus without mistakes.

  As described above, the present invention provides the storage limit detecting means, and when detecting that the paper is stored in the paper storage means beyond the storage limit, instructs the cutting instruction means to cut the paper, The transfer operation for each page can be stopped after the transfer of the page being printed is completed.

  Accordingly, since the operator monitors the paper storage means one by one and does not need to operate a manual cut switch or the like when the paper is full, the burden on the operator is reduced and the page and the transfer end instruction means Since the printing operation is stopped after the transfer of the middle page is completed, printing for that page is not wasted.

  Further, since the present invention is provided with an immediate transfer end instruction means for instructing the end of the immediate transfer instead of the transfer completion instruction means for each page, when it is detected that the storage limit is reached, immediately, Since the end of transfer is instructed, the paper is cut immediately in time, so that subsequent processing can be quickly handled.

  In addition, by switching the buffering and omitting the buffering when unnecessary, the buffer is used when the paper size is large, the paper is thick, or the transport speed is high. Buffering is performed only when there is a need for ringing, and switching is performed so as to omit buffering that occurs many times, especially when the number of print sheets per job is small, the paper size is small, and the number of cuts is large. This prevents a decrease in processing speed for stopping printing due to buffering and the occurrence of paper feed failure (jam) in the buffer, and saves operator labor and time such as paper re-setting, and at high speed. An easy-to-handle printing device can be provided.

  Further, by providing necessity determining means and determination result switching means for determining the necessity of buffering, it is possible to automatically determine the necessity / unnecessity of buffering.

  As a result, the necessity / unnecessity of buffering is automatically determined accurately and reliably without the need for the operator to make a decision at all, so if it is not really necessary, buffering is performed, which wastes processing time. If it is really necessary, buffering can be performed to prevent accidents and breakdowns, so reliable printing is possible. Therefore, it is possible to provide a printing apparatus that can perform a printing process quickly.

  In addition, a cut position recognition unit is provided to automatically recognize the cut position of the printed continuous paper, and the blank print instructing unit prints a blank page before and after the perforation at the cut position. Since there is no printing before or after the perforation at the position, we provide a reliable printing device that can prevent non-standard forms from being issued due to misalignment of the cut position, and between the stacker and tray. By rubbing, it is possible to prevent the printed surface from becoming dirty or printing from becoming unclear.

  In addition, by providing blank page necessity setting means, by providing the blank page only when it is necessary to provide a blank page at the operator's intention, it can be used for documents that are not used for transactions. Since no blank page is provided, paper is not wasted and processing time is not consumed.

  Also, by providing a blank page number setting means for the operator to set the number of blank pages, the minimum necessary number of blank pages can be set according to the paper size.

  Further, by providing the cut number designation means, the number of cuts can be designated by the operator separately from the command from the host device. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an easy-to-handle printing apparatus that allows the operator to designate an arbitrary number of cuts as necessary and to prepare for various situations that require cutting.

  In addition to providing a cut number designation means, an accommodation limit detection means and the like can be provided. The operator can designate an arbitrary number of cuts by the cut number designation means, and the accommodation limit is detected by the accommodation limit detection means. In this case, regardless of the designated number of sheets, by cutting, the sheet is automatically cut by the cutting unit when the operator becomes full even if the operator does not monitor the sheet storage unit. The Therefore, it is not necessary to operate a manual cut switch or the like, which is convenient because the burden on the operator can be reduced and the operator can designate the number of cuts as needed.

  In addition, the number of cuts designation means is provided, and the height limit detection is made that the paper has accumulated at an arbitrary height designated by the paper height designation means in advance without the operator monitoring the paper storage means. If detected by the means, the paper height should be specified in advance so that the amount can be transported by the operator without manually operating the manual cut switch, etc. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the burden on the operator such as monitoring, cutting or transporting the paper.

  In addition, by providing a cut mode designating unit and a form switching detection unit, it is possible to designate various types of cuts according to the type of the form. It is possible to provide a reliable printing apparatus that reduces the labor for setting paper cutting, is easy to handle, and has no mistake in cutting.

  The printing apparatus according to each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 13 shows an overall device configuration diagram of the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, the printing apparatus according to this embodiment includes a printing apparatus 50 and a post-processing apparatus 51. The printing apparatus 50 has a recording carrier 52 such as a photosensitive drum on which a latent image is recorded, an optical unit 53 that records the latent image by irradiating the recording carrier with light, and holds print data in units of pages. Page buffer 54, developing unit 55 for developing the latent image with toner, transfer unit 56 for transferring the toner image onto a continuous medium such as paper, and the amount of charge on the carrier after transfer is set to zero potential. The neutralizing charger 57 that makes it easy to remove the residual toner, the cleaning brush 58 that removes the residual toner, the cleaning fleece 59, the pre-charger 60 that uniformly charges the carrier to a certain voltage value, and the fixing device 61 And an auto loading table 62, a folding stacker 63, and a hopper 64.

  Further, the post-processing device 51 includes a cutter 65 that cuts a sheet, a stacker 66 that accommodates the sheet, and a slide table 67 provided under the stacker 66.

  In the paper set in the hopper 61 of the printing apparatus 50, the print information is transferred onto the paper by the transfer unit 56 on the image formed on the record carrier 52. Thereafter, the toner image is fixed on the sheet by passing through the fixing device 61 and output from the printing apparatus 50 to the outside. The output paper is input to the post-processing device 51, and when the paper for which cutting has been instructed by the cutter 65 passes within the post-processing device 51, the cutting operation is performed, and then the paper is stored in the stacker 66. .

  When the cut sheet is stored in the stacker 66, the lower part of the stacker 66 is opened, and the sheet is dropped onto the slide table 67. The slide table 67 slides the table to the left and right when the sheet falls so that a lump of sheets can be easily separated.

  Subsequently, a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 14 shows a schematic diagram of a device configuration according to the first embodiment.

  The paper post-processing device 51 according to the first embodiment includes a buffer roller 70, a fan 71 that sends air during buffering, a paper guide 72, and a step roller that adjusts the paper size by moving up and down. 73, a buffer section paper sensor 74 for detecting the amount of slack of the paper during buffering, a feed roller 75, a cutting means 83 for cutting continuous paper, a roller sensor 78 for detecting the conveyance speed, and a continuous paper Accommodates swing guide 79 for shaking paper for folding, impeller motors 81 and 82 rotating in a fixed direction to hold continuous paper with wings when folding, swing sensor paper sensor 80, and folded continuous paper And a tray 66.

  FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram according to the first embodiment. The printing apparatus (printer apparatus) 50 includes an operation panel 92 provided with a keyboard, a switch, or a display unit, an MPU, a program, and the like, and a control unit 100 and a mechanism for performing various controls related to the entire printing apparatus 50, for example, It has a mechanism control section 93 that performs control related to the printing mechanism, and a mechanism section 94 provided with various mechanisms such as a printing mechanism. The operation panel 92 has a changeover switch 97 corresponding to the changeover means 15 for switching whether or not to perform buffering processing according to an instruction from the operator.

  The mechanism unit 94 includes a printing mechanism 98 and a printing transport mechanism 99 that transports continuous paper by the printing apparatus 50. The post-processing device 51 includes a control unit 90 corresponding to the MPU and its program, a display unit 91 for displaying a setting state for performing buffering or omitting, a transport speed detector 78, and a paper size detection. A device 86, a paper thickness detector 87, and a mechanism unit 95.

  Further, the mechanism section 94 includes a sheet storage mechanism 84 that folds and stores sheets, a sheet cutting mechanism 83 that cuts sheets according to instructions from a host device or an operator, and cutting and folding continuous printed sheets. And a post-processing transport mechanism 85 for transporting continuous paper during post-processing for storage and the like.

  The control unit 90 also includes a necessity determination unit that determines the necessity of buffering processing based on the results detected by the transport speed detector 78, the paper size detector 86, and the paper thickness detector 87. 96 and the determination result switching means 89 for switching whether or not to perform buffering based on the determination result of the necessity determination unit 96, and the switching of the determination result switching means 89, the post-processing transport mechanism 85 and the printing Buffering instruction means 88 that instructs or does not instruct buffering processing to the transport mechanism 99.

  Here, the necessity determination of the buffering process by the necessity determination unit 96 is, for example, giving priority to the switching of the changeover switch 97, and then the detection result of the sheet size detector 86, the sheet thickness detector 87, The priority is given to the order set in the order of the detection results of the last conveyance speed detector 78, and the determination is made.

  The necessity determination unit 96, the changeover switch 97, the conveyance speed detector 78, the sheet size detector 86, and the sheet thickness detector 87 correspond to the necessity determination unit 17.

  FIG. 16A shows a roller sensor that is the conveyance speed detector 78. The roller sensor detects the conveyance speed from an interval t of pulse signals generated when light from a light emitting element (not shown) reaches a light receiving element (not shown) through a hole 78b provided in the roller 78a (same as above). FIG. B).

  Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. After the paper is cut by the paper cutting mechanism 83 in step S31, conveyance of the paper is started in step S32.

  In step S33, the necessity determination unit 96 checks the setting of the changeover switch 97 and the detection results of the paper size detector 86, the paper thickness detector 87, and the conveyance speed detector 78. As a result, if it is determined in step S34 that the buffering (conveyance) process is necessary, the process proceeds to step S35, and after performing the buffering process, the process returns to the normal conveyance in step S36.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S34 that the buffering process is not necessary, the normal transport is performed in step S36 without performing the buffering process. Here, whether or not the buffering process is necessary is determined by the necessity determination unit 96 as follows, for example.

  When the changeover switch 97 is switched to “necessary” for buffering processing, whatever the detection results of the transport speed detector 78, the paper size detector 86, and the paper thickness detector 87, the buffering It is determined that processing is necessary.

  If the changeover switch 97 has not been switched to “necessary” for buffering processing, if it is detected that the result of the paper size detector 86 is equal to or larger than the reference paper size, the buffering processing is performed. Is determined to be necessary. This is because if the paper size is smaller than the standard paper size, the number of buffering increases, so the transport speed becomes extremely slow, so buffering is performed only when the paper size exceeds a certain level. It is to do.

  If it is detected that the result of the paper size detector 86 is larger than the reference paper size, the detection result of the paper thickness detector 87 is further viewed. If the paper thickness detector 87 is thicker than the standard paper thickness, it is determined that buffering is necessary.

  This is because when the paper thickness is thin, it is easy to fold, so there is no need to perform buffering. When the sheet thickness detector 87 detects that the sheet thickness is less than the reference sheet thickness, the detection result of the conveyance speed detector 78 is further viewed.

  When the transport speed of the transport speed detector 78 is equal to or higher than the reference transport speed, it is determined that buffering is necessary. When the transport speed is equal to or lower than the reference speed, it is determined that buffering is not necessary. . Here, the buffering process is shown in FIG. In the buffering conveyance process (step S35), the conveyance of the post-processing device 51 is stopped in step S351 after the sheet is cut.

  Then, since the leading edge of the continuous paper does not move forward, the continuous paper transported later by the printing transport mechanism 99 of the printing apparatus accumulates in the vicinity of the step roller 73 of the post-processing device 51, and the continuous paper becomes slack. The roller 73 is brought into a non-contact state. When the continuous paper falls due to the slack and loosens until it is detected by the buffer paper sensor 74, the process advances to step S353, the post-processing transport mechanism 85 of the post-processing device starts transporting, and the printer (printing device) 50 Stop the transport. As a result, the leading edge of the loose continuous paper advances, and is folded and stored.

  This process continues until the above-described slack is removed. When the slack is removed in step S354, the process returns to normal conveyance. In the above example, the changeover switch 97 for switching the buffering, the conveyance speed detector 78, the paper size detector 86, and the paper thickness detector 87 are all provided, but only one or any combination. You may provide so that it may become.

  Further, although the changeover switch 97 is provided on the operation panel 92 of the printing apparatus 50, it may be provided on the printed board of the printing apparatus 50 or in the post-processing apparatus. Further, switching may be performed by a switching signal from a higher-level device.

  Further, when the buffering is omitted, the paper can be folded more reliably by determining the swing timing of the swing guide 79 of the paper storage mechanism 84 by counting the mountain and valley signals for each paper size.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, since the buffering process is performed only when necessary, the flow of continuous sheet processing is smooth compared to a printing apparatus that always performs buffering, The paper processing speed is improved, and post-processing of printing becomes efficient and high speed. In addition, the omission of the buffering process does not hinder paper conveyance.

  Therefore, especially when the number of print sheets used in one job is small and the number of cuts is large, it is necessary to perform buffering processing (buffering and tray feed) for each cut, but buffering is omitted. As a result, by eliminating the initial printing performed for each conventional job, the processing time can be shortened and the processing speed can be improved.

  Further, depending on the type of paper, a paper feed failure (jam) is prevented by a buffer portion caused by vertical wrinkles of the paper, which is caused by buffering. Therefore, every time a paper feed failure occurs, the operator (operator) can save labor by re-setting the paper.

  Subsequently, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20. As shown in FIG. 19, this embodiment uses a post-processing device 51 connected to a printing device 50, as in the first embodiment.

  The printing apparatus 50 includes an operation panel (operator panel) 92 provided with a display unit such as a numeric keypad, a switch, or liquid crystal, an MPU, a program, and the like, and a control unit 100 that controls the entire printing apparatus and a mechanism of the printing apparatus. For example, a mechanism control unit 93 that controls a printing mechanism and the like, and a mechanism unit 94 provided with various mechanisms such as a printing mechanism.

  The operation panel 92 has a blank page necessity setting switch 102 for setting whether or not to print a blank page before and after the perforation at the cut position of the continuous paper is sandwiched by an operator's instruction, and the cut position. A blank page number setting switch 103 for setting the number of blank pages before and after the perforation.

  Further, when blank page printing is set by the blank page necessity setting switch 103, the mechanism control unit 93 is instructed by the blank page number setting switch 103 for blank pages corresponding to the set number of pages. Blank print instructing means 107 and a cut position recognizing means 104 for recognizing the perforation at the cut position where the continuous paper is to be cut.

  Here, the cut position recognition unit 104 recognizes the cut position based on the counters 105 and 106 provided in the control unit 93. Further, the printing apparatus 50 is provided with a patrol lamp 101 that indicates that a blank page has been output. The post-processing device 51 includes at least a control unit 90, a paper size detector 86, and a mechanism unit 95, and the mechanism unit 95 is provided with a sheet cutting mechanism 83.

  Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In step S41, the number of cuts is designated by the cut number designation switch 108 of the operation panel 92. In step S <b> 42, the designated number of cuts is instructed to the mechanism control unit 93 via the control unit 100.

  In step S43, the mechanism control unit 93 is instructed to start printing. In step S44, printing is started by an instruction from the mechanism control unit 93. When printing of one page is completed in step S45, "1" is added to the count value CN2 of the counter 105 for counting the number of printed sheets in step S46.

  In step S47, the cut position recognizing means 104 determines whether or not the count value CN2 representing the number of printed sheets coincides with a value that is smaller by 1 than the count value CN1 of the counter 106 that counts the number of cuts instructed by the control unit. To do. If they do not match, the processes in steps S43 to S46 are repeated until they match.

  If they match, the process proceeds to step S48 to see whether or not the blank page necessity switch 102 is on. If it is in the ON state, the process proceeds to step S48, and after checking the paper size detector 86 by the blank page number setting switch 103, the operator sets the number N of blank pages.

  In step S50, the blank print instructing unit 107 instructs the printing mechanism 98 to print a blank page N, and a blank page is printed. At this time, the patrol lamp 101 indicating that a blank page has been output is turned on. When N blank pages are printed, CNT2 = 0 and the process returns to step S43, and the above processing is repeated.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, by providing the blank page necessity setting switch 102 and the blank print instructing means 107, even when there is a deviation between the perforation and the cut position, the front and rear of the cut position are provided. Providing a reliable printing device in which non-standard printing paper with a shifted cutting position is not used for transactions by providing blank pages, and does not give a bad impression to suppliers. Can do.

  Also, by providing the blank page number setting switch 103, it is possible to set the number of blank pages before and after the perforation at the cut position, so that an appropriate blank page can be set according to the paper size.

  Further, since it is possible to clearly display to the operator or the like that a blank page has been output to the patrol lamp 101, it is possible to prevent accidents that are handled as normal print pages even though a blank page has been output. it can.

  In the second embodiment, the blank page is printed only when the perforation at the cutting position is one of the valley perforation or the mountain perforation, and the printing of the blank page is minimized. May be.

  Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 21, in this embodiment, a post-processing device 51 is connected to a printing device 50 in the same manner as in the first and second embodiments.

  The printing apparatus 50 includes an operation panel 92 provided with a keyboard, a switch, or a display unit, an MPU, a program, and the like, and a control unit 100 that controls the entire printing apparatus and a mechanism of the printing apparatus, such as a printing mechanism. And a mechanism unit 94 provided with various mechanisms such as a printing mechanism.

  The operation panel 92 is provided with a cut number designation switch 108 for designating the number of cuts and a transfer end changeover switch 116 for switching between the end of transfer for each page or the end of immediate transfer.

  If the mechanism control unit 93 detects that the sheet storage exceeds the storage limit of the sheet storage mechanism 84, the mechanism control unit 93 stops the printing operation after the page transfer during printing of the printing mechanism 98 is completed. When it is detected that the transfer completion instruction means 111 for each page to be instructed, the paper storage mechanism 84 exceeds the storage limit, the immediate transfer end instruction means 112 for instructing the end of transfer immediately, and the paper storage mechanism 84, instructing cutting of the printed continuous sheet for each designated number designated by the host apparatus or the operator, and when the accommodation limit detecting means 114 detects that the storage limit is reached, Cut instruction means 113 for instructing cutting of the perforation at the end of the train on the page being printed is provided.

  Further, the post-processing device 51 includes a control unit 90 corresponding to the MPU and its program, a mechanism unit 95, and a storage limit for detecting whether or not a sheet is stored exceeding the storage limit of the paper storage mechanism 84. Detection means 114 is provided. The mechanism unit 95 includes at least a paper storage mechanism 84 that folds and stores paper, and a paper cutting mechanism 83 that performs cutting of the paper according to an instruction from a host device or an operator.

  FIG. 22 shows an example of the paper storage mechanism 84. FIG. 22A shows a tray according to this example. In the figure, reference numeral 79 is a swing guide that swings the paper when the paper is folded, reference numeral 121 is an impeller for pressing the paper from the top when folding, and reference numeral 120 is an upper part of the stacked paper. This is a tray full sensor that detects the storage limit when the paper is blocked for a predetermined time or more.

  FIG. 22B shows a stacker according to this example. The stacker is provided with a stacker table 123, which is a bottom on which sheets are accumulated, so that it can be moved up and down by a stepping motor, unlike a tray in which the bottom on which sheets are accumulated is fixed.

  The vertical movement is controlled so that the upper limit of the sheet is positioned at a certain height. In the figure, reference numeral 122 denotes a stacker full sensor corresponding to the height limit detecting means for detecting the upper limit of the sheet in order to control the upper limit of the sheet to a constant height.

  Subsequently, an operation according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In step S61, the printing apparatus 50 is instructed to feed paper to the post-processing apparatus 51.

  If a stacker full signal is received from the stacker full sensor 122 in the cutter device (paper cutting mechanism) 83 in step S62, the cut instructing unit 113 of the printing apparatus 50 performs the page-by-page transfer end instructing unit 111 or the immediate transfer end instruction. The transfer is terminated by the means 112, and the paper feed to the post-processing device 51 is stopped.

  In step S64, the cut instruction means 113 instructs the cutter device (paper cutting mechanism) 83 to cut. In step S65, when the cutting end notification is received from the cutter device 84, the printing device 50 instructs the cutter device 83 (post-processing device 51) to feed paper in step S66.

  In the above example, both the page-by-page transfer end instructing unit 111 and the immediate transfer end instructing unit 112 and the transfer end changeover switch 116 are provided, but the page transfer end instructing unit 111 or the immediate transfer end instructing unit 112 Only one may be provided.

  Further, the display unit 91 may be provided in the post-processing device 51, or the fact that the cutting operation is being performed may be displayed on a screen or the like in the operation panel 92. Further, the cut number designation switch 108 may not be provided. Further, the number of cuts may be displayed on a display unit provided on the operation panel 92.

  In this embodiment, when the paper in the tray or stacker as the paper storage mechanism becomes full, printing is automatically stopped immediately after the transfer of the page being printed is completed or immediately. By automatically performing the cutting operation at the next perforation of the page being printed or immediately after the point at which printing was stopped, the printing is automatically resumed without manual intervention. By performing this, the burden on the operator can be reduced.

  Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 24, the printing apparatus 50 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 100, an operator panel 92, a mechanism control unit 93, and a mechanism unit 94.

  The operator panel 92 is provided with a cut number designation switch 108 for designating the number of cuts by an operator and a liquid crystal screen (not shown) on which the number of cuts is displayed.

  Further, the mechanism control unit 93 includes a print control unit 153, a storage area 162 that can hold a previously set value after re-IPL after power-off, and an expansion process that performs character information analysis or BMM expansion processing. Section 154 and BMM (bit map memory) 156.

  Further, the print control unit 153 counts the number of printed sheets printed by the printing mechanism, and when the designated number of cuts is reached, the number of printed sheets counting unit 160 for erasing the count result so far is designated. In accordance with the number of cuts, when the count result of the printed sheet count unit 160 matches the number of cuts, the sheet cutting mechanism 83 is instructed to cut, while the upper limit detection sensor 158 serving as a storage limit detection unit performs an accommodation limit. Is detected, cut instruction means 161 for instructing the cutting mechanism 83 to cut regardless of the designated number of cuts.

  In the post-processing device 51, the sheet cutting mechanism 83, the control unit 90 provided with the cutter control unit 157, and the sheets stored in the sheet stacker 163 of the sheet storing mechanism 84 exceed the upper limit that is the storage limit. An upper limit detection sensor 158 for detecting whether or not there is a paper storage mechanism 84 that folds and stores the printed continuous paper. In addition, the host computer 140 instructs printing or the like by sending character data or control data to the printing apparatus.

  Next, the operation of the printing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 25, 26, and 27. FIG. Data from the host computer 140 is divided into character data or other control data by a control unit (not shown) in the printing apparatus 50, and the control data (information) is sent to the print control unit 153. The character data is sent to the expansion processing unit 154. The development control unit 154 performs BMM development on the BMM 156 based on an instruction from the print control unit 153.

  The development processing unit 154 notifies the print control unit 153 of page completion when data for one page is completed, and the print control unit 153 activates the mechanism unit 94. At this time, if there is a cut instruction from the host computer 140 on the requested page, the cutter control unit 157 of the post-processing device 51 is notified that the next cut page has been activated. Since the paper length of the printing apparatus 50 and the post-processing apparatus 51 is fixed, the cutter control unit 157 can grasp how many pages are to be cut when a cutting instruction is given. . The printed paper is guided to the post-processing device, and the cutting operation is performed when the page to which the cutting instruction is added passes through the paper cutting mechanism 83.

  Further, the cutter control unit 157 opens the lower part and drops the paper on the slide table 159 when the cut instruction is added and the cut page enters the stacker 163. Next, the cutter control unit 157 requests the slide table 159 to slide so that the separation of the printed material can be recognized.

  By the way, in the present embodiment, in addition to cutting the paper according to an instruction from the host computer 140, as shown in FIG. 25, the operator can arbitrarily designate the number of cuts, and according to the designated number of sheets. The paper is also cut.

  As shown in FIG. 25, when any key on the operator panel 92 is pressed in step S70, a signal is interrupted to the panel interrupt processing unit, and panel processing is started.

  First, in step S71, it is determined whether or not the printing apparatus 50 is in a stopped state. In the stop state, for example, “Please press the start switch. The number of cut sheets is 2500” is displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the operator panel 92, and the cut number designation switch 108 is pressed in step S73. It is determined whether or not.

  If it is determined that the cut number designation switch 108 has been pressed, a newly added cut number setting mode flag is determined. If it is OFF, the cut number setting flag is set to ON in step 75, and the printing apparatus The 50 mode is changed to the cut number setting mode.

  In step S76, the information on the number of cuts stored in the storage area 162 in the nonvolatile memory is accumulated in the work area. In step S77, the highest number of the number of cuts on the liquid crystal panel is highlighted, and the process ends.

  On the other hand, if there is a numeric keypad input in the cut number setting mode in step S81, the process proceeds to step S82, the input value is written in the work area, the character input on the liquid crystal panel is written in step S83, In S86, the lower digit is highlighted. That is, when the number of cuts set at the beginning is, for example, 2500, the “2” in the thousandth place is changed to “1” and the number is changed to 1500, so the numeric keypad of “1” is used for the thousandth place. Is entered, the lower number “5” is highlighted.

  If it is determined in step S84 that the input digit is the lowest digit, the highest digit is highlighted in step S85. If the cut number designation switch 108 is pressed again during the cut number setting mode, the work area value is written into the cut number storage area, the cut number setting mode flag is turned OFF, and the reverse display is restored. The initial value immediately after the IPL of the cut sheet number setting mode flag is OFF.

  FIG. 26 shows the operation of the print control unit 153 when performing cutting with the number of cuts set from the panel. In step S91, it is determined whether or not there is a page completion notice from the development processing unit 154. If there is a notice, the process proceeds to step S92, and 1 is added to the count value of the print number counting means (counter) 160. .

  In step S93, the cut instruction means 161 reads the value in the storage area 162 storing the designated number of cuts. In step S94, the specified cut sheet number is compared with the printed sheet counter value. If equal, the process advances to step S95 to instruct the cutter control unit 157 to cut, and in step S96, the print sheet counter value is erased.

  On the other hand, if the value of the designated number of cuts is not equal to the value of the printed sheet counter value, the process is terminated and a next page completion notification is awaited. FIG. 27 shows an example in which information when the stack upper limit from the upper limit detection sensor 158 of the post-processing apparatus is exceeded can be input to the printing apparatus 50 in FIG.

  If there is no page completion notification in step S91, the cut instruction means 161 of the print control unit 153 detects whether the stack upper limit of the stacker 163 of the paper storage mechanism 84 has been exceeded in step S100. A determination is made based on the sensor 158.

  If it is determined that the stacker has exceeded the upper limit, the process proceeds to step S 101, and a cutting instruction is given to the paper cutting mechanism 83 via the cutter control unit 157. In step S102, the counter value of the printed sheet counting means 160 is erased, and the process ends.

  FIG. 28 shows a stacker 163 provided in the paper storage mechanism 84. In the figure, reference numeral 164 denotes an openable bottom cover at the lower part of the stacker, reference numeral 158 denotes an upper limit detection sensor using a photosensor, and reference numeral 165 denotes a sensor support provided with the upper limit detection sensor 158. is there.

  The upper limit detection sensor 158 is provided by providing the bottom of the stacker 163 on which sheets are accumulated so as to be movable up and down by a stepping motor or the like, and attaching the lower end of the sensor support 165 to the bottom so as to be movable up and down in conjunction with the bottom. Can detect the height of sheet overlap. The upper limit detection sensor 158 notifies the print control unit 153 via the cutter control unit 157 when light is blocked for a certain period of time.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the cut number designation switch 108 is provided on the operator panel, the storage area 162, the print number counting means 160, and the like are provided in the mechanism control unit. Even when a command for cutting instructions is not defined between the printing apparatuses 50, it is possible for an operator to perform cutting on a specified page, reducing the trouble of cutting paper by the operator, and handling for the operator. An easy-to-use printing apparatus can be provided.

  Next, a printing apparatus according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 29 shows the printing apparatus 50, the post-processing apparatus 51, and the host 140 according to this embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 29, the printing apparatus 50 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 100, an operator panel 92, a mechanism control unit 93, and a mechanism unit 94. The control unit 100 is provided with a command analysis unit 170 that analyzes a form addition command issued from a host 140 that is a host device.

  The operator panel 92 has at least a cut designation input switch 168 for designating whether or not to perform cutting in a predetermined cutting mode depending on the type of form, and a liquid crystal screen (not shown) capable of various displays. . Here, the cut designation input switch 168 corresponds to the cut mode designation means 42. Here, “predetermined” may be predetermined or may be arbitrarily designated by an operator or the like.

  Further, the mechanism control unit 93 includes a print control unit 153, a cut designation storage area 169 that can hold a previously set value after re-IPL after the power is turned off, character information analysis, BMM expansion, A development processing unit 154 that performs overlay BMM development processing, a BMM 156, an overlay BMM 172, and an overlay data memory 171 are included.

  Further, the print control unit 153 is set according to the form type detected by the form switching detection means 167 and the form switching detection means 167 for detecting the type of the form or the switching thereof. In this aspect, the sheet cutting mechanism 83 includes a cutting instruction unit 166 for instructing cutting.

  Further, the expansion processing unit 154 includes an overlay sequence control buffer 173 and a page buffer 174. Here, “overlay” means a form. The form switching detection means 167 is issued from the host 140, which is a host device, and is based on a form addition command that is a control command for actually adding an overlay to the print character data. Or a combination of a plurality of forms of different types or switching between them.

  Examples of the form addition command include the following.

  1) Overlay control command 1

  As shown in FIG. 30 (a), the data format is data indicating the number of sheets and the presence / absence of overlay for a given combination of forms (X'00 '→ no overlay printing, other than X'00' → last Print the overlay pattern registered by the overlay registration command. For example, if the data of the overlay control command 1 is X'02FF0200 ', the first set has two copies, with overlay, the second set has two copies, and no overlay. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 30 (b), when an overlay pattern is defined and the character data on the first page is “Ah” and the data on the second page is “Kakiku”, it is shown in FIG. 30 (c). Printing is performed.

  2) Overlay control command 2

  As shown in FIG. 31A, the data format includes the number of copies and an overlay sequence (ID name).

  FIG. 31B shows the case of overlay control command 2. For example, if the data of the command is X'00050A0B0C0C00 ', it means that the number of copies is 5, and the overlay sequence is overlay ID = 0A, overlay ID = 0B, overlay ID = 0C, overlay ID = 0C , Meaning no overlay. The data on the first page is “Ah”, and the data on the second page is “Kakiku”.

  In accordance with the command data, five copies of one page of data are copied, and each page is based on the overlay sequence. If there is an overlay instruction, information to that effect is added and a drawing instruction is performed.

  Subsequently, the operation of the fifth embodiment will be described. When a form addition command such as an overlay control command 1, 2 is issued from the host 140, the command data is stored in the overlay sequence control buffer 173 in the development processing unit 154 by the command analysis unit 170.

  Next, when character print data comes, the command analysis unit 170 analyzes the command, and then the character data is stored in the page buffer 174 of the expansion processing unit 154, and the control data is sent to the print control unit 153. Notice. The expansion processing unit 154 analyzes character data for each line based on an instruction from the print control unit 153 and performs expansion on the BMM 156. When the developed data is completed for one page, a page completion notification is sent to the print control unit 153.

  Further, the expansion processing unit 154 determines whether or not there is overlay data in the expanded page with reference to the overlay sequence control buffer 173, and if there is, the information in the overlay data memory 171 is used to determine the overlay data. The expansion process to the BMM 172 is performed. When the print control unit 153 activates the mechanism unit 94, the print control unit 153 instructs whether or not there is overlay data based on the data in the overlay sequence control buffer 173 and activates a plurality of sheets.

  When there is no overlay data, the mechanism unit 94 performs drawing based on the data of the BMM 156. When there is overlay data, the mechanism unit 94 performs drawing by taking the logical sum of the data of the BMM 156 and the data of the overlay BMM 172. Subsequently, the cut designation input switch 168 on the operator panel 92 is used to designate whether or not to cut when switching the form.

  FIG. 32 shows a cut designation process (cut designation input process) according to the fifth embodiment. When any key on the operator panel 92 is pressed in step S110, a signal is interrupted to the panel interrupt processing unit, and panel processing is started.

  First, in step S111, it is determined whether or not the printing apparatus (printer) is in a stopped state. In the stop state, for example, “Please press the start switch. Cut designation is valid” is displayed on the operator panel 92, and whether or not the cut designation input switch 168 has been depressed in step S112. Determine whether.

  If it is determined that the cut designation input switch 168 has been pressed, the newly added cut designation setting mode flag is turned on in step S113, the mode of the printing apparatus 50 is changed to the cut designation setting mode, and in step 114. The liquid crystal display message provided on the operator panel 92 is changed to the cut designation setting mode. In this case, as the liquid crystal display, for example, “press“ 0 ”to disable or“ 1 ”to enable” is displayed on the screen.

  If it is determined in step S115 that a numeric keypad is input (pressed) during the cut designation setting mode, the instruction is stored in the cut designation storage area 169 that is a nonvolatile memory. At this time, if the key input is other than “0” or “1”, the processing in the nonvolatile memory is not performed. If “1” is pressed, it is determined that there is a cut instruction in the area in the nonvolatile memory. 1 "is entered, the process proceeds to step S118, and the display on the operator panel is set to 1).

  If “0” is pressed, “0” is entered in the non-volatile memory as no cut instruction, the process proceeds to step S119, the operator panel display is set to 2), the process proceeds to step S120, and the cut designation mode is being set. The process is ended with the flag of OFF. Note that the initial value immediately after the IPL of the cut designation setting mode flag is OFF.

  FIG. 33 shows the operation of the print control unit 153 when the above-described overlay control command 1 is issued.

  In step S130, the portion corresponding to the form switching detection means 167 determines whether or not an overlay control command 1 has been issued in step S131 when a page completion notification is sent from the development processing unit 154 to the print control unit 153. To do. Whether or not the overlay control command 1 has been issued is determined by whether or not the information in the overlay sequence control buffer 173 is empty.

  If the overlay control command 1 has been issued, the process proceeds to step S133, and it is determined whether or not printing is performed with overlay. In the case of printing with overlay, the process proceeds to step S133, and the mechanism unit 94 is activated with overlay. In the case of printing without overlay, the process proceeds to step S134, and the mechanism unit 94 is activated without overlay. multiply.

  In step S135, the sequence in the overlay sequence control buffer 173 is referred to, and it is determined whether or not the second set is present by determining whether or not the second set is not zero.

  If there is no second set, the process proceeds to step S142, and the portion corresponding to the cut instruction means 166 determines whether or not the cut instruction is valid. If it is valid, the process proceeds to step S143 and the cut instruction is issued. This is performed for the cutter control unit 157.

  On the other hand, if there is the second set, the process proceeds to step S136, and the number of copies is stored in the area.

  Steps S137 to S141 are the same as steps S132 to 143 of the first set (there is no processing corresponding to step S135 because there are up to two sets as shown in FIG. 30). The activation of the unit 94 is performed, and it is determined whether or not the cutting instruction is valid after the instruction. If the instruction is valid, the cutting instruction to the cutting control unit 157 is performed.

  In this case, the form to be cut by the cut designation input switch 168 is switched every two sets, that is, in the fourth sheet from the top in FIG.

  FIG. 34 shows the operation of the print control unit 153 when the above-described overlay control command 2 is issued.

  In step S150, the portion corresponding to the form switching detection unit 167 determines whether or not the overlay control command 2 has been issued in step S151 when a page completion notification is sent from the development processing unit 154 to the print control unit 153. To do. Whether or not the overlay control command 2 has been issued is determined by whether or not the information in the overlay sequence control buffer 173 is empty.

  If it is determined in step S151 that the overlay control command 2 has been issued, the process proceeds to step S152, and the number of copies is set in the loop counter.

  In step S153, the ID search counter is set to 0 in order to read the ID in the overlay sequence control buffer 173 from the top. The following processing is repeated until the loop counter becomes 0 in step S154.

  If the loop counter is not 0, the process proceeds to step S155, and the ID of the ID search counter is searched. If the overlay ID is 0 in step S156, the process proceeds to step S157, and the mechanism unit 94 is activated without overlay. If the overlay ID is not 0 in step S156, the process proceeds to step S158 to activate the mechanism unit 94 with an overlay. In step S159, the ID search counter is incremented by 1, and in step S160, the loop counter is decremented by 1, thereby returning to step S154. In this way, the process is repeated, and when the loop counter is set to 0 and the loop is exited in step S154, the process proceeds to step S161, and it is determined whether or not the cut instruction is valid.

  If the cutting instruction is valid, a cutting instruction is issued to the cutter control unit 157 in step S162. In the example of FIG. 31B, the cut designation by the cut designation input switch 168 is between the fifth form and the sixth form from the top.

  The cut mode shown in the present embodiment is merely an example, and there can be various cut modes. According to this embodiment, it is possible to specify complicated cuts according to the type of form, so that it is possible to reduce the trouble of paper cutting by the operator, and it is easy to handle and provides a reliable printing device with no cutting mistake. can do.

  In each of the above examples, the case where the printing apparatus and the post-processing apparatus are separately provided and connected to each other has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this case, and a part having a function of performing post-processing in the printing apparatus. It is also possible to provide a device. Further, the above embodiments can be arbitrarily combined. Accordingly, the printing apparatus may be a combination of all the embodiments.

Principle block diagram according to the first invention Principle block diagram according to the second invention Principle flow diagram according to the third invention Principle block diagram according to the fourth invention Principle block diagram according to the fifth invention Principle block diagram according to the sixth invention Principle block diagram according to the seventh invention Principle block diagram according to the eighth invention Principle block diagram according to the ninth invention Principle block diagram according to the tenth invention Principle block diagram according to the eleventh invention Principle block diagram according to the twelfth invention Overall equipment configuration diagram according to the embodiment Device configuration schematic diagram of post-processing apparatus according to the first embodiment Block diagram according to the first embodiment The figure which shows the conveyance speed detector which concerns on a 1st Example. Process flow diagram according to first embodiment The flowchart which shows the buffering conveyance process which concerns on an Example Block diagram according to the second embodiment Process flow diagram according to second embodiment Block diagram according to the third embodiment The figure which shows the tray and stacker which concern on a 3rd Example. Operation sequence and processing flowchart according to the third embodiment Block diagram according to the fourth embodiment Flowchart showing cut number input processing according to the fourth embodiment The flowchart which shows the 1st example of the cut instruction | indication issuing process which concerns on a 4th Example. The flowchart which shows the 2nd example of the cut instruction issue process which concerns on a 4th Example. The figure which shows the stacker which concerns on a 4th Example Block diagram according to the fifth embodiment FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a printing sequence according to the fifth embodiment (1) FIG. (2) showing an example of a printing sequence according to the fifth embodiment Flow chart showing cut designation input processing according to the fifth embodiment The flowchart which shows the 1st example of the cut instruction | indication issue process which concerns on a 5th Example. The flowchart which shows the 2nd example of the cut instruction | indication issue process which concerns on a 5th Example. Block diagram according to conventional example

Explanation of symbols

11 (99): Printing transport means (printing transport mechanism)
12 (85): Post-processing transport means (post-processing transport mechanism)
14, 88 ... buffering instruction means 15 (97) ... switching means (switch)
16, 89 ... Determination result switching means 17 (96) ... Necessity determining means (Necessity determining section)
21, 31... Continuous paper printing means 22 (51)... Post-processing means (post-processing apparatus)
23, 25, 104 ... Cut position recognition means 24, 26, 29, 107 ... Blank printing instruction means 27 (102) ... Blank page necessity setting means (blank page necessity setting switch)
28 (103): Blank page number setting means (blank page number setting switch)
32 (83) ... cutting means (paper cutting mechanism)
33 (84): Paper storage means (paper storage mechanism)
34, 38, 40, 44, 46, 48, 113, 166... Cut instruction means 35, 111... Each page transfer end instruction means 43, 45, 49, 114. 39 (108): Cut number designation means (cut number designation switch)
41 (160) ... Number of printed sheet counting means (number of printed sheet counter)
30 (158) ... Height limit detection means (upper limit detection sensor)
42 (168) ... Cut mode designation means (cut designation input switch)
47, 167 ... Form switching detection means 10 ... Paper height designation means

Claims (2)

Continuous paper printing means for printing continuous paper;
A necessity determination unit that detects the necessity of buffering processing by detecting the size, thickness, or conveyance speed of the continuous sheet when conveying the printed continuous sheet printed by the continuous sheet printing unit;
A sheet storage unit configured to fold and store the printed continuous sheet conveyed based on a result of determining whether the buffering process is necessary or unnecessary by the necessity determination unit;
A storage limit detecting means for detecting whether or not a paper is stored exceeding a storage limit of the paper storage means ;
Performs instructions of the printed continuous sheet cut into upper position device or every designated number designated by the operator, when it is detected is accommodated limit by the housing limit detecting means, the page being printed Cutting instruction means for instructing cutting to the perforation at the end of transfer,
Cutting means for cutting the printed continuous paper according to the instructions of the cutting instruction means;
And a printing apparatus that stops printing operation after the transfer of the page being printed by the continuous paper printing unit is completed when it is detected that the storage limit of the paper storage unit is exceeded. Continuous paper printing means for printing continuous paper;
A necessity determination unit that detects the necessity of buffering processing by detecting the size, thickness, or conveyance speed of the continuous sheet when conveying the printed continuous sheet printed by the continuous sheet printing unit;
A sheet storage unit configured to fold and store the printed continuous sheet conveyed based on a result of determining whether the buffering process is necessary or unnecessary by the necessity determination unit;
A storage limit detecting means for detecting whether or not a paper is stored exceeding a storage limit of the paper storage means ;
Performs instructions of the printed continuous sheet cut into upper position device or every designated number designated by the operator, when it is housed limit by the housing limit detecting means is detected, then comes the sewing machine Cutting instruction means for instructing cutting to the eyes;
Cutting means for cutting the printed continuous paper according to the instructions of the cutting instruction means;
A printing apparatus having means for immediately stopping the printing operation when it is detected that the storage limit of the paper storage means is exceeded.

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