A printing method, a printer and a printing method thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a printing method, a printer and a printing method thereof. The printing method comprises printing a printing medium when the printing medium is conveyed in a paper ejection direction away from a paper feeding direction. Since the printing method is performed in the paper ejection process, even if there is a printing medium at the paper dragging roller at the beginning, as long as the distance between the printing start position and the end of the printing medium is equal to the printing length, the printing medium at the paper dragging roller after the paper ejection can also be printed, thereby preventing waste of the printing medium. After the printing is completed, the printed medium after the printing is conveyed in the paper feeding direction to be output from a paper outlet for a user to take.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of printing equipment, and more specifically to a printing method, a printer, and the printing method thereof. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technology, in some printers, the paper feed roller is located downstream of the paper feed roller in the paper feeding direction. Through the interaction between the paper feed roller and the paper feed roller, the printing medium between them is tensioned. In this way, the length of the printing medium between the paper feed roller and the paper feed roller is fixed. During the printing process of the printed part, the printing medium is kept taut while the paper is feeding and printing, so there is no problem of printing positioning offset. However, in order to maintain tension, the paper feed roller must tension part of the printing medium. This part of the printing medium will not be printed by the printed part, so part of the printing medium will be wasted. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the above-mentioned defects or problems in the prior art and to provide a printing method, a printer and the printing method thereof.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention and its preferred embodiments employ the following technical solutions, but the embodiments are not limited to the following solutions:

[0005] Option 1: A printing method for printing on a printing medium and conveying the printed medium along the paper feed direction to output it from the paper outlet, wherein the printing medium is printed while being conveyed in a paper retraction direction opposite to the paper feed direction, and the printed medium is conveyed along the paper feed direction to output it from the paper outlet.

[0006] Option 2, based on Option 1, further includes the following steps: Before conveying the printing medium along the paper ejection direction and printing the printing medium, it is also suitable to perform the following steps: conveying the printing medium along the paper feed direction during the first printing, or conveying the printing medium along the paper feed direction when the obtained required printing length exceeds the preset length, or conveying the printing medium along the paper ejection direction first, and then conveying the printing medium along the paper feed direction.

[0007] Option 3, a printer, including

[0008] The machine body is equipped with a paper outlet;

[0009] The first roller is adapted to apply force to the printing medium so that the printing medium is conveyed in the paper feed direction or the paper ejection direction;

[0010] Printed materials suitable for printing on printing media; and

[0011] The controller is adapted to control the printing element to print the printing medium while controlling the first roller to convey the printing medium in the paper feeding direction, and to control the first roller to convey the printed medium in the paper feeding direction after printing is completed, so as to output the printed medium from the paper outlet.

[0012] Option 4, based on Option 3, involves placing the first roller upstream of the printed piece in the paper feeding direction.

[0013] Option 5, based on Option 4, further includes a second roller located downstream of the printed component in the paper feeding direction. The second roller is adapted to apply force to the printing medium to transport and tension the printing medium between the second roller and the first roller in the paper feeding direction. The controller is adapted to control the first roller to transport the printing medium in the paper ejection direction after controlling the second roller to tension the printing medium between the second roller and the first roller.

[0014] Option 6, based on Option 5, further includes a printing roller, wherein the number of printing elements is three or four, each of the printing elements is arranged around the printing roller and forms a paper feed gap between the printing roller suitable for the passage of printing media, and in the paper feed direction, the printing roller is located between the first roller and the second roller, and the printing roller is adapted to apply force to the printing media so that the printing media is conveyed in the paper feed direction or the paper ejection direction.

[0015] Option 7, based on Option 6, further includes a first paper feeding channel and a second paper feeding channel, which are respectively connected to both ends of the paper feeding gap.

[0016] Option 8, based on Options 3 to 7, further includes a first sensor and a second sensor electrically connected to the controller; in the paper feeding direction, the first sensor is located between the first roller and the printhead, and the first sensor is adapted to emit a first signal when the printhead passes through for the first time, and the controller is adapted to start calculating the paper feed length when receiving the first signal; in the paper feeding direction, the second sensor is located upstream of the printhead, and the second sensor is adapted to emit a second signal when it detects that the printhead has passed through the printing start position, and the controller is adapted to receive the second signal and compare the calculated printhead position with the printhead position determined by the second sensor to correct the printing position.

[0017] Solution Nine, a printing method for a printer, based on the printer described in Solution Six, the printing method comprising the following steps:

[0018] The controller controls the first roller, printing roller, and second roller to convey the printing medium along the paper ejection direction until the printing start point of the printing medium corresponds to the printed part;

[0019] Control each printout to start printing sequentially;

[0020] After all printouts are completed, the first roller, printing roller, and second roller are controlled to convey the printing medium along the paper feed direction so that the printed medium is output from the paper outlet.

[0021] Option 10, based on Option 9, further includes the following steps: Before conveying the printing media in the paper ejection direction, the following steps are also included:

[0022] The controller obtains the required printing length. When the obtained required printing length exceeds the preset length or during the first printing, the printing medium is conveyed along the paper feed direction, or the printing medium is conveyed first along the paper ejection direction and then along the paper feed direction.

[0023] As can be seen from the above description of the present invention and its preferred embodiments, compared with the prior art, the technical solution of the present invention and its preferred embodiments have the following beneficial effects due to the adoption of the following technical means:

[0024] 1. In Scheme 1 and its preferred embodiments, a printing method prints the printing medium while conveying it in a paper ejection direction opposite to the paper feeding direction. Since this printing method prints during the paper ejection process, even if there is printing medium at the paper feed roller at the beginning, as long as the distance between the printing start position and the end of the printing medium is confirmed to be equal to the printing length, the printing medium at the paper feed roller can also be printed after the paper is ejected, preventing waste of printing medium. After printing is completed, the printed medium can be conveyed along the paper feeding direction to be output from the paper outlet for the user to pick up.

[0025] 2. In Scheme 2 and its preferred embodiments, the printing medium needs to be fed along the paper feed direction during the first print, or fed along the paper feed direction when the obtained required print length exceeds the preset length, or fed along the paper ejection direction first, and then fed along the paper feed direction, so that the printing start position is downstream of the print in the paper feed direction, thereby preparing for paper ejection printing; wherein, ejecting the paper first, feeding the paper, and then ejecting the paper again for printing prevents the tensioned printing medium from retracting or the user from manually moving the printing medium after a power outage, a long period of no printing, or the machine cover being opened, causing the position of the printing medium to change.

[0026] 3. In Scheme 3 and its preferred embodiments, a printer includes a body, a first roller, a printing element, and a controller. The body is provided with a paper output port. The first roller is adapted to apply force to the printing medium to transport the printing medium along the paper feed direction or the paper ejection direction. The printing element is adapted to print on the printing medium. The controller is adapted to control the printing element to print on the printing medium while controlling the first roller to transport the printing medium along the paper ejection direction, thereby preventing waste of the printing medium. After printing is completed, the controller controls the first roller to transport the printed medium along the paper feed direction so as to output the printed medium from the paper output port for easy access by the user.

[0027] 4. In Scheme 4 and its preferred embodiments, if the first roller is located downstream of the printed object in the paper feeding direction, then during paper ejection, the force exerted by the first roller on the printing medium is behind in the paper ejection direction, resulting in compression of the printing material. This can easily cause wrinkles, affecting the determination of the printing position and thus impacting the final printing effect. By positioning the first roller upstream of the printed object in the paper feeding direction, the force exerted by the first roller on the printing medium during paper ejection is in front in the paper ejection direction, resulting in stretching of the printing medium and a tensioning effect. This improves the above-mentioned problems and presents a better printing effect.

[0028] 5. In Scheme 5 and its preferred embodiments, since the force exerted by the first roller when conveying the printing medium along the paper feeding direction is on the rear side of the paper feeding direction, it will still cause wrinkles in the printing medium. Although the first roller has a certain tension on the printing medium when the paper is ejected, it will still cause a certain amount of printing positioning offset. Therefore, by setting a second roller, which is located downstream of the printed part in the paper feeding direction, the second roller is suitable for applying force to the printing medium so that the printing medium is conveyed along the paper feeding direction and tensions the printing medium between the second roller and the first roller. Then, the first roller is controlled to perform the paper ejection action. Based on Scheme 4, it can be ensured that the printing medium at the printed part is always in a tensioned state during the paper feeding and ejection process. In this way, the length of the printing medium on the paper feeding path can be equal to the length of the paper feeding path, and the theoretical conveying amount and the actual conveying amount are basically the same. The printing start position can be accurately determined, the accuracy is better, and waste is avoided while also improving the printing effect.

[0029] 6. In Scheme 6 and its preferred embodiments, existing thermal sublimation printers have only one printhead and one ribbon cartridge. The ribbon cartridge contains ribbons of cyan, magenta, yellow, and / or black connected in sequence. During the printing process, multiple round trips of the printing medium are often required to achieve printing, printing one color at a time. The printing time is long, and the length of the ribbon is fixed, so the length of the printing medium is also fixed. In order to ensure the margin, the length of each ribbon segment will be greater than the length of the printing medium. The excess part is not involved in printing and cannot be used for printing the next printing medium, resulting in waste. If only one color is printed, it will also result in waste.

[0030] If this embodiment is applied to a dye-sublimation printer, since the number of printed parts is three or four, each printed part is arranged around the printing roller to print the printing medium attached to the printing roller. Each printed part corresponds to a color, and the printing process can be completed by only feeding the printing medium in the paper ejection direction, without the need for multiple round trips, thus reducing printing time. Furthermore, since each color is printed separately, there is no length limit, so the length of the printing medium can be longer. Moreover, each printed part only operates when needed, which does not cause waste. Furthermore, each printed part can be replaced individually, which is simpler and more convenient.

[0031] In the paper feed direction, the printing roller is located between the first and second rollers. Therefore, when the first and second rollers tension the printing medium between them, the printing medium will adhere to the printing roller. The length of the printing medium on the printing roller is consistent with the corresponding arc length of the printing roller, ensuring precise positioning during printing. The printing roller is suitable for applying force to the printing medium to transport it in the paper feed or paper ejection direction, thus assisting in the transport of the printing medium within the paper feed gap.

[0032] 7. In Scheme 7 and its preferred embodiments, the machine body is further provided with a first paper feeding channel and a second paper feeding channel. The first paper feeding channel and the second paper feeding channel are used to support the printing medium and prevent the printing medium from hanging in the air and sagging due to gravity. They are also suitable for guiding the printing medium to be transported along the paper feeding direction or the paper retraction direction, thereby ensuring that the paper feeding path of the printing medium is correct.

[0033] 8. In Scheme 8 and its preferred embodiments, in the paper feeding direction, the first sensor is located between the first roller and the printing medium. The first sensor is adapted to send a first signal when the printing medium passes through for the first time. The controller is adapted to start calculating the paper feeding length when receiving the first signal. After the paper feeding length is confirmed, the printing start position, the time or length required for paper retraction printing can be confirmed, which facilitates subsequent work.

[0034] In the paper feed direction, the second sensor is located upstream of the printout. The second sensor is adapted to emit a second signal when it detects that the printing start position of the printing medium has passed. The controller is adapted to receive the second signal and compare it with the calculated printing medium position and the printing medium position determined by the second sensor to correct the printing position.

[0035] 9. In Scheme Nine and its preferred embodiments, a printing method for a printer,

[0036] The controller controls the first roller, printing roller, and second roller to convey the printing medium along the paper ejection direction until the printing start point of the printing medium corresponds to the printed part, and controls each printed part to start printing in sequence;

[0037] After all printouts are completed, the first roller, printing roller, and second roller are controlled to convey the printing medium along the paper feed direction so that the printed medium is output from the paper outlet.

[0038] This printing method ensures no paper waste and maintains the tension of the printing medium during the printing process, thus guaranteeing printing accuracy.

[0039] 10. In Scheme 10 and its preferred embodiments, the controller obtains the required printing length. When the obtained required printing length exceeds the preset length or during the first printing, the printing medium is conveyed along the paper feeding direction to prepare for paper ejection printing. Alternatively, the paper is ejected first, then fed, and then ejected again for printing to prevent the tensioned printing medium from retracting or the user from manually moving the printing medium after a power outage, a long period of no printing, or the machine cover being opened, causing the position of the printing medium to change. Attached Figure Description

[0040] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the following description of the embodiments are briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0041] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating the printing method in Example 1;

[0042] Figure 2 This is a front view of the printer in Example 2.

[0043] Explanation of key figure labels:

[0044] First paper feed path 11; paper inlet 111; second paper feed path 12; paper outlet 13; paper roll 2; first roller 3; first printout 41; second printout 42; third printout 43; fourth printout 44; printing roller 5; second roller 6; cutter 7; paper feed gap 8; printing medium 9. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be considered as excluding other embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0046] Unless otherwise expressly defined, the use of terms such as "first," "second," or "third" in the claims, description, and accompanying drawings of this invention is for distinguishing different objects and not for describing a specific order.

[0047] Unless otherwise expressly defined, in the claims, description, and accompanying drawings of this invention, the use of directional terms such as "center," "lateral," "longitudinal," "horizontal," "vertical," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise" to indicate orientation or positional relationships is based on the orientation and positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and is only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and is not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the specific scope of protection of this invention.

[0048] Unless otherwise expressly defined, the terms "fixed connection" or "fixed connection" used in the claims, description and drawings of this invention should be interpreted broadly to refer to any connection in which there is no displacement or relative rotation relationship between the two parties, including non-removable fixed connection, detachable fixed connection, integral connection and fixed connection by other means or components.

[0049] In the claims, description and accompanying drawings of this invention, the terms "comprising," "having," and variations thereof are used to mean "including but not limited to."

[0050] Example 1:

[0051] refer to Figure 1 A printing method for printing on a printing medium 9 and conveying the printing medium 9 along the paper feed direction to output the printed printing medium 9 from the paper output port 13, comprising the following steps:

[0052] During the first print, the printing medium 9 is fed along the paper feed direction, or when the obtained required print length exceeds the preset length, the printing medium 9 is fed along the paper feed direction, or the printing medium is fed along the paper ejection direction first, and then along the paper feed direction; so that the printing start position is downstream of the print in the paper feed direction, thereby preparing for the paper ejection print.

[0053] Printing medium 9 is performed while conveying it in a paper ejection direction opposite to the paper feeding direction. Since this printing method is performed during the paper ejection process, even if there is printing medium 9 at the paper feed roller at the beginning, as long as the distance between the printing start position and the end of the printing medium 9 is confirmed to be equal to the printing length, the printing medium 9 at the paper feed roller can also be printed after the paper is ejected, thus preventing the waste of printing medium 9.

[0054] The printed media 9 is then conveyed along the paper feed direction and output from the paper outlet 13 for the user to pick up.

[0055] Example 2: Based on the above printing method, this example discloses a printer, see reference. Figure 2 It includes a machine body, a paper roll 2, a first roller 3, a first sensor, a printout, a second sensor, a print roller 5, a second roller 6, a cutter 7, and a controller.

[0056] The printer body is provided with a paper output port 13, a first paper feed channel 11, and a second paper feed channel 12. The first paper feed channel 11 is provided with a paper inlet 111. The first paper feed channel 11 and the second paper feed channel 12 are used to support the printing medium 9 and are adapted to guide the printing medium 9 to be transported along the paper feed direction or in a paper retraction direction opposite to the paper feed direction, thereby ensuring the correct paper feed path of the printing medium 9. Depending on the setting of the printer's paper feed path, the paper feed direction may always be along one direction or may go through multiple turns (not always along the same direction). In this embodiment, the paper output port 13 is located above the paper inlet 111, and the opening directions of both the paper inlet 111 and the paper output port 13 are facing the side of the printer body, and their paper feed directions are not always along the same direction.

[0057] Paper roll 2 is mounted on the machine body and is used to wind the printing medium 9. The printing medium 9 enters the paper feeding channel through the paper inlet 111 from the paper roll 2.

[0058] The first roller 3 is adapted to apply force to the printing medium 9 so that the printing medium 9 is conveyed in the paper feeding direction or the paper ejection direction. In this embodiment, the first roller 3 is a paper feeding roller that extends into the first paper feeding channel 11. In other embodiments, the first roller 3 can also be replaced by the paper roll 2, in which case it does not need to extend into the first paper feeding channel 11. The first roller 3 is located downstream of the paper roll 2 in the paper feeding direction. Therefore, when the paper is ejected, the force exerted by the first roller 3 on the printing medium 9 is in front in the paper ejection direction, which stretches the printing medium 9 and has a tensioning effect. This can improve the problem of wrinkles in the printing medium 9 and present a better printing effect.

[0059] The first sensor is located between the first roller 3 and the printable medium 9 in the paper feed direction. The first sensor is adapted to emit a first signal when the printable medium 9 passes through for the first time. The first sensor can be a photoelectric sensor, etc.

[0060] The printouts are located downstream of the first roller 3 and the first sensor in the paper feed direction. The printouts are suitable for printing on the printing medium 9. The number of printouts is three or four. When there are three printouts, they are used to print cyan, magenta, and yellow respectively. When there are four printouts, they are used to print cyan, magenta, yellow, and black respectively. Of course, in other embodiments, only one printout can be provided to achieve color printing or monochrome printing. In this embodiment, the printer is a thermal sublimation printer, and each printout includes a printhead and a ribbon cartridge. In this embodiment, there are four printouts: a first printout 41, a second printout 42, a third printout 43, and a fourth printout 44. The fourth printout 44, the third printout 43, the second printout 42, and the first printout 41 are arranged sequentially along the paper feed direction.

[0061] The second sensor is located upstream of the printed component in the paper feed direction. The second sensor is adapted to emit a second signal when it detects that the printing start position of the printing medium 9 has passed. In this embodiment, there are three second sensors: the fourth printed component 44, the second sensor c, the third printed component 43, the second sensor b, the second printed component 42, the second sensor a, and the first printed component 41 are arranged sequentially along the paper feed direction. In this embodiment, the second sensor utilizes the principle that the printed medium 9 has a different color than the blank printed medium 9. Therefore, the reflected signal received by the second sensor will be different, thus determining that the printing start position has passed the second sensor.

[0062] The printing roller 5 is positioned between the first roller 3 and the second roller 6 in the paper feeding direction. Each printable element is arranged around the printing roller 5, forming a paper feed gap 8 between it and the printing roller 5, suitable for the passage of the printing medium 9. The two ends of the paper feed gap 8 are respectively connected to the first paper feed channel 11 and the second paper feed channel 12. The printing roller 5 applies force to the printing medium 9 and is suitable for conveying the printing medium 9 in the paper feeding direction or the paper delivery direction, thereby assisting the conveying of the printing medium 9 within the paper feed gap 8. In this embodiment, the printing medium 9 will be deflected by the printing roller 5, so that the paper feed path of the printing medium 9 is approximately U-shaped.

[0063] The second roller 6 is located downstream of each printed element in the paper feeding direction. In this embodiment, the second roller 6 is adapted to convey the printing medium 9 in the paper feeding direction and tension the printing medium 9 between the second roller 6 and the first roller 3, thereby causing the printing medium 9 to adhere to the printing roller 5. Tensioning can be achieved using the principle of differential speed between the first roller 3 and the second roller 6. The second roller 6 is also adapted to convey the printing medium 9 in the paper ejection direction to assist in paper ejection. In this embodiment, the second roller 6 is a drag roller extending into the second paper feeding channel 12.

[0064] In this embodiment, the paper feeding path mainly consists of the first paper feeding channel 11, the paper feeding gap 8, and the second paper feeding channel 12. The printing medium 9 is constrained by the channels in the first and second paper feeding channels 11 and 12, and its length is generally the same as that of the first and second paper feeding channels 11 and 12, without deviation. The guiding function of the paper feeding gap 8 is relatively weak, so the uncertainty in the length of the printing medium 9 is mainly located at the paper feeding gap 8. For example, in a dye-sublimation printer, the print head needs to lift and lower, and there is a large gap between it and the printing roller 5. Therefore, during the paper feeding direction... When printing media 9, wrinkles will form in the area of ​​the print head. As a result, the length of the printing media 9 between any two points on the paper path is uncertain. The amount of paper fed by the first roller 3 and the actual amount of paper media 9 advancing may not be consistent. The time when the printing start position reaches each printable part is uncontrollable, which leads to printing positioning offset. After being tensioned by the second roller 6, the length of the printing media 9 on the paper path is equal to the length of the paper path. At this time, the first roller 3 conveys the printing media 9 along the paper feeding or paper retraction direction. The amount of movement of the printing media 9 is certain, so that the printing start position can be conveyed to the printable part more accurately.

[0065] The controller is electrically connected to the first roller 3, the printout, the second roller 6, the print roller 5, the first sensor, and the second sensor to control the operation of each component.

[0066] The controller obtains the required printing length. If the obtained required printing length exceeds the preset length, or during the first printing, the printing medium 9 is conveyed along the paper feed direction, or the printing medium is first conveyed along the paper ejection direction and then conveyed along the paper feed direction. Whether it is the first printing can be determined by the first sensor.

[0067] The controller controls the first roller 3, the printing roller 5, and the second roller 6 to convey the printing medium 9 along the paper ejection direction until the printing start point of the printing medium 9 corresponds to the printed part;

[0068] Control each printout to start printing sequentially;

[0069] After all the printed parts have been printed, the first roller 3, the printing roller 5, and the second roller 6 are controlled to convey the printing medium 9 along the paper feeding direction so that the printed medium 9 after printing is output from the paper outlet 13.

[0070] Furthermore, when the controller receives the first signal, it begins to calculate the paper feed length. Once the paper feed length is confirmed, the starting position of printing and the time or length required for paper ejection and printing can be determined, which facilitates subsequent work. When the controller receives the second signal, it can compare the calculated position of the printing medium 9 with the position of the printing medium 9 determined by the second sensor to correct the printing position.

[0071] In this embodiment, since the number of printed parts is three or four, each printed part is arranged around the printing roller 5 to print the printing medium 9 that is attached to the printing roller 5. Each printed part corresponds to a color, and the printing process can be completed by simply feeding the printing medium 9 in the paper ejection direction, without the need for multiple round trips, thus reducing printing time. Furthermore, since each color is printed separately, there is no length limit, so the length of the printing medium 9 can be longer. Moreover, each printed part only operates when needed, so there is no waste. Furthermore, each printed part can be replaced individually, making it simpler and more convenient.

[0072] Furthermore, the printing medium 9 at the printed part is always in a taut state during the paper feeding and retraction process. This ensures that the length of the printing medium 9 on the paper feeding path is equal to the length of the paper feeding path, and the theoretical conveying capacity is basically the same as the actual conveying capacity. This allows for accurate determination of the printing start position, resulting in better precision, avoiding waste, and improving the printing effect.

[0073] Specifically, in this embodiment, the printer's first printing process is as follows:

[0074] Paper feeding process: The printing medium 9 of the paper roll 2 is loaded into the first paper feeding channel 11 and fed into the first roller 3. The first roller 3 rotates counterclockwise, and the printing medium 9 begins to be fed along the paper feeding direction. The end of the printing medium 9 passes through the first sensor first, and the controller begins to calculate the length of the printing medium 9 fed by the first roller 3 (paper feeding length). In this embodiment, the paper feeding length = the linear speed of the first roller 3 * time, and the linear speed of the first roller 3 = the rotational speed of the first roller 3 * the circumference of the first roller 3.

[0075] When the printing medium 9 is fed into the printing roller 5, the printing roller 5 rotates counterclockwise, continuing to feed the printing medium 9 along the paper feed direction. When the printing medium 9 enters the second roller 6, the second roller 6 rotates counterclockwise, and the speed of the second roller 6 is faster than that of the first roller 3. By using the speed difference, the printing medium 9 is tensioned while the paper is being fed, so that the printing medium 9 fits the printing roller 5. The length of the printing medium 9 on the printing roller 5 is consistent with the corresponding arc length of the printing roller 5, ensuring accurate positioning during printing. The paper feeding is completed when the length of the printing medium 9 fed by the first roller 3 reaches the required length.

[0076] The distance between the first sensor and each printed part is fixed. When the printing medium 9 is tensioned, the length of the printing medium 9 on the printing roller 5 is consistent with the corresponding arc length of the printing roller 5 (in this embodiment, it is the arc length of the semicircle of the printing roller 5).

[0077] Assuming the distance between the first sensor and the first printed piece 41 is 20cm, the distance between each printed piece is 5cm, the required printing length is 30cm, and the printing medium 9 starts to be conveyed along the paper feeding direction when the end of the printing medium 9 passes the first sensor, and the printing medium 9 is tensioned by the second roller 6.

[0078] Printing process: The first roller 3 and the printing roller 5 rotate clockwise, the second roller 6 rotates clockwise, and the printing medium 9 is fed 5cm along the paper ejection direction, so that the printing start position reaches the first printable part 41. The first printable part 41 begins to print. The paper continues to eject so that the second printable part 42, the third printable part 43 and the fourth printable part 44 begin to print on the printing medium 9 in sequence (it should be understood that in actual printing, some printable parts may not work) until printing is completed.

[0079] Of course, during the paper ejection printing process, the second roller 6 can also rotate counterclockwise, but it is necessary to ensure that the force exerted by the first roller 3 on the printing medium is greater than the force exerted by the second roller 6 on the printing medium so that the second roller 6 slips.

[0080] During this period, the second sensor will assist in the positioning detection. When the printed medium 9 passes the second sensor during the paper ejection process, it will send a second signal and compare the calculated position of the printed medium 9 with the position of the printed medium 9 determined by the second sensor to correct the printing position.

[0081] Cutting process 7: The first roller 3 and the printing roller 5 rotate counterclockwise to send the printed media 9 to the second roller 6. The second roller 6 rotates counterclockwise to tension the printed media 9 and send the printed media 9 to the cutter 7, so that the printing start position corresponds to the cutter 7. Then the rotation of the first roller 3, the printing roller 5 and the second roller 6 stops. The cutter 7 cuts off the printed media 9, thus completing the printing.

[0082] During subsequent printing:

[0083] The controller determines the required printing length. If the required printing length exceeds the preset length, the printing medium 9 is conveyed along the paper feeding direction until the printing start position passes the first printable part 41, and then the paper is ejected and the printing action is performed. The preset length is less than or equal to the distance from the cutter 7 to the first printable part 41. If the required printing length is less than or equal to the preset length, the paper can be ejected directly and the printing action can be performed.

[0084] Of course, in addition to the above methods, the subsequent printing process can also involve first ejecting the paper so that the end of the printing medium is upstream of the first sensor before proceeding with the steps of the printer's first printing. This is to prevent the tensioned printing medium from shrinking back or the user from manually moving the printing medium after a power outage, a long period of no printing, or the machine cover being opened, which could cause the position of the printing medium to change.

[0085] During continuous printing (i.e., the required print length is the sum of the lengths of N photos):

[0086] Before printing, feed the paper for the length of N photos at once, then eject the paper and print N photos continuously. After printing, feed the paper out and cut N times to obtain N photos.

[0087] Alternatively, a certain length of the printed photo can be left uncut, with the remaining length being greater than the distance between the second roller 6 and the first printed piece 41, so that there is always printing medium at the second roller 6, which can better maintain tension.

[0088] The foregoing description of the specifications and embodiments is intended to explain the scope of protection of this invention, but does not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention. Modifications, equivalent substitutions, or other improvements to the embodiments of this invention or a portion thereof that can be obtained by those skilled in the art through logical analysis, reasoning, or limited experimentation, based on the teachings of this invention or the foregoing embodiments, in conjunction with common knowledge, general technical knowledge, and / or existing technology, should all be included within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A printer, characterized in that: include The machine body is equipped with a paper outlet (13). The first roller (3) is adapted to apply force to the printing medium (9) so that the printing medium (9) is conveyed in the paper feed direction or the paper ejection direction; A printable, which is suitable for printing on a printing medium (9); and The controller is adapted to control the printing element to print the printing medium (9) while controlling the first roller (3) to convey the printing medium (9) in the paper feeding direction, and to control the first roller (3) to convey the printed medium (9) in the paper feeding direction after printing is completed, so as to output the printed medium (9) after printing from the paper outlet (13). It also includes a first sensor and a second sensor electrically connected to the controller; in the paper feeding direction, the first sensor is located between the first roller (3) and the printhead, and the first sensor is adapted to emit a first signal when the printhead (9) passes through for the first time, and the controller is adapted to start calculating the paper feed length when receiving the first signal; in the paper feeding direction, the second sensor is located upstream of the printhead, and the second sensor is adapted to emit a second signal when it detects that the printhead (9) has passed through the printing start position, and the controller is adapted to receive the second signal and correct the printing position by comparing the calculated printhead (9) position with the printhead (9) position determined by the second sensor.

2. A printer as described in claim 1, characterized in that: In the paper feeding direction, the first roller (3) is located upstream of the printed piece.

3. A printer as described in claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes a second roller (6), which is located downstream of the print in the paper feeding direction. The second roller (6) is adapted to apply force to the print medium (9) so that the print medium (9) is conveyed and tensioned between the second roller (6) and the first roller (3) in the paper feeding direction. The controller is adapted to control the first roller (3) to convey the print medium (9) in the paper ejection direction after controlling the second roller (6) to tension the print medium (9) between the second roller (6) and the first roller (3).

4. A printer as described in claim 3, characterized in that: It also includes a printing roller (5), the number of the printing elements is three or four, each of the printing elements is arranged around the printing roller (5) and forms a paper passage gap (8) between the printing roller (5) suitable for the printing medium (9) to pass through, the printing roller (5) is located between the first roller (3) and the second roller (6) in the paper feeding direction, and the printing roller (5) is adapted to apply force to the printing medium (9) so that the printing medium (9) is conveyed in the paper feeding direction or the paper ejection direction.

5. A printer as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The machine body is also provided with a first paper feeding channel (11) and a second paper feeding channel (12), the first paper feeding channel (11) and the second paper feeding channel (12) being connected to both ends of the paper feeding gap (8).

6. A printing method for printing on a printing medium (9) and conveying the printed medium (9) in the paper feed direction for output from the paper outlet (13), characterized in that: Based on a printer as described in any one of claims 1-5, the printing medium (9) is printed while being conveyed in a paper feed direction away from the paper feed direction, and the printed medium (9) after printing is conveyed in the paper feed direction so as to output the printed medium (9) after printing from the paper output port (13).

7. The printing method as described in claim 6, characterized in that: It also includes the following steps: before the step of conveying the printing medium (9) in the paper ejection direction and printing the printing medium (9), it is also suitable to perform the following steps: conveying the printing medium (9) in the paper feed direction during the first printing, or conveying the printing medium (9) in the paper feed direction when the obtained required printing length exceeds the preset length, or conveying the printing medium in the paper ejection direction first and then conveying the printing medium in the paper feed direction.

8. A printing method for a printer, characterized in that: Based on the printer according to claim 4, the printing method includes the following steps: The controller controls the first roller (3), the printing roller (5), and the second roller (6) to convey the printing medium (9) along the paper feeding direction until the printing start point of the printing medium (9) corresponds to the printed part; Control each printout to start printing sequentially; After all the printed parts have been printed, the first roller (3), the printing roller (5), and the second roller (6) are controlled to convey the printing medium (9) along the paper feeding direction so as to output the printed medium (9) after printing from the paper outlet (13).

9. The printing method of a printer as described in claim 8: further comprising the following steps: before conveying the printing medium (9) in the paper ejection direction, the method further comprises the following steps: The controller obtains the required printing length. When the obtained required printing length exceeds the preset length or during the first printing, the printing medium is conveyed along the paper feed direction (9), or the printing medium is conveyed first along the paper ejection direction and then along the paper feed direction.

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