JP2004243766A - Printing device and printing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing device which can print feeding back results of data of a printing medium read by a detector and results of the other checking, by solving the conventional problem such that printing is carried out even when an error happens in data reading because the data reading for the printing medium such as a check, and endorsement or the like printing are carried out continuously, and to provide its printing method. <P>SOLUTION: The printing device is configured to move a printing head in parallel to a transfer direction of the printing medium. Printing is enabled while the transfer of the printing medium is stopped. In consequence, it becomes possible to print while the read results of the data of the printing medium are fed back by a transfer path of an equal length to that of a conventional processing facility, which is impossible according to conventional devices. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus including a transport unit that transports a print medium on a transport path, and a printing unit that performs printing on the print medium, and in particular, a print head movement including a carriage that moves a print head. The present invention relates to a printing apparatus having a mechanism and a printing method thereof.

  Payment systems using checks have become widespread, mainly in Europe and the United States. Various payments and remittances are made by giving and receiving checks, which are ultimately brought to a bank where they can be deposited and redeemed.

  For this reason, it is necessary to process a large number of checks in a short time at the counter of each branch of the bank. The main processing at the branch window is that the bank clerk checks the check itself, checks the date, verifies the signature, and then deposits and redeems the money. In this case, we endorse the obtained check and issue a receipt if necessary.

  In recent years, attempts have been made to electromagnetically read checks brought into banks, and in the future, it will be attempted to improve business efficiency by connecting branches and banks, etc., online. .

  Therefore, at present, many branches of each bank include a magnetic ink character reader (MICR) for reading magnetic ink information written on a check, and an image reader (MICR) for reading a check into an image. Scanning equipment). This processing machine is a large-scale facility for processing a large number of checks at a high speed, and cannot be arranged at a bank teller. Therefore, usually, a very large space dedicated to check processing is reserved inside the bank, and the check processing is performed there. Then, after this processing, the checks collected for each branch are transported by a transport vehicle or the like and collected at a predetermined storage location.

  Attempts have also been made to attempt to perform the above-described electromagnetic reading work at a counter. For this purpose, a small-sized processing device that can be installed at a window (for example, described in Patent Document 1) has been proposed. This processing apparatus has a check transport mechanism, and a MICR (Magnetic-Ink Character Reader), a scanner, and a printing device are provided on the transport path.

  When a bank employee who receives a check from a customer passes the check through the processing device, the processing device reads the check with a MICR or a scanner, and endorses the check with a printing device.

JP 2000-344428 A

  In this processing device, the inserted check data is read by a detector such as a MICR or a scanner, and then the checks are continuously endorsed. Therefore, even if a reading error occurs with these detection devices, the check is endorsed as it is. The endorsement is therefore invalid and must be re-run on this processor, resulting in multiple endorsements on one check.

  After passing through the processing device, the bank clerk at the counter uses the check itself or the image read by the scanner to verify the date and signature written on the check and perform a predetermined check operation. If the problem is found in, the endorsement is similarly invalidated. Therefore, after the predetermined correction work is completed, it is necessary to use the processing apparatus again or endorse again with a separate printing apparatus.

  To solve this problem, you need to stop the check once after scanning with MICR and the scanner and before endorsing it. Then, after the result of reading by the detector and the result of the bank employee checking the image read by the scanner are found, it is necessary to start transporting the check again and endorse according to the result.

  When this is to be performed by one device, it is necessary to arrange the print head after the position where the conveyance of the check has been stopped and the conveyance of the check has been resumed and the steady speed has been reached. Therefore, it is necessary to extend the length of the transport path, which is very difficult to realize in view of the very limited space at the bank counter.

  Also, if it is determined that there is no problem as a result of this check, payment and deposit processing procedures are performed, but a new apparatus other than the above-described processing apparatus must be used. In other words, it is necessary to input to the terminal of a separately installed computer, issue a receipt to be given to the customer using a printing device different from the above processing device, or create a copy of a copy of the branch .

  In summary, in a conventional processing apparatus, even if a reading error or other trouble occurs in the MICR or the scanner, the check is endorsed as it is. In this case, it is necessary to invalidate the endorsement and perform the processing again by the processing device or another device. Accordingly, since a plurality of endorsements are made for one check, the risk of misrecognition increases and the reliability decreases. In addition, the work efficiency is reduced because the duplication of work has to be performed again.

  Also, in addition to processing checks through a processing device, it is necessary to always perform input work to another device and print receipts etc. using another printing device, so handling errors are easy to occur. And rapid processing is not possible.

  Further, in addition to this processing apparatus, another printing apparatus needs to be installed, so that the working space of the limited window is pressed, and the efficiency of the processing operation is deteriorated. This is a major problem for banks that need to operate accurately and quickly with limited window space. In addition, it is a common problem in the business of processing checks and other forms in a limited space, not limited to banks.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems and to provide a printing apparatus capable of printing by feeding back a result of reading data of a print medium by a detector or a result of another check. Is to do. Another object of the present invention is to provide a compact printing apparatus and a printing method that can perform not only processing and printing of a form such as a check, but also subsequent printing of a receipt and the like by one apparatus.

The object of the present invention is achieved by the following configurations.
(1) a first transport path for transporting the cut sheet, a print head for printing on the cut sheet in a print area provided in the first transport path, and the print head mounted with the print head. A printing apparatus comprising: a carriage configured to move the print head in a direction parallel to a conveyance direction of a paper in a first conveyance path.
(2) The printing apparatus according to (1), wherein the first transport path has a substantially U shape.
(3) The printing apparatus according to (1) or (2), wherein the carriage is further configured to move between the print area and a retreat position separated by a predetermined distance from the print area.
(4) In the state where the cut sheet is stopped, the print head is moved in parallel with the conveying direction of the cut sheet, and printing is performed on the cut sheet (1)-(3). The printing device according to the above.
(5) It has a magnetic ink character reading device for reading information of magnetic ink printed on the cut sheet in advance, and prints on the cut sheet according to the result of reading by the magnetic ink character reading device ( The printing device according to any one of 1) to 4).
(6) The printing device according to any one of (1) to (5), further including a scanner that reads an image of the cut sheet, and printing on the cut sheet according to a result of reading by the scanner.
(7) A second transport path, which is substantially orthogonal to the first transport path and transports the cut sheet, is provided, and the print head performs printing on the cut sheet transported through the second transport path (1). -The printing apparatus according to any one of (6).
(8) A second transport path, which is substantially orthogonal to the first transport path and transports the roll paper, is provided, and the print head performs printing on the roll paper transported through the second transport path. Item 7. The printing device according to any one of Items 1 to 6.
(9) The printing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the print head is an inkjet head.
(10) transporting the cut sheet along a first transport path having a U-shape, and reading magnetic ink characters pre-printed on the cut sheet transported on the first transport path; And a printing method for printing on the cut sheet in accordance with a result of reading the magnetic ink characters.
(11) The step of printing on the cut sheet stops the cut sheet conveyed along the first conveying path in a printing area, and makes the cut sheet parallel to the conveying direction of the cut sheet in the first conveying path. The printing method according to (10), wherein the printing is performed by moving the print head.
(12) The printing method according to (10) or (11), further including a step of reading an image of the cut sheet conveyed on the first conveyance path.

  The printing apparatus of the present invention can perform printing while stopping the transport of the print medium by moving the print head in parallel with the transport direction of the print medium. Therefore, it is possible to perform printing by feeding back the reading result of the data of the print medium, which is impossible with the conventional apparatus, on the transport path having the same length as the conventional processing equipment. If the printing apparatus of the present invention is applied to, for example, the processing of checks at bank counters, invalid endorsements can be prevented, and unnecessary duplication can be prevented to improve the efficiency of operations.

  Further, by providing the second transport path orthogonal to the transport path, the result of reading the data of the print medium can be fed back to print the second print medium such as a receipt. Therefore, it is possible to prevent errors caused by handling different apparatuses, such as input errors and print medium handling errors, which have conventionally occurred.

  Next, an embodiment of a printing apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a printing apparatus according to the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of the printing apparatus (check processing apparatus) of the present embodiment with the housing removed, and FIG. 2 shows the relationship among a first transport path, a second transport path, and a third transport path of the present embodiment. 3 is a plan view in which some members are omitted from the printing apparatus, FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a first transport path, and FIG. 5 is a view showing a second transport path and a third transport path. FIG.

  In the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2A or FIG. 2B, a first U which has a generally U-shaped shape and transports a cut sheet S in parallel in a horizontal direction. It has a transport path P1, and a second transport path P2 and a third transport path P3 that are substantially orthogonal to the first transport path P1 and transport the cut sheet S or roll paper P in the vertical direction. The printing device 1 is, for example, a check processing device installed at a counter corresponding to a customer of a bank, capable of processing a check as cut sheet S received from the customer, and issuing a receipt using roll paper P.

(First transport path)
First, the first transport path P1 will be described. In FIG. 1, the first transport path P1 is configured by a transport path 2c sandwiched between an outer guide 2a and an inner guide 2b, and includes straight portions 35a and 35b and U having both ends connected to the straight portions 35a and 35b. It has an overall U-shaped shape consisting of a bottom portion 34. The first transport path P1 transports the cut sheet S in the direction of arrow A along the linear portion 35a, and changes the direction of the cut sheet S by 180 degrees from the time of insertion through the U-shaped bottom portion 34. After that, it is a horizontal conveyance path for discharging the cut sheet S in the direction of arrow B via the linear portion 35b.

  The paper feed unit 3 is provided in the linear portion 35a. The paper feeding section 3 is a section for storing cut sheets S to be transported along the first transport path P1. The paper feed unit 3 may be configured to have an auto feeder mechanism that automatically supplies a plurality of cut sheets S to the first transport path P1 one by one. In addition, in the printing apparatus 1, when the cut sheet S is a check, the back surface is arranged in principle toward the inner guide 2b.

  In the first transport path P1, a first transport roller 6, a second transport roller 7, and a discharge roller 8 are provided as a first transport device that transports the cut sheet S. The first transport roller 6, the second transport roller 7, and the discharge roller 8 are respectively driven rollers 6a, 7a, 8a and pressing rollers 6b, 7b, 8b for pressing the cut sheet S against the drive rollers 6a, 7a, 8a. have. In the example shown in FIG. 3, pulleys 6c, 7c, 8c are provided coaxially with the drive rollers 6a, 7a, 8a, and a horizontal paper feed motor is provided between the pulleys 6c, 7c, 8c and in the horizontal direction. A belt 41 is stretched between pulleys (not shown) provided on a motor 40 (hereinafter referred to as an HF motor). Thus, the drive rollers 6a, 7a, 8a are driven by one HF motor 40. As shown in FIG. 3, the pressing roller 8b of the discharge roller 8 is attached to the tip of the rotating arm 8d. Then, by driving the actuator 45, the rotary arm 8d rotates, and the pressing roller 8b takes a closed position (conveying position) in contact with the driving roller 8a and an open position (retreat position) apart from the driving roller 8a. You can do it.

  Here, when the leading end of the cut sheet S reaches the second transfer roller 7, the trailing end of the cut sheet S is closer to the front than the first transfer roller 6 (the first transfer roller 6 and the second transfer roller 7). They are arranged at intervals such that they are located on the upstream side, that is, on the side of the paper feed unit 3 (the feed margin by the first transport roller 6 remains). Further, similarly, when the leading end of the cut sheet S reaches the discharge roller 8, the second conveying roller 7 and the discharge roller 8 are arranged such that the rear end of the cut sheet S is closer to the front than the second conveying roller 7 (upstream side, That is, they are arranged at intervals such that they are positioned on the side of the paper feed unit 3 (the feed allowance by the second transport roller 7 remains).

  A BOF (Bottom of Form) detector 9 is provided upstream of the first transport roller 6, and a TOF (Top of Form) detector 10 is provided downstream of the first transport roller 6. These detectors 9 and 10 are provided near the bottom of the first transport path P1 and detect the leading edge and the trailing edge of the cut sheet S transported by operating the HF motor 40. The HF motor 40 is driven according to the detection of the BOF detector 9, and the first transport roller 6, the second transport roller 7, and the discharge roller 8 start rotating. Further, by changing the example shown in FIG. 3 (for example, by using a plurality of motors or disposing a clutch on the driving rollers 6a, 7a, 8a), the individual rollers 6, 7, 8 are independently rotated. It may be configured as follows.

  At the U-shaped bottom portion 34 between the TOF detector 10 and the second transport roller 7, the scanners 11, 12 and the MICR 13 are arranged in order from the upstream side.

  Each of the scanners 11 and 12 is an image reading sensor that reads an image of the cut sheet S. The scanner 11 is provided on the outer guide 2a side of the first transport path P1 so as to be able to read the back surface image of the cut sheet S, while the scanner 12 is configured to read the front image of the cut sheet S so as to be able to read the front image. It is provided on the inner guide 2b side of the transport path P1. These scanners 11 and 12 read an image in a state in which the cut sheet S is pressed against the scanners 11 and 12 by pressing members (rollers) 11a and 12a disposed on the opposite surface side via the first transport path P1.

  The MICR 13 is a magnetic reading sensor that reads magnetic ink characters printed on the surface of the cut sheet S, and is provided on the inner guide 2b side of the first transport path P1 so as to be able to face the surface of the cut sheet S. I have. The MICR 13 reads the magnetic ink characters in a state where the cut sheet S is pressed against the MICR 13 by a pressing member (pad) 13a disposed on the facing surface side via the first transport path P1.

  The print head 14 is disposed on the straight portion 35b between the second transport roller 7 and the discharge roller 8 so as to face the first transport path P1. The print head 14 is mounted on a carriage 15 configured to be movable via a guide shaft 15 a, and can move between the print area 18 and the retreat position 19 via the carriage 15. The print head 14 is placed opposite to a platen 24 attached to an opening / closing lid 25 that covers the roll paper storage unit 20 while in the printing area 18 (see FIG. 5). Can be printed on the back side of the. The print head 14 is configured so that ink is supplied from the ink tank 17, and the print head 14 can perform printing for a long time without directly replacing the ink.

  The print head 14 can print on both the cut sheet S that moves in the horizontal direction and the roll paper P or cut sheet S that moves in the vertical direction, which will be described later. The print head 14 has a plurality of nozzles, and can print at least one line of characters on a cut sheet S that moves in the horizontal direction without moving the carriage 15.

  On the downstream side of the print head 14, there is provided a discharge unit 4 including a discharge roller 8. The discharge unit 4 discharges the cut sheet S on which printing has been completed to the outside of the printing apparatus 1 via the discharge roller 8. In addition, a discharge detector 28 is provided near the discharge roller 8, and it is possible to confirm whether or not the cut sheet S after printing has been discharged. Note that the discharge detector 28 also serves to detect the discharge of the cut sheet S conveyed and printed along a third conveyance path P3 to be described later, and as shown in FIG. , On both sides of the third transport path P <b> 3, downstream of the print area 18.

  In the present embodiment, at locations other than the U-shaped bottom portion 34 where the scanners 11 and 12 and the MICR 13 are installed, the height of the outer guide 2a and the inner guide 2b is larger than the width of the cut sheet S to be conveyed. Is low, so that when a paper jam or the like occurs, it can be easily taken out by hand.

  Next, the conveyance of the cut sheet S in the first conveyance path P1 will be described. The cut sheet S is set by the user from the direction of the arrow A to the sheet feeding section 3 provided in the linear portion 35a of the first transport path P1. The cut sheet S is transported from the paper feed unit 3 along the first transport path P1.

  When the leading end of the cut sheet S set by the user reaches the BOF detector 9, the BOF detector 9 detects the leading end of the cut sheet S. When the printing apparatus 1 has received a processing command for the cut sheet S from a host computer (not shown), the driving roller 6 a of the first transport roller 6 rotates according to the detection of the BOF detector 9. start. Then, the cut sheet S is smoothly sandwiched between the driving roller 6a and the pressing roller 6b, and does not slip by the rotation of the driving roller 6a, and the outer guide of the U-shaped bottom portion 34 along the first transport path P1. It is transported along the wall of 2a.

  When the leading end of the cut sheet S conveyed by the first conveying roller 6 reaches the TOF (Top of Form) detector 10, the power of the scanners 11, 12 and the MICR 13 installed therebefore is turned on. The printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment supplies power to necessary parts only when necessary, including driving of the rollers, and is configured to prevent wasteful power consumption.

  Further, when the cut sheet S is conveyed, the scanner 11 installed on the outer guide 2a reads an image on the back surface of the cut sheet S, and the scanner 12 installed on the inner guide 2b outputs the cut sheet. The image on the surface of the paper S is read. Further, the MICR 13 installed on the inner guide 2b side reads the information of the magnetic ink characters written on the cut sheet S in advance.

  The image data generated by the scanners 11 and 12 can be transferred to a host computer that controls the printing apparatus 1, and a predetermined processing is performed by an arithmetic processing unit provided in the printing apparatus 1. May be. Also, the read image may be displayed on a display to increase the efficiency of the operation of checking the cut sheet S such as a check. This display can be one installed in a host computer, or it can be installed in the printing apparatus 1 itself.

  The captured data is subjected to data processing by a processing device in the printing apparatus 1 or a connected host computer. Then, printing may be performed on roll paper P as the second print medium or another cut sheet S as the validation paper according to the result of the data processing.

  When the leading end of the cut sheet S reaches the second conveying roller 7 after passing through the TOF detector 10, the cut sheet S is sandwiched between the driving roller 7a and the pressing roller 7b, and is rotated by the driving roller 7a. Sent to the side.

  Then, the print head 14 performs printing on the cut sheet S when passing through the print area 18 which is in close proximity to the print head 14. The outer guide 2a is provided between the print head 14 and the cut sheet S. In the print area 18, the outer guide 2a has a large opening, and between the print head 14 and the cut sheet S, There are no obstacles.

  In the present embodiment, the print head 14 is fixed at a predetermined position in the print area 18 at the time of printing, and the predetermined print is performed by moving the cut sheet S as the print medium. Has become. The print head 14 can be retracted to the retreat position 19 together with the carriage 15 when it is not necessary for printing. Therefore, when printing is not performed, by retracting the print head 14, there is no risk that the transported cut sheet S will damage the print head 14 or contaminate the transported cut sheet S. Also, the retreat of the print head 14 reduces the possibility that the cut sheet S or the like will cause a paper jam.

  The cut sheet S printed on the back side by the print head 14 is discharged in the direction of arrow B by the discharge roller 8, and the drive roller 8a rotates while being sandwiched between the drive roller 8a and the pressing roller 8b. By doing so, it is sent out of the printing apparatus 1. Thus, the processing for the cut sheet S is completed. The above is the description regarding the first transport path.

(2nd transport path)
Next, the second transport path P2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 (a), 5 and 6.

  FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along the line VV of FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of FIG. A roll paper storage unit 20 for storing the roll paper P is provided between the two straight portions 35a and 35b of the first transport path P1. One end of the roll paper P is pulled out from the roll paper storage unit 20 to the second transport path P2, and is transported along the second transport path P2.

  The second transport path P2 is a roll paper transport path for transporting and discharging the roll paper P from the roll paper storage unit 20 toward the printing area 18 as shown in FIG. 2A, FIG. 5 or FIG. And is formed between the straight portions 35a and 35b. The second transport path P2 is a vertical transport path that overlaps with a part of the linear portion 35b of the first transport path P1 and whose transport direction is substantially orthogonal to the first transport path P1.

  As shown in FIG. 6, a vertical drive roller 22 that transports the roll paper P in the vertical direction, a vertical pressing roller 23 that presses the roll paper P against the vertical drive roller 22, and a print A second transport device including a tension roller 30 for applying a predetermined tension to the roll paper P exposed in the area 18 is provided.

  These vertical drive rollers 22 are attached to the distal end of an opening / closing lid 25 that opens and closes the roll paper storage unit 20, as shown in FIG.

  Between the vertical drive roller 22 and the vertical pressing roller 23 and the tension roller 30, the platen 24 and the print head 14 arranged in the print area 18 are arranged so as to be located on both sides of the second transport path P2. A roll paper discharge port 36 for discharging the roll paper P is opened above the vertical drive roller 22 and the vertical pressing roller 23, and a cutter 26 for cutting the roll paper P is provided near the roll paper discharge port 36. Is arranged.

  Next, the transport of the roll paper P in the second transport path P2 which is the roll paper transport path will be described. One end of the roll paper P pulled out from the roll paper storage unit 20 is set in advance so as to pass through the tension roller 30 and the platen 24 and be sandwiched between the vertical drive roller 22 and the vertical pressing roller 23. The roll paper P is transported upward through the second transport path P2 by the rotation of the tension roller 30, the vertical drive roller 22, and the vertical pressing roller 23. Then, when passing through the print area 18 which is in close proximity to the print head 14, printing on the roll paper P is performed via the print head 14.

  Here, when printing on the roll paper P, the print head 14 performs one-line printing while moving in the horizontal direction via the carriage 15, and when it is necessary to print a plurality of lines, after the one-line printing is completed, After rotating the drive roller 22 to feed the roll paper P upward by one line, the print head 14 is again moved in the horizontal direction to print the second and subsequent lines. In addition, a predetermined tension is applied between the tension roller 30 and the vertical drive roller 22 and the vertical pressing roller 23, and the roll paper P is transported at the printing position without slack.

  Then, the roll paper P is further transported upward, and is discharged from the roll paper discharge port 36 to the outside of the printing apparatus 1. Further, the discharged roll paper P can be cut by the cutter 26 arranged near the roll paper discharge port 36.

  The print data received from the host computer is printed on the roll paper P. In addition to the print data received from the host, the data itself read by the scanners 11 and 12 and the MICR 13 or data obtained by processing the data can be printed. That is, the printing apparatus 1 can print on the roll paper P based on the data acquired by the printing apparatus 1 itself. Therefore, a series of processing operations can be performed quickly.

  Further, when printing is performed on the cut sheet S in the first transfer path P1 and a third transfer path P3 described later, the cut sheet S exists between the roll sheet and the print head 14. Is confirmed by the discharge detector 28 or the validation detector 27 described later, there is no possibility that the print data to be printed on the cut sheet S is printed on the roll paper P. When it is necessary to print on the roll paper P, the printing on the roll paper P can be performed immediately after it is detected that the cut sheet S has passed or been removed. Efficiency can be increased.

(3rd transport path)
Next, the third transport path P3 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The third transport path P3 is provided corresponding to the print head 14 arranged in the print area 18, and extends from the upper opening 37 formed between the outer guide 2a and the inner guide 2b near the print area 18 to the outer guide 2a. This is a conveyance path for conveying a cut sheet S, which is validation paper, inserted between the sheet guide S and the inner guide 2b. The third transport path P3 partially overlaps the second transport path, and the transport direction is substantially orthogonal to the first transport path P1, as in the second transport path P2. That is, the third transport path P3 is a vertical transport path orthogonal to the first transport path P1 together with the second transport path P2.

  The third transport path P3 is provided with a validation drive roller 31a and a validation pressing roller 31b that are disposed on both sides of the third transport path P3. The validation drive roller 31a is disposed below the platen 24 and the tension roller 30, and is capable of vertically transporting the cut sheet S along the third transport path P3. The pair of rollers 31a and 31b may be referred to as a vertical discharge roller 31. It should be noted that the validation drive roller 31a, the vertical drive roller 22 for transporting the roll paper P, and a single vertical paper transport motor (not shown) (Vertical Paper Feed Motor, hereinafter simply referred to as VF motor) are selectively provided. Driven. That is, the validation drive roller 31a and the vertical drive roller 22 are selectively connected to the VF motor by a clutch (not shown). In the present embodiment, by moving the carriage 15 to a predetermined position, it is determined which of the validation drive roller 31a and the vertical drive roller 22 the power of the VF motor is to be transmitted to.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the validation pressing roller 31b is attached to the tip of the rotating arm 31c. Then, by driving an actuator (not shown), the rotating arm 31c is rotated, and the validation pressing roller 31b is brought into contact with the validation driving roller 31a in a closed position (transport position) and in an open position (away from the driving roller 31a). (Evacuation position). When the cut sheet S is transported along the first transfer path P1 or when the cut sheet S is inserted from above, the validation pressing roller 31b is in a state of being held at the retracted position.

  Further, near the bottom of the third transport path P3, a validation detector 27 that detects that the cut sheet S has been inserted into the third transport path P3 is provided. As shown in FIG. 3, a connecting guide between the straight portion 35b of the first transport path P1 and the U-shaped bottom portion 34 when a cut sheet S, which is validation paper, is inserted into the third transport path P3. 29 are provided. The validation detector 27 is provided for confirming whether or not the cut sheet S is set at a predetermined position. That is, the validation detector 27 detects that the cut sheet S has been set along the positioning guide 29 to the bottom of the third conveyance path P3. When the cut sheet S is inserted into the third conveyance path P3, the cut sheet S is also detected by the discharge detector 28 at the same time. As described above, by using the two detectors 27 and 28 arranged with the print area 18 interposed therebetween, it is possible to insert a sheet of a predetermined size or more, and to cut a sheet of a size not more than an unacceptable size. It is possible to prevent the paper S from being erroneously printed.

  Next, an example in which validation printing is performed on a cut sheet S such as a form via the third transport path P3 will be described. The cut sheet S is inserted into the third conveyance path P3, which is the validation conveyance path, from the upper opening 37. The cut sheet S is inserted to the bottom of the third transport path P3 without interfering with the validation driving roller 31a and the validation pressing roller 31b. At this time, the pressing roller 8b of the discharge roller 8 is also held at the retracted position, and the cut sheet S is inserted to the bottom of the third conveyance path P3 without interfering with the discharge roller 8. Is done.

  When the validation device 27 detects that the cut sheet S has been inserted to the bottom of the third conveyance path P3 in a state where the printing apparatus 1 receives a command for performing validation printing from the host computer, the validation press is performed. The roller 31b moves from the retracted position to the transport position, and sandwiches the cut sheet S between the roller 31b and the validation driving roller 31a. At the same time, the presence / absence of the cut sheet S is also detected by the discharge detector 28. Only when the cut sheet S is detected by both the validation detector 27 and the discharge detector 28, the validation pressing roller 31b is moved from the retracted position to the transport position, and the cut sheet S is detected by only one. At this time, an error display is performed by an LED (not shown) to notify the user that the cut sheet S is not set at a predetermined position.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 7, the carriage 15 is moved in the horizontal direction, and the print head 14 performs printing on the cut sheet S sandwiched between the validation pressing roller 31b and the validation driving roller 31a. Thereby, printing of one line is performed at a predetermined position (distance from the bottom of the third transport path P3 to the print area 18) from the lower end of the cut sheet S. When printing is further performed, the validation drive roller 31a is rotated, the cut sheet S is conveyed upward by one line, the carriage 15 is again moved in the horizontal direction, and the print head 14 prints the second line. Do.

  Then, after the printing is completed, the cut sheet S is further conveyed upward, the cut sheet S comes off the validation pressing roller 31b and the validation drive roller 31a, and the user is exposed from the upper opening 37. The cut sheet S can be taken out. The fact that the cut sheet S has been taken out by the user is confirmed by the output of the discharge detector 28. Thus, a series of printing on the cut sheet S (validation printing) is completed.

  As described above, since the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment has the U-shaped first transport path P1 in which the inserted cut-sheet S returns after making a U-turn, the operator can easily sit down while sitting. After the cut sheet S is inserted into the feeding path and predetermined processing is performed on the transport path, the cut sheet S can be easily taken out. Further, since the second transport path P2 orthogonal to the first transport path P1 is provided, the roll paper used for the receipt or the like can be set between the U-shaped transport paths, and the worker can easily sit down while sitting. A receipt or the like can be taken out. Further, if necessary, another cut sheet S (validation paper) for validation can be inserted into the third transport path P3, and the validation printing can be performed while sitting. Therefore, the working efficiency is greatly improved as compared with the related art.

  According to the present embodiment, for example, if it is necessary to further endorse a check that has been processed in the first transport path P1, the operator can quickly return to the check while sitting without using another printing device. Can work. Check data that has already been read can be fed back to this printing.

  In summary, the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment conveys and discharges a first transport path P1 having a U-shape and a cut sheet S as a first print medium on the first transport path P1. A first transport device, a second transport path P2 or a third transport path P3 substantially perpendicular to the first transport path P1, and a roll paper P or a third print medium as a second print medium on the second transport path P2. A second transport device that transports and discharges the cut sheet S, which is the second print medium, on the transport path P3, and on the first transport path P1 and the second transport path P2 (or the third transport path P3). At the printing position, a single print head 14 for printing on a cut sheet S as a first print medium and a roll sheet P or cut sheet S as a second print medium is provided.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, since the first transport path P1 has a U-shape, the first print medium inserted into the first transport path P1 of the printing apparatus 1 is not connected to the first transport path P1. Since a U-turn is made along P1, when printing is performed and the paper is discharged from the first transport path, it can be discharged next to the loaded position. Therefore, a person who operates the printing apparatus 1 can easily load and unload a print medium while sitting.

  The second transport path P2 (or the third transport path P3) is substantially orthogonal to the first transport path P1, and the second print medium transported here is the same print head as the first print medium. Printed with Therefore, since the second transport path P2 (or the third transport path P3) can be accommodated in the U-shaped path of the first transport path P1, two printing functions which have been impossible in the past can be performed by one unit. Can be done with

  According to the present embodiment, the print head 14 includes the carriage 15 that reciprocates between the print area 18 and the retracted position 19 that is separated from the print area 18 by a predetermined distance. Therefore, the print head 14 that performs printing is in the retracted position 19 when printing is not performed, so that the print head 14 is prevented from being damaged or stained, and the risk of paper jam due to interference between the print medium and the print head 14 is avoided. be able to.

  According to the present embodiment, the printing apparatus 1 includes the MICR 13 that is a magnetic ink character reading apparatus that is disposed on at least one side of the first transport path P1 and reads magnetic ink information written on the first print medium. Has been. Therefore, the printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment performs not only printing, but also transporting a cut sheet S (for example, a check) as the first print medium on the U-shaped first transport path P1. The information of the magnetic ink written on the cut sheet S can be read by the MICR 13. The printing apparatus 1 can transmit the acquired information (data) of the magnetic ink to a host computer, process the information by a control unit (not shown) in the printing apparatus 1, and feed back to a printing process performed later. It is.

  The printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is provided along the first transport path P1 and includes image reading apparatuses (scanners 11 and 12) that read an image of a cut sheet S. Therefore, the printing apparatus 1 can take in the image of the cut sheet S with the scanners 11 and 12 installed on both sides of the first transport path, in addition to the printing and the magnetic character reading by the MICR 13. This data can be processed in the same manner as the data read by the MICR 13 described above, and this image can be displayed on a display to improve the efficiency of, for example, checking checks.

  In the printing device 1 of the present embodiment, the print head 14 is an ink jet printer. As a printing method, various methods can be adopted. However, printing media on different transport paths of the first transport path P1 and the second transport path P2 (or the third transport path P3) are combined into one print head 14. Considering that printing is performed using an inkjet printer, an inkjet printer is considered to be one of the most suitable methods.

  As the first print medium, not only paper such as cut sheet S, but also various other forms can be considered, but as in this embodiment, cut sheet S represented by a check uses a plurality of printing devices. When used, there is a risk that they may fall apart, and the handling becomes complicated. Therefore, efficient processing can be performed by processing the cut sheet S by the printing apparatus 1.

  Further, in the present embodiment, printing can be performed on the cut sheet S using the third transport path P3. For example, it may be necessary to flow a check through the above-described first transport path P1, read data, endorse, and then endorse again. In such a case, the printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment executes necessary printing while receiving feedback of the read data without using another printing apparatus, by transporting the check to the third transport path P3. It is possible to do. Therefore, it is possible to perform an efficient process with less work errors as compared with the related art.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the cut sheet S as the second print medium loaded from the discharge side of the third transport path P3 is transported to the print position by the second transport device, and the print head is placed at the print position. It is possible to perform printing at 14 and discharge it to the discharge side of the third transport path P3 again by the second transport device. Thereby, the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment can perform the validation printing using the third transport path P3. Conventionally, the validation printing is performed by another printing apparatus. However, the printing apparatus 1 can perform all the printing with one apparatus, and can use the read data as it is. Therefore, problems such as printing medium handling error, data input error, and work delay can be solved.

  Further, the printing apparatus 1 can use continuous paper (rolled paper) wound in a roll shape as the second print medium. Conventionally, receipts and the like are printed by another printing apparatus, and problems such as data input errors and work delays have occurred. However, according to the present embodiment, the rolls are rolled through the second transport path P2. By transporting the paper P, printing on the roll paper P, and outputting it, it is possible to perform processing using only one printing apparatus 1.

(Mode related to cut sheet printing)
The print head 14 of the present embodiment is mounted on the carriage 15 and is movable in the horizontal direction to the print area 18 along the linear portion 35b of the first transport path P1. Accordingly, the printing on the cut sheet S conveyed in the first conveying path P1 includes a cut sheet fixing mode in which printing is performed by moving the print head 14 in the horizontal direction while the cut sheet S is fixed. There are two print head fixing modes in which printing is performed by moving the cut sheet S in the horizontal direction with the print head 14 fixed.

  In the print head fixing mode, the position of the print head 14 is fixed, and ink is ejected from the print head 14 to the cut sheet S passing in front of the print head 14 to print on the cut sheet S. I do.

  In the print head fixing mode in which the print head 14 is fixed and printing is performed while moving the cut sheet S, it is not necessary to temporarily stop the cut sheet S. Therefore, in the print head fixed mode, printing can be performed without reducing the transport speed of the cut sheet S transported from the U-shaped bottom portion 34. That is, in the print head fixing mode, the speed of transporting the cut sheet S does not decrease, so that the cut sheet S can be processed at high speed.

  On the other hand, in the cut-sheet fixed mode, the cut-sheet S is temporarily stopped at the front of the print head 14 and the print head 14 is moved via the carriage 15 as shown in FIG. The ink is ejected while moving in parallel with the transport direction of S, and printing on the cut sheet S is performed.

  This cut-sheet fixed mode is effective, for example, when performing printing based on the reading result of the image data or the magnetic ink character data read in the U-shaped bottom portion 34.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, in the print head fixed mode, when performing printing based on the read result of the image data or the magnetic ink character data read at the U-shaped bottom portion 34, the cut sheet S Alternatively, until the result of reading the magnetic ink character data is determined, the cut sheet S is located downstream of the position discharged from the U-shaped bottom portion 34 (more precisely, the position where the reading of the magnetic ink by the MICR 13 is completed). Must be stopped once. In this case, the print head 14 needs to be installed at a position after the position where the conveyance of the cut sheet S is resumed after the reading result of the image data or the magnetic ink character data is found and the cut sheet S has entered the steady running. Therefore, in the print head fixed mode, when printing is performed based on the reading result of the image data or the magnetic ink character data, compared to the case where the printing based on the reading result of the image data or the magnetic ink character data is not performed, FIG. The length of the straight portion 35b becomes longer by the length L shown in a). It is not preferable that the length of the straight portion 35b is increased by L, since it becomes a great obstacle to installing the printing apparatus 1 at the window of the bank where the space is very limited.

  On the other hand, in the cut-sheet fixing mode as shown in FIG. 8B, the cut-sheet S is kept stopped by moving the print head 14 via the carriage 15 in parallel with the conveying direction of the cut-sheet S. Printing on cut sheet S is performed. In this case, the same function as that of FIG. 8A can be achieved with the same length as the conventional conveyance path that does not stop the conveyance of the cut sheet S.

  Specifically, when the rear end of the cut sheet S has passed through the U-shaped portion 34 and enters the linear portion 35b, the conveyance of the cut sheet S is stopped. The conveyance of the cut sheet S is triggered, for example, by the detection of a sheet by a discharge detector 28 provided at the forefront part (discharge roller 8 side) of the printing range, and the leading end of the cut sheet S is transmitted to the discharge detector 28. The transport may be stopped when it has arrived. Various other methods such as detecting the trailing end of the cut sheet S can be employed.

  In the cut-sheet fixed mode as described above, if any error occurs during reading by the scanners 11 and 12 or the MICR 13, the conveyance of the cut sheet S is restarted without printing by the print head 14. The cut sheet S can be discharged. Thus, for example, when the cut sheet S is a check, it is possible to prevent a conventional invalid endorsement.

  In the cut-sheet fixed mode, the result of processing the read data or the result of visually checking the image read by the scanner on a display can be fed back and printed.

  In the above description, printing on the cut sheet S was performed by stopping one of the cut sheet S and the print head 14 and moving the other. It is also possible to perform printing while simultaneously moving. In particular, the highest speed printing can be performed by moving the print head 14 to the opposite side while transporting the cut sheet S to the discharge unit 4. This is an effective means when urgent processing or the like is required.

  As described above, in the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to select a mode in which the print head 14 is fixed or moved in a direction parallel to the transport direction of the print medium. In particular, when the print head 14 moves in parallel with the transport direction of the print medium, the movement of the print head enables printing in various modes that could not be realized conventionally.

  That is, the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment can perform printing by stopping the print medium and moving the print head 14 mounted on the carriage 15 in parallel with the transport direction of the print medium. . When a conventional fixed print head is used, once the print medium is stopped to be conveyed, and thereafter printing is performed, the print head is installed at a position where the conveyance of the print medium is restarted from the position where the print medium was stopped. It was necessary to take the transport path further to the front. However, in the present embodiment, printing can be performed with the print medium stopped without extending the conventional transport path. Therefore, even when the installation space and the work space, such as a bank counter, are limited, the space can be effectively utilized without occupying the space in a meaningless manner.

(Selection of conveyance direction of cut sheet discharge)
In the present embodiment, the cut sheet S conveyed along the first conveyance path P1 can be configured to change the conveyance direction according to the reading result by the reading device such as the scanners 11, 12 and the MICR 13.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the transport direction of the cut sheet S is changed according to the reading result of the detector will be described.

  In this embodiment, according to the reading result of the scanners 11 and 12 or the MICR 13, the printing apparatus 1 causes the arrow B (FIG. 1) in the linear portion 35b of the first transport path P1 to be in the same direction as the previous transport direction. (See FIG. 1), or to discharge the cut sheet S in the direction of an upper arrow C (see FIG. 1), which is substantially perpendicular to the previous discharge direction.

  Here, the discharge in the direction of arrow B is performed by a “first discharge unit” including the discharge unit 4 including the discharge device including the discharge rollers 8 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. Further, in the case of discharging in the direction of arrow C, the discharge is performed by a discharging device including a vertical discharging roller 31 shown in FIG. Be done.

  Regardless of whether the sheet is discharged by the first discharging unit or the case of discharging by the second discharging unit, the cut sheet S is in close proximity to the print head 14 arranged in the print area 18. At this point, printing on the cut sheet S can be performed. It is also possible to set so that printing is not performed when discharge in either the direction of arrow B or the direction of arrow C is selected. In the present embodiment, the print head 14 is fixed at the time of printing, and printing is performed by moving the cut sheet. Of course, a configuration may be adopted in which printing is performed while the print head 14 moves.

  In the present embodiment, the cut sheet S is conveyed from the paper feed unit 3, the leading end of the cut sheet S is sandwiched between the discharge rollers 8, and is transferred from the second transfer roller 7 to the discharge rollers 8. When the sheet reaches the position, the sheet is detected by a discharge detector 28 installed near the discharge roller 8. Then, according to the detection signal output from the discharge detector 28, the conveyance of the cut sheet S can be stopped, or the discharge unit for discharging the cut sheet S can be selected.

  The selection of the discharge unit is performed based on whether a reading error has occurred in the scanners 11, 12 or the MICR 13, and whether there is any other defect in the read data. This determination is made by a computing unit installed in the printing apparatus 1. The determination may be made by a host computer installed outside.

  FIGS. 9A to 9C are diagrams schematically showing movements from the time when the cut sheet S is supplied to the sheet feeding unit 3 to the time when the discharge unit is selected.

  FIG. 9A illustrates a state in which the cut sheet S has been supplied to the sheet feeding unit 3. When the cut sheet S is inserted one by one, the BOF detector 9 detects the cut sheet S. When the cut sheet S stocked by the auto feeder is supplied, an ASF detector (not shown) is used. , The HF motor 40 that drives the first transport roller 6, the second transport roller 7, the discharge roller 8, and the like is started.

  FIG. 9B shows a state in which the cut sheet S has been conveyed by the first conveying roller 6 and the leading end of the cut sheet S has reached the position of the TOF detector 10. By the detection by the TOF detector 10, energization of the scanners 11, 12 and the MICR 13 is started. Further, the position of the cut sheet S is managed by the number of motor steps (the same applies to other embodiments).

  FIG. 9C shows the cut sheet S separated from the second transport roller 7 and pinched by the discharge roller 8. At this position, the cut sheet S is detected by the discharge detector 28, and the discharge direction is selected.

  In the present embodiment, when it is determined that there is no reading error of the scanners 11 and 12 or the MICR 13 or a defect of the read data, the cut sheet S is discharged in the same direction of the arrow B as the previous conveying direction. When it is determined that there is a reading error of the scanners 11 and 12 or the MICR 13 or a defect of the read data, the sheet is ejected in a direction indicated by an arrow C above which is substantially orthogonal to the previous conveying direction.

  The discharge in the horizontal direction is performed by a discharge roller 8 including a driving roller 8a and a pressing roller 8b, and the discharging upward is performed by a vertical discharge including a validation driving roller 31a and a validation pressing roller 31b shown in FIG. This is performed by the roller 31.

  As described above, the validation pressing roller 31b can take a closed position (conveying position) where it contacts the validation driving roller 31a, and an open position (retreat position) where the validation pressing roller 31b is separated from the validation driving roller 31a. Here, the validation drive roller 31a is disposed slightly offset from the transport line on which the cut sheet S is transferred, and is installed at a position where it does not contact the cut sheet S when in the open position. I have. The pressing roller 8b of the discharge roller 8 can also take a closed position (transport position) in contact with the drive roller 8a and an open position (retreat position) away from the drive roller 8a.

  In the closed position, the validation pressing roller 31b is urged toward the validation driving roller 31a by a spring force, so that the cut sheet S is sandwiched between the validation driving roller 31a and the validation pressing roller 31b. In the present embodiment, the offset from the transport line is very small, and there is no problem in pinching or transporting the leading end of the cut sheet S. In the initial state when this discharge direction is selected, the discharge roller 8 is in the closed position and the vertical discharge roller 31 is in the open position.

  If it is determined that there is no reading error or a defect in the read data, an instruction is issued to maintain the discharge roller 8 at the closed position and the vertical discharge roller 31 at the open position. Therefore, the cut sheet S is conveyed by the discharge rollers 8 without contacting the vertical discharge rollers 31.

  When the cut sheet S passes through the print area 18, printing can be performed on the cut sheet S by the print head 14, or the cut sheet S can be passed without being printed. Then, the cut sheet S is conveyed as it is and is discharged in the direction of arrow B.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a reading error or a defect in the read data, first, an instruction is issued to move the discharge roller 8 from the closed position to the open position, and the horizontal conveyance is stopped. Next, the vertical discharge roller 31 is instructed to change from the open position to the closed position, and sandwiches the cut sheet S. In this state, the cut sheet S is conveyed upward by the vertical discharge roller 31 and is discharged in the direction of arrow C without contacting the discharge roller 8.

  At this time, the cut sheet S can be printed by the print head 14 when the cut sheet S is at a position close to and facing the print head 14. By moving the cut sheet S upward, it is also possible to print a plurality of lines, which was impossible with the conventional horizontal conveyance path alone. Therefore, more information can be described on the cut sheet S.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a control flow from when the above-described cut sheet S is supplied to the sheet feeding unit 3 until it is discharged in a predetermined discharge direction. Each block connected by an arrow in the flowchart mainly shows control of the transport and discharge rollers. The blocks (blocks not connected to each other) described beside this block indicate other actions performed in each step.

  First, after the printing apparatus 1 receives the processing command for the cut sheet S from the host computer, when the cut sheet S is inserted, the BOF detector 9 detects the presence of the cut sheet S, and the HF motor 40 is started. I do. Then, the cut sheet S is transferred by the transfer device, and when the TOF detector 10 detects the presence of the cut sheet S, the power of the scanners 11 and 12 and the MICR 13 is turned on. Thereafter, the transport position of the cut sheet S is managed by managing the number of steps of the HF motor 40 (steps S1 to S5). If the TOF detector does not detect the leading end of the cut sheet S even if the motor is driven for a predetermined step (1000 steps) between steps S2 and S3, the motor is stopped and an LED (not shown) is turned on. To notify the user of a "paper conveyance error". Similarly, if the TOF detector does not detect the trailing end of the cut sheet S even when the motor is driven at a predetermined step (2400 steps) between step S4 and step S5, the HF motor 40 is stopped, and " "Paper transport error" to the user. Further, before and after the leading end of the cut sheet S is detected (step S2), the speed at which the cut sheet S is conveyed is different. That is, in the present embodiment, the driving speed of the HF motor 40 is 200 PPS (pulses / second) in step S2, and the motor is driven at 1100 PPS in step S4.

  After detecting that the trailing end of the cut sheet S has passed the TOF detector 10 (step S5), the HF motor 40 is further driven at a predetermined step (at a speed of 1100 PPS, 366 steps) (step S6), and the discharge roller 8 is driven. A command to set the closed position is issued (step S7). Then, the cut sheet S is conveyed until the cut sheet S is detected by the discharge detector 28. During this time, various kinds of information are acquired by the scanners 11 and 12 and the MICR 13. When the discharge detector 28 detects that the leading end of the cut sheet S has reached the position of the discharge detector (step S10), the discharge direction is selected (step S11).

  If there is no reading error of the scanners 11 and 12 or the MICR 13 or a defect of data, the conveyance of the cut sheet S is continued and the cut sheet S is discharged in the direction of arrow B. In the present embodiment, when the discharge detector 28 detects that the trailing end of the cut sheet S has passed, it is determined that the discharge has been completed, and a series of processing ends (steps S12 and S13).

  If there is a reading error of the scanners 11 and 12 or the MICR 13 or a data defect, the HF motor 40 is first reversed by a predetermined amount (39 steps) to return the cut sheet by a minute amount (step S14). Thereafter, the carriage 15 is moved to the CRI position, and the clutch is switched so that the power of the VF motor is transmitted from the vertical drive roller 22 for transporting roll paper to the validation drive roller 31a (step S16). Thereafter, the position of the roller of the discharge section is switched to vertical discharge. That is, the discharge roller 8 is set to the open position, and the vertical discharge roller 31 is set to the closed position (Step S17). Then, printing is performed by the print head 14 while transporting the cut sheet S upward (step S18). When the sheet S is further conveyed upward (step S19), the cut sheet S comes off the validation pressing roller 31b and the validation drive roller 31a, and the user can take out the cut sheet S exposed from the upper opening 37. . The fact that the cut sheet S has been taken out by the user is confirmed by the output of the discharge detector 28 (step S20), whereby the power of the VF motor is transmitted to the vertical drive roller 22 which conveys the roll paper. The clutch is switched so as to be transmitted, the roller position is returned to the original horizontal discharge position, and a series of processing ends (S14 to S22).

  According to the present embodiment, for example, when a check is processed at a bank counter, since the printing apparatus 1 has a U-shaped conveyance path, the bank employee can insert a check as a cut sheet S while sitting on a chair. And can be easily taken out. When a reading error of the scanners 11, 12 or the CR 13 or a defect of the read data occurs, the printing apparatus 1 automatically discharges the check upward, which is different from the conventional horizontal conveyance direction. Can immediately notice the abnormality and take a quick response. In particular, in the case where a plurality of checks are successively processed, it is very effective that a problematic check can be identified without being mixed with other checks by dividing the transport direction according to the reading result.

  In addition, the following forms are also conceivable as application examples of the present embodiment.

  In this application example, regardless of whether or not a reading error of the detector or a defect of the read data has occurred, the leading end of the cut sheet is always near the position where the discharge detector 28 detects the cut sheet S. Stop transporting Then, while the conveyance is stopped, the read data is processed, the image read by the scanner is displayed on the display, and the date and signature are visually checked.

  As a result, when there is a problem, the sheet is discharged without printing by using the horizontal "first discharge means". If there is no problem, the vertical "second discharging means" is used, and endorsement is performed by the print head before discharging.

  With the above-described method, it is possible to feed back the check reading result and endorse, and it is possible to prevent the problem that an invalid endorsement is made as in the past and a plurality of endorsements are made as a result.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the discharge direction of the cut sheet S as the print medium can be selected according to the predetermined condition. Therefore, print media can be identified and grouped according to the conditions set in advance. In addition, if another transfer device is installed at each discharge port, it is possible to deliver to different places according to certain conditions. For example, if an identification mark is attached to a print medium, delivery can be easily performed according to the identification mark.

  Also, according to the present embodiment, for example, when a reading error occurs in the MICR 13 or the scanners 11 and 12 or when there is a defect in the read data, the document is discharged in the transport direction or is discharged in the vertical direction. There is a feature that the discharge means can be selected and discharged according to the conditions. Therefore, only the problematic print medium can be discharged to a different discharge port so that it can be easily identified.

  In particular, when a print medium is continuously fed, if the print medium is discharged to the same discharge port, a normal medium and a problematic medium are mixed, and it is very difficult to sort the print medium later. Therefore, in such a case, a great effect can be obtained.

FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention with a housing removed. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a relationship among a first transport path, a second transport path, and a third transport path in the printing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view in which some members are omitted from the printing apparatus. It is a schematic diagram which shows a 1st conveyance path. It is an elevational view showing a 2nd conveyance way and a 3rd conveyance way. It is an expanded sectional view of FIG. It is a figure showing a situation of conveyance in the 2nd conveyance way or the 3rd conveyance way. (A) is a schematic diagram showing a first transport path when the print head is fixed, and (b) is a schematic view showing the first transport path when the print head is movable. (A)-(c) is a figure which shows typically the movement from the time when a cut sheet is supplied to a paper supply part until the selection of a discharge means is performed. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a control flow from when cut paper is supplied to a paper feeding unit to when it is discharged in a predetermined discharge direction.

Explanation of reference numerals

S Cut sheet P Roll paper P1 First transport path P2 Second transport path P3 Third transport path 1 Printing device 2a Outer guide 2b Inner guide 3 Paper feeder 4 Ejector 6 First transport roller 7 Second transport roller Reference Signs List 8 discharge roller 9 BOF detector 10 TOF detector 11 scanner (back side)
12 Scanner (front) 13 MICR
14 Print Head 15 Carriage 17 Ink Tank 18 Print Area 19 Retreat Position 20 Roll Paper Storage Unit 22 Vertical Drive Roller 23 Vertical Press Roller 24 Platen 25 Open / Close Lid 26 Cutter 27 Validation Detector 28 Discharge Detector 29 Positioning Guide 30 Tension Roller 31 Vertical Discharge roller 40 HF motor 41 Belt

Claims (12)

  A first transport path for transporting the cut sheet, a print head for printing on the cut sheet in a print area provided in the first transport path, and a print head mounted with the print head; A printing apparatus comprising: a carriage that moves the print head in a direction parallel to a transport direction of one transport path.   The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the first transport path has a substantially U shape.   3. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the carriage is further configured to move between the printing area and a retracted position separated by a predetermined distance from the printing area.   4. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in a state in which the cut sheet is stopped, the print head is moved in parallel with a conveying direction of the cut sheet to perform printing on the cut sheet. 5.   A magnetic ink character reading device that reads information of magnetic ink printed on the cut sheet in advance, and performs printing on the cut sheet according to a result of reading by the magnetic ink character reading device. 5. The printing device according to any one of 4.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a scanner configured to read an image of the cut sheet, and performing printing on the cut sheet in accordance with a result of reading by the scanner.   7. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second transport path that is substantially orthogonal to the first transport path and transports the cut sheet, wherein the print head performs printing on the cut sheet transported through the second transport path. The printing device according to any one of the above.   4. A printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second transport path that is substantially orthogonal to said first transport path and transports roll paper, wherein said print head prints on roll paper transported through said second transport path. 7. The printing device according to any one of 6.   The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the print head is an inkjet head. Transporting the cut sheet along a first transport path having a U-shape,
Reading magnetic ink characters pre-printed on the cut sheet conveyed on the first conveyance path;
Printing the cut sheet in accordance with the result of reading the magnetic ink characters.   The step of printing on the cut sheet stops the cut sheet conveyed along the first conveyance path in a printing area, and the print head is moved in parallel with the conveyance direction of the cut sheet in the first conveyance path. The printing method according to claim 10, wherein the printing is performed by moving the printer. The printing method according to claim 10, further comprising reading an image of the cut sheet conveyed on the first conveyance path.

Images