JP2007106000A - Stamping device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a stamping device which prevents a recording sheet from being wasted by test stamping. <P>SOLUTION: This stamping device comprises following constituent parts: a printing matrix mounting part which freely mount a plurality of different kinds of printing matrices, each having a mark representing the kind and direction of the printing matrix, in a plurality of directions; a detection part which detects the kind and direction of the printing matrix mounted on the printing matrix mounting part according to the mark; a decision part which decides whether the kind and direction of the printing matrix detected by the detection part match those previously decided, with regard to a designated stamping process; and a process approval/disapproval part which permits the execution of the designated stamping process upon the decision by the decision part to such effect that the matching has been established, and inhibits the execution of the designated stamping process on account of the decision by the decision part to such effect that at least, either the kind or the direction of the printing matrix does not match that previously decided. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a stamping apparatus that performs a stamping process on a recording sheet using a stamping plate mounted on a stamping plate mounting portion.

  Conventionally, as a post-processing apparatus such as an image forming apparatus, a stamping apparatus that performs a stamping process on recording paper after image formation is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Some of these stamping devices allow the operator to change the printing plate and mount the printing plate in a plurality of directions. Whether or not the stamping process requested by the operator is possible depending on the type and the direction of the printing plate is checked based on the result of the test stamping actually performed on the recording paper.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-122899

  However, in the above-described stamping device, there is a possibility that a recording sheet for test stamping is wasted whenever the type of stamp and the direction of the stamp are changed.

  In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a stamping device in which waste of recording paper due to test stamping is prevented.

In order to achieve the above object, a stamping device of the present invention comprises:
In a stamping device that performs a stamping process on recording paper using a stamping plate mounted on a stamping plate mounting section,
The printing plate mounting portion is a plurality of types of printing plates having marks indicating the type of printing plate and the direction of the printing plate, and can be attached in a plurality of directions,
A detection unit for detecting the type of the printing plate mounted on the printing plate mounting unit and the direction of the printing plate based on the mark;
A determination unit that determines whether or not the type of the printing plate and the direction of the printing plate detected by the detection unit coincide with the type of printing plate and the direction of the printing plate that are determined in advance for the designated stamping process. And receiving the determination that the determination unit matches, and allowing the specified stamping process to be performed, and receiving the determination by the determination unit that at least one of the type of the printing plate and the direction of the printing plate is different A processing permission / refusal unit for prohibiting the execution of the designated stamping process is provided.

  In the stamping apparatus of the present invention, the type of the printing plate and the direction of the printing plate that are determined in advance for the designated stamping process, the type of the printing plate that is actually attached to the printing plate mounting portion, and the direction of the printing plate, Since it is found that the stamping process is allowed and the mismatch is found by prohibiting the stamping process, it is possible to avoid checking these matches and mismatches with the test stamp. Therefore, according to the stamping device of the present invention, it is possible to prevent waste of the recording paper.

  Here, the determination unit receives a notification that the mark cannot be detected by the detection unit, and at least one of the type of the printing plate and the direction of the printing plate determined in advance for the designated stamping process is different. It is preferable that the determination is made.

  In this way, it is possible to prohibit the stamping process even in the case of detecting the non-mounting of the printing plate on the printing plate mounting portion in addition to the mismatch of the type of the printing plate or the direction of the printing plate.

  In addition, it is provided with a notification means for receiving a determination that at least one of the type of the printing plate and the direction of the printing plate determined in advance for the designated stamping process is different, and notifying the content of the difference. Is also a preferred embodiment.

  By notifying the difference contents in this way, the cause of the prohibition of the stamping process can be quickly resolved.

  According to the stamping device of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the recording paper from being wasted due to the test stamping.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printer system including an embodiment of a stamping device of the present invention.

  A printer system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a printer 3 provided with three stages of slots into which paper trays 30 for storing recording papers are fitted, and a recording process on recording paper discharged from the printer 3 after image formation is completed. An image forming mode in which only the image forming process in the printer 3 is performed, and the printer 3 and the stamp. This is a system capable of mode switching between two modes of the composite mode in which both the image forming process and the stamping process are performed in the apparatus 2.

  The printer 3 shown in FIG. 1 is provided corresponding to three slots, and a paper feeding unit 3a that draws paper from a paper tray 30 loaded in the slot, and a recording paper that is drawn by the paper feeding unit 3a is used as a conveyance path. The image forming unit 3 includes a conveyance roller 3 b that conveys the toner along the image forming unit 3 c that forms a toner image and transfers and fixes the toner image onto the recording sheet conveyed on the conveyance path, and a printer control unit 3 e that controls the entire printer 3.

  The stamping device 2 shown in FIG. 1 includes a stamping processing unit 2a that performs a stamping process on the recording paper discharged from the printer 3, a transport roller 2b that transports the recording paper that has undergone the stamping process, and a stamping process. The stamping device control unit 2e that controls the unit 2a is configured to perform the stamping process on the recording paper discharged from the printer 3 only when the composite mode is selected in the print system 1.

  In the printer system 1, when the image forming mode is selected in the host computer 4, the image forming process based on the image data transmitted from the host computer 4 is performed in the printer 3, and the recording paper on which the image forming process has been completed. Is discharged to the upper surface of the casing of the printer 3. In addition, when the composite mode is selected in the host computer 4 and the stamp format desired by the operator is designated from among the stamp formats whose stamp modes are determined in advance, the image data transmitted from the host computer 4 is selected. The image forming process based on the above is first performed in the printer 3, and then the stamping process according to the designated stamping format is performed in the stamping apparatus 2 on the recording paper on which the image forming process has been completed. In this printer system 1, the power of the stamping device 2 is also turned on by turning on a power switch (not shown) provided in the printer 3.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a stamp processing unit of the stamp apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  2 includes a printing head 21a on which the printing plate 30 is mounted, a cam 22a that pushes down the printing plate 30 during the printing process, a cam motor 23a that drives the cam 22a, and a printing head. The base plate 24a supports the recording paper 100 when the stamp 30 mounted on the recording paper 21a is pressed onto the recording paper.

  As will be described in detail later, the printing plate head 21a is provided with a first protrusion 211a that is urged upward but can be moved back and forth, in order to detect the type and orientation of the loaded printing plate 30. .

  FIG. 2A shows a state before the stamping process of the stamping processing unit 2a in which the stamp 30 is mounted on the printing head 21a, and FIG. 2B shows a state during the stamping process. In the printing head 21a, the printing plate 30 is pushed down by the cam 22a so that the projection 211a is pushed in.

  The printing plate 30 is mounted on the printing head 21a after the cam 22a and the cam motor 23a are retracted from the operating position to a predetermined retraction position, and then a compression spring (not shown) provided in the printing head 21a is used. The printing plate 30 is mounted on the printing plate head 21a while being compressed, the cam 22a and the cam motor 23a are returned to the operating positions, and the printing plate 30 is pressed by the cam 22a. Further, in the stamping process, the drive of the recording paper 100 conveyed through the conveyance path is temporarily stopped, and then the cam 22a is rotated by the cam motor 23a to resist the urging of a compression spring (not shown). This is done by depressing 30.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a printing head.

  In FIG. 3A, the printing plate 30 is removed from the printing head 21a, and the state is returned to the state in which the first protruding portion 211a provided in the printing head 21a protrudes and retracts. It is shown. The printing plate 30 mounted on the printing head 21a has a printing surface 30a that contacts the recording paper 100, and a supported surface 30b supported by the printing head 21a.

  FIG. 3B shows a case where the printing head 21a is viewed from the upper surface. Here, the first protrusion 211a, in order from the lower side, are provided on the support surface 210a that supports the printing plate to be mounted. A mode that the 2nd projection part 212a, the 3rd projection part 213a, and the 4th projection part 214a are provided is shown.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a printing surface of a printing plate that can be recognized by the stamping device of the present embodiment.

  FIG. 4 shows a state in which the direction of the printing plate is rotated by 90 ° counterclockwise from the state shown at the left end in order ((I) to (IV)). Depending on the printing surface 30a of the printing plate 30 shown in FIG. 4A, the character “A” can be stamped on the recording paper. Depending on the printing surface 31a of the printing plate 31 shown in FIG. 'B' can be stamped on the recording paper.

  FIG. 4 (a) shows a state where a total of 12 holes are provided in the supported surface 30b of the stamp plate 30, and FIG. 4 (b) shows a total of 12 holes on the supported surface 31b. A state in which eight holes are provided is shown.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the contents of a table included in the stamping device control unit.

  In FIG. 5 (a), the orientation of the printing plate is changed from (I) to (IV) sequentially as shown in FIG. 4, and the upper side of the printing plate in FIG. 4 is always in FIG. 3 (b). When the printing plate is mounted on the printing head 21a so as to be under the printing head 21a, it is a diagram illustrating the contents of signals output from four projections 211a, 212a, 213a, and 214a.

  From FIG. 5A, it can be seen that the type of the printing plate and the direction of the printing plate are uniquely determined with respect to the output signals from the respective protruding portions from the first protruding portion 211a to the fourth protruding portion 214a.

  In the stamp control unit 2e, referring to the table whose contents are shown in FIG. 5 (a), among these four protrusions 211a, 212a, 213a and 214a, the stamping device controller 2e is provided on the supported surface of the printing plate. The type of the printing plate is specified by the number of protrusions that are not pushed in due to the holes, that is, the number of signals 'ON', and the arrangement of the holes, that is, from the first protrusion 211a to the fourth protrusion 214a. The orientation of the printing plate is specified by the combination of the signal “ON” and the signal “OFF” from the protrusions.

  FIG. 5B shows the contents of a table showing the relationship between the variations of the stamp format that can be specified by the operator in the host computer 4, the type of the stamp, and the direction of the stamp. In 2e, the type and orientation of the printing plate corresponding to the stamp format designated by the operator are specified with reference to the table whose contents are shown in FIG. Here, in the table shown in FIG. 5A, when the printing plate is not mounted on the printing head 21a, that is, when the output signals from the four protrusions are all 'ON', the host computer 4 The type and orientation of the printing plate that cannot be specified depending on the stamp format that can be selected by the operator are assigned.

  FIG. 6 is an internal block diagram of the printer system shown in FIG.

  6 shows a printer control unit 3e and a stamping device control unit 2e connected to the printer control unit 3e. The printer control unit 3e shown in FIG. 6 includes a host computer 4 and an image forming unit 3c. It is connected.

  Further, the stamping device control unit 2e shown in FIG. 6 includes a first projection 211a to a fourth projection 214a, a cam motor 23a for rotating the cam 22a for pressing the printing plate, and a table shown in FIG. A state in which the stored memory 21e is connected is shown.

  In this printer system 1, when the composite mode is selected by the operator on the screen of the host computer, a variation of the stamp format for what kind of printing plate and in what direction is printed on the recording paper is the host computer. A plurality of images are displayed on the screen 4.

  When the operator selects any of the stamp formats, a signal indicating the designated stamp format is transmitted to the stamp device controller 2e through the printer controller 3e. While referring to the table shown in FIG. 5 (b), the stamping device control unit 2e specifies the type and orientation of the printing plate corresponding to the designated stamping format based on the signal representing the designated stamping format. While referring to the table shown in FIG. 5A, the type and orientation of the printing plate actually mounted on the printing head 21a are specified based on the signals transmitted from the four projections of the printing head 21a. Then, it is determined whether or not they match.

  The stamp control unit 2e transmits a signal corresponding to the determination result to the printer control unit 3e, and if the content of the signal indicates the coincidence of the printing plate type and orientation, the printer control unit 3e The unit 3c is instructed to start image formation. On the other hand, if the content of the signal represents at least one of the printing plate type and the printing plate direction, and further indicates a mismatch in both the printing plate type and the direction including the printing plate not mounted, the printer The control unit 3e instructs the host computer 4 to display an error message according to the content. Further, the stamping device control unit 2e specifies the type and orientation of the printing plate identified based on the designated stamping format transmitted from the printer control unit 3e and the printing identified based on the signals transmitted from the four protrusions. While the type and orientation of the plates do not match, power transmission to the cam motor 23a is stopped.

  As described above, in the stamping device 2 provided in the printer system 1, the type and orientation of the stamp corresponding to the stamp format specified by the operator from among a plurality of variations are actually applied to the stamp head 21a. It is monitored whether or not it matches the type and orientation of the installed printing plate. If they match, the stamping process is allowed, and if they do not match, the stamping process is prohibited. Therefore, according to this stamping apparatus 2, since it is not necessary to perform the test stamping, it is possible to prevent the recording paper from being wasted due to the test stamping.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a routine that is started in the stamping device control unit when the stamping device is powered on.

  In step S1 shown in FIG. 7, whether or not a signal indicating which stamp format and orientation corresponding to which stamping format has been selected in the composite mode has been transmitted from the computer 4 when dried through the printer control unit 3e. If it is determined that it has not been transmitted, step S1 is repeated. If it is determined that it has been transmitted, the process proceeds to step S2. In step S2, it is determined whether or not the printing plate 20 is mounted on the printing head 21a based on the signals from the four protrusions and the signal indicating the designated stamp format. If it is determined in step S2 that the stamp is not mounted, the process proceeds to step S3 to instruct the host computer to transmit a signal indicating an error display indicating that the stamp is not mounted. Then, it progresses to step S8, instruct | indicates the electric power transmission stop to the cam motor 23a, and returns to step S1. If it is determined in step 2 that a printing plate is mounted on the printing plate head 21a, the process proceeds to step S4, and whether or not the types of printing plates match and signals indicating the specified stamp format If it is determined in step S4 that they do not match, the process proceeds to step S5, and a signal instructing display of a message that the printing plate types do not match is transmitted to the host computer side. Then, it progresses to step S8, instruct | indicates the electric power transmission stop to the cam motor 23a, and returns to step S1. If it is determined in step S4 that they match, the process proceeds to step S6, and it is determined whether or not the directions of the printing plates match based on the signals from the four protrusions and the signal indicating the designated stamp format. If it is determined in step S6 that they do not match, the process proceeds to step S7 to instruct the display of a message that the directions of the printing plates do not match. Then, it progresses to step S8, instruct | indicates the power transmission stop to a cam motor, and returns to step S1. If it is determined in step S6 that they match, the process proceeds to step S9, and a signal indicating that the stamping process is in a standby state is transmitted to the printer control unit 3e. In step S10, the start of power transmission to the cam motor 23a is instructed. In step S <b> 11, it is determined whether or not there is paper conveyance from the printer 3. If it is determined in step S11 that it has not been transported, step S11 is repeated. If it is determined that it has been transported, the process proceeds to step S12, where the rotation of the cam motor 23a is controlled to perform a stamping process. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S13, where it is determined whether or not the job has ended. If it is determined in step S13 that the job has not ended, the process returns to step S11. If it is determined in step S13 that the job has ended, the process returns to step S1.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the stamping process is prohibited even when the printing plate 21a is not mounted is described. However, when the printing plate 21a is not mounted, Since the recording paper cannot be wasted, the stamping process may not be prohibited, and an example of displaying an error message indicating the content of the difference has been described, but in the present invention, there is an abnormality in the stamping device. A message indicating only the occurrence may be displayed, and further, a message indicating the occurrence of abnormality may not be displayed and only the stamping process may be prohibited.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printer system including an embodiment of a stamping device of the present invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the stamp process part of a stamp apparatus. It is a figure showing a printing head. It is a figure which shows the printing plate surface of the printing plate which can be recognized with the stamping apparatus which is this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the content of the table which a stamping apparatus control part has. FIG. 2 is an internal block diagram of the printer system shown in FIG. 1. It is a flowchart of the routine started in a stamping apparatus control part by the power supply of a stamping apparatus being turned ON.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printer system 2 Stamping apparatus 2a Stamping process part 2e Stamping apparatus control part 21a Printing head 21e Memory 210a Support surface 211a 1st projection part 212a 2nd projection part 213a 3rd projection part 214a 4th projection part 22a Cam 23a Cam motor 24a base 3 printer 3c image forming unit 3e printer control unit 4 host computer 30, 31 printing plate 30a, 31a printing plate 30b, 31b supported surface

Claims (3)

In a stamping device that performs a stamping process on recording paper using a stamping plate mounted on a stamping plate mounting section,
The printing plate mounting portion is a plurality of types of printing plates having marks indicating the type of printing plate and the direction of the printing plate, and can be attached in a plurality of directions,
A detection unit for detecting the type of the printing plate mounted on the printing plate mounting unit and the direction of the printing plate based on the mark;
A determination unit that determines whether or not the type of the printing plate and the direction of the printing plate detected by the detection unit coincide with the type of printing plate and the direction of the printing plate that are determined in advance for the designated stamping process. And receiving the determination that the determination unit matches, and allowing the specified stamping process to be performed, and receiving the determination by the determination unit that at least one of the type of the printing plate and the direction of the printing plate is different A stamping apparatus comprising a process permission / refusal unit that prohibits execution of a specified stamping process.   The determination unit receives a notification that the mark cannot be detected by the detection unit, and determines that at least one of the type of the printing plate and the direction of the printing plate determined in advance for the designated stamping process is different. The stamping device according to claim 1, wherein:   The determination unit includes a notification unit that receives a determination that at least one of the type of the printing plate and the direction of the printing plate that are determined in advance for the designated stamping process is different, and notifies the content of the difference. The stamping device according to claim 1, wherein:

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