JP2013000968A - Recording apparatus, control method for recording apparatus and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently align a recording medium.SOLUTION: The recording apparatus 2 that records information on the recording medium 22 and issues it as a single strip 10 comprises: an accommodating part 70 with a cover 35; a cover open/closed state detecting means 61 for detecting an open/closed state of the cover 35; a near-end detecting means 80 for detecting the amount of recording medium 22 remaining in the accommodating part 70; a mark detecting means 64 for detecting a position detection mark BM formed on the recording medium 22 along the direction of conveyance; an aligning means for aligning the recording medium 22 to a predetermined position; and a cutting means 25 for cutting the recording medium 22. Based on the detection from the cover open/closed state detecting means 61 and the near-end detecting means 80, the alignment of the recording medium 22 by the aligning means and/or the cutting of the recording medium 22 by the cutting means 25 are carried out using the detection result of the mark detection means 64.

Description

  The present invention relates to a recording apparatus, a control method for the recording apparatus, and a program.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a recording apparatus that stores a recording medium such as roll paper in a main body having a cover, performs recording on the recording medium, performs cut processing with an auto cutter, and issues it as a single sheet. Since this type of recording apparatus performs the cutting process of the recording medium in accordance with the recorded position, it is necessary to align the recording medium. For this reason, the recording medium is provided with, for example, a position detection mark called a black mark, and the recording apparatus is provided with detection means for detecting the position detection mark. Then, processing such as recording and cutting is performed based on the position of the detected position detection mark (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In a recording apparatus that performs recording on a recording medium with a position detection mark, it is unclear where the recording medium position detection mark is located when the recording medium is replaced (the position of the recording medium is unknown). It is necessary to detect the position detection mark and position the recording medium at the initial position based on the detected position detection mark. Therefore, conventionally, the recording medium is fed to detect the position detection mark, and based on this, the recording medium is positioned at the cutting position by the cutter, and the head portion is cut, thereby recording the recording medium. The medium is positioned at the initial position.

JP 2002-326408 A

  In some cases, the positioning operation is performed by detecting the opening and closing of the cover of the recording apparatus as an index indicating the replacement of the recording medium. At this time, if the recording medium is not replaced simply by opening and closing the cover, the position of the recording medium may be shifted. In particular, a thermal printer has a configuration in which a recording medium is sandwiched when a cover is closed by a platen provided on the cover side and a thermal head provided on the main body side. In such a printer, even if the recording medium is not replaced, if the cover is opened, the sandwiched recording medium is released and the position is shifted, and if the cover is tightened in this state, the position of the recording medium is shifted. It is pinched.

  Therefore, a small piece of paper is generated by the cutting operation, which may cause a paper jam. Alternatively, performing the so-called empty cut that cuts the recording medium without being at the position of the auto cutter may cause a shortened cutter life.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to solve at least a part of the problems described above, and the invention can be implemented as the following forms or application examples.

  (Application Example 1) A recording apparatus that records information by a recording unit and issues it as a single sheet with respect to a recording medium conveyed by a conveying unit, and a storage unit with a cover that stores the recording medium, and the cover A cover open / close detecting means for detecting the open / closed state of the recording medium; a near end detecting means for detecting that the remaining amount of the recording medium accommodated in the accommodating portion is equal to or less than a predetermined amount; and a transport path for the recording medium. A mark detecting means for detecting position detection marks provided at predetermined intervals along the transport direction on the recording medium, and alignment for aligning the recording medium transported by the transport means with a predetermined position And a cutting means for cutting the recording medium provided on a conveying path along which the recording medium is conveyed by the conveying means, the cover open / close detecting means and the near Based on the detection state of the end detection unit, the recording medium is aligned by the alignment unit and / or the recording medium is cut by the cutting unit using the detection result of the mark detection unit. Recording apparatus characterized by that

  According to this configuration, the recording apparatus can detect the open / close state of the cover of the storage unit in which the recording medium is accommodated and that the remaining amount of the recording medium is equal to or less than the predetermined amount, that is, a change in the near-end state. . From these detection results, it can be detected whether or not the recording medium has been replaced. When the recording medium is exchanged, the recording medium can be aligned and cut by detecting a position detection mark provided on the recording medium. If the recording medium is not exchanged, the recording medium can be aligned without performing the cutting operation. Therefore, useless cutting operation can be prevented, work efficiency can be improved, defects such as paper jam can be reduced, and reliability can be improved.

  (Application example 2) The recording medium is sandwiched when the cover is closed, and the recording medium is opened when the cover is opened. One is provided on the cover side and the other is provided on the main body side. The recording apparatus as described above, further comprising a clamping unit.

  (Application Example 3) The recording apparatus described above, wherein the clamping means is composed of a thermal head and a platen.

  According to these configurations, the recording medium can be reliably aligned even in a thermal printer in which the recording medium is easily displaced by opening and closing the cover. In addition, useless cutting operations can be prevented, work efficiency can be improved, defects such as paper jam can be reduced, and reliability can be improved.

  Application Example 4 When the cover opening / closing detection unit detects opening / closing of the cover, and the near-end detection unit detects a near-end state of the recording medium, and then detects a non-near-end state, the recording medium Is determined to have been replaced, and using the detection result of the mark detection means, the alignment of the recording medium by the alignment means and the cutting of the recording medium by the cutting means are performed. The recording device described above.

  According to this configuration, the recording apparatus can determine that the recording medium has been replaced and perform alignment and cutting operations of the recording medium.

  (Application Example 5) When the cover open / close detection unit detects the opening / closing of the cover, but the near end detection unit does not detect the near end state of the recording medium, it is determined that the recording medium is not replaced, The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the position of the recording medium is adjusted by the positioning means using the detection result of the mark detecting means, and the recording medium is not cut by the cutting means.

  According to this configuration, the recording apparatus can determine that the recording medium has not been replaced, perform only the alignment of the recording medium, and omit the cutting operation.

  Application Example 6 A method for controlling a recording apparatus that records information by a recording unit and issues it as a single sheet with respect to a recording medium conveyed by a conveying unit, and the recording apparatus covers a recording medium An attached storage section, a cover open / close detection means for detecting an open / closed state of the cover, a near-end detection means for detecting that the remaining amount of the recording medium stored in the storage section is a predetermined amount or less, Mark detection means for detecting position detection marks provided on the recording medium at predetermined intervals along the conveyance direction, and the recording medium conveyed by the conveyance means Positioning means for aligning the recording medium with a predetermined position, and cutting means provided on a transport path along which the recording medium is transported by the transporting means, and for cutting the recording medium. Based on the detection state of the open / close detection means and the near-end detection means, the detection result of the mark detection means is used to align the recording medium by the alignment means and / or the recording medium by the cut means. A control method for a recording apparatus, wherein the cutting is performed.

  According to this control method, the recording apparatus can detect the open / close state of the cover of the storage unit in which the recording medium is stored and the remaining amount of the recording medium have become equal to or less than a predetermined amount, that is, a change in the near-end state. it can. From these detection results, it can be detected whether or not the recording medium has been replaced. When the recording medium is exchanged, the recording medium can be aligned and cut by detecting a position detection mark provided on the recording medium. If the recording medium is not exchanged, the recording medium can be aligned without performing the cutting operation. Therefore, useless cutting operation can be prevented, work efficiency can be improved, defects such as paper jam can be reduced, and reliability can be improved.

  Application Example 7 Conveying means for conveying a recording medium, recording means for recording information on the recording medium, an accommodating portion with a cover for accommodating the recording medium, and cover opening / closing detection for detecting the open / closed state of the cover Means, a near-end detecting means for detecting that the remaining amount of the recording medium accommodated in the accommodating portion is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, and a conveying path for the recording medium provided on the recording medium. Mark detecting means for detecting position detection marks provided at predetermined intervals along the direction, positioning means for aligning the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means to a predetermined position, and recording by the conveying means A program that can be executed by a control unit that controls a recording apparatus that includes a cutting unit that is provided on a conveyance path through which the medium is conveyed, and cuts the recording medium, Based on the detection state of the bar opening / closing detection means and the near end detection means, the detection result of the mark detection means is used to align the recording medium by the alignment means and / or the recording medium by the cutting means. A program that can be executed by the control unit, which is characterized by performing the above-described cutting.

  By executing this program by the control unit, the recording device can detect whether the cover of the storage unit in which the recording medium is stored and the remaining amount of the recording medium are below a predetermined amount, that is, the change in the near-end state. Can be detected. From these detection results, it can be detected whether or not the recording medium has been replaced. When the recording medium is exchanged, the recording medium can be aligned and cut by detecting a position detection mark provided on the recording medium. If the recording medium is not exchanged, the recording medium can be aligned without performing the cutting operation. Therefore, useless cutting operation can be prevented, work efficiency can be improved, defects such as paper jam can be reduced, and reliability can be improved.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printing system to which a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating a main configuration of the printer. The figure explaining a near end detection means. The figure which shows the example of the form output by a printer. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer control system. The figure which shows the operation | movement sequence of a printer and a host computer. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a printer.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the detailed structure and scale of each part are different from actual ones for the sake of simplicity.

(About the configuration of the printing system)
A printing system to which a printer as a recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printing system to which a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a printing system 1 is configured by connecting a host computer 3 that controls the printer 2 to a printer 2 that issues a form 10 as a single sheet. The printing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 constitutes, for example, a register of a point-of-sale management system (POS system) installed at a store such as a retail store, or a ticket issuing system for issuing tickets or various tickets, and includes receipts, coupons, A form 10 such as a lottery ticket or ticket is printed and issued.

  The host computer 3 displays various keys such as a display 12 for displaying information on sales registration processing and settlement processing, or information on a form to be issued, a bar code scanner 13 for reading a bar code relating to form issuance, and a key for issuing a form. A key input unit 14 provided, a cash drawer 15 for storing cash for settlement, and the like are provided. The host computer 3 is connected to a server 16 that collects data of issuance records and transaction records of the forms 10 by the printer 2.

  When the form 10 is issued, the host computer 3 accesses the server 16 based on the input value from the barcode scanner 13 or the input value from the key input unit 14 and obtains information necessary for issuing the form 10. Control data that is acquired and causes the printer 2 to perform various operations related to the issuance of the form 10 is generated and output to the printer 2. The printer 2 operates each unit based on the control data input from the host computer 3 and issues a form 10.

(About the configuration of the recording device)
A printer as a recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating a main configuration of a printer included in the printing system. FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrams for explaining the near-end detection means. FIG. 3A is a diagram showing a near-end non-detection state, and FIG. 3B is a diagram showing a near-end non-detection state.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the main body 20 of the printer 2 is provided with a cover 35 that can be opened and closed. The main body 20 is provided with a lever 36 for opening the cover 35. When the cover 35 is opened, the accommodating portion 70 for accommodating the roll paper 22 as a recording medium is exposed, and the roll paper 22 can be replenished or replaced. Become. The cover 35 is provided with a cover sensor 61 (see FIG. 5) as cover open / close detection means for detecting the open / closed state of the cover 35. Further, the main body 20 includes a power switch 37 for turning on / off the power of the printer 2, a paper feed switch 38 for performing operations such as switching of an operation mode, and the operation state of the printer 2 depending on whether the LED is on or off. An LED display unit 39 for displaying the above is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the printer 2 uses a roll paper 22 obtained by winding a long thermal paper in a roll shape as a recording medium, and heats the roll paper 22 with a thermal head 24 to record characters (printing). To do. The printed roll paper 22 is cut by a cutter unit 25 as cutting means, and is discharged as a form 10 from a paper discharge port 28 shown in FIG. The printer 2 accommodates a roll paper 22 in a main body 20, a roller-shaped platen 23 (conveying means) that feeds and conveys the roll paper 22, a thermal head 24 disposed opposite to the platen 23, and a conveyance direction And a cutter unit 25 that cuts the roll paper 22 in a direction orthogonal to each other. The cutter unit 25 may be configured to completely cut the roll paper 22 in the width direction, or may be configured to leave the center or end portion in the width direction.

  The platen 23 is connected to a transport motor 33 (see FIG. 5) via a drive mechanism (not shown), and rotates by the operation of the transport motor 33. The platen 23 and the thermal head 24 are biased so as to be in close contact with each other by biasing means such as a leaf spring. Further, the peripheral surface of the platen 23 is a surface having a high friction coefficient using rubber or the like. For this reason, as the platen 23 rotates, the roll paper 22 sandwiched between the platen 23 and the thermal head 24 is conveyed. When the transport motor 33 rotates in the forward direction, the platen 23 rotates in the direction of transporting the roll paper 22 toward the paper discharge port 28. In this case, the transport direction is the forward direction, and is indicated by an arrow F in FIG. On the other hand, when the transport motor 33 rotates in the reverse direction, the platen 23 rotates in a direction in which the roll paper 22 is pulled back from the paper discharge port 28. The transport direction in this case is the reverse direction.

  The roll paper 22 is provided with a color developing layer that develops color by heat on at least one surface, and this surface is the surface 10A (recording surface). On the opposite side of the front surface 10A, that is, the back surface 10B, black marks BM (see FIG. 4) as position detection marks are provided at predetermined intervals for positioning for printing and cutting. In addition, the presence or absence of the color development layer in the back surface 10B does not ask | require.

  The black mark BM is, for example, a mark having a predetermined size formed at one end in the width direction of the back surface 10B, and is, for example, a rectangle having a size of about 5 mm along the transport direction. As a color of the black mark BM, a mode in which the black black mark BM is formed on the white roll paper 22 is generally used. However, an optical sensor such as a BM sensor 64 serving as a mark detection unit described later can be detected. That's fine. The black mark BM is formed by printing or the like over the entire length of the roll paper 22 every predetermined length, that is, at equal intervals. Details of the form 10 with the black mark BM will be described later.

  Next, the storage unit 70 in which the roll paper 22 is stored and the near-end detection unit 80 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the storage unit 70 includes a roll paper holding surface 72 and a near-end detection unit 80. The roll paper 22 is rotatably held and stored on the roll paper holding surface 72 of the storage unit 70. The near-end detection means 80 has a near-end lever 81 on the side of the roll paper 22 that forms a roll. The near end lever 81 is rotatable around a near end lever rotation center 82, extends downward from the near end lever rotation center 82 in the drawing, and has a detection projection 84 at the other end. The near end detection means 80 includes a spring 85 that presses the detection protrusion 84 against the roll paper 22 and a mechanical switch 86 that is electrically turned on and off in conjunction with the rotation of the near end lever 81.

  In the near-end detecting means 80 having such a configuration, when the roll paper 22 before use is loaded by the throwing method, the detection projection 84 is pushed by the side of the roll paper 22 and rotated as shown in FIG. Then, the mechanical switch 86 is actuated to the electrically on state. By operating the mechanical switch 86, it is detected that the roll paper 22 is loaded and can be supplied. When printing is performed and the roll paper 22 is consumed and the roll diameter is reduced, the roll paper core 83 gradually lowers and moves to the position of the detection protrusion 84 as shown in FIG. When the form 10 wound on the roll paper 22 becomes less than the specified amount, the detection projection 84 enters the hollow portion of the roll paper core 83 by the pressing of the spring 85. When the detection protrusion 84 enters the hollow portion, the near end lever 81 rotates and moves away from the mechanical switch 86. Therefore, it is detected that the mechanical switch 86 is in a near-end state in which the mechanical switch 86 is electrically turned off and the roll paper 22 becomes a predetermined remaining amount or less.

  Note that even if the roll paper 22 is a shaft support system, the near-end detection of the roll paper 22 is possible. In the case of the pivoting method, the roll paper 22 is pivotally supported in the hollow portion of the roll paper core 83. Near-end detection means 80 is configured on this shaft support. When the roll paper 22 before use is installed, the near-end detection means 80 is in a state where the detection projection 84 is in contact with the side surface of the roll paper 22. When the roll paper 22 is consumed, the roll diameter gradually decreases around the hollow portion that is pivotally supported, the detection projection 84 comes out of contact with the side surface of the roll paper 22, and the mechanical switch 86 is pressed by the spring 85. Rotate in a direction away from Therefore, the mechanical switch 86 is electrically turned off and detects the near end state. In both the throwing method and the shaft support method, the remaining amount of the roll paper 22 in the near end state can be arbitrarily set by changing the position of the detection projection 84.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the printer 2, the thermal head 24 is disposed so as to be in contact with the front surface 10A of the roll paper 22, and a BM sensor 64 (mark detection means) is provided facing the back surface 10B. The BM sensor 64 is, for example, a reflection type optical sensor, which irradiates the back surface 10B with light and detects the amount of reflected light. The black mark BM can be detected based on the change in the amount of light detected by the BM sensor 64.

  The cutter unit 25 includes a fixed blade 30 disposed on one side (back surface 10B side) of the roll paper 22 conveyance path, and the other side (surface 10A) of the roll paper 22 conveyance path facing the fixed blade 30. And a cutter driving motor 32 that slides the movable blade 31 toward the fixed blade 30. Due to the driving force of the cutter drive motor 32, the movable blade 31 is moved toward the cutter drive motor 32 via a drive mechanism (not shown), and the printed roll paper 22 is placed between the fixed blade 30 and the movable blade 31. It is sandwiched and cut.

  Here, a position where the BM sensor 64 reads the black mark BM on the back surface 10B is a reading position RP, a position where the thermal head 24 prints on the front surface 10A is a printing position PP, and a position where the cutter unit 25 cuts the roll paper 22 is a position. Assuming the cutter position CP, the reading position RP, the printing position PP, and the cutter position CP are arranged in this order from the upstream side in the conveyance direction F in the conveyance path of the roll paper 22 shown in FIG. The distance along the conveyance path between the reading position RP, the printing position PP, and the cutter position CP is all determined by the mechanical structure of the printer 2.

(About example forms)
Here, an example of a form will be described with reference to FIG. 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating an example of a form printed out by the printer, in which FIG. 4A shows the back surface and FIG. 4B shows the front surface. FIGS. 4A and 4B show a number selection type lottery generally referred to as a lottery (Lottery) as an example of the form 10. In FIG. 4B, the position on the form 10 (roll paper 22) cut by the cutter unit 25 shown in FIG. 2 is described in order to explain how the roll paper 22 is cut and a plurality of forms 10 are issued. Is indicated by a solid cut position CL.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in one form 10, the front surface 10 </ b> A has information such as date and time of issue, issued store or sales floor, ticketing number, etc., and a combination of numbers selected or automatically selected by the purchaser. A machine readable code representing a combination of numbers is printed. On the back surface 10B, a pattern or the like is printed in advance to prevent forgery, and a serial number corresponding to the number of the forms 10 and a black mark BM for alignment are printed. In the example of FIG. 4, since the length to be used for one form 10 is determined, the pattern, serial number, and black mark BM are printed in advance at equal intervals according to this length.

  Here, the distance (inter-BM distance) between the black marks BM provided in advance on the back surface 10B is a distance D11, and the black marks BM shown in FIG. The black marks BM1, BM2, and BM3 are used. Further, the length from the leading end of the black mark BM detected by the BM sensor 64 shown in FIG. 2 to the cut position CL is defined as a distance D12.

  When the BM sensor 64 detects the black mark BM at the reading position RP, the printer 2 shown in FIG. 2 determines the cut position CL of the roll paper 22 based on the detected position of the black mark BM. When the cut position CL reaches the cutter position CP after being conveyed in the forward direction, the cutter drive motor 32 is driven to cut. The timing at which the cut position CL reaches the cutter position CP can be specified by the number of rotations and the number of pulses of the transport motor 33 (see FIG. 5) that rotates the platen 23.

  In FIG. 4B, the positions of the cutter position CP, the printing position PP, and the reading position RP of the printer 2 are shown corresponding to the roll paper 22. The position of the reading position RP is indicated by a broken line so as to be aligned with BM2. The distance between the printing position PP and the cutter position CP (distance along the conveyance path) is the distance D1, and the distance between the reading position RP and the printing position PP (distance along the conveyance path) is the distance D2, and the reading position RP and the cutter position. A distance from the CP (a distance along the conveyance path) is defined as a distance D3.

  For example, a case is assumed in which after the BM sensor 64 detects BM2, cutting is performed at a cut position CL that is a distance D12 from the BM2 on the leading side. When the BM sensor 64 detects BM2, the BM2 is positioned at the reading position RP (FIG. 2). At this time, the cutter position CP (FIG. 2) of the cutter unit 25 is at a position on the roll paper 22 indicated by a broken line CP in FIG. 4 (b). Here, the printer 2 determines the position of the cut position CL2 on the downstream side (leading side, discharge port side) from the BM2 with reference to the position of the BM2.

(About printer functions)
Here, the function of the printer will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the printer. As shown in FIG. 5, the printer 2 includes a control unit 4 as a control unit, a sensor control unit 51, a motor driver 52, a head driver 53, an I / F (interface) unit 54, and an input unit 55. And a display unit 56.

  The control unit 4 centrally controls each unit of the printer 2. The sensor control unit 51 acquires detection states of various sensors according to the control of the control unit 4. The motor driver 52 drives each motor under the control of the control unit 4. The head driver 53 energizes the thermal head 24 under the control of the control unit 4. The interface (I / F) unit 54 is connected to the host computer 3 and transmits / receives various data to / from the host computer 3. The input unit 55 detects the operation of the paper feed switch 38 shown in FIG. The display unit 56 switches the lighting state of the LED of the LED display unit 39 under the control of the control unit 4.

  The sensor control unit 51 is connected to the cover sensor 61, the real end sensor 62, the above-described near-end detection unit 80, and the above-described BM sensor 64. The cover sensor 61 has a function of detecting the open / closed state of the cover 35 shown in FIG. 1, and is preferably a switch type sensor that is turned on when the cover 35 is opened and turned off when the cover 35 is closed. It is done. The real end sensor 62 is disposed in the vicinity of the thermal head 24 shown in FIG. 2 and upstream of the paper path. For example, the real end sensor 62 has a function of detecting the end of the roll paper 22 and detecting the absence of the roll paper 22. As the real end sensor 62, for example, a reflective or transmissive optical sensor is preferably used.

  The near-end detection unit 80 has a function of detecting that the remaining amount of the roll paper 22 has become a predetermined length or less and prompting the user to replace the roll paper 22. Details of the near-end detection means 80 will be described later. The sensor control unit 51 supplies power for operation to each of these sensors, and detects an output current that changes according to the detection state of each sensor. Then, the sensor control unit 51 specifies the detection state of each sensor based on the output current of each sensor, generates digital data indicating the detection state, and outputs the digital data to the control unit 4.

  The motor driver 52 is connected to a conveyance motor 33 that rotates the platen 23 and a cutter drive motor 32 provided in the cutter unit 25. The motor driver 52 supplies a drive current to the cutter drive motor 32 and the transport motor 33 according to the control of the control unit 4, and rotates the cutter drive motor 32 and the transport motor 33 in the forward direction or the reverse direction, respectively. Here, when the cutter drive motor 32 and the conveyance motor 33 are configured as stepping motors, the motor driver 52 outputs a drive pulse together with a drive current.

  The head driver 53 causes the thermal head 24 to print on the roll paper 22 by supplying a driving current to the heating elements included in the thermal head 24 and controlling the supply of current for each heating element.

  The control unit 4 is a non-volatile memory that stores data such as a control program and set values related to the control program, a CPU that executes a program stored in the ROM, a program that is executed by the CPU, and data that is processed temporarily. It comprises a RAM and the like for storing. The control part 4 implement | achieves a various function by cooperation of software and hardware, when the said CPU runs a program. These functions are expressed as a recording control unit 41, a distance detection unit 42, a processing position control unit 43, a conveyance control unit 44, an execution control unit 45, and a storage unit 46.

  The recording control unit 41 controls the motor driver 52 to operate the transport motor 33 according to the command and data received from the host computer 3 via the interface unit 54, controls the head driver 53, and prints on the roll paper 22. Execute.

  The distance detection unit 42 (distance detection means) detects the black mark BM based on the process of monitoring the detection state of the BM sensor 64 via the sensor control unit 51 and the rotation amount of the transport motor 33. And a process of counting the amount of transport of the roll paper 22 from. Then, the distance detection unit 42 each time the BM sensor 64 detects the black mark BM, the distance between the detected black mark BM and the black mark BM detected immediately before the detected black mark BM (distance between the black marks BM). Is calculated based on the count value. The distance detection unit 42 clears the count value and determines the BM sensor 64 when the processing position control unit 43 described later determines that the deviation amount of the distance between the black marks BM is out of the predetermined range. Starts counting after detecting the next black mark BM.

  The processing position control unit 43 (processing position control means) shifts based on the distance between the black marks BM calculated by the distance detection unit 42 and the reference value of the distance between the black marks BM stored in the storage unit 46 in advance. Calculate the amount. The processing position control unit 43 compares the calculated deviation amount with the threshold value stored in the storage unit 46, and determines whether the deviation amount exceeds the threshold value, that is, deviates from the set range. It is determined whether or not. When the deviation amount is within the set range, the processing position control unit 43 determines the cut position CL on the upstream side of the position of the black mark BM detected by the BM sensor 64 immediately before. Further, when the deviation amount is within the set range, the processing position control unit 43 determines the cut position CL on the head side based on the position of the black mark BM detected by the BM sensor 64 immediately before.

  The transport control unit 44 (transport control means) controls the motor driver 52 to operate the transport motor 33 and rolls so that the cut position CL determined by the processing position control unit 43 reaches the cutter position CP of the cutter unit 25. The paper 22 is conveyed. When the cut position CL determined by the processing position control unit 43 is already positioned downstream of the cutter position CP, the transport motor 33 is rotated in the reverse direction to back feed the roll paper 22 (reverse transport). And align the cut position CL with the cutter position CP. The conveyance control unit 44 compares the distance from the detection position of the BM sensor 64 to the processing position of the cutter unit 25 (distance D3 in FIG. 4) and the conveyance amount after the BM sensor 64 detects the black mark BM. Thus, it is determined whether or not the cut position CL has already passed the position of the cutter unit 25. The execution control unit 45 (execution control means) controls the motor driver 52 to operate the cutter unit 25 when the cut position CL on the roll paper 22 reaches the cutter position CP under the control of the conveyance control unit 44, and operates the roll Cut the paper 22.

  The storage unit 46 includes a rewritable nonvolatile memory such as a flash ROM or an EEPROM, and stores various setting values in a nonvolatile manner. Examples of the setting values stored in the storage unit 46 include the distance between the black marks BM of the black marks BM provided on the roll paper 22, the threshold value for the processing position control unit 43 to make a determination, and the like. These set values are values transmitted from the host computer 3, values selected or input by operating the paper feed switch 38, or values stored in advance at the time of shipment. For example, a plurality of setting values stored in the storage unit 46 are stored for each size in the width direction of the roll paper 22, and the size of the roll paper 22 is determined by a command transmitted from the host computer 3 or an operation of the paper feed switch 38. By being specified, another setting value corresponding to this size may be selected.

(Basic operation of the printing system)
Here, the basic operation of the printing system will be described with reference to FIG. 6A and 6B are diagrams showing an operation sequence of the printer and the host computer. FIG. 6A shows the operation of the host computer, and FIG. 6B shows the operation of the printer.

  In step S <b> 11 shown in FIG. 6, the host computer 3 transmits setting information to the printer 2 prior to printing the form 10. This setting information includes at least the distance between the black marks BM of the roll paper 22, and may include information such as the print start position by the thermal head 24, the size of the roll paper 22, and the font to be used.

  In step S <b> 21, the control unit 4 of the printer 2 receives the setting information transmitted from the host computer 3. In step S22, settings relating to the operation of the printer 2 are performed in accordance with the setting information, such as storing the distance between the black marks BM included in the received setting information in the storage unit 46.

  Thereafter, in step S12, the host computer 3 executes a transaction for the printer 2, and transmits information including a command for instructing the printer 2 to execute printing, data to be printed, and the like.

  In step S23, the control unit 4 of the printer 2 receives a command or data transmitted in a transaction of the host computer 3, and the recording control unit 41 executes printing on the roll paper 22 according to the received command. After starting the printing, in step S24, the control unit 4 executes a form cut process, sequentially cuts the printed roll paper 22, and outputs the form 10.

(About printer operation)
Here, the operation of the printer will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the printer. Specifically, the operation of positioning the roll paper at the initial position by determining whether or not the roll paper as the recording medium is replaced when the cover open / close state is detected by the cover sensor. Show.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in step S <b> 31, the sensor control unit 51 shown in FIG. 5 detects from the output signal of the cover sensor 61 that the cover 35 of the printer 2 has been opened. The cover 35 is opened when the roll paper 22 is replaced or replenished, or for other maintenance.

  Next, in step S32, the output signal of the near-end detection unit 80 provided in the storage unit 70 for the roll paper 22 of the printer 2 shown in FIG. 3 is monitored. Here, it is determined whether or not the output signal of the near end detection means 80 is present, that is, whether or not some work has been applied to the roll paper 22. When there is a change in the output signal of the near-end detection means 80, it is monitored whether or not the output signal has changed from the paper presence state to the paper absence state and then returned from the paper absence state to the paper presence state. If there is no change in the output signal of the near-end detection means 80 (NO), it is determined that no work has been performed on the roll paper 22, that is, the roll paper 22 has not been replaced, and the A process is selected, and step S33 is performed. Proceed to

  In step S33, it is confirmed that the cover 35 of the printer 2 is closed and the output signal of the cover sensor 61 indicates a closed state. Then, it progresses to step S36 and the printing position alignment of the roll paper 22 (form 10) is implemented. Specifically, the conveyance control unit 44 illustrated in FIG. 5 operates the conveyance motor 33 to perform the paper feeding operation of the roll paper 22, and the black mark BM provided on the roll paper 22 is detected by the BM sensor 64. Recognize Further, the paper feeding operation is performed in the forward direction or the reverse direction, and the print start position of the roll paper 22 (form 10) is matched with the print position PP shown in FIGS. Then, it waits until a print command is received. When a print command is received from the host computer 3, the process proceeds to step S37, printing is performed, a form cut process is executed, and the form 10 is sequentially output.

  If the output signal of the near-end detection means 80 has changed in the above-described step S32 (YES), and the output signal has changed from the paper presence state to the paper absence state, and then returns from the paper absence state to the paper presence state, It is determined that the roll paper 22 that has already been removed and a new roll paper 22 has been stored, that is, the roll paper 22 has been replaced, and the B process is selected, and the process proceeds to step S33.

  In step S33, it is confirmed that the cover 35 of the printer 2 is closed and the output signal of the cover sensor 61 indicates a closed state. Then, it progresses to step S34 and the roll paper 22 (form 10) is aligned. Specifically, while performing the paper feeding operation, the black mark BM provided on the roll paper 22 is detected by the BM sensor 64 to recognize the current position. Then, the paper feeding operation is performed in the forward direction or the reverse direction of the roll paper 22 (form 10), and the cutter position CP (see FIG. 2) of the printer 2 and the cut position CL (see FIG. 4) of the roll paper 22 are matched. Then, the process proceeds to step S35.

  In step S35, the cutter drive motor 32 (see FIG. 5) of the cutter unit 25 is operated to cut the roll paper 22 at the cut position CL. If necessary, a paper feeding operation is performed in the forward direction or the reverse direction, and the print start position of the roll paper 22 (form 10) is adjusted to the print position PP shown in FIGS. Then, it waits until a print command is received. When a print command is received from the host computer 3, the process proceeds to step S37, printing is performed, a form cut process is executed, and the form 10 is sequentially output.

The effects of this embodiment will be described below.
(1) The printer 2 that prints and issues the form 10 provided with the black mark BM and whose print start position and cut position are fixed performs print processing and cut processing according to the relationship between the mechanism layout and the arrangement position of each component. If alignment is required. In particular, when the roll paper 22 is replaced, the alignment of the roll paper 22 is important in order to ensure the subsequent print issuing process. Further, for example, the thermal printer 2 is configured such that the roll paper 22 is sandwiched when the cover 35 is closed by the platen 23 provided on the cover 35 side and the thermal head 24 provided on the main body side. In such a printer 2, even when the roll paper 22 is not replaced, when the cover 35 is opened, the roll paper 22 that has been sandwiched is released and the position is shifted. The position of 22 is shifted and pinched. Therefore, it is necessary to align the roll paper 22.

  The printer 2 described above can determine whether or not the roll paper 22 has been replaced when the cover 35 is opened and closed by monitoring the output signals of the cover sensor 61 and the near-end detection means 80. Then, it is possible to select an optimum alignment process for the roll paper 22 depending on whether or not the roll paper 22 has been replaced. Therefore, useless work can be omitted and work efficiency can be improved. At the same time, a decrease in throughput can be suppressed.

  (2) The printer 2 described above can omit the cutting operation when the roll paper 22 is not replaced. For this reason, in the cutting operation, it is possible to prevent the generation of a small piece of paper or the empty cut due to the positional deviation of the roll paper 22. As a result, problems such as paper jam can be prevented. Further, it is possible to prevent the cutter life from being reduced due to the empty cut.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printing system, 2 ... Printer as recording apparatus, 3 ... Host computer, 4 ... Control part, 10 ... Form, 22 ... Roll paper as recording medium, 23 ... Platen as conveyance means, 24 ... As recording means Thermal head 25 ... Cutter unit as cutting means, 32 ... Cutter drive motor, 33 ... Carrying motor, 35 ... Cover, 41 ... Recording control unit, 42 ... Distance detection unit, 43 ... Processing position control unit, 44 ... Carrying control 46, storage unit, 61 cover sensor as cover open / close detection means, 64 ... BM sensor as mark detection means, 70 ... housing part, 80 ... near end detection means, BM ... black mark as position detection mark, CL ... cut position, CP ... cutter position.

Claims (7)

A recording device that records information by a recording unit and issues it as a single sheet to a recording medium conveyed by a conveying unit,
An accommodating portion with a cover for accommodating the recording medium;
A cover open / close detecting means for detecting an open / closed state of the cover;
Near-end detection means for detecting that the remaining amount of the recording medium accommodated in the accommodating portion has become a predetermined amount or less,
Mark detection means provided on a conveyance path of the recording medium and detecting position detection marks provided at predetermined intervals along the conveyance direction on the recording medium;
Positioning means for aligning the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means with a predetermined position;
Provided on a conveyance path along which the recording medium is conveyed by the conveyance means, and a cutting means for cutting the recording medium,
Based on the detection states of the cover open / close detection means and the near end detection means, using the detection result of the mark detection means, alignment of the recording medium by the alignment means and / or recording by the cut means A recording apparatus for cutting a medium.   The recording medium is clamped when the cover is closed, and the recording medium is opened when the cover is opened. One of the recording media is provided on the cover side, and the other is provided on the main body side. The recording apparatus according to claim 1.   The recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the clamping unit includes a thermal head and a platen. When the cover open / close detection means detects the opening / closing of the cover, and the near end detection means detects a near end state of the recording medium, and then detects a non-near end state,
It is determined that the recording medium has been replaced, and using the detection result of the mark detection means, the recording medium is aligned by the alignment means, and the recording medium is cut by the cutting means. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording apparatus is a recording apparatus. When the cover open / close detection means detects the opening / closing of the cover, but the near end detection means does not detect the near end state of the recording medium,
Determining that the recording medium has not been replaced,
4. The recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the position of the recording medium is adjusted by the positioning means using the detection result of the mark detection means, and the cutting of the recording medium is not performed by the cutting means. A recording apparatus according to claim 1. A control method for a recording apparatus that records information on a recording medium conveyed by a conveying means and issues it as a single sheet,
The recording apparatus includes: a storage unit with a cover that stores the recording medium; a cover open / close detection unit that detects an open / closed state of the cover; and a remaining amount of the recording medium stored in the storage unit is a predetermined amount or less. Near-end detection means for detecting that the recording medium has been detected, and mark detection means for detecting position detection marks provided on the recording medium at a predetermined interval along the conveyance direction. Positioning means for aligning the recording medium transported by the transporting means to a predetermined position, and cutting means provided on a transport path for transporting the recording medium by the transporting means, and cutting the recording medium With
Based on the detection states of the cover open / close detection means and the near end detection means, using the detection result of the mark detection means, alignment of the recording medium by the alignment means and / or recording by the cut means A method for controlling a recording apparatus, comprising cutting a medium. Conveying means for conveying a recording medium, recording means for recording information on the recording medium, an accommodating portion with a cover for accommodating the recording medium, a cover open / close detecting means for detecting an open / closed state of the cover, and the accommodating Near-end detection means for detecting that the remaining amount of the recording medium accommodated in the recording unit has become a predetermined amount or less, provided on the recording medium conveyance path, and predetermined on the recording medium along the conveyance direction Mark detecting means for detecting position detection marks provided at intervals, positioning means for aligning the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means to a predetermined position, and the recording medium being conveyed by the conveying means A program that can be executed by a control unit that controls a recording apparatus that is provided on a conveyance path and includes a cutting unit that cuts the recording medium,
Based on the detection states of the cover open / close detection means and the near end detection means, using the detection result of the mark detection means, alignment of the recording medium by the alignment means and / or recording by the cut means A program that can be executed by a control unit that cuts a medium.

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