JP2017056701A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the size of a device even if a common housing is used in a plurality of models having mutually-different wireless communication systems.SOLUTION: In a printer, a housing includes: a module installation area common to each wireless module where one of a wireless LAN module M1 and a BT module M2 can be selectively installed; and a common operation unit arrangement area where any of operation units C1, C2 supporting wireless LAN or Bluetooth(R) and operation units C3, C3' supporting a non-wireless system is selectively arranged. A control board 50 includes: a common module connector 203 to which a connection circuit 201 from the wireless LAN module M1 or a connection circuit 201 from the BT module M2 can be selectively connected; and a common operation unit connector 404 to which a connection circuit 202 from the operation units C1, C2 or a connection circuit 202 from the operation units C3, C3' is selectively connected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus that performs desired printing on a printing paper.

  2. Description of the Related Art An electronic device equipped with two wireless modules that can communicate with each other using different wireless communication methods is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this conventional electronic device (notebook PC), the first wireless module uses the first wireless communication system (communication frequency band around 1575.42 MHz), while the second wireless module uses a second wireless communication different from that. A system (communication frequency band around 2412 MHz) is used.

JP 2010-141538 A

  By the way, in recent years, there has been proposed a printing apparatus that includes the same wireless module as described above and performs printing using print data acquired from an operation terminal outside the apparatus by wireless communication. In such a printing apparatus, various devices such as a conveying unit (platen roller), a printing unit (thermal head), and a control board are arranged in a casing. Therefore, for example, in the case of a portable printing device, a portable printing device, etc., in order to secure a space for mounting a plurality of wireless modules in the housing as in the above-described conventional technology, the size of the device is increased.

  On the other hand, in the case of the portable printing device, the portable printing device, etc., from the viewpoint of the space described above, a plurality of wireless modules (the first wireless module and the second wireless module) are not mounted as in the related art, It is also conceivable to divide into a plurality of models such as a model in which the first wireless module of the first wireless communication system is mounted and a model in which the second wireless module of the second wireless communication system is mounted. However, in this case as well, from the viewpoints of productivity and manufacturing cost reduction, it is desirable to unify them with the same casing and control board even if they are different types of wireless communication systems. If it does so, it will be necessary to each provide the space which mounts two types of radio | wireless modules in the housing | casing common to each model, and the subject that the enlargement of an apparatus will be caused as mentioned above will arise.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus capable of reducing the size of the apparatus even when a common housing is used in a plurality of models having different wireless communication systems.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention comprises: a conveying unit that conveys a printing paper; a printing unit that forms a print corresponding to print data on the printing paper conveyed by the conveying unit; A printing apparatus comprising: a casing that encloses the conveying means and the printing means, and that constitutes the outer shell of the apparatus; and a control board provided with a control means for controlling the conveying means and the printing means. Selects one of the first wireless module that transmits / receives the print data to / from the outside of the apparatus by the first wireless communication system and the second wireless module that transmits / receives the print data to / from the outside of the apparatus by the second wireless communication system. Module installation area common to each wireless module, a wireless operation unit corresponding to the first wireless communication method or the second wireless communication method, and wireless communication A control unit arrangement area common to each operation unit, wherein any one of the normal operation units corresponding to a non-wireless system that does not transmit and receive printing data is selectively disposed, and the control board Is for a module common to each wireless module capable of selectively connecting either one of the flexible connection circuit from the first wireless module and the flexible connection circuit from the second wireless module. An operation unit common to each operation unit, to which any one of a connector, a flexible connection circuit from the radio operation unit, and a flexible connection circuit from the normal operation unit is selectively connected And a connector.

  In the present invention, the printing corresponding to the print data is performed by the printing unit on the printing paper conveyed by the conveying unit. At this time, the printing apparatus of the present invention does not perform such a wireless communication and a specification for transmitting / receiving the print data to / from the outside of the apparatus by wireless communication (first wireless communication system or second wireless communication system). ) There are two types of specifications. And at the time of manufacture, a common housing | casing and one common control board (equipped with control means, such as CPU) are used with respect to said two types.

  That is, the housing is provided with a module installation area common to each of the wireless modules. In the module installation area, the first wireless module using the first wireless communication method (for example, a wireless LAN such as WiFI (registered trademark)) or the second wireless communication method (for example, Bluetooth (registered) is used. The second wireless module using the trademark)) can be selectively installed. Correspondingly, a module connector common to the wireless modules is provided on the control board. When the first wireless module is installed, the module connector is connected to a flexible connection circuit (for example, configured by FPC) from the first wireless module, and the second wireless module is installed. Sometimes, a flexible connection circuit (for example, configured by FPC) from the second wireless module is connected. In the case of the above-described non-wireless system specification, no wireless module is provided in the module installation area.

  At this time, in the present invention, different operation units are used depending on whether the wireless communication system is the above or a non-wireless system. That is, a wireless operation unit corresponding to the first wireless communication method or the second wireless communication method is used, and a normal operation unit corresponding to the non-wireless method is used. . The casing is provided with one common operation unit arrangement region in which either the wireless operation unit or the normal operation unit can be selectively arranged. In the operation unit arrangement area, when the first wireless module or the second wireless module is installed in the module installation area, the wireless operation unit is arranged in the module installation area. When neither the first radio module nor the second radio module is installed (that is, in the case of a non-radio system), the normal operation unit is arranged. Correspondingly, an operation unit connector common to the operation units is provided on the control board. When the wireless operation unit is installed, the operation unit connector is connected to a flexible connection circuit (for example, configured by FPC) from the wireless operation unit, and the normal operation unit is installed. When connected, a flexible connection circuit (for example, constituted by FPC) from the normal operation unit is connected.

  As described above, in the present invention, a common 1 for both the specification for performing wireless communication (specifically, the first wireless communication method or the second wireless communication method) and the specification for not performing wireless communication. Manufacture can be performed using one casing and one common control board (including a common module connector and a common operation unit connector). Accordingly, it is not necessary to provide a space for mounting each of the two wireless modules in the housing in advance, and it is sufficient to provide only one mounting space (= module installation region), so that the apparatus can be reduced in size. .

  According to the present invention, the apparatus can be downsized even when a common housing is used in a plurality of models having different wireless communication methods.

1 is a perspective view illustrating an external configuration of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a cross-sectional view by the II-II cross section in FIG. 1 showing the internal structure of a printer. It is a disassembled perspective view showing the internal structure of a printer. It is the perspective view which looked at the top cover from the back side. It is the perspective view which looked at the back side of the top cover from diagonally downward direction. FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of a printer. It is a table | surface which represents and lists the aspect of the input value of the port of CPU when each operation part is connected. It is a flowchart showing the control procedure performed by CPU. It is a flowchart showing the detailed procedure of step S10. It is a flowchart showing the detailed procedure of step S20. FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of a printer in a modification using only two types of operation units.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present embodiment is an embodiment when the present invention is applied to a portable (portable) printer as a printing apparatus.

  The external configuration and internal structure of the printer 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. In the following, the lower left direction in FIG. 1 is the front, the upper right direction in FIG. 1 is the rear, the upper left direction in FIG. 1 is the left, the lower right direction in FIG. 1 is the right, the upper direction in FIG. In the following description, the downward direction in FIG. In the following description, when referring to the front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom directions for each component, the description will be made corresponding to each direction when the component is attached to the printer 1.

<Overall schematic configuration>
1 to 3, the printer 1 prints print data received from an external device (not shown) such as a PC terminal or a mobile phone via wireless communication (details will be described later) on various printing papers S. To do. The printer 1 is assembled roughly by assembling a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing 10 (corresponding to a housing) and a chassis assembly 60 (refer to FIG. 3), which is made of, for example, a resin material and constitutes the outer shell of the apparatus. It is done.

  The housing 10 includes a top cover 11 that constitutes the upper part of the outer shell of the apparatus, an under cover 15 that constitutes the lower part of the outer shell of the apparatus, and a cover member 13 (corresponding to an open / close cover) that can be opened and closed on the upper front side of the top cover 11. It has. An LED 9 made up of a plurality of light emitting diodes is provided on the upper surface on the left side of the cover member 13.

  In the housing 10, a platen roller 111 as a conveying unit and a thermal line head 112 as a printing unit are provided. The thermal line head 112 is provided on a heat radiating plate 114 provided with a shaft member 113 at the rear end, and the heat radiating plate 114 is centered on the shaft member 113 by side chassis members 130L and 130R (see FIG. 3). It is rotatably supported. The main chassis member 150 provided on the inner surface of the under cover 15 is provided with a plurality of coil springs 115 that urge the heat sink 114 that supports the thermal line head 112 toward the platen roller 111. . Thus, the thermal line head 112 can be pressed against the platen roller 111 while facing the vertical direction.

  A recess 105 is provided on the rear side of the housing 10, and a battery unit BT including a battery (not shown) is detachably provided in the recess 105. In a state where the battery unit BT is removed, the concave portion 105 opens in the rear portion of the housing 100.

  The chassis assembly 60 includes a main chassis member 150 that is provided on the inner surface of the under cover 102 and constitutes a bottom portion of the chassis assembly 60, and a pair of erected from both longitudinal ends of the main chassis member 150. Side chassis members 130L and 130R are provided. The side chassis members 130L and 130R support the platen roller 111 rotatably by inserting the shaft member 111a of the platen roller 111 into the shaft hole 131. Further, the side chassis members 130L and 130R support the heat radiating plate 114 including the thermal line head 112 so as to be rotatable via the shaft member 113 described above.

  The left side chassis member 130L is provided with a drive motor 53 for driving the platen roller 111 and a gear mechanism 132 composed of a plurality of gears for transmitting the drive force of the drive motor 53 to the shaft member 111a of the platen roller 111. It has been. The left side corresponds to one side in the left-right direction described in each claim, and the right side corresponds to the other side in the left-right direction.

  A beam member 140 is bridged over the side chassis members 130L and 130R and fixed with screws. A guide member 120 that guides the printing paper S inserted from the insertion port 104 to the pressure contact portion P between the platen roller 111 and the thermal line head 112 includes a top cover 11, an under cover 12, and a cover that constitute the housing 10. The member 13 is configured as a separate body, and is provided on the side chassis members 130 </ b> L and 130 </ b> R by being fixed to the beam member 140. Note that the left and right side chassis members 130L and 130R and the beam member 140 correspond to a frame described in each claim. The insertion port 14 is formed in a substantially slit shape by a gap that leads to the pressure contact portion P between the guide member 120 and the cover member 13, and has a size that can correspond to the maximum width size of the printing paper S. Yes.

<Overview of operation>
In the printing apparatus 1 having the above configuration, at the time of printing, the printing paper S is loaded into the insertion opening 14 formed between the top cover 11 and the cover member 13 with the cover member 13 closed. The input printing paper S is guided to the pressure contact portion P between the platen roller 111 and the thermal line head 112 by a guide member 120 provided below the insertion port 14. The platen roller 111 contacts the printing paper S with a predetermined pressing force, and conveys the printing paper S. The thermal line head 112 performs desired printing on the conveyed printing paper S. After the printing is completed, the printing paper S is discharged from the discharge port 17 formed between the cover member 13 and the under cover 15. At this time, a paper detection sensor Se is provided in the middle of the conveyance path of the printing paper S to the discharge port 17 (see FIG. 2). Based on the detection result of the paper detection sensor Se, conveyance control by the platen roller 111 and printing control by the thermal line head 112 are performed. When a paper jam or the like occurs, the platen roller 111 is released from the thermal line head 112 by opening the cover member 13, and the printing paper S can be easily pulled out.

<Features of the embodiment>
In the printer 1 of the present embodiment having the above basic configuration and operation, the greatest feature is that the common housing 10 and the control board 50 (see FIGS. 4 and 6 to be described later) are used in a plurality of models having different types of wireless modules. Etc.). Hereinafter, the details will be described in order.

<Wireless module>
As already described, the printer 1 of this embodiment can receive print data from an external device via wireless communication. At that time, as a type of wireless communication, either a wireless LAN such as WiFi (registered trademark) (equivalent to the first wireless communication method) or Bluetooth (registered trademark; equivalent to the second wireless communication method) is selectively used. Can be used. In other words, the printer 1 is equipped with a wireless LAN module M1 (corresponding to the first wireless module; see FIGS. 4, 5, 6, etc., which will be described later) for performing communication by the wireless LAN (hereinafter referred to as “ A wireless LAN model) and a model equipped with a BT module M2 (corresponding to a second wireless module, see FIG. 6 and the like described later) for performing the communication by Bluetooth (hereinafter referred to as “Bluetooth model” as appropriate), Exists. The printer 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is a model in which the wireless LAN module M1 is mounted. The wireless LAN module M1 is provided in a module installation area MA of the housing 10 (specifically, the top cover 11). .

  That is, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 described above, the module installation area MA is provided in the vicinity of the right end on the back side of the top cover 11. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the wireless LAN module M1 is provided in the module installation area MA. Then, from the wireless LAN module M1 arranged in the module installation area MA, a flexible connection circuit 201 (see also FIG. 6 described later) made of, for example, a flexible printed circuit board is mounted to the left. Yes. A connector 204 is provided at the tip of the connection circuit 201.

  Although not shown in the drawings, in the model that performs the communication by Bluetooth, the Bluetooth module M2 (in which the same connection circuit 201 is mounted) is provided in the module installation area MA instead of the wireless LAN module M1. It is done. That is, the module installation area MA is an area common to the two modules M1 and M2, and either one is selectively installed. The printer 1 includes a model that does not perform wireless communication (hereinafter referred to as “non-wireless model” as appropriate). In this model, although the module installation area MA is provided in the top cover 11, this module is provided. Neither of the two modules M1 and M2 is installed in the installation area MA.

  On the other hand, in the vicinity of the front end of the top cover 11 of the housing 10, an operation portion arrangement area CA is provided as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5. In the wireless LAN model in which the wireless LAN module M1 is mounted in the printer 1, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, an operation unit C1 corresponding to the model (corresponding to a first operation unit and a wireless operation unit). 6 is also provided). The operation unit C1 includes a power button 20 for performing a power on / off operation, a feed button 30 for performing a paper feeding operation, and an execution state of the wireless communication in order from the rear to the front. Wireless communication button 40. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, from the operation unit CA arranged in the operation unit arrangement area CA, for example, a flexible connection circuit 202 made of a flexible printed circuit board (see also FIG. 6 described later). However, it is mounted toward the right (after penetrating from the front side to the back side of the top cover 11). A connector 204 is provided at the tip of the connection circuit 202.

  In the Bluetooth model, instead of the operation unit C1, an operation unit C2 for the model (corresponding to a second operation unit and a wireless operation unit. The buttons 20, 30, 40 are provided, and a connection circuit 202 is mounted. 6 (described later) is provided in the operation portion arrangement area CA. Further, in the non-wireless model, instead of the operation unit C1, an operation unit C3 or C3 ′ (corresponding to a normal operation unit for the model) includes the buttons 20 and 30, and a connection circuit 202 is mounted. 6) is provided in the operation portion arrangement area CA. That is, the operation part arrangement area CA is an area common to the four operation parts C1, C2, C3, and C3 ′, and any one is selectively installed.

<Circuit configuration>
Next, the circuit configuration of the printer 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, the printer 1 according to this embodiment includes power supply from an external power supply device (not shown) via the AC adapter 34, power supply from the battery unit BT mounted in the recess 105, Either of these is possible. In FIG. 6, the illustration of the battery unit BT and the power supply circuit from the battery unit BT is omitted in order to prevent the illustration from being complicated.

<AC adapter>
In FIG. 6, the AC adapter 34 for supplying power from an external power supply device includes an AC plug 34 </ b> C connected to an AC outlet (not shown) side of the external power supply device capable of supplying voltage, and an AC plug. A voltage converter 34D connected to 34C and a DC plug 34E connected to the voltage converter 34D and supplied with a predetermined voltage (15 V in this example) are provided. The DC plug 34E has a first terminal 34A on the negative electrode side and a second terminal 34B on the positive electrode side.

<DC jack>
Corresponding to the above, the printer 1 is provided with a DC jack 33 (see also FIG. 1) to which the DC plug 34E can be connected (however, in FIG. 6, the DC plug 34E is removed from the DC jack 33). Shown). The DC jack 33 is connected to the first terminal 33A on the negative electrode side to which the first terminal 34A of the DC plug 34E is connected and to the negative side bus, and to the second terminal 34B on the DC plug 34E and to the positive side bus. Is connected to the positive-side second terminal 33B. The first terminal 33A is grounded via a backflow prevention diode 33C, and the second terminal 33B is connected to a constant voltage circuit 51 described later.

  Further, the printer 1 includes a constant voltage circuit 51 capable of outputting a constant voltage (3.3 VB in this example) and a control board 50 (see also FIG. 4 above) for performing a predetermined calculation. CPU 52 (corresponding to a control means) mounted on the drive motor 53 for driving the platen roller 111, a drive circuit 54 connected to the drive motor 53, and a plurality of heating elements (not shown). The thermal line head 112, the LED 9 connected to the CPU 52, and an EEPROM 55 connected to the CPU 52 and capable of storing data are provided.

<Control board>
The control board 50 is commonly used for the three models of the printer 1 already described (the above-mentioned wireless LAN model, Bluetooth model, and non-wireless model). One module connector 203, the CPU 52, and one operation unit connector 404 common to the three models are mounted on the control board 50. However, as will be described later, in the non-wireless model, nothing is connected to the module connector 203 and practically not used.

  The CPU 52 includes a first port group 204A (for wireless LAN) including the “CMD” port, “D3” port, “D2” port, “D1” port, “D0” port, and “CLK” port. A second port group 204B (second) for the above-mentioned Bluetooth, which is composed of five of “TXD” port, “CTS” port, “RTS” port, “RXD” port, and “RST” port. Equivalent to a port).

  At this time, the control board 50 includes a first signal line path 205A (six signal lines connected to the six ports described above) for connecting the first port group 204A and the module connector 203. ) And a second signal line path 205B (including five signal lines connected to the above-mentioned five ports) for connecting the second port group 204B and the module connector 203 to each other. ing. The first signal line path 205 </ b> A and the second signal line path 205 </ b> B are connected to the module connector 203 by joining five signal lines on the module connector 203 side.

  In the first signal line path 205A, a first jumper line 206A in which six resistors R1 connectable to the six signal lines are arrayed is detachable. That is, the signal conduction state due to the formation of the first signal line path 205A when the first jumper line 206A is attached is switched between the signal conduction state due to the disconnection of the first signal line path 205A when the first jumper line 206A is removed. It is possible (function as first signal switching means). Similarly, in the second signal line path 205B, a second jumper line 206B in which five resistors R2 connectable to the five signal lines are arrayed is detachable. That is, switching between a signal conduction state due to the formation of the second signal line path 205B when the second jumper line 206B is mounted and a signal cutoff state due to the disconnection of the second signal line path 205B when the second jumper line 206B is removed. It is possible (function as second signal switching means).

  FIG. 6 shows a state in which both the first jumper line 206A and the second jumper line 206B are attached for the sake of clarifying the configuration, but only one of them is actually attached. The other is removed, or both are removed and used. That is, in the wireless LAN model (the wireless LAN module M1 is connected to the module connector 203 as will be described later), the first signal line path 205A is attached by mounting the first jumper line 206A at the time of manufacture. When the second jumper line 206B is not attached (or removed), the second signal line path 205B is cut off. In the Bluetooth model (the BT module M2 is connected to the module connector 203 as will be described later), the second signal line path 205B is made conductive by mounting the second jumper line 206B at the time of manufacture. At the same time, when the first jumper line 206A is not attached (or removed), the first signal line path 205A is cut off. Furthermore, in the non-wireless model (the wireless LAN module M1 and the BT module M2 are not connected to the module connector 203 as will be described later), neither the first jumper line 206A nor the second jumper line 206B is attached at the time of manufacture. (Or is removed) both the first signal line path 205A and the second signal line path 205B are cut off.

  The CPU 52 is also provided with four ports “a” port, “b” port, “c” port, and “d” port that are electrically connected to the operation unit connector 404 (details will be described later).

<Module connector>
As described above, the module connector 203 is commonly used in two models (the wireless LAN model and the Bluetooth model) other than the non-wireless model. In other words, the module connector 203 is commonly used for the wireless LAN module M1 and the BT module M2, and any one of the modules is selectively connected. That is, when manufacturing the wireless LAN model in which the wireless LAN module M1 is used, the connector 204 of the connection circuit 201 from the wireless LAN module M1 is connected to the module connector 203 (see also FIG. 4). When manufacturing the Bluetooth model in which the BT module M2 is used, the connector 204 of the connection circuit 201 from the BT module M2 is connected to the module connector 203. Note that nothing is connected to the module connector 203 when the non-wireless model is manufactured.

  At this time, the module connector 203 is provided with eight connection terminals of first to eighth terminals (in FIG. 6, numbers “1”, “2”, “3”, “4”, “5”, “6”). ”,“ 7 ”,“ 8 ”). A predetermined voltage (Vcc) is input to the first terminal (illustrated by “1” in the figure, and the same applies hereinafter), and the second terminal is grounded.

<Connection mode with wireless LAN model>
The third terminal to the eighth terminal are the above-mentioned “D1” when the first jumper line 206A is attached (= conducting state of the first signal line path 205A) at the time of manufacturing the wireless LAN model. The fourth terminal is connected to the “CLK” port, the fifth terminal is connected to the “CMD” port, the sixth terminal is connected to the “D2” port, and the seventh terminal is connected to the “CLK” port. D8 "port and the eighth terminal is connected to the" D0 "port. As a result, the connection circuit 201 from the wireless LAN module M1 is conducted to the first port group 204A of the CPU 52.

<Connection mode with Bluetooth model>
On the other hand, when the Bluetooth model is manufactured, in a state where the second jumper line 206B is attached (= conducting state of the second signal line path 205B), the third terminal is not connected anywhere, and the fourth terminal is “ The fifth terminal is connected to the “CTS” port, the sixth terminal is connected to the “RTS” port, the seventh terminal is connected to the “RXD” port, and the eighth terminal is connected to the “TXD” port. , Connected to the “RST” port. Thereby, the connection circuit 201 from the BT module M2 is electrically connected to the second port group 204B of the CPU 52.

<Connector for operation unit>
As described above, the operation unit connector 404 is commonly used in three models (the wireless LAN model, the Bluetooth model, and the non-wireless model). In other words, the operation unit connector 404 is one of the operation unit C1 for the wireless LAN model, the operation unit C2 for the Bluetooth model, the operation unit C3 for the non-wireless model, and the operation unit C3 ′ for the non-wireless model. Connected selectively. That is, when the wireless LAN model using the operation unit C1 is manufactured, the connector 403 of the connection circuit 202 from the operation unit C1 is connected to the operation unit connector 404 (see also FIG. 4). At the time of manufacturing the Bluetooth model in which the operation unit C2 is used, the connector 403 of the connection circuit 202 from the operation unit C2 is connected to the operation unit connector 404. When manufacturing the non-wireless model in which the operation unit C3 (or C3 ′) is used, the connector 403 of the connection circuit 202 from the operation unit C3 (or C3 ′) is connected to the operation unit connector 404. The

  At this time, the operation unit connector 404 is provided with five connection terminals of a first terminal to a fifth terminal (in FIG. 6, numbers “1”, “2”, “3”, “4”, “5”). Abbreviated). The first terminal is connected to the “a” port of the CPU 52, the second terminal is connected to the “b” port of the CPU 52, the third terminal is connected to the “c” port of the CPU 52, and the fourth terminal is the CPU 52. And the fifth terminal is grounded. In addition, a power supply voltage “Vcc” is applied to each signal line between the first to fourth terminals and the ports “a”, “b”, “c”, and “d” via a pull-up resistor R3. Yes.

<Connection mode with wireless LAN model>
The first to fifth terminals of the operation unit connector 404 are the first to fifth terminals of the connector 403 connected to the operation unit C1 (in FIG. 6, the number “ 1 ”,“ 2 ”,“ 3 ”,“ 4 ”,“ 5 ”). At this time, in the operation unit C1, as shown in FIG. 6, the signal lines from the first terminal to the fourth terminal are connected in parallel to the signal line from the fifth terminal. The signal line from the first terminal is provided with an opening / closing switch corresponding to the power button 20 (in FIG. 6, for the sake of convenience, abbreviated as “20”, hereinafter simply referred to as “switch 20”). . Similarly, the signal line from the second terminal is provided with an open / close switch corresponding to the feed button 30 (referred to simply as “30” in FIG. 6 for the sake of convenience, hereinafter simply referred to as “switch 30”). It is done. The signal line from the third terminal is provided with an open / close switch corresponding to the wireless communication button 40 (in FIG. 6, for the sake of convenience, abbreviated as “40”, hereinafter simply referred to as “switch 40”). It is done.

  As a result, the input of the “d” port to be grounded is always “L”. When the buttons are not operated and the switches 20, 30, and 40 are in the open state, the inputs of the “a”, “b”, and “c” ports of the CPU 52 are all set to “H” by the pull-up resistor R3 (described later). (See also FIG. 7). When each button is operated and the switches 20, 30, and 40 are closed, the inputs of the "a", "b", and "c" ports are "L". Thereby, the CPU 52 can identify which button of the operation unit C1 is operated.

<Connection mode with Bluetooth model>
On the other hand, when the Bluetooth model is manufactured, the first to fifth terminals of the operation unit connector 404 are connected to the first to fifth terminals of the connector 403 connected to the operation unit C2. At this time, in the operation unit C2, as shown in FIG. 6, the signal lines from the first terminal to the third terminal are connected in parallel to the ground line from the fifth terminal, and from the fourth terminal, No signal line is connected anywhere (abbreviated as “NC” in FIG. 6). Similarly to the above, the open / close switch 20 is provided for the signal line from the first terminal, the switch 30 is provided for the signal line from the second terminal, and the switch is provided for the signal line from the third terminal. 40 is provided.

  As described above, the input of the “d” port is always “H” by the pull-up resistor R3, and when the switches 20, 30, 40 are in the open state, the inputs of the “a”, “b”, and “c” ports are all “H”. (See also FIG. 7 described later). When each button is operated to open the corresponding switch 20, 30, 40, the input of the "a", "b", and "c" ports becomes "L", so that the CPU 52 operates the operation unit C2. Which button is operated can be identified.

<Connection mode for non-wireless models>
As described above, when the non-wireless model is manufactured, the operation unit C3 or the operation unit C3 ′ is selectively used.

  When the operation unit C3 is used, the first terminal to the fifth terminal of the operation unit connector 404 are connected to the first terminal to the fifth terminal of the connector 403 connected to the operation unit C3, respectively. At this time, in the operation unit C3, as shown in FIG. 6, the signal lines from the first terminal to the fourth terminal are connected in parallel to the ground line from the fifth terminal. Similarly to the above, the open / close switch 20 is provided on the signal line from the first terminal, and the switch 30 is provided on the signal line from the second terminal.

  As described above, the inputs of the “c” and “d” ports to be grounded are always “L”, and when the switches 20 and 30 are in the open state, the inputs of the “a” and “b” ports are all “H”. (See also FIG. 7 described later). When each button is operated and the corresponding switches 20 and 30 are closed, the input of the “a” and “b” ports becomes “L”, so that the CPU 52 operates which button of the operation unit C3. Can be identified.

  When the operation unit C3 ′ is used, the first to fifth terminals of the operation unit connector 404 are connected to the first to fifth terminals of the connector 403 connected to the operation unit C3 ′, respectively. At this time, in the operation unit C3 ′, as shown in FIG. 6, the signal lines from the first terminal to the third terminal are connected in parallel to the ground line from the fifth terminal, and the fourth terminal Is not connected anywhere (abbreviated as “NC” in FIG. 6). Similarly to the above, the open / close switch 20 is provided on the signal line from the first terminal, and the switch 30 is provided on the signal line from the second terminal.

  As described above, the input of the “c” port to be grounded is always “L”, and the input of the “d” port is always “H” by the pull-up resistor R3. When the switches 20 and 30 are in the open state, the inputs of the “a” and “b” ports are all “H” (see also FIG. 7 described later). When each button is operated and the corresponding switches 20 and 30 are closed, the input of the “a” and “b” ports becomes “L”, so that the CPU 52 determines which button of the operation unit C3 ′. It is possible to identify whether the operation has been performed.

<Port input list for each operation unit>
FIG. 7 shows a list of modes of input values of the respective ports of the CPU 52 when the operation units C1, C2, C3, and C3 ′ are connected as described above when the buttons are not operated. As described above, when the operation unit C1 is connected, the “a” port is “H”, the “b” port is “H”, the “c” port is “H”, and the “d” port is “L”. When the operation unit C2 is connected, the “a” port is “H”, the “b” port is “H”, the “c” port is “H”, and the “d” port is “H”. When the operation unit C3 is connected, the “a” port is “H”, the “b” port is “H”, the “c” port is “L”, and the “d” port is “L”. When the operation unit C3 ′ is connected, the “a” port is “H”, the “b” port is “H”, the “c” port is “L”, and the “d” port is “H”. The contents of this table are stored in the EEPROM 55, for example.

<Necessity of determination by CPU>
As described above, in the present embodiment, the wireless LAN module is connected to one common module connector 203 depending on whether the printer 1 is a wireless LAN model, a Bluetooth model, or a non-wireless model. The M1 or BT module M2 is selectively connected, and any one of the operation units C1, C2, C3, and C3 ′ is selectively connected to the operation unit connector 404 (for example, manually by a worker on the manufacturing site). Connected to. Therefore, for example, after assembling and before shipping, it is necessary to confirm whether the module and the operation unit matching the model to be manufactured are securely connected. Therefore, in this embodiment, first, the CPU 52 determines whether the wireless LAN module M1 is installed in the module installation area MA, whether the BT module M2 is installed, or both the wireless LAN module M1 and the BT module M2 are installed. Is detected (see module detection processing described later).

  Then, after the above, any of the operation units C1, C2, C3, and C3 ′ is arranged in the operation unit arrangement area CA by the CPU 52, and the arranged operation unit is detected by the module detection process. Is determined (see the operation unit determination process described later).

<Control procedure>
A control procedure executed by the CPU 52 in order to realize the above method will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the flow shown in FIG. 8, first, in step S10, the CPU 52 executes module detection processing. Details of this module detection processing will be described with reference to FIG.

<Module detection processing>
At this time, in the present embodiment, the CPU 52 supports, as its processing mode (control mode), a wireless LAN mode corresponding to the wireless LAN model, a Bluetooth mode corresponding to the Bluetooth model, and the non-wireless model. The non-wireless mode is provided. The wireless LAN mode and the Bluetooth mode correspond to the wireless mode control mode described in each claim, and the non-wireless mode corresponds to the non-wireless mode control mode.

  In FIG. 9, the CPU 52 first switches the processing mode to the above-described Bluetooth mode (abbreviated as “BT mode” in the drawing, the same applies hereinafter) in step S11. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S12.

  In step S12, the CPU 52 performs trial communication by a known method to the wireless module from the second port group 204B via the module connector 203, and determines whether or not the HCI version as the communication protocol has been acquired. To do. If the HCI version cannot be acquired, the determination in step S12 is not satisfied (S12: NO), the BT module M2 is regarded as not connected, and the process proceeds to step S15 described later. If the HCI version can be acquired, the determination in step S12 is satisfied (S12: YES), and the process proceeds to step S13.

  In step S13, the CPU 52 further performs trial communication using the same known technique as described above, and determines whether or not the Bluetooth device address has been acquired. If the Bluetooth device address cannot be acquired, the determination in step S13 is not satisfied (S13: NO), and the process proceeds to step S15 described later. If the BT device address can be acquired, the determination in step S13 is satisfied (S13: YES), and the process proceeds to step S14.

  In step S14, the CPU 52 provisionally determines the processing mode to be selected by itself as the Bluetooth mode, and ends this routine.

  On the other hand, in step S15 transferred from step S12 or step S13, the CPU 52 switches the processing mode to the wireless LAN mode. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S16.

  In step S <b> 16, the CPU 52 performs trial communication by a known method from the first port group 204 </ b> A to the wireless module via the module connector 203, and determines whether the MAC address has been acquired. If the MAC address cannot be acquired, the determination in step S16 is not satisfied (S16: NO), it is considered that neither the wireless LAN module M1 nor the BT module M2 is connected, and the process proceeds to step S18 described later. If the MAC address can be acquired, the determination in step S16 is satisfied (S16: YES), and the process proceeds to step S17.

  In step S17, the CPU 52 temporarily determines the processing mode to be selected by itself as the wireless LAN mode, and ends this routine.

  On the other hand, in step S18 transferred from step S16, the CPU 52 provisionally determines the processing mode to be selected by itself as the non-wireless mode, and ends this routine.

  Returning to FIG. 8, when step S <b> 10 is completed as described above, the CPU 52 executes an operation unit determination process in step S <b> 20. Details of the operation unit determination processing will be described with reference to FIG.

<Operation part determination processing>
In FIG. 10, first, in step S <b> 21, the CPU 52 inputs input values of the respective ports (the “a” port, “b” port, “c” port, and “d” port) connected to the operation unit connector 404. Is detected.

  Thereafter, in step S22, the CPU 52 detects the type of the operation unit connected to the operation unit connector 404 with reference to the table of FIG. 7 stored in the EEPROM with respect to the detection result in step S21. To do. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, if the inputs of the ports “a”, “b”, “c”, and “d” are “H”, “H”, “H”, and “L”, the connection of the operation unit C1 is detected. If the inputs of the “a”, “b”, “c”, and “d” ports are “H”, “H”, “H”, and “H”, the connection of the operation unit C2 is detected, and “a” and “b” are detected. If the input of each of the “c” and “d” ports is “H”, “H”, “L”, and “L”, the connection of the operation unit C3 is detected, and each of the “a”, “b”, “c”, and “d” ports is detected. Is input “H”, “H”, “L”, “H”, the connection of the operation unit C3 ′ is detected. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S23.

  In step S23, the CPU 52 determines the type of the operation unit detected in step S22 (the operation unit C1 for the wireless LAN model, the operation unit C2 for the Bluetooth model, or the operation units C3 and C3 ′ for the non-wireless model). However, it is determined whether or not the Bluetooth mode, the wireless LAN mode, or the non-wireless mode temporarily determined in any one of the above steps S14, S17, and S18 is satisfied. If the type of the operation unit does not match the provisional determination mode, the determination in step S23 is not satisfied (S23: NO), the process proceeds to step S25, and the worker indicates that the combination of the wireless module and the operation unit is incorrect. Appropriate error processing (for example, a predetermined warning display is executed on the LED 9) is performed, and this routine is terminated. If the type of the operation unit matches the provisional determination mode, the determination in step S23 is satisfied (S23: YES), and the process proceeds to step S24 to determine the processing mode to be selected by the CPU as the provisionally determined mode. After that, this routine is finished.

<Effect of embodiment>
As described above, in the present embodiment, for both the specification for performing wireless communication (specifically, the wireless LAN model and the Bluetooth model) and the specification for not performing wireless communication (the non-wireless model), Manufacture can be performed by using one common housing 10 and one common control board 50 (including one common module connector 203 and one common operation unit connector 404). Even when a common housing 10 is used in a plurality of models having different wireless communication methods as described above, a space for mounting each of the two wireless modules (wireless LAN module M1 and BT module M2) is provided in advance. Therefore, it is sufficient to provide only one mounting space (= module installation area MA). Therefore, the apparatus can be reduced in size.

  In the present embodiment, the CPU 52 executes the module detection process (step S10) and the operation unit determination process (step S20). As a result, if the combination of the operation units C1, C2, C3, C3 ′ with respect to the presence or absence of the modules M1, M2 is incorrect, the manufacturer (operator) is made aware of that fact. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a manufacturing error due to an incorrect combination of the operation units C1, C2, C3, C3 ′ and the modules M1, M2.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, any of the operation units C1, C2, C3, and C3 ′ is arranged in the operation unit arrangement area CA by the CPU 52 executing the operation unit determination process after the module detection process. In addition, whether or not the operation units C1, C2, C3, C3 ′ arranged therein conform to the detection result (installation state of the wireless LAN module M1 or the installation state of the BT module M2) in the module detection process. Determined. As a result, when the combination of the wireless modules M1, M2 and the operation units C1, C2, C3, C3 ′ is wrong, the manufacturer can be made aware of the fact, for example. Combination mistakes with types can be reliably prevented.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, the first signal line path 205A (the first jumper line 206A can be mounted) and the second signal line path 205B (the second jumper line 206B can be mounted) on the control board 50. And both are provided. When the wireless LAN module M1 is used, the first jumper line 206A is attached so that the first signal line path 205A is conducted and the second jumper line 206B is not attached (or removed). Thus, the second signal line path 205B is blocked. Further, when the BT module M2 is used, the second signal line path 205B is made conductive by attaching the second jumper line 206B, and the first jumper line 206A is not attached (or removed). One signal line path 205A is blocked. By adopting such a manufacturing mode, it is possible to share the circuit portion of the signal line path on the control board 50. Therefore, another board provided with different circuits depending on the type is used for the wireless module to be used. Compared to the case, it is possible to avoid a manufacturing error due to an incorrect combination of the module and the substrate. In addition, the common cost can reduce the manufacturing cost.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, the CPU 52 has the three modes of the wireless LAN mode, the Bluetooth mode, and the non-wireless mode, and matches the state detected by the module detection process in the operation unit determination process. When it is determined that the operation unit is arranged, a mode corresponding to the state detected by the module detection process is executed. Thereby, the control by the CPU 52 can be surely performed in any specifications (models) of the wireless LAN, Bluetooth, and non-wireless system, while making various structures common as described above.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, the drive motor 53 is provided on the left side in the housing 10, while the module installation area MA is provided on the right side in the housing 10. As a result, the wireless module (wireless LAN module M1 or BT module M2) can be arranged at a position far away from the drive motor 53, so that the switching module and the heat generated by driving the drive motor 53 are not affected by the wireless module. Can be suppressed.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the present invention. Hereinafter, such modifications will be described. In addition, about the part equivalent to the said embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted or simplified suitably.

(1) When using only two types of operation units In other words, in this modification, as shown in FIG. 11, the operation unit connector 404 has only four connection terminals of the first terminal to the fourth terminal. (In FIG. 11, the numbers “1”, “2”, “3”, and “4” are schematically shown). As in the above embodiment, the first terminal is connected to the “a” port of the CPU 52, the second terminal is connected to the “b” port of the CPU 52, and the third terminal is connected to the “c” port of the CPU 52. The The fourth terminal is grounded. A power supply voltage “Vcc” is applied to each signal line between the first to third terminals and the “a”, “b”, and “c” ports via a pull-up resistor R3.

<Connection mode with wireless LAN model and Bluetooth model>
In this modification, a common operation unit C12 is used for the wireless LAN model and the Bluetooth model. That is, the first to fourth terminals of the operation unit connector 404 are the first to fourth terminals of the connector 403 connected to the operation unit C12 (numbers “1”, “2”, “3” in FIG. 11). Are abbreviated as “4”). At this time, in the operation unit C12, the signal lines from the first terminal to the third terminal are connected in parallel to the signal line from the fourth terminal. The signal line from the first terminal is provided with the switch 20, the signal line from the second terminal is provided with the switch 30, and the signal line from the third terminal is provided with the switch 40.

  As a result, when the buttons are not operated and the switches 20, 30, and 40 are in the open state, the inputs of the “a”, “b”, and “c” ports of the CPU 52 are all set to “H” by the pull-up resistor R3. . When each button is operated to open the switches 20, 30, and 40, the inputs of the “a”, “b”, and “c” ports become “L”. Thereby, the CPU 52 can identify which button of the operation unit C12 is operated.

<Connection mode for non-wireless models>
In this modification, one type of operation unit C30 is used when the non-wireless model is manufactured. That is, the first to fourth terminals of the operation unit connector 404 are respectively connected to the first to fourth terminals of the connector 403 connected to the operation unit C30. At this time, in the operation unit C30, the signal lines from the first terminal to the third terminal are connected in parallel to the signal line from the fourth terminal. Similarly to the above, the open / close switch 20 is provided on the signal line from the first terminal, and the switch 30 is provided on the signal line from the second terminal.

  As described above, the input of the “c” port to be grounded is always “L”, and when the switches 20 and 30 are open, the inputs of the “a” and “b” ports are all “H”. When each button is operated and the corresponding switches 20 and 30 are opened, the input of the “a” and “b” ports becomes “L”, so that the CPU 52 operates which button of the operation unit C30. Can be identified.

  Also in this modification, the same effect as the above embodiment is obtained. That is, a common housing 10 is common to both wireless communication specifications (specifically, the above-mentioned wireless LAN model and Bluetooth model) and non-wireless communication specifications (the above non-wireless model). Manufacturing can be performed using one control board 50. Even when a common housing 10 is used in a plurality of models having different wireless communication systems as described above, it is sufficient to provide only one mounting space (= module installation area MA). Can be achieved.

(2) Others In addition, in the above, the arrow shown in the figure of FIG. 6, FIG. 11 shows an example of the flow of a signal, and does not limit the flow direction of a signal.

  Further, the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 do not limit the present invention to the procedures shown in the above-described flow, and the addition / deletion of the procedures or the order of the procedures are within the scope not departing from the spirit and technical idea of the invention. Changes may be made.

  In addition to those already described above, the methods according to the above-described embodiments and modifications may be used in appropriate combination.

  In addition, although not illustrated one by one, the present invention is implemented with various modifications within a range not departing from the gist thereof.

1 Printer (printing device)
10 Housing (housing)
11 Top cover 13 Opening / closing member (Opening / closing cover)
15 Undercover 50 Control board 52 CPU (control means)
53 Drive motor 111 Platen roller (conveying means)
112 Thermal line head (printing means)
130L, R Side chassis member (frame)
140 Beam member (frame)
201 Flexible Connection Circuit 203 Module Connector 204A First Port Group (First Port)
204B Second port group (second port)
205A First signal line path 205B Second signal line path 206A First jumper line (first signal switching means)
206B Second jumper line (second signal switching means)
404 Operation unit connector C1 Operation unit (first operation unit, wireless operation unit)
C2 operation unit (second operation unit, wireless operation unit)
C3, C3 'operation part (normal operation part)
CA operation unit arrangement area M1 wireless LAN module (first wireless module)
M2 BT module (second wireless module)
MA module installation area S Paper to be printed

Claims (9)

A conveying means for conveying the printing paper;
Printing means for performing print formation corresponding to print data on the printing paper conveyed by the conveying means;
A housing that encloses the conveying means and the printing means and constitutes the outer shell of the apparatus;
A control board provided with a control means for controlling the transport means and the printing means;
A printing device comprising:
The housing is
One of a first wireless module that transmits / receives the print data to / from the outside of the apparatus by the first wireless communication system and a second wireless module that transmits / receives the print data to / from the outside of the apparatus by the second wireless communication system are selectively performed. Module installation area common to each wireless module that can be installed,
Any one of a wireless operation unit corresponding to the first wireless communication method or the second wireless communication method and a normal operation unit corresponding to a non-wireless method that does not transmit and receive the print data by wireless communication is selective. An operation unit arrangement area common to each operation unit,
Have
The control board is
A connector for a module common to each wireless module capable of selectively connecting any one of a connection circuit from the first wireless module and a connection circuit from the second wireless module;
A connection circuit from the wireless operation unit and a connection circuit from the normal operation unit are selectively connected, and an operation unit connector common to the operation units,
A printing apparatus comprising: The printing apparatus according to claim 1.
The control means includes
The first wireless module is installed in the module installation area, the second wireless module is installed, or neither the first wireless module nor the second wireless module is installed. A module detection process for detecting which state is present;
An operation unit determination process that determines whether or not an operation unit that matches the state detected by the module detection process is arranged in the operation unit arrangement area among the wireless operation unit and the normal operation unit. When,
The printing apparatus characterized by performing. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein
The wireless operation unit includes:
A first operation unit corresponding to the first wireless communication method;
A second operation unit corresponding to the second wireless communication method;
Including
The operation unit connector is
Either the connection circuit from the first operation unit and the connection circuit from the second operation unit are selectively connected,
The control means includes
In the module detection process, it is detected whether the first wireless module is installed in the module installation area or the second wireless module is installed.
And,
In the operation unit determination process,
It is determined whether or not an operation unit suitable for the state detected by the module detection process is arranged in the operation unit arrangement area among the first operation unit and the first operation unit. Printing device to do. The printing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3,
The control board is
A first signal line path for connecting between the first port for the first wireless communication method of the control means and the module connector;
A second signal line path connecting between the second port for the second wireless communication method of the control means and the module connector;
Have
The first signal line path is:
Comprising a first signal switching means capable of switching between signal cutoff and conduction by detaching the first jumper line;
The second signal line path is:
A printing apparatus comprising: a second signal switching means capable of switching between signal interruption and conduction by attaching and detaching a second jumper line. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
The control means includes
There are two modes, a control mode for a wireless system corresponding to the first wireless communication system or the second wireless communication system, and a control mode for a non-wireless system corresponding to the non-wireless system,
In the operation unit determination process, when it is determined that an operation unit that matches the state detected in the module detection process is disposed, the state detected in the module detection process among the two modes. A printing apparatus that executes a mode corresponding to the above. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The first wireless module includes:
A wireless LAN module that transmits and receives the print data by a wireless LAN as the first wireless communication method;
The second wireless module includes:
A printing apparatus comprising: a Bluetooth module that transmits and receives the print data by Bluetooth (registered trademark) as the second wireless communication method. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The housing is
It has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape that can be arranged with the longitudinal direction as the left and right direction and the short direction as the up and down direction and the front and back direction
The conveying means is
A platen roller that is rotatably supported at both ends in the left-right direction inside the housing,
The printing means includes
A printing apparatus, comprising: a thermal line head provided so as to face the platen roller in a vertical direction along the horizontal direction inside the casing. The printing apparatus according to claim 7.
The housing is
A top cover constituting the upper part of the outer shell of the apparatus;
An under cover constituting the lower part of the outer shell of the apparatus;
An open / close cover provided on the front side of the top surface of the top cover so as to be openable and closable;
With
The module installation area is
A printing apparatus provided on the top cover. The printing apparatus according to claim 8.
A motor that is provided on one side in the left-right direction of the frame fixed to the under cover, and that drives the platen roller;
The module installation area is
The printing apparatus is provided on the other side in the left-right direction of the top cover.

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