JP2017060245A - Printer and control method of printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable an operation other than ON/OFF of power supply to be performed with a switch for performing ON/OFF of power supply.SOLUTION: A thermal printer 4 includes: a power supply control device 46 which has: a power supply line; a transistor which turns ON/OFF power supply of the power supply line; and a power supply switch; and a CPU 41. The CPU 41 operates with supply of power after turning ON the transistor with the power supply switch, detects ON/OFF of the power supply switch after outputting a PSC signal for turning ON the transistor to a transistor QF, executes a prescribed operation by continuing output of the PSC signal when ON of the power supply switch is detected within a prescribed period after the power supply switch is turned OFF from ON, and stops supply of power with the power supply line by stopping output of the PSC signal when ON of the power supply switch is not detected within a prescribed period after the power supply switch is turned OFF from ON.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a printing apparatus control method.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a power supply control device that supplies power, a method is known in which a switch circuit provided in a power supply line is controlled by a latch circuit to turn on / off power supply (see, for example, Patent Document 1). According to the method described in Patent Document 1, the latch circuit latches the latch start signal output from the CPU, thereby turning off the switch circuit to turn off the power supply, and the latch circuit outputs from the potential difference detection circuit. The latch state is released based on the received latch release signal, and the power supply is turned on by turning on the switch circuit.

JP 2011-109746 A

By the way, a printing apparatus that prints on a print medium includes a switch for turning on / off power supply. The printing apparatus uses the switch on / off as a trigger to perform on / off operation of power supply like the tact switch described in Patent Document 1, but cannot perform operations other than on / off of power supply.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to enable operations other than on / off of power supply by a switch for turning on / off power supply.

To achieve the above object, a printing apparatus according to the present invention includes a power supply line that supplies power from a DC primary side to a DC secondary side, and a first switch that turns on and off the power supply of the power supply line. And a second switch for controlling on / off of the first switch, and operates by receiving power supply from the secondary side of the power control apparatus to control on / off of the first switch A control circuit that operates by receiving power supply after the first switch is turned on by the second switch, and provides an on signal for turning on the first switch. After the output to the first switch, the on / off state of the second switch is detected, and the on state of the second switch is detected within a predetermined period after the second switch is turned off. If the second switch is not detected to be turned on within the predetermined period after the second switch is turned off, the output of the on signal is performed. The power supply by the power supply line is stopped to stop.
Accordingly, an operation other than the on / off of the power supply can be performed by the switch for turning on / off the power supply.

In the printing apparatus of the present invention, the second switch is a power switch for turning on / off the power of the printing apparatus, and the output of the power switch and the ON signal of the control circuit is a wired OR circuit. Then, the first switch may be turned on / off.
Thereby, operations other than power on / off can be performed by turning on / off the power switch, and the first switch can be turned on / off by the output of an on signal from the power switch or the control circuit.

In addition, the printing apparatus of the present invention includes a communication unit that communicates with a host, and the control circuit detects that the second switch is turned on within the predetermined period after the second switch is turned off. If not, information indicating the status of the printing apparatus is transmitted to the host, the output of the ON signal is stopped, and the second switch is turned on from the ON state to the OFF state. When the switch is detected to be turned on, the output of the on signal may be continued and information indicating the status of the printing apparatus may not be transmitted to the host.
Thus, the host can or can not execute the processing based on the status by transmitting or not transmitting the information indicating the status to the host by the switch for turning on / off the power supply.

Further, the printing apparatus of the present invention includes a printing unit that receives power from the secondary side and prints on a printing medium, and the control circuit turns on the second switch when printing is performed by the printing unit. When the second switch is detected to be turned on within the predetermined period after being turned off, the output of the on signal is continued while the printing by the printing unit is stopped.
Thus, printing can be stopped by a switch for turning on / off the power supply.

In the printing apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, the printing unit may include a conveyance motor that conveys a print medium, and the control circuit may include the first switch within the predetermined period after the second switch is turned off. When ON of two switches is detected, the output of the ON signal may be continued and the print medium may be transported by a predetermined amount by the transport motor.
As a result, the print medium can be conveyed by the switch for turning on / off the power supply.

In the printing apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, the printing unit may include a cutter driving motor that cuts the printing medium, and the control circuit may be within the predetermined period after the second switch is turned off. When it is detected that the second switch is turned on, the output of the on signal is continued, and the print medium may be cut by the cutter driving motor.
Accordingly, the print medium can be cut by the switch for turning on / off the power supply.

The printing apparatus according to the present invention further includes a connection unit to which an external device is connected, and the control circuit turns on the second switch within the predetermined period after the second switch is turned off. When detected, the output of the ON signal may be continued, and a drive signal for driving the external device may be output to the external device connected to the connection unit.
Thus, the external device can be driven by the switch for turning on / off the power supply.

To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a power supply line that supplies power from a DC primary side to a DC secondary side, a first switch that turns on and off the power supply of the power supply line, A power control device having a second switch that controls on / off of the first switch; and a control circuit that operates by receiving power from the secondary side of the power control device and controls on / off of the first switch. And a control circuit for operating the power supply after turning on the first switch by the second switch and turning on the first switch. After the ON signal is output to the first switch, the ON / OFF of the second switch is detected, and the ON of the second switch is detected within a predetermined period after the second switch is turned OFF. If the second switch is not detected to be turned on within the predetermined period after the second switch is turned off from the on state, the output of the on signal is continued. The output of the ON signal is stopped, and the supply of power through the power supply line is stopped.
Accordingly, an operation other than the on / off of the power supply can be performed by the switch for turning on / off the power supply.

The figure which shows the structure of a POS system. The figure which shows the structure of a power supply control apparatus. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of a thermal printer. The timing chart which shows the state of each part of a thermal printer. The timing chart which shows the state of each part of a thermal printer.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the POS system 1.

  The POS system 1 is a system that is used in operations such as shopping centers, convenience stores, retail sales such as in-car sales, and restaurants such as restaurants, coffee shops, and pubs. The POS system 1 has a function of performing accounting according to a product purchased by a customer, a function of issuing a receipt according to accounting, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the POS system 1 includes a thermal printer 4 (printing apparatus) and a host computer 5 (host).

  The thermal printer 4 is a device that prints characters, images, and the like on a print medium based on data input from the host computer 5, and operates by receiving power from the AC adapter 3 connected to the commercial AC power supply 2. . The thermal printer 4 stores thermal roll paper (not shown) as a printing medium in the main body, and applies heat and heat to the printing surface of the thermal roll paper by a line thermal head 451 described later provided with a heating element 452 to print characters and images. Etc.

  The host computer 5 is a device that functions as a so-called POS terminal device. The host computer 5 generates data (hereinafter referred to as “print data”) including information necessary for issuing a receipt at least when issuing a receipt, and outputs a print instruction based on the print data to the thermal printer 4. .

  In the POS system 1 of the present embodiment, a thermal printer 4 that operates by receiving power supply from an AC adapter 3 issues a receipt based on print data input from a host computer 5.

  The AC adapter 3 is a switching type power supply device in which a power supply circuit is covered with a casing in order to supply power to the thermal printer 4. The AC adapter 3 is connected to the commercial AC power supply 2 via a cable. For example, an AC voltage of 100 volts is input to rectify, smooth, and convert the voltage, and a 24 volt DC voltage is connected to the thermal printer 4. Supply through. The AC adapter 3 is configured to be detachable from the thermal printer 4 via a connector.

Next, the configuration of the thermal printer 4 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, the thermal printer 4 includes a CPU 41 (control circuit), a non-volatile memory 42, a print communication unit 43 (communication unit), a connection unit 44, a print unit 45, and a power control device 46. Is provided.

  The CPU 41 is a control circuit that controls each part of the thermal printer 4. The CPU 41 reads out and executes a control program from a ROM (not shown), and controls each part of the thermal printer 4. The CPU 41 operates by receiving power supplied from the secondary side of the power supply control device 46 via the dropper circuit DR that drops the voltage. Further, the CPU 41 receives a signal to be described later from a power switch SW (described later) provided in the power control device 46, and detects the state of the power switch SW based on the input signal.

  The nonvolatile memory 42 includes a semiconductor storage element such as an EEPROM or a flash memory, or a storage medium such as a hard disk, and stores various data in a rewritable manner.

  The print communication unit 43 communicates with the host computer 5 according to a predetermined communication standard under the control of the CPU 41.

  The connection unit 44 is configured so that a device (external device) such as a cash drawer can be connected, and outputs a drive signal for driving the device to the connected device under the control of the CPU 41.

  The printing unit 45 executes printing based on print data input from the host computer 5 under the control of the CPU 41. As shown in FIG. 1, the printing unit 45 includes a line thermal head 451, a print head driving unit 453, a transport motor 454, and a cutter driving motor 455.

  The line thermal head 451 includes a large number of heating elements 452 arranged in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the thermal roll paper, and energizes the heating elements 452 to apply heat to the printing surface of the thermal roll paper, thereby allowing characters and images to be printed. Etc.

  The print head drive unit 453 controls energization of the line thermal head 451 to the heating element 452 under the control of the CPU 41.

  The transport motor 454 rotates a transport roller (not shown) under the control of the CPU 41 to transport the thermal roll paper.

  The cutter drive motor 455 drives the movable blade (not shown) to slide toward the fixed blade (not shown) under the control of the CPU 41, and cuts the thermal roll paper.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printing unit 45 is connected to the power control device 46 and operates by receiving power from the secondary side of the power control device 46.

  The power supply control device 46 is connected to the AC adapter 3 via a cable, and supplies the power input from the AC adapter 3 to each unit of the thermal printer 4 such as the CPU 41 and the printing unit 45. The power control device 46 includes a lock-type power switch SW (second switch) (FIG. 2) that is provided exposed to the outside of the thermal printer 4. The power supply control device 46 turns on / off the supply of power based on the user's operation of the power switch SW. The configuration of the power control device 46 will be described later.

Next, the configuration of the host computer 5 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, the host computer 5 includes a host control unit 51, a host storage unit 52, a host communication unit 53, a host display unit 54, and a host input unit 55.

  The host control unit 51 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like (not shown), and controls each unit of the host computer 5 by executing various programs and data stored in the ROM by the CPU.

  The host storage unit 52 includes a semiconductor storage element such as an EEPROM or a flash memory, or a storage medium such as a hard disk, and stores various data in a rewritable manner.

  The host communication unit 53 communicates with the thermal printer 4 according to a predetermined communication standard under the control of the host control unit 51.

  The host display unit 54 is connected to a display device such as a liquid crystal display panel, and displays various types of information on the display device under the control of the host control unit 51.

  The host input unit 55 is connected to an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse, detects an input from the input device, and outputs it to the host control unit 51. The host control unit 51 executes processing corresponding to the input based on the input from the host input unit 55.

  Here, basic operations of the thermal printer 4 and the host computer 5 when issuing a receipt will be described.

  The host computer 5 stores an application program (not shown) for creating print data and a printer driver (not shown) in the host storage unit 52 or the like. When causing the thermal printer 4 to issue a receipt, the host control unit 51 of the host computer 5 generates print data. The print data related to the receipt issuance includes information about the logo printed on the receipt, information indicating the date and time (date + time) of issuing the receipt, information indicating the name of the product purchased by the customer, information indicating the unit price of the product, purchase Information indicating the quantity of the purchased goods, information regarding the tax, information indicating the total purchase amount, information indicating the amount of money received from the customer, information indicating change, and other information. When generating the print data, the host control unit 51 generates control data including the print data and instructing execution of printing based on the print data. The control data is generated using a command according to the command system of the thermal printer 4 by the function of the printer driver. The control data includes a process ID for identifying receipt issuance processing. When generating the control data, the host control unit 51 stores the generated control data in a buffer (not shown) and transmits the control data to the thermal printer 4 by the host communication unit 53.

  The CPU 41 of the thermal printer 4 receives control data by the print communication unit 43. Then, the CPU 41 executes printing by the printing unit 45 based on the print data included in the received control data, and issues a receipt. When the issuance of the receipt is completed, the CPU 41 transmits the process ID included in the control data to the host computer 5 as information indicating the completion of the receipt issuance. That is, when the receipt of the receipt is completed, the CPU 41 transmits the process ID as information indicating that the status of the thermal printer 4 is the status of the completion of receipt of the receipt.

  When the host control unit 51 of the host computer 5 receives the process ID from the host communication unit 53, the host control unit 51 deletes the control data corresponding to the received process ID from the buffer that stores the control data.

  As described above, the CPU 41 of the thermal printer 4 transmits the process ID by the print communication unit 43. The thermal printer 4 can also transmit status information indicating the status of the thermal printer 4 such as the presence / absence of paper, a predetermined error, and power-off in addition to the process ID as status information indicating the status. .

Next, the power control device 46 provided in the thermal printer 4 will be described.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the power supply control device 46.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the power supply control device 46 includes a power supply line 100 for supplying the power output from the AC adapter 3 to each unit of the thermal printer 4 such as the CPU 41 and the printing unit 45. In the following description, the side where power is input to the power supply line 100 is referred to as a DC primary side, and the side where the power supply line 100 outputs power is referred to as a DC secondary side. That is, the primary side refers to the side to which the power output from the AC adapter 3 is input, and the secondary side refers to the side on which each part of the thermal printer 4 such as the CPU 41 and the printing unit 45 is provided and supplied. Show. In FIG. 2, the power supply line 100 receives power indicating the voltage of Vin from the primary side, and supplies power supplied to the printing unit 45 to the secondary side and power indicating the voltage of Vcc via the dropper circuit DR. It supplies to CPU41.

  The power supply control device 46 includes a transistor QF (first switch) provided in the power supply line 100. In the present embodiment, the transistor QF is configured by an FET. The transistor QF performs an on / off operation based on the voltage output to the gate. That is, the transistor QF performs an on operation when a “High” level voltage is output to the gate, and performs an off operation when a “Low” level voltage is output to the gate. When the transistor QF is on, the power supply line 100 supplies power from the primary side to the secondary side. On the other hand, when the transistor QF is off, the power supply line 100 stops supplying power from the primary side to the secondary side.

  An electrolytic capacitor C for stabilizing the voltage supplied to the secondary side is connected to the drain of the transistor QF. One end of the electrolytic capacitor C is connected to the drain of the transistor QF, and the other end is grounded.

  A power switch SW for turning on and off the power supply is connected to the power supply line 100 via a resistor R1 that limits current. As shown in FIG. 2, the power switch SW includes an input terminal T1, an output terminal T2, and an operation unit S. That is, the power switch SW, based on the user's operation, the state of the operation unit S is a state in which the connection state between the input terminal T1 and the output terminal T2 is turned on (hereinafter referred to as “on state”), The state in which the connection state between the input terminal T1 and the output terminal T2 is turned off (hereinafter referred to as “off state”) is switched. As described above, since the power switch SW is a lock-type switch, the state of the operation unit S is switched using a user operation as a trigger. That is, the power switch SW switches the state of the operation unit S from the off state to the on state when the user performs an operation when the operation unit S is in the off state, and the user performs the operation again. The on state is continued until. On the other hand, the power switch SW switches the state of the operation unit S from the on state to the off state when the user operation is performed when the operation unit S is in the on state, and the user operation is performed again. The off state is continued until. In the following description, “power switch SW is on” indicates that the state of the operation unit S is on, and “power switch SW is off” indicates that the operation unit S is off. Indicates that there is.

  The power switch SW outputs a PSW signal indicating the state of the power switch SW. For example, the power switch SW detects a potential difference between the input terminal T1 and the output terminal T2, outputs a “High” level PSW signal when the potential difference occurs, and outputs a “Low” level PSW when the potential difference does not occur. Output a signal. In the present embodiment, the case where the potential difference occurs indicates a case where the power switch SW is off. Therefore, the power switch SW outputs a “High” level PSW signal to the CPU 41 when it is off, and outputs a “Low” level PSW signal to the CPU 41 when it is on.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the input terminal T1 of the power switch SW is connected to the resistor R1, and the output terminal T2 of the power switch SW is connected to the wired OR circuit 200.

  The wired OR circuit 200 is a circuit formed by a wired OR connection between the output terminal T2 of the power switch SW and the CPU 41 connected via the diode D.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the base of the transistor Q <b> 1 is connected to the wired OR circuit 200. The transistor Q1 performs an on / off operation based on the voltage output to the base. That is, the transistor Q1 performs an ON operation when a “High” level voltage is output from the wired OR circuit 200, while the “Low” level voltage is output from the wired OR circuit 200. Perform an off action. The voltage output from the wired OR circuit 200 is a voltage output from the power switch SW or / and the CPU 41. That is, the transistor Q1 performs an on / off operation based on the voltage output from the power switch SW or / and the CPU 41. For example, when the power switch SW is on, the transistor Q1 performs an on operation because a voltage of “High” level is output to the base.

  The collector of the transistor Q1 is connected to the power supply line 100 via the resistor R2 and the resistor R3, and the emitter of the transistor Q1 is grounded. The gate of the transistor QF is connected to the node P to which the resistor R2 and the resistor R3 are connected. Therefore, when a “High” level voltage is output from the power switch SW or / and the CPU 41 to the base of the transistor Q1, the transistor Q1 is turned on, and a voltage is generated at the node P. When a voltage is generated at the node P, a “High” level voltage is output to the gate of the transistor QF, the transistor QF is turned on, and the power supply line 100 supplies power from the primary side to the secondary side. To do. That is, the power switch SW and / or the CPU 41 outputs a “High” level voltage to turn on the transistor QF.

  As described above, the CPU 41 is connected to the wired OR circuit 200 via the diode D. When power is supplied from the primary side to the secondary side, the CPU 41 operates by receiving power supply from the secondary side and outputs a PSC signal (ON signal) that is a signal for turning on the transistor QF. Output. The PSC signal is a “High” level voltage, and the CPU 41 outputs the PSC signal to turn on the transistor Q1 and turn on the transistor QF. Then, the CPU 41 supplies power from the primary side to the secondary side by turning on the transistor QF.

  As described above, when the power supply line 100 supplies power from the primary side to the secondary side, the CPU 41 operates by receiving power supply from the secondary side and outputs a signal for turning on the transistor QF. Output. Therefore, after the power switch SW is turned on from the off side and power is supplied from the primary side to the secondary side, the CPU 41 supplies power by the power supply line 100 regardless of the on / off state of the power switch SW. Can be controlled. Therefore, for example, after the power is turned on by the operation of the power switch SW, even if the user turns off the power switch SW by mistake, the power can be supplied by the CPU 41, so that the thermal printer 4 is immediately shut down. There is no.

  Note that the CPU 41 counts a predetermined period by a timer or the like as a trigger that the power switch SW is turned off from on, and after the predetermined period elapses, stops outputting the PSC signal and turns off the transistor QF. That is, the CPU 41 shuts down the thermal printer 4 after a predetermined period has elapsed. Therefore, the user can cancel the shutdown of the thermal printer 4 by turning the power switch SW from OFF to ON within a predetermined period. If the user does not turn on the power switch SW within a predetermined period, the CPU 41 automatically shuts down the thermal printer 4. The predetermined period is an operation period necessary for performing a shutdown such as data update, and is set in advance by a preliminary test, simulation, or the like.

  As described above, when the issuance of the receipt is completed, the thermal printer 4 transmits a process ID as information indicating the completion of the receipt issuance to the host computer 5. When receiving the process ID, the host computer 5 deletes the control data corresponding to the received process ID from the buffer that stores the control data. Therefore, the thermal printer 4 transmits the process ID to the host computer 5 when the receipt is issued even when the printing result is unclear due to dirt or the like of the thermal roll paper. Receipts showing the same content cannot be reissued.

  Therefore, the thermal printer 4 of the present invention performs the following operation. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the thermal printer 4.

  When the AC adapter 3 is connected to the commercial AC power supply 2 via a cable and is connected to the thermal printer 4 via a cable, power indicating the voltage of Vin is supplied to the primary side of the power supply control device 46. (Step S1). That is, power is input to the power supply control device 46.

  Next, when the power switch SW is turned on by the user's operation (step S2: YES), the power switch SW outputs a “High” level voltage to the transistor Q1 via the wired OR circuit 200. That is, the power switch SW turns on the transistor Q1 by turning on the transistor Q1, and supplies power from the primary side to the secondary side (step S3).

  Next, when power is supplied from the primary side to the secondary side as the transistor QF is turned on, the CPU 41 operates by receiving power supply from the secondary side via the dropper circuit DR, and the wired OR circuit 200 operates. The PSC signal is output to (step S4).

  Next, when the power switch SW is turned from on to off by a user operation (step S5: YES), the output of the “High” level voltage to the transistor Q1 is stopped. Here, the output of the “High” level voltage from the power switch SW is stopped, but the supply of power from the primary side to the secondary side is stopped because the PSC signal is output from the CPU 41 to the transistor Q1. do not do.

  After the power switch SW is turned off from on, the CPU 41 starts counting for a predetermined period by a timer or the like. The CPU 41 determines again whether or not the power switch SW is turned on based on the PSW signal for a predetermined period (step S6). If it is determined that the power switch SW is not turned on again within the predetermined period (step S6: NO), the CPU 41 stops outputting the PSC signal (step S7). As the output of the PSC signal is stopped, the CPU 41 turns off the transistor QF (step S8), and stops the supply of power from the primary side to the secondary side by the power supply line 100 (step S9). If it is determined that the power switch SW is not turned on again within a predetermined period, the CPU 41 transmits a process ID to the host computer 5 before stopping the output of the PSC signal.

  On the other hand, when the power switch SW is turned on again within a predetermined period (step S6: YES), the CPU 41 performs an operation other than the power supply on / off. When the printing is performed by the printing unit 45 and a receipt is issued, when the power switch SW is turned on again, the CPU 41 does not transmit the process ID to the host computer 5 after the receipt issuance is completed (step S10). .

Next, the state of each part of the thermal printer 4 when the power switch SW is not turned on again within a predetermined period will be described.
FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing the state of each part of the thermal printer 4. 4A shows the ON / OFF state of the power switch SW, FIG. 4B shows the output state of the PSC signal by the CPU 41, FIG. 4C shows the ON / OFF state of the transistor QF, and FIG. (D) shows the state of power supply by the power supply line 100.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, it is assumed that the power switch SW is turned off from on by a user operation at timing t1. When the power switch SW is turned off, the CPU 41 detects that the power switch SW is turned off based on the PSW signal, and starts counting for a predetermined period using a timer or the like. When the CPU 41 determines that the power switch SW is not turned on again within a predetermined period, the CPU 41 stops outputting the PSC signal at timing t2. In FIG. 4, the predetermined period counted by the CPU 41 is a period from timing t1 to timing t2.

  When the output of the PSC signal by the CPU 41 is stopped, the “High” level voltage is not output from the power switch SW and the CPU 41 to the transistor Q1, and the transistor QF has a timing t3 as shown in FIG. Turn from on to off. When the transistor QF is turned off, the power supply line 100 stops supplying power from the primary side to the secondary side at timing t4, as shown in FIG. 4D.

Next, the state of each part of the thermal printer 4 when the power switch SW is turned on again within a predetermined period will be described.
FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing the state of each part of the thermal printer 4. 5A shows the on / off state of the power switch SW, FIG. 5B shows the output state of the PSC signal, FIG. 5C shows the on / off state of the transistor QF, and FIG. ) Shows the state of power supply by the power supply line 100, FIG. 5E shows the state of printing by the printing unit 45, and FIG. 5F shows the state of process ID transmission by the CPU 41.

  Here, it is assumed that, at the start of the timing chart shown in FIG. 5, the thermal printer 4 is performing printing in order to issue a receipt.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, it is assumed that the power switch SW is turned off from on by a user operation at timing t1. When the power switch SW is turned off from on, the CPU 41 detects that the power switch SW is turned off based on the PSW signal, and starts counting for a predetermined period using a timer or the like.

  Here, in FIG. 5, a predetermined period counted by the CPU 41 is a period from timing t1 to timing t3.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, it is assumed that the power switch SW is turned on again by a user operation at the timing t2. Since the timing at which the power switch SW is turned on again is within the predetermined period, the CPU 41 continues to output the PSC signal as shown in FIG. Since the CPU 41 continues to output the PSC signal, the transistor QF continues to be turned on after timing t3 as shown in FIG. Therefore, the power supply line 100 continues to supply power from the primary side to the secondary side after the timing t3 as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5E, it is assumed that printing by the printing unit 45 is completed and issuance of a receipt is completed at timing t4. As described above, the thermal printer 4 transmits the process ID to the host computer 5 when the issuance of the receipt is completed upon completion of printing. However, when the power switch SW is turned on again within a predetermined period counted by the CPU 41, the CPU 41 does not transmit the process ID to the host computer 5 as shown in FIG.

  In order to prevent the thermal printer 4 from transmitting the process ID to the host computer 5, the timing when the power switch SW is turned on again needs to be before the timing when the receipt issuance ends. This is because, as described above, when the receipt issuance process is completed, the thermal printer 4 transmits a process ID to the host computer 5 as information indicating the end of the receipt.

  As described above, when the receipt is issued, the user turns off the power switch SW and turns it on again within a predetermined period, so that the thermal printer 4 does not transmit the process ID to the host computer 5. Therefore, even when the receipt is issued by the thermal printer 4, the host computer 5 does not erase the control data relating to the receipt issued from the buffer. Therefore, after issuing the receipt, the thermal printer 4 can reissue a receipt showing the same contents as the issued receipt according to an instruction from the host computer 5.

  For example, when the POS system 1 is used in a retail store such as a convenience store, even if the thermal printer 4 issues a receipt whose printing result is unclear, the staff of the retail store or the like can use the power switch SW. By performing on / off before the receipt issuance is completed, the process ID of the receipt is not transmitted to the host computer 5. Therefore, the thermal printer 4 can reissue a receipt showing the same content as a receipt whose printing result is unclear, according to an instruction from the host computer 5. Accordingly, since the receipt cannot be reissued, it is possible to suppress a situation in which the receipt delivered to the customer is a receipt with an unclear printing result.

  Note that the operation performed by the CPU 41 by turning on the power switch SW again within a predetermined period after the power switch SW is turned off is not limited to the above-described operation. That is, the present invention is not limited to the operation that does not transmit the process ID to the host computer 5.

  For example, an operation of stopping printing by the printing unit 45 may be used. That is, the thermal printer 4 stops the printing operation being executed when the power switch SW is turned off from on and turned on again within a predetermined period. Thus, when the user transmits control data including erroneous print data from the host computer 5 to the thermal printer 4, printing based on the incorrect print data can be stopped by turning on and off the power switch SW. Moreover, since printing can be stopped, consumption of heat-sensitive roll paper due to printing based on erroneous print data can be suppressed.

  Further, for example, an operation of executing a predetermined amount of paper feeding by the transport motor 454 may be performed. That is, the thermal printer 4 executes paper feeding when the power switch SW is turned off from on and turned on again within a predetermined period. The thermal printer 4 may be provided with a paper feed switch that is exposed to the outside and is a dedicated switch for feeding paper. However, the thermal printer 4 does not need to include a paper feed switch because the paper feed is executed by turning on and off the power switch SW. The printed receipt can be taken out by feeding the paper to the paper outlet and cutting it with a manual cutter provided with the paper outlet.

  Further, for example, an operation of cutting the thermal roll paper by the cutter driving motor 455 may be performed. That is, the thermal printer 4 cuts the thermal roll paper when the power switch SW is turned off from on and turned on again within a predetermined period. The thermal printer 4 may include a cut switch that is exposed to the outside and is a dedicated switch for cutting the thermal roll paper. However, the thermal printer 4 does not need to include a cut switch because the thermal roll paper is cut by turning on and off the power switch SW.

  Further, for example, an operation of outputting a drive signal for driving the device to the device connected to the connection unit 44 may be used. Here, as a device connected to the connection unit 44, a cash drawer is illustrated. When the power switch SW is turned off from on and turned on again within a predetermined period, the thermal printer 4 outputs a drive signal for opening the tray for storing money to the cash drawer connected to the connection unit 44. To do. When the drive signal is input, the cash drawer opens the tray. This eliminates the need for the host computer 5 to output a signal for opening the cash drawer tray, and the tray can be opened by turning the power switch SW on and off.

  As described above, when the power switch SW is turned on again within a predetermined period after the power switch SW is turned off, the thermal printer 4 performs an operation other than power supply on / off. To do. Therefore, the thermal printer 4 can perform operations other than on / off of power supply by turning on / off the power switch SW.

  In addition, the following effects can be achieved with respect to assigning a function to execute an operation other than on / off of power supply to the power switch SW. The power switch SW is a switch having a higher probability of being provided in the thermal printer 4 than a switch for executing an operation other than on / off of power supply such as a paper feed switch or a cut switch. That is, the power switch SW has a high probability of being provided even in the thermal printer 4 where it is difficult to provide a plurality of switches. Therefore, even in the thermal printer 4 in which it is difficult to provide a plurality of switches, the operation can be executed by an operation of turning on / off the switch by assigning an operation other than turning on / off the power supply to the power switch SW.

  As described above, the thermal printer 4 includes the power supply line 100 that supplies power from the DC primary side to the DC secondary side, and the transistor QF (first output) that turns on and off the power supply of the power supply line 100. Switch) and a power switch SW (second switch) for controlling on / off of the transistor QF, and operates by receiving power from the secondary side of the power controller 46 to operate the transistor QF. And a CPU 41 (control circuit) for controlling on / off. The CPU 41 operates by receiving power after turning on the transistor QF by the power switch SW, and outputs a PSC signal (on signal) for turning on the transistor QF to the transistor QF. When the power supply of the power switch SW is turned on and the power supply of the power supply line 100 is on, the on / off of the power switch SW is detected. Then, when the CPU 41 detects that the power switch SW is turned on within a predetermined period after the power switch SW is turned off, the CPU 41 continues to output the PSC signal and executes a predetermined operation. On the other hand, if the CPU 41 does not detect that the power switch SW is turned on within a predetermined period after the power switch SW is turned from on to off, the CPU 41 stops the output of the PSC signal and stops the power supply by the power supply line 100. To do. The power switch SW and the output of the on signal from the CPU 41 are constituted by the wired OR circuit 200, and turn on and off the transistor QF.

  Thus, after the power switch SW is turned off from the on state, the power switch SW is turned on again within a predetermined period to execute a predetermined operation. It is possible to perform operations other than the on / off of the power supply.

  The thermal printer 4 includes a print communication unit 43 (communication unit) that communicates with the host computer 5 (host). When the CPU 41 detects that the power switch SW is turned on within a predetermined period after the power switch SW is turned off, the CPU 41 continues outputting the PSC signal and does not transmit the process ID to the host computer 5. If it is not detected that the power switch SW is turned on within a predetermined period, the process ID is transmitted to the host computer 5 before the output of the PSC signal is stopped.

  The thermal printer 4 does not transmit a process ID after the receipt issuance is completed by turning on the power switch SW again within a predetermined period after the power switch SW is turned off. For this reason, the thermal printer 4 can prevent the host computer 5 from executing processing based on the process ID. That is, the thermal printer 4 can prevent the control data from being erased based on the process ID received by the host computer 5. Therefore, the thermal printer 4 can reissue a receipt according to an instruction from the host computer 5.

  The thermal printer 4 also includes a printing unit 45 that receives power from the secondary side and prints on thermal roll paper (printing medium). When the CPU 41 detects that the power switch SW is turned on within a predetermined period after the power switch SW is turned off when the printing unit 45 performs printing, the CPU 41 continues to output the PSC signal and prints the printing unit 45. Stop printing with.

  Thus, after the power switch SW is turned off from on, the printing operation is stopped when the power switch SW is turned on again within a predetermined period. Therefore, the thermal printer 4 performs printing by the power switch SW. The operation can be stopped. Therefore, when the user transmits control data including erroneous print data from the host computer 5 to the thermal printer 4, the thermal printer 4 stops issuing a receipt based on the incorrect print data by turning on / off the power switch SW. it can.

  Further, the printing unit 45 includes a transport motor 454 that transports the thermal roll paper. If the CPU 41 detects that the power switch SW is turned on within a predetermined period after the power switch SW is turned off, the CPU 41 continues to output the PSC signal, and the transfer end of the thermal roll paper is printed by the transport motor 454. Transport to the paper outlet.

  Thus, after the power switch SW is turned off from on, the thermal printer 4 transports the thermal roll paper when the power switch SW is turned on again within a predetermined period. Thus, the heat-sensitive roll paper can be conveyed. Therefore, since the thermal printer 4 can transport the thermal roll paper based on the on / off of the power switch SW, it is not necessary to include a paper feed switch for transporting the thermal roll paper.

  The printing unit 45 includes a cutter drive motor 455 that cuts the heat-sensitive roll paper. When the CPU 41 detects that the power switch SW is turned on within a predetermined period after the power switch SW is turned off, the CPU 41 continues outputting the PSC signal and cuts the thermal roll paper by the cutter drive motor 455.

  Thereby, after the power switch SW is turned off, the thermal printer 4 is turned on by the power switch SW in order to cut the thermal roll paper when the power switch SW is turned on again within a predetermined period. Can cut thermal roll paper. Therefore, since the thermal printer 4 can cut the thermal roll paper based on the on / off of the power switch SW, it is not necessary to include a cut switch for cutting the thermal roll paper.

  The thermal printer 4 includes a connection unit 44 to which a device (external device) is connected. When the CPU 41 detects that the power switch SW is turned on within a predetermined period after the power switch SW is turned off, the CPU 41 continues to output the PSC signal and sends a drive signal to the device connected to the connection unit 44. Output.

  As a result, after the power switch SW is turned off from on, the power switch SW is turned on again within a predetermined period to output a drive signal to the connected device. The device can be driven by the switch SW. For example, when the device is a cash drawer, the thermal printer 4 stores money in the cash drawer connected to the connection unit 44 when the power switch SW is turned off from on and turned on again within a predetermined period. A drive signal for opening the tray to be output is output. When the drive signal is input, the cash drawer opens the tray. This eliminates the need for the host computer 5 to output a signal for opening the cash drawer tray, and the tray can be opened by turning the power switch SW on and off.

  The above-described embodiment shows only one aspect of the invention, and can be arbitrarily modified and applied within the scope of the present invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the host computer 5 is illustrated as an apparatus that transmits control data including print data to the thermal printer 4, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal that can be carried by the user may be used.

  Further, for example, each functional block shown in FIG. 1 can be arbitrarily realized by hardware and software, and does not suggest a specific hardware configuration. Further, the function of each functional block of the thermal printer 4 may be provided in another device externally connected to the thermal printer 4. The thermal printer 4 may execute various operations by executing a program stored in an externally connected storage medium.

  For example, although the thermal printer 4 was illustrated as a printing apparatus, this invention is not limited to this. For example, the thermal printer 4 may be another printer such as an inkjet printer having a line-type head fixed at the time of printing.

  Further, for example, the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 2 is an example, and the configuration can be changed by replacing the circuit elements shown in the drawing with the same or different numbers of ICs, and can be arbitrarily changed within the scope of the present invention. Of course.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 4 ... Thermal printer (printing apparatus), 5 ... Host computer (host), 41 ... CPU (control circuit), 43 ... Print communication part (communication part), 44 ... Connection part, 45 ... Printing part, 46 ... Power supply control apparatus , 100: Power supply line, 454: Conveyance motor, 455: Cutter drive motor, QF: Transistor (first switch), SW: Power switch (second switch).

Claims (8)

A power supply line for supplying power from the DC primary side to the DC secondary side;
A first switch for turning on and off the power supply of the power supply line;
A power control device having a second switch for controlling on / off of the first switch;
A control circuit that operates by receiving power from the secondary side of the power supply control device and controls on / off of the first switch;
The control circuit includes:
After the first switch is turned on by the second switch, the second switch operates after receiving power supply and outputs an on signal for turning on the first switch to the first switch. On / off
After detecting that the second switch is turned on within a predetermined period after the second switch is turned off, the output of the on signal is continued and a predetermined operation is performed.
When the second switch is not turned on within the predetermined period after the second switch is turned off, the output of the on signal is stopped and the supply of power through the power supply line is stopped.
A printing apparatus characterized by that. The second switch is a power switch for turning on / off the power of the printing apparatus, and the output of the power switch and the ON signal of the control circuit is composed of a wired OR circuit, and the first switch is turned on / off. To
The printing apparatus according to claim 1. A communication unit that communicates with the host
The control circuit includes:
If it is not detected that the second switch is turned on within the predetermined period after the second switch is turned off, the information indicating the status of the printing apparatus is transmitted to the host, and the ON signal Stop the output,
Information indicating the status of the printing apparatus to the host by continuously outputting the ON signal when the ON state of the second switch is detected within the predetermined period after the second switch is turned OFF. Don't send,
The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. A printing unit that receives power from the secondary side and prints on a print medium;
The control circuit includes:
When printing is performed by the printing unit, when the second switch is turned on from the on-state and the second switch is turned on within the predetermined period, the output of the on-signal is continued. Stop printing by the printing department,
The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The printing unit includes a transport motor for transporting a print medium,
When the control circuit detects that the second switch is turned on within the predetermined period after the second switch is turned from on to off, the control circuit continues to output the on signal, and the printing motor performs the printing. Transport a certain amount of media,
The printing apparatus according to claim 4. The printing unit includes a cutter drive motor that cuts the print medium,
When the control circuit detects that the second switch is turned on within the predetermined period after the second switch is turned from on to off, the control circuit continues to output the on signal, and the cutter drive motor Cutting print media,
The printing apparatus according to claim 4. It has a connection part to which an external device connects,
The control circuit includes:
After detecting that the second switch is turned on within the predetermined period after the second switch is turned off, the output of the on signal is continued and the external device connected to the connection unit is connected to the external device. Outputting a drive signal for driving the external device;
The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. A power supply line for supplying power from the DC primary side to the DC secondary side, a first switch for turning on / off the power supply of the power supply line, and a second switch for controlling on / off of the first switch; And a control circuit that operates by receiving power from the secondary side of the power control device and controls on / off of the first switch. ,
The control circuit includes:
After the first switch is turned on by the second switch, it receives power and operates.
An on signal for turning on the first switch is output to the first switch, and then on / off of the second switch is detected,
After detecting that the second switch is turned on within a predetermined period after the second switch is turned off, the output of the on signal is continued and a predetermined operation is performed.
When the second switch is not turned on within the predetermined period after the second switch is turned off, the output of the on signal is stopped and the supply of power through the power supply line is stopped.
A control method for a printing apparatus.

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