JP2020168825A - Printing device, and automatic teller device with use of printing device - Google Patents

Abstract

To suppress occurrence of paper jam.SOLUTION: A printing device 8 comprises: a print head 11 which is movable in a direction orthogonal to a transport direction of a medium for printing (sheet 99); a platen 13 movable in a thickness direction of the medium for printing; and a control part CT which controls operations of the print head and the platen. The control part is so configured as to change a height of the platen in at least three steps according to a position of the print head. Preferably, the control part changes the height of the platen to a height position of one step or more when printing, and a height position of two steps or more when the print head evacuates from a transport area of the medium for printing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to a printing device and an automated teller machine using the printing device.

Conventionally, when the dot impact type printing device adopts the media follow type structure, the platen is moved between the height position when printing and the height position when transporting paper. (See, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2). Here, the structure of the media follow system means a structure in which the print head is retracted when the paper is conveyed.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-231121 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-119249

However, in the conventional printing apparatus, transfer guides are arranged before and after the platen, and the paper is easily caught at the joint (joint) between the transfer guide and the platen. Therefore, there is a problem that the occurrence of paper jam may be induced.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a printing device that suppresses the occurrence of paper jam and an automatic teller machine that uses the printing device.

In order to achieve the above object, the first invention is a printing apparatus, which comprises a print head that can move in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the printing medium, a platen that can move in the thickness direction of the printing medium, and the like. A control unit for controlling the operation of the print head and the platen is provided, and the control unit is configured to change the height of the platen in at least three stages according to the position of the print head.

The second invention includes a printing device, a print head that can move in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the printing medium, and a platen that can move in the thickness direction of the printing medium. The head has a plate member that moves integrally with the print head, and the platen has an abutting member that moves the platen up and down by coming into contact with the plate member, depending on the position of the print head. The height of the platen is changed in at least three steps by changing the contact position of the platen with respect to the abutting member.

The third invention is an automated teller machine, and has a configuration including the printing device of the first or second invention and a display operation unit.

According to the present invention, the occurrence of paper jam can be suppressed.

It is a perspective view which shows the whole structure of the automatic teller machine which incorporates the printing apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a side view of the printing apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 at the time of paper-taking. It is a rear view of the printing apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 at the time of paper-taking. It is a rear view of the parallel link used for the printing apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a side view which shows the state of the platen height adjustment mechanism of the printing apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 at the time of paper ejection. It is a rear view which shows the state of the platen height adjustment mechanism of the printing apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 at the time of paper ejection. It is a side view which shows the state of the platen height adjustment mechanism of the printing apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 at the time of printing. It is a rear view which shows the state of the platen height adjustment mechanism of the printing apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 at the time of printing. It is operation explanatory drawing (1) of the platen in the printing apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is operation explanatory drawing (2) of the platen in the printing apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a rear view of the platen height adjustment mechanism of the printing apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the platen height adjustment mechanism of the printing apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter, referred to as “the present embodiment”) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, each figure is only shown schematicly to the extent that the present invention can be fully understood. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples. Further, in each figure, common components and similar components are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description thereof will be omitted.

[Embodiment 1]
<Configuration of automated teller machines>
Hereinafter, the configuration of the automated teller machine 1 incorporating the printing device 8 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an overall configuration of an automated teller machine 1 incorporating a printing device according to the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, each direction of front, back, left, right, up and down (see FIG. 1) is based on the direction seen by the user. For example, the side facing the user of the automated teller machine 1 will be described as the front side, and the opposite side will be described as the rear side. Further, the left, right, top, and bottom directions seen from the user facing the automated teller machine 1 will be described as left, right, top, and bottom, respectively.

The automatic teller machine 1 is a device that automatically executes a transaction in response to a user's operation, and is a device that incorporates a printing device 8 that uses a dot printing method. Here, the case where the automatic teller machine 1 is configured as, for example, an ATM (Autummatic Teller Machine: automatic teller machine) used in a financial institution or a distribution institution will be described. However, the automated teller machine 1 may be a cash dispenser dedicated to withdrawals.

As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic teller machine 1 according to the first embodiment includes a medium handling unit 2, a display operation unit 3, a passbook insertion / discharge port 4, a bill deposit / withdrawal unit 5, a coin deposit / withdrawal unit 6, and a hand set. Has 7.
The medium handling unit 2 is a part that handles various media such as cards and receipts.
The display operation unit 3 is a part that displays various information and accepts operations by the user.
The passbook insertion / discharge port 4 is an opening into which the passbook is inserted and discharged.
The bill deposit / withdrawal unit 5 is a portion where bills are inserted and discharged.
The coin deposit / withdrawal unit 6 is a portion where coins are inserted and discharged.
The handset 7 is a handset for talking with a bank employee or the like in a remote place.

The medium handling unit 2 is provided with a card insertion / discharge port 2a and a receipt discharge port 2b.
The card insertion / ejection port 2a is an opening into which a card is inserted / ejected.
The receipt discharge port 2b is an opening through which a receipt on which transaction results and the like are printed is discharged.

The automatic teller machine 1 has a printing device 8 that performs printing processing on the passbook and a control unit CL thereof behind the passbook insertion / discharging port 4. The printing device 8 is a dot impact type printer.

<Configuration of printing device>
Hereinafter, the configuration of the printing device 8 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4. FIG. 2 is a side view of the printing device 8 when the paper is taken in. FIG. 3 is a rear view of the printing device 8 when the paper is taken in. FIG. 4 is a rear view of the parallel link 26 used in the printing device 8. Since FIGS. 3 and 4 are rear views, the left and right sides are shown in opposite directions.

Here, it is assumed that the printing medium is a passbook, a slip, or the like inserted from the passbook insertion / discharging port. Hereinafter, passbooks, slips, etc. are collectively referred to as "paper". In the following description, "paper import" means an operation of importing paper into the device from the passbook insertion / discharge port 4. Further, the “paper ejection” means an operation of ejecting the paper from the passbook insertion / discharging port 4 to the outside of the device.

As shown in FIG. 2, the printing device 8 includes a print head 11, a transfer roller 12, a platen 13, transfer guides 14a and 14b, a platen height adjusting mechanism 20, and a control unit CL (see FIG. 1). , Is equipped.

The print head 11 has a built-in dot pin and is a mechanism for printing with the dot pin. The print head 11 is arranged parallel to the platen 13 and is movable in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the paper 99 (printing medium).
The transfer roller 12 is a member that conveys the paper 99. The transport rollers 12 are provided above and below the transport path, and sandwich and transport the paper 99.

The platen 13 is a member that presses the paper 99 against the print head 11. The platen 13 is configured to be movable in the vertical direction (thickness direction of the paper 99).
The transport guides 14a and 14b are support members for transporting the paper 99. The transport guide 14a is provided on the front side of the platen 13. The transport guide 14b is provided on the rear side of the platen 13.
The platen height adjusting mechanism 20 is a mechanism for adjusting the height of the platen 13. Details of the platen height adjusting mechanism 20 will be described later.
The control unit CL (see FIG. 1) controls the operation of the print head 11, the transfer roller 12, and the like.

A rotatable head roller 11a is attached to the lower end side wall of the print head 11. The head roller 11a is provided to prevent the print head 11 from coming into contact with the platen 13. The head roller 11a protrudes slightly below the lower end of the print head 11, and when the platen 13 approaches the print head 11, the platen 13 (strictly speaking, is placed on the platen 13) precedes the print head 11. It comes into contact with the printed paper 99).

The platen 13 has a shape in which the seam 33 (see FIGS. 9 and 10) with the transport guide 14a is inclined downward and hangs down. Further, the transport guide 14a has a shape in which the seam 34 (see FIGS. 9 and 10) with the platen 13 is inclined downward and hangs down. The seam 34 of the transport guide 14a and the seam 33 of the platen 13 are formed in a comb-teeth shape and have a nested structure that penetrates into each other.

As shown in FIG. 3, the printing device 8 includes a slide shaft 16, a motor pulley 17, and a drive belt 18. In FIG. 2, the description of the motor pulley 17 and the drive belt 18 is omitted.

The slide shaft 16 is a rod-shaped member arranged so as to extend in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the paper 99. The slide shaft 16 movably supports the print head 11 in the axial direction. The print head 11 is connected to the motor pulley 17 via a drive belt 18. The print head 11 moves together with the drive belt 18 along the slide shaft 16 by rotating the motor pulley 17.

The platen height adjusting mechanism 20 includes a plate member 21 and an abutting member 22.

The plate member 21 has a plurality of steps (three steps in the illustrated example) step portion ST, and the step portion ST is a contacted member to which the abutting member 22 is abutted. The plate member 21 is provided on the print head 11 and moves integrally with the print head 11.

The step portion ST is a contact portion that comes into contact with the tip end portion (upper end portion) of the abutting member 22. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the step portion ST has the first step ST1, the second step ST2, and the third step in order from the side that projects downward (the highest height). It has a step ST3 and. The first step step ST1 is a contact portion that comes into contact with the tip end portion (upper end portion) of the abutting member 22 when the paper is taken in. The second step ST2 is a contact portion that comes into contact with the tip end portion (upper end portion) of the abutting member 22 when the paper is ejected. The third step step ST3 is used to press the platen 13 in the direction of the head roller 11a at the time of printing. The plate member 21 may be referred to as a cam block, and the abutting member 22 may be referred to as a cam follower.

The tip portion (upper end portion) of the abutting member 22 comes into contact with the stepped portion ST, which is the contact portion of the plate member 21. When the print head 11 moves, the step portion ST is a member that moves the abutting member 22 up and down according to the shape of the step portion ST while sliding with the tip end portion (upper end portion) of the abutting member 22. The abutting member 22 is integrated with the platen 13, and when the abutting member 22 moves up and down, the platen 13 also moves up and down. The tip (upper end) of the abutting member 22 is bent in a "re" shape (acute angle), and a gentle curve is added to the bent portion so as to reduce friction with the step portion ST. Has been done. However, the shape of the abutting member 22 is not limited to this shape. The abutting member 22 is always urged upward together with the platen 13 by a spring 29 described later.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, when the paper is taken in, the first step ST1 of the step portion ST abuts on the tip end portion of the abutting member 22. As a result, the printing device 8 defines the height of the platen 13 at the time of paper loading at the first step ST1.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, when the paper is ejected, the second step ST2 of the step portion ST abuts on the tip end portion of the abutting member 22. As a result, the printing device 8 defines the height of the platen 13 at the time of paper ejection at the second step ST2.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, at the time of printing, the third step ST3 of the step portion ST faces the tip end portion of the abutting member 22. At this time, the third step ST3 is in a state where it does not abut on the tip of the abutting member 22. This is because the platen 13 rises when the print head 11 moves to a position where the third step step ST3 faces the tip of the abutting member 22, so that the third step step ST3 becomes the abutting member 22. This is because the head roller 11a abuts on the platen 13 (strictly speaking, the paper 99 placed on the platen 13) before abuting on the tip end portion of the platen 13. Such a printing device 8 defines the height of the platen 13 by abutting the platen 13 (strictly speaking, the paper 99 placed on the platen 13) against the head roller 11a at the time of printing. Therefore, the third step step ST3 does not specify the height of the platen 13 at the time of printing.

The gap T shown in FIG. 8 collides with the third step ST3 formed when the platen 13 (strictly speaking, the paper 99 placed on the platen 13) abuts on the head roller 11a during printing. The distance between the member 22 and the member 22 is shown. The plate member 21 is formed in a shape in which the gap T is formed at the time of printing. Note that FIG. 8 shows an example in which the paper 99 is the thinnest medium. The value of the gap T varies depending on the thickness of the paper 99.

As shown in FIG. 4, the printing device 8 (see FIG. 3) includes a parallel link 26 and a spring 29. The parallel link 26 is a mechanism for maintaining the posture of the platen 13 in the horizontal direction and movably holding the platen 13 in the vertical direction. The spring 29 is a member that urges the platen 13 upward.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, the parallel link 26 includes a base member 27 and two link members 28.
The base member 27 is connected to the link member 28 by the left and right base member rotation shafts 27a, respectively. Further, the base member 27 includes a connecting portion 27b for connecting to the spring 29.
The two link members 28 are pivotally supported by a frame (not shown) provided around the parallel link 26 on the rotating shaft 28a, and connected to the platen 13 on the platen rotating shaft 28b. As a result, the two link members 28 rotate about the rotation shaft 28a, respectively, and also rotate with respect to the base member 27 and the platen 13 by the base member rotation shaft 27a and the platen rotation shaft 28b, respectively. It is configured in.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, the spring 29 is composed of a tensile spring. In the spring 29, the hook on the right side is connected to the frame 30 provided around the parallel link 26, and the hook on the left side is connected to the connecting portion 27b. The spring 29 is urged to pull the entire base member 27 to the right via the connecting portion 27b. As a result, the two link members 28 rotate in the clockwise direction about the rotation shaft 28a. As a result, the printing device 8 maintains the posture of the platen 13 in the horizontal direction, and the platen 13 is urged upward by the spring 29. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the printing device 8 uses a tensile spring as the spring 29. However, the printing device 8 may have a structure in which the platen 13 is urged upward by using a compression spring, a torsion spring, or the like.

<Operation of printing device>
Hereinafter, the configuration of the printing device 8 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 10. FIG. 5 is a side view showing a state of the platen height adjusting mechanism 20 at the time of paper loading. FIG. 6 is a rear view showing a state of the platen height adjusting mechanism 20 at the time of paper loading. FIG. 7 is a side view showing a state of the platen height adjusting mechanism 20 at the time of printing. FIG. 8 is a rear view showing a state of the platen height adjusting mechanism 20 at the time of printing. 9 and 10 are explanatory views of the operation of the platen 13. Since FIGS. 6 and 8 are rear views, the left and right sides are shown in opposite directions.

The printing device 8 arranges the printing head 11 at a preset home position in the standby state. Here, it is assumed that the home position is set at a position where the second step ST2 of the plate member 21 is in contact with the tip end portion of the abutting member 22. However, the home position may be, for example, a position where the first step ST1 of the plate member 21 is in contact with the tip end portion of the abutting member 22.

Here, it is assumed that the automatic teller machine 1 takes in the paper 99 from the passbook insertion / discharging port 4 and prints on the paper 99. At that time, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the printing device 8 moves the printing head 11 to the left from the home position when the paper is taken in. At this time, as shown in FIG. 3, the first step ST1 of the plate member 21 comes into contact with the tip end portion of the abutting member 22. As a result, the printing device 8 lowers the platen 13 to the lowest position in all operations. However, this operation is unnecessary when the home position is set to a position where the first step ST1 of the plate member 21 is in contact with the tip end portion of the abutting member 22.

FIG. 9 shows the state at this time. That is, as shown in FIG. 9, when the paper 99 is conveyed in the direction of the arrow A11 at the time of paper loading, the printing device 8 sets the first step ST1 of the plate member 21 to the tip end portion of the abutting member 22. (See FIG. 3), the platen 13 is placed at a position lower than the transport guide 14a (see arrow B11).

As a result, the printing device 8 arranges the seam 33 of the platen 13 at a position lower than the height of the seam 34 of the transport guide 14a on the upstream side of the transport of the paper 99. That is, at this time, the printing device 8 sets the height of the platen 13 to a position lower than the height of the transport guide 14a on the upstream side. As a result, even if the tip portion of the paper 99 hangs down, the printing device 8 passes over the seam 34 of the transport guide 14a and the seam 33 of the platen 13 without catching the tip portion of the paper 99. Can be done.

After that, the printing device 8 conveys the paper 99 in the rear direction by the conveying roller 12. At that time, the tip portion of the paper 99 passes over the seam 34 of the transport guide 14a and the seam 33 of the platen 13.

After that, when the paper 99 reaches a predetermined position on the platen 13, the printing device 8 performs a printing operation. At this time, the printing device 8 is in the state shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the print head 11 drives the print head 11 to perform a printing operation while moving the print head 11 in the left-right direction at the time of printing. At this time, the print head 11 moves within the movable range on the left side from the position where the third step ST3 of the plate member 21 faces the tip end portion of the abutting member 22. At this time, the third step ST3 of the plate member 21 does not come into contact with the tip end portion of the abutting member 22. As a result, the printing device 8 raises the platen 13 to the highest position in all operations. At that time, the third step ST3 of the plate member 21 may temporarily face the tip end portion of the abutting member 22. At this time, since the head roller 11a abuts on the platen 13 (strictly speaking, the paper 99 placed on the platen 13), it is between the third step ST3 of the plate member 21 and the tip of the abutting member 22. A gap T is formed in.

After that, when printing for one line is completed, the printing device 8 performs a line feed operation (that is, an operation for transporting only one line of paper 99) to the downstream side. At this time, the paper 99 is transported to the downstream side by rotating the transport roller 12.

After that, the printing device 8 drives the printing head 11 to perform a printing operation while moving the printing head 11 in the left-right direction. After that, the printing operation is repeated until all the information to be printed is printed. Then, when all the information to be printed is printed, the printing device 8 conveys the paper 99 in the forward direction, which is the direction of the passbook insertion / discharging port 4, and discharges the paper 99 from the passbook insertion / discharging port 4 to the outside of the automatic teller machine 1. To do.

At that time, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the printing device 8 moves the printing head 11 to the right when the paper is ejected. At this time, as shown in FIG. 6, the second step ST2 of the plate member 21 is brought into contact with the tip end portion of the abutting member 22. As a result, the printing device 8 sets the platen 13 to a position slightly lowered from the highest printing height position in all operations.

FIG. 10 shows the state at this time. That is, as shown in FIG. 10, when the paper 99 is conveyed in the direction of the arrow A12 at the time of paper ejection, the printing device 8 attaches the second step ST2 of the plate member 21 to the tip of the abutting member 22. By abutting (see FIG. 6), the platen 13 is placed at a position higher than the transport guide 14a (see arrow B12).

As a result, the printing device 8 arranges the seam 33 of the platen 13 at a position higher than the height of the seam 34 of the transport guide 14a on the downstream side of the transport of the paper 99. That is, at this time, the printing device 8 sets the height of the platen 13 to a position higher than the height of the transport guide 14a on the downstream side. As a result, in the printing device 8, even if the tip portion of the paper 99 hangs down, the printing device 8 does not catch the tip portion of the paper 99, and the seam 34 of the transport guide 14a and the seam 33 of the platen 13 Can be passed over.

After that, the printing device 8 conveys the paper 99 in the forward direction, which is the direction of the passbook insertion / discharging port 4, and discharges the paper 99 from the passbook insertion / discharging port 4 to the outside of the automatic teller machine 1. As a result, the printing device 8 ends a series of processes. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the home position is set at a position where the second step ST2 of the plate member 21 is in contact with the tip end portion of the abutting member 22. However, if the home position is set to a position where the first step ST1 of the plate member 21 is in contact with the tip end portion of the abutting member 22, the print head 11 is moved to the right to that position. Ends a series of processing with.

<Main features of printing equipment>
(1) The printing device 8 according to the present embodiment includes a printing head 11 which is arranged parallel to the platen 13 and can move in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the paper 99 (printing medium), and a printing medium. It includes a platen 13 that can be moved in the thickness direction, and a control unit CL that controls the operation of the print head 11 and the platen 13. The control unit CL has a configuration in which the height of the platen 13 is changed in at least three stages according to the position of the print head 11 by controlling the position of the print head 11 in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, the three heights are the height at the time of paper loading (see FIG. 3), the height at the time of printing (see FIG. 8), and the height at the time of paper ejection (see FIG. 6). )It has become.

Such a printing device 8 can change the height of the platen 13 in at least three stages according to the position of the printing head 11. For example, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the printing device 8 can change the height of the platen 13 with respect to the transport guide 14a at the time of paper loading and the time of paper ejection. In such a printing device 8, even if the tip portion of the paper 99 hangs down, the tip portion of the paper 99 does not get caught and passes over the seam 34 of the transport guide 14a and the seam 33 of the platen 13. Can be done. Therefore, the printing device 8 can suppress the occurrence of paper jam.

(2) The control unit CL has a height of one step or more when printing, and preferably when the print head 11 retracts from the transport area of the paper 99, such as when the paper is taken in and when the paper is ejected. It is advisable to change the height of the platen 13 to a height of two or more steps. As a result, the printing device 8 can suppress the occurrence of paper jam.

(3) The control unit CL preferably changes the stop position of the print head 11 according to the traveling direction of the paper 99 and changes the relative height of the platen 13 with respect to the transport guide 14a when the paper 99 is conveyed. Good. As a result, the printing device 8 can suppress the occurrence of paper jam.

(4) The control unit CL preferably makes the height of the platen 13 lower than that of the upstream transport guide 14a when the paper 99 moves from the transport guide 14a toward the platen 13. Further, when the paper 99 moves from the platen 13 toward the transport guide 14a, the control unit CL may make the height of the platen 13 higher than that of the transport guide 14a on the downstream side.

In such a printing device 8, as shown in FIG. 9, when the paper 99 is conveyed from the transfer guide 14a onto the platen 13, the height of the seam 34 of the transfer guide 14a is the height of the seam 33 of the platen 13. It will be higher than the height. Therefore, the printing device 8 can suppress the paper 99 from being caught on the platen 13, and can suppress the occurrence of paper jam.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10, in the printing device 8, when the paper 99 is conveyed from the platen 13 onto the transfer guide 14a, the height of the seam 33 of the platen 13 is the height of the seam 34 of the transfer guide 14a. It will be higher than that. Therefore, also in this case, the printing device 8 can suppress the paper 99 from being caught on the platen 13, and can suppress the occurrence of paper jam.

(5) The stepped portion ST (contact portion) of the plate member 21 is configured as a stepped portion ST having a multi-step step surface shape. The control unit CL preferably changes the height of the platen 13 by changing the contact position of the step portion ST (contact portion) of the plate member 21 with respect to the abutting member 22 according to the stop position of the print head 11. It is good to change it in multiple stages. Since such a printing device 8 can change the height of the platen 13 in a plurality of stages, the height of the platen 13 can be set according to various situations. Therefore, it is possible to more efficiently suppress the occurrence of paper jam.

The printing device 8 may have four or more steps in the step portion ST of the plate member 21, and may change the height of the platen 13 in more than three steps.

As described above, according to the printing apparatus 8 according to the first embodiment, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of paper jam.

[Embodiment 2]
In the platen height adjusting mechanism 20 of the printing device 8 of the first embodiment, the shape of the step portion ST (contact portion) of the plate member 21 provided on the print head 11 has a three-step step shape. On the other hand, the second embodiment provides a printing device 8A having a platen height adjusting mechanism 20A in which the shape of the contact portion of the plate member 21 is changed.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the platen height adjusting mechanism 20A of the printing device 8A according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a rear view of the platen height adjusting mechanism 20A of the printing device 8A.

As shown in FIG. 11, in the platen height adjusting mechanism 20A according to the second embodiment, the contact portion of the plate member 21 is inclined as compared with the platen height adjusting mechanism 20 (see FIG. 6) according to the first embodiment. It differs in that it is configured as a part STa. The inclined portion STa is a contact portion that comes into contact with the tip end portion of the abutting member 22, and is formed in an inclined surface shape.

The inclined portion STa is a contact portion that comes into contact with the tip end portion of the abutting member 22, and is formed in an inclined surface shape. The inclined portion STa includes a first portion STa1, a second portion STa2, a third portion STa3, and a fourth portion STa4. The first portion STa1 is a portion at the same height as the first step ST1 (see FIG. 6) in the step portion ST of the first embodiment. The second portion STa2 is a portion at the same height as the second step ST2 (see FIG. 6) in the step portion ST of the first embodiment. The third portion STa3 is a portion at the same height as the third step ST3 (see FIG. 6) in the step portion ST of the first embodiment. The fourth portion STa4 is a portion at a height position lower than the third portion STa3 by the thickness Ts of the paper 99. The position of the fourth portion STa4 varies depending on the thickness Ts of the paper 99. The first portion STa1 comes into contact with the tip end portion (upper end portion) of the abutting member 22 when the paper is taken in. The second portion STa2 comes into contact with the tip end portion (upper end portion) of the abutting member 22 when the paper is ejected. The portion between the third portion STa3 and the fourth portion STa4 is used to press the platen 13 in the direction of the head roller 11a at the time of printing. When the paper 99 placed on the platen 13 abuts on the head roller 11a at the time of printing, the portion of the inclined portion STa that abuts on the tip end portion (upper end portion) of the abutting member 22 becomes the fourth portion STa4. In other words, when the paper 99 placed on the platen 13 abuts on the head roller 11a at the time of printing, the tip end portion (upper end portion) of the abutting member 22 comes into contact with the inclined portion STa at the fourth portion STa4. In this way, the printing device 8A changes the contact position of the inclined portion STa (contact portion) of the plate member 21 with respect to the abutting member 22 according to the stop position of the print head 11, thereby changing the height of the platen 13. Can be changed stepwise (gradually).

Since the platen height adjusting mechanism 20A of the printing device 8A has the inclined portion STa, the height of the platen 13 can be freely changed according to the stop position of the printing head 11. Therefore, the printing device 8A can change the height of the platen 13 according to the type, characteristics, and environment of the paper 99 to be used.

For example, when paper 99 having a property of being easily caught, such as "thick and strong paper 99" or "fluffy paper 99 like Japanese paper", is used as a printing medium, the transport guide shown in FIG. 9 is used. By setting the height of the platen 13 when the paper 99 is conveyed from above 14a onto the platen 13 to a position lower than usual, it is possible to suppress the paper 99 from being caught and suppress the occurrence of jam. ..

Further, for example, when a cleaning medium for cleaning is used as a printing medium for maintenance, the surface of the platen 13 can be easily cleaned by setting the height of the platen 13 to a position higher than usual. it can.

These settings may be set by the user in the printing device 8A according to the type of the paper 99, for example, or the paper 99 thickness sensor (not shown) provided in the printing device 8A, for example. The printing device 8A may be automatically set according to the thickness of the paper 99 detected by.

Further, for example, the printing device 8A can change the height of the platen 13 by sensing the ambient temperature and humidity. For example, when the temperature and humidity are high, the paper 99 absorbs moisture and tends to lose its stiffness (characteristic of maintaining posture). In such a case, by setting the height of the platen 13 when the paper 99 is conveyed from the transfer guide 14a shown in FIG. 9 onto the platen 13 to a position lower than usual, the paper 99 is suppressed from being caught. Therefore, the occurrence of jam can be suppressed.

FIG. 12 shows the operation of the platen height adjusting mechanism 20A of the printing device 8A in consideration of these matters. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the platen height adjusting mechanism 20A of the printing device 8A.

As shown in FIG. 12, the printing apparatus 8A first identifies the type of paper (S105), and then senses the ambient temperature and humidity (S110).

After S110, the printing device 8A determines whether or not the medium is a medium that is easily caught (S115), and if the medium is not a medium that is easily caught (in the case of “No”), whether or not the environment is hot and humid. (S120).

When the judgment of S115 determines that the medium is a medium that is easily caught (in the case of "Yes"), or in the judgment of S120, it is determined that the environment is hot and humid (in the case of "Yes"). In addition, the printing device 8A sets the height of the platen 13 lower than usual (S125), and ends the process of adjusting the height of the platen 13.

When it is determined in the determination of S120 that the environment is not hot and humid (in the case of "No"), the printing device 8A determines whether or not the medium is a cleaning medium (S130).

When the determination in S130 determines that the medium is a cleaning medium (in the case of "Yes"), the printing device 8A sets the height of the platen 13 higher than usual (S135), and the platen 13 Ends the height adjustment process of.

When it is determined in the determination of S130 that the medium is not a cleaning medium (in the case of "No"), the printing device 8A sets the height of the platen 13 as usual (S140), and the height of the platen 13 is set. Finish the adjustment process.

In such a configuration, the printing device 8A according to the second embodiment changes the contact position of the inclined portion STa (contact portion) of the plate member 21 with respect to the abutting member 22 according to the stop position of the print head 11. Therefore, the height of the platen 13 can be changed steplessly. Therefore, the height of the platen 13 suitable for various types of paper 99 and the surrounding environment can be controlled.

Further, the printing device 8A according to the second embodiment only changes the contact portion of the plate member 21 from the step portion ST to the inclined portion STa as compared with the printing device 8 (see FIG. 6) according to the first embodiment. So, you don't have to change other configurations. In such a printing device 8A according to the second embodiment, the number of corresponding patterns can be easily increased only by changing the control program.

As described above, according to the printing device 8A according to the second embodiment, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of paper jam as in the printing device 8 according to the first embodiment.
Moreover, according to the printing device 8A according to the second embodiment, as compared with the printing device 8 according to the first embodiment, the inclined portion STa of the plate member 21 with respect to the abutting member 22 is used according to the stop position of the printing head 11. The height of the platen 13 can be changed steplessly by changing the contact position of the contact portion).

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

For example, the above-described embodiment has been described in detail in order to explain the gist of the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner. Therefore, the present invention is not necessarily limited to those including all the constituent elements described above. Further, the present invention can add other components to a certain component, or change some components to other components. In addition, the present invention can also delete some components.

Further, for example, the printing device 8 according to the present invention can be applied not only to an automated teller machine (ATM) but also to various devices that perform dot impact printing.

Further, for example, in the above-described embodiment, the plate member 21 is arranged on the printhead 11 side, and the abutting member 22 is arranged on the platen 13 side. However, if the height of the platen 13 is to be changed according to the position of the print head 11, the abutting member 22 may be arranged on the print head 11 side and the plate member 21 may be arranged on the platen 13 side. Good.

1 Automatic teller machine (ATM)
2 Media handling unit 2a Card insertion / discharge port 2b Receipt discharge port 3 Display operation unit 4 Passbook insertion / discharge port 5 Banknote deposit / withdrawal section 6 Coin deposit / withdrawal section 7 Handset 8,8A Printing device 11 Printing head 11a Head roller 12 Conveyor roller 13 Platen 14a, 14b Transport guide 16 Slide shaft 17 Motor pulley 18 Drive belt 20, 20A Platen height adjustment mechanism 21,21a Plate member (contact member)
22 Lump member 26 Parallel link 27 Base member 27a Base member Rotating shaft 27b Connecting part 28 Link member 28a Rotating shaft 28b Platen rotating shaft 29 Spring 33 Seam 34 Seam 99 Paper (printing medium)
CL control part ST step part (contact part)
ST1 1st step step ST2 2nd step step ST3 3rd step step STa Inclined part (contact part)
STa1 1st part STa2 2nd part STa3 3rd part STa4 4th part T gap Ts thickness

Claims (8)

A print head that can move in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the print medium,
A platen that can be moved in the thickness direction of the printing medium,
A control unit that controls the operation of the print head and the platen is provided.
The control unit is a printing device characterized in that the height of the platen is changed in at least three steps according to the position of the print head. In the printing apparatus according to claim 1,
The control unit has one or more height positions when printing is performed, and two or more height positions when the print head retracts from the transport area of the printing medium. A printing device characterized by changing. In the printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.
Further, a transport guide for guiding the transport of the print medium is provided on either or both of the upstream side and the downstream side of the platen with respect to the transport direction of the print medium.
The control unit changes the relative height of the platen with respect to the transport guide by changing the stop position of the print head according to the traveling direction of the print medium when the print medium is conveyed. A characteristic printing device. In the printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.
Further, a transport guide for guiding the transport of the print medium is provided on either or both of the upstream side and the downstream side of the platen with respect to the transport direction of the print medium.
The control unit
When the printing medium moves from the transport guide toward the platen, the height of the platen is made lower than that of the transport guide on the upstream side.
A printing apparatus characterized in that when the printing medium moves from the platen toward the transport guide, the height of the platen is made higher than that of the transport guide on the downstream side. In the printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
Further, a plate member that moves integrally with the print head and
A bumping member that moves the platen up and down by abutting against the plate member
The contact portion of the plate member that comes into contact with the contact member has a multi-step step surface shape.
The control unit changes the height of the platen in a plurality of stages by changing the contact position of the plate member with respect to the abutting member according to the stop position of the print head. A characteristic printing device. In the printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
Further, a plate member that moves integrally with the print head and
The platen is provided with an abutting member that moves the platen up and down by coming into contact with the plate member.
The contact portion of the plate member that comes into contact with the contact member has an inclined surface shape.
The control unit changes the height of the platen steplessly by changing the contact position of the plate member with respect to the abutting member according to the stop position of the print head. A printing device characterized by. A print head that can move in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the print medium,
A platen that can be moved in the thickness direction of the printing medium is provided.
The print head has a plate member that moves integrally with the print head.
The platen has an abutting member that moves the platen up and down by coming into contact with the plate member.
A printing apparatus characterized in that the height of the platen is changed in at least three steps by changing the contact position of the plate member with respect to the abutting member according to the position of the print head. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
An automated teller machine characterized by having a display operation unit.

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