JP2565530Y2 - Device for checking print density of identification code in time clock - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

[0001]

This invention not only prints normal working data such as working hours on a time card, but also prints identification codes for identifying each individual's name, working form, etc., so-called card making. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a time clock having a function, and more particularly to a print density check device for determining the print density of a printed identification code.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a method of providing this kind of identification code on a card, a method of forming a punched hole coded on the card is known. However, printing such as working hours is performed by a printer built in a time clock. Since the identification code is performed via a print medium such as an ink ribbon, a method of printing the identification code using the same printer and print medium has been proposed. For example, Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 46668/1986 discloses a configuration in which a barcode is similarly printed as a personal identification code on a personal information display section provided at the lower end of a time card.

In a bar code printer or the like that prints bar code data such as an identification code, conventionally, in order to confirm whether or not the bar code printing is normal,
A method of reading a printed barcode with a sensor and comparing the read barcode data with the set barcode data has been usually employed.

[0004]

In a time recorder of this type, the same printer is used to print the working hours that are performed daily, the total printing that is performed every month, and the identification code that is used in card creation. Since a consumable ink ribbon that is used repeatedly as a print medium of the printer is used, the print density gradually decreases with the consumption of the ribbon, and the code print density decreases along with the normal print density such as working hours. That is inevitable.

[0005] The above-mentioned normal printing density is sufficient as long as characters can be visually read at a minimum, but the printing density required for code printing varies depending on the sensitivity of the sensor in order to accurately read the code with the sensor. Even if there is, a concentration higher than a predetermined level is always required. If this code printing is performed at a density lower than the predetermined density and a card is made, an error occurs in reading the code printing by the sensor, processing becomes impossible, and the created card is wasted. Problem arises.

In the configuration disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open Publication No. 61-46868, there is no means for automatically checking the print density of the printed identification code. Since the visual check is performed every time, there is a problem that the work is extremely troublesome, there is an individual difference in density determination, the accuracy is low, and the rate of wasted cards is high.

In the data comparison method used in the conventional bar code printer, all the printed bar code data must be read and verified with the set bar code data. Each time, different barcode data must be held in a memory or the like until the end of the verification, so that there is a problem that the circuit configuration for the verification becomes complicated and the processing time becomes longer. At the time when a code printing defect is detected by the code check, the card can no longer be used, and there is a similar problem in that the card is wasted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and has as its object to eliminate the problem of improper printing of an identification code due to a decrease in print density in a short time without reading and verifying all the printed identification codes. It is an object of the present invention to provide an identification code print density check device that can detect and prevent the use of a card that has been created defectively, and inform the user that it is time to replace the ink ribbon. Another object of the present invention is to detect the print density decrease before the occurrence of defective print of the identification code due to the print density decrease and to inform the user of the replacement timing of the ink ribbon for maintaining the print density and to generate the defective print card. It is an object of the present invention to provide an identification code print density check device that can eliminate waste, shorten the detection time, and contribute to improving the workability of card creation.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a normal printing of working data such as working hours on a time card and an identification code of each individual consisting of a combination of a plurality of unit marks. Assuming a time recorder configured to perform printing via an ink ribbon, a printer that selectively performs the normal printing and the identification code printing via an ink ribbon on a time card sent to a printing position of the time recorder via an ink ribbon; Means for setting a specific ribbon area of the ink ribbon at a printing position corresponding to the printing of the identification code when printing by the printer, and a density determination check mark corresponding to a unit mark of the identification code and a corresponding ribbon area of the identification code. Check mark printing for printing on the card by the printer in the same ribbon area Control means, a check mark reading means for reading the printed check mark and sending a read signal, and a print density determination means for determining the print density of the identification code based on the signal from the read means. A code density check device is proposed.

Further, according to the present invention, normal printing of working data such as working hours on a time card and printing of an identification code of each individual consisting of a combination of a plurality of unit marks are performed via an ink ribbon and normal printing. In printing, the first ribbon area of the ink ribbon corresponds to the printing position, and when printing the identification code, the first ribbon area of the ink ribbon is printed.
In the case of a time recorder in which the ink ribbon switching mechanism selectively switches the ink ribbon so that a second ribbon area different from the ribbon area of the second recording medium corresponds to the printing position, the time card sent to the printing position of the time recorder A printer that selectively performs the normal printing and the printing of the identification code via an ink ribbon, and a density determination check mark corresponding to a unit mark of the identification code on the time card by the printer in the first ribbon area. Check mark print control means for causing the print code to be printed, check mark read means for reading the printed check mark and sending a read signal, and print density determination means for determining the print density of the identification code based on the signal from the read means Print density check of identification code composed of It is intended to propose a location.

Still further, in the present invention, in the above-mentioned proposed configuration, the check mark printing control means causes the printer to print the determination check mark in the second ribbon area on a time card.
The judgment check marks printed in the first and second ribbon areas are read by the check mark reading means, and a read signal is sent for each mark, and a signal from the reading means is sent by the print density judgment means. In addition, there is proposed a print density check device in which the print density determination means determines the print density of the identification code based on a signal from the reading means.

[0012]

According to the present invention, in the case where a check mark is printed in the same ribbon area as the print of the identification code, the check mark is read by the check mark reading means, and the print density is determined by the print density judging means in accordance with the readability. Judgment of the appropriateness of the density of the code printing, instead of judging the unit mark of the identification code one by one, indirectly determining the density of the identification code, informing the user of the density defect, and creating the defect. Prevent the use of cards.

In the present invention, the identification code is printed in a second ribbon area different from the first ribbon area of the ink ribbon used for normal printing, and the check mark is printed in the first ribbon area. in the case of,
Focusing on the fact that the frequency of use of the first ribbon area is much higher than that of the second ribbon area and therefore a decrease in density precedes, a reading check of the print density based on the printing of the check mark is performed. In this way, it is possible to indirectly anticipate and give notice of a decrease in the ribbon density in advance while maintaining the print density of the identification code, thereby preventing a card with poor identification code printing from being created.

[0014] Further, by adopting a configuration in which the check mark is printed also in the second ribbon area, it is possible to simultaneously determine whether the print density of the identification code is defective or appropriate and to predict the density reduction. Become.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In FIG. 1, a control unit 1 provided in the time clock includes a keyboard 2 for input setting of personal identification information, various settings of the time clock, a tallying operation, and a mode change operation. Identification information, for example, information such as name, employee number, affiliation, work classification number, and personal code automatically given at the time of input setting,
For example, a personal identification data memory 3 for storing a card number in a RAM memory, an employment data memory 4 for storing employment data such as a work-in / out time for each individual corresponding to a personal code in a RAM memory, and a clock output from a crystal oscillator. A clock circuit 5 that forms current time data based on the signal and outputs the data to the control unit 1 and a display unit 6 that displays various operation statuses and results of the time recorder to an operator are connected.

Reference numeral 7 denotes an ink ribbon switching mechanism which shifts the ink ribbon in the lateral direction with respect to the traveling direction to correspond to a plurality of different ribbon areas with respect to the printing position. Reference numeral 8 is connected to the control unit 1 and will be described later. A ribbon switching control circuit serving as a ribbon switching control means for operating the ribbon switching mechanism 7 so as to shift the ink ribbon to a corresponding ribbon area in the case of normal printing and in the case of identification code printing. 9 prints personal identification data, work data, and identification code on a time card via an ink ribbon at a printing position. For example, a printer of a dot printer type is connected.
Is a printer drive control circuit connected to the printer via a print buffer 11. Reference numeral 12 denotes a card feeding mechanism for carrying in a time card from a card insertion slot of a time recorder to a printing position and discharging from the printing position after a predetermined printing is completed.
Reference numeral 3 denotes a card feed control circuit which is connected to the control unit 1 and controls forward and reverse operations of the card feed mechanism 12 so as to carry in and out the time card.

Reference numerals 14 and 15 denote a reflection type for detecting whether or not a time card is inserted into a time clock, detecting an identification code mark, a mark for determining the inserted state, and a check mark for determining the density of the identification code, and transmitting various detection signals. A pair of sensors, as described below, correspond to both side edges of the time card to be inserted, respectively, one is a table of the card,
The other is located on the back of the card. A reading signal processing unit 16 reads the detection signals from the sensors 14 and 15 and sends out various processing signals. The reading signal processing unit 16 includes a card insertion detection signal when a card is inserted, a signal for determining an insertion state, a check mark detection signal, The identification code data generated by processing the detection signal from one of the corresponding sensors 14 and 15 at a predetermined timing by the reference counter 17 is transmitted to the control unit 1, the insertion state determination unit 19, the print density determination unit 28, and the identification code data. It is sent to the code memory 18. The reference counter 17 receives a pulse from a rotary encoder 37, which will be described later, and transmits a reference timing pulse to determine the reference timing for printing and reading the identification code and the check mark. The identification code memory 18 stores the generated identification code data read from the time card, and performs various processing data based on the identification code. The insertion state determination means 19 is connected to the read signal processing means 16 and receives the signals detected by the sensors 14 and 15 as processing signals from the processing means 16 to determine the insertion state of the time card.
Numeral 0 is an insertion state suitability judging means which is connected to the judging means 19 and judges whether or not the time card insertion state is correctly inserted in front and back, forward and reverse. The suitability judging means 20 is connected to the control unit 1 and sends a control signal to the card feed control circuit 13 via the control unit 1 based on the judgment signal sent from the judging means. The print density judging means 28 is connected to the read signal processing means 16 and receives a check mark detection signal from the processing means 16 to judge which state the print density of the identification code is based on whether or not a check mark is detected. The display unit 6 displays the determination result via the control unit 1.
Is displayed.

FIG. 2 shows a time card 21 to be used. On the surface of the card 21, the name, affiliation, etc. of each individual are stored in a personal identification data memory in a card upper end area 22. This is a print column where personal identification information is printed. Reference numeral 23 denotes an employment print column on which the date, the time of day-to-day work and the like are printed. The range indicated by reference numeral 24 uses one side edge of the card 21, and the identification code 2 is set along the feeding direction of the card 21.
.. Are identification code printing columns for printing 5a, 25b, 25c,. As shown in the figure, a plurality of digits of the identification code are set in the print column 24, and personal identification information is coded by a combination of the presence or absence of a narrow unit mark at these positions. 26 is an identification code mark 25a, 25b
..A check mark for density determination printed on the same side edge of the card as that of the above, consisting of a unit mark having the same narrow width as the identification code mark, which is read by the sensor 14 and the identification code is printed based on the detection result. The concentration is determined. Since the check mark 26 has the same shape as the unit marks 25a, 25b,... Constituting the identification code, it is possible to indirectly grasp the print density of the identification code by reading the check mark. 2
Reference numerals 7 and 27 denote identification code printing fields 24 on the card 21.
The reference mark is formed before and after the same side edge of the card as the reference mark, and serves as a reference for starting and ending the printing and reading of the identification code and the check mark. When the card is inserted, the mark 27 is detected by the corresponding sensor 14, With reference to the detected reference mark 27, the reference counter 1
Reference numeral 7 generates the timing for printing and reading each identification code and check mark. Reference numeral 29 denotes a mark formed at a corner of the lower edge of the card 21 for determining a card insertion state.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 30 denotes a main body of the time clock. The main body 30 is provided with a card guide 31 for forming a guide path 32 for guiding the insertion of the time card 21. The card 21 is indicated by an arrow through the card insertion slot 32. Inserted. The sensors 14 and 15 are arranged in the card insertion slot 32. The printer 9 is arranged so as to be able to reciprocate along the print line XX across the guide path 32, and a predetermined print is made on the card 21 at the print position P.

A card feed mechanism 12 is installed in the time clock main body 30, and the mechanism 12 rotates a pair of upper and lower feed shafts 33, a feed roller 34 mounted thereon, and the pair of feed shafts 33 in an interlocked manner. And a reversible motor 36 for applying a driving force to the mechanism 35, which is connected to the pulley and the timing belt. Although a driven roller is provided opposite to the pair of feed rollers 34, the driven roller is not shown.
A rotary encoder 3 is provided at one end of the feed shaft 33.
7 are provided. The encoder includes a slit plate 38 and a photo interrupter 39, and generates a pulse corresponding to the transfer distance of the time card and sends the pulse to the reference counter 17. When this pulse is input, the reference counter 17 sends out a reference timing pulse every time a predetermined pulse is counted.

The sensor 14 corresponds to the front side of the card 21 to be inserted, and the other sensor 15 corresponds to the back side of the card 21. When the card 14 is inserted and the sensor 14 detects the mark 29, as shown in FIG. When the other sensor 15 detects the mark 29, the time card 21 is inserted into the back state, and
Also, both sensors are marked 2 at the beginning of card insertion.
9 is not detected, it is determined that the card has been inserted upside down, and if the insertion state is determined to be "No" by the insertion state appropriateness determination means 20, the card is inserted again in an appropriate state. Desired.

When the card 21 is properly inserted, the card 21 is fed toward the printing position in the insertion direction (forward direction) by the card feeding mechanism 12, and the reference start mark 27 is detected by the sensor 14.
The counting is started from the position corresponding to. And
The identification code different for each card and the common check mark 26 for all the cards are sequentially printed at predetermined positions at the timing based on the count. Here, since the same number of check marks are always printed at the same position on all cards, printing is performed in accordance with the sensitivity of the sensor only by determining the presence or absence of detection output, that is, by determining whether or not reading by the sensor has been performed. It can be determined whether or not the concentration is maintained. The card is ejected when the motor 36 rotates in the reverse direction and the card feed mechanism 12 feeds the card 21 in the ejection direction (reverse direction).

Next, a specific configuration of the ink ribbon switching mechanism 7 provided in the print density checking device of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In FIG.
Numeral 40 denotes a carriage on which the printer 9 is mounted and which is supported by a pair of guide rails 41 on the time clock main body 30 and reciprocates along a print line. This is an ink ribbon cassette which is rotatably supported at its (rear end) position and is always urged counterclockwise in the figure by a compression spring 44. The ink ribbon 45 accommodated in the cassette 42 is exposed at the other end (front end) of the cassette and is exposed to the printer 9.
And the card guide path 32 into which the time card 21 is inserted, and faces the print position P. As shown by a solid line and a chain line in the figure, the ink ribbon switching mechanism 7
At the time of the ink ribbon switching operation, the ribbon cassette 42
3, whereby the ink ribbon 45 shifts in the vertical direction to switch to a different ribbon area, that is, to switch the printing stage.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the present embodiment, the ink ribbon 45 is switched to three stages of ribbon regions 45a, 45b, 45c divided in the width direction, and can be used in so-called three-stage switching. For example, the ribbon areas 45a, 45b, and 45c in each row are respectively printed during normal working hours (first row), printed with identification codes and check marks (second row), and time zones such as late / holiday. Printing (third
Can be used separately. This ribbon 45 is red, black 2
In the color ribbon, the band portion 46a including the ribbon regions 45a and 45b is black, and the band portion 46b including the ribbon region 45c is included.
Is printed in red. Of course, it is also possible to use ink ribbons in which the color of the band corresponding to each stage is black, red, and blue. The first and third stages
The row ribbon areas 45a and 45c are normal printing areas that are frequently used to print data of normal work such as attendance and departure. On the other hand, the second-stage ribbon area 45b is a ribbon area for identification code printing and check mark printing different from the normal printing area.

The carriage 40 shown in FIG. 4 is moved together with the ribbon cassette 42 between the home position H at the left end and the print end position E at the right end on the main body 30 by a drive mechanism including a drive belt, a pulley, and a motor (not shown). It is designed to be driven back and forth.

In FIG. 7, reference numeral 47 denotes a detecting portion projecting downward from the lower surface of the carriage 40, and reference numerals 48 and 49 denote the detecting portions 4a and 4b.
Reference numeral 7 denotes a carriage position detection sensor arranged at intervals in a passage that moves as the carriage 40 travels.
One sensor 48 detects that the carriage 40 has returned to the home position H when the detection unit 47 comes to a position corresponding thereto, and the other sensor 49
When the detection unit 47 returns to the home position of the carriage 40, it comes to a position corresponding to this position in the middle of the carriage 40, thereby detecting the print standby position A of the carriage 40. As will be described later, when the ink ribbon 45 continues printing in the same ribbon area or printing stage, the carriage 40 is not returned to the home position H,
The printing is stopped at the print standby position A, and a reference position from which printing is started is formed. Although not shown, a carriage position detection sensor that detects the position E and stops the carriage 40 is also provided corresponding to the print end position E.

Next, the ink ribbon switching mechanism 7 is shown in FIG.
6, 7, and 8 will be described in detail. 50 is a carriage 40
The carriage 40 and the ribbon cassette 42
The ribbon actuating member 52 extends between the two ends and is bent at both ends and supported swingably on the main body 30 by the support shaft 51. The ribbon actuating member 52 is constituted by one bent end plate of the member 50. And a switching rotary member having a plurality of engaging teeth 53 formed therearound.

When the switching rotation member 52 is located at the position (original position) indicated by the solid line in FIG.
Supports the ribbon cassette 42 on its upper surface substantially horizontally as shown by the solid line against the spring 44,
5 corresponds to the ribbon position 45a of the first non-elevated position corresponding to the print position P. When the switching rotation member 52 is rotated clockwise from the original position around the support shaft 51 as schematically shown by a dashed line, the ribbon actuating member 50 is accordingly inclined to resist the spring 44. Rotate the ribbon cassette 42 to the spindle 43
To raise the ink ribbon 45 from the first stage as shown by the arrow, so that the second or third stage ribbon regions 45b and 45c correspond to the printing position P.

Reference numeral 55 denotes an operating solenoid provided on the main body 30, and reference numeral 56 denotes an engaging tooth of the switching rotary member 52 which is connected to the solenoid 55 via a plunger 57 and a rotary support shaft 58 and is normally extended by a tension spring 59. The operating claw member 60, which is disposed in an engagement state with 53, is supported by the main body 30 by a rotation support shaft 61 and is always disposed in an engagement state with the engagement teeth 53 of the switching rotation member 52 by a tension spring 62. It is a holding claw member. Both claw members 56 and 60 have bent tongue pieces 56a and 60a which can be engaged with each other to form interlocking means, and one claw member 56 has one tongue piece 56a as seen in FIG.
And a cam piece 56 that is slightly inclined and protrudes in the lateral direction.
The cam portion 56b has an engagement release means formed by the engagement protrusion 63 protruding from the side edge of the carriage 40 so as to be engaged with the engagement protrusion 63.

When the carriage 40 returns to the home position H in a state where the both pawl members 56 and 60 are engaged with the engagement teeth 53 of the switching rotation member 52, the engagement protrusion 63 engages with the cam piece 56b. Then, by the cam action of the inclined cam portion piece 56b, first, the operating claw member 56 is pushed down in a direction in which it is disengaged from the engagement tooth 53, and accordingly, the tongue piece 56a
Engages with the tongue piece 60a of the holding claw member 60 and pushes it down, so that the holding claw member 60 is also disengaged from the engagement teeth 53. As a result, the switching rotation member 52 becomes free and returns to the original position by the bias of the spring 44, and the ink ribbon 4
5 is returned to the first non-elevated position, that is, the so-called ink ribbon is reset. When the carriage 40 starts running for printing from the home position H, the engagement between the engagement protrusion 63 and the cam piece 56b is released, so that the two claw members 56 and 60 are at the original positions. Switching rotation member 5
The second engagement tooth 53 is engaged again.

Referring to FIG. 8, a mode in which the switching rotary member 52 is switched by the operating solenoid 55 via the both claw members 56 and 60 will be described.
Is in the original position, the operating solenoid 55 is in a non-excited state, and the two claw members 56 and 60 are
The normal position state in which the teeth are engaged with the tooth spaces 53a and 53b of the engaging teeth by the urging is shown. (B) in the state of (a), the ink ribbon 4
This shows a state in which a one-shot pulse is excited to set 5 to the second stage position. In this state, first, the operation claw member 56 is pulled by the plunger 57 in the direction of the predetermined stroke arrow, whereby the claw member 56 rotates the switching rotation member 52 clockwise by one tooth. As a result, the holding claw member 60 crosses over one of the engagement teeth 53 and engages with the next tooth groove 53c.
Hold 2. As soon as the one-shot operation of the operating solenoid 55 is completed, the operating claw member 56 returns from the retracted position as shown by the dashed line. At this time, the operating claw member 56 goes over one engagement tooth 53 and engages with the next tooth groove 53b. Enter.

As described above, even if the operating solenoid 55 returns to the non-excited state immediately after the excitation of the one-shot pulse, the two pawl members 56 and 60 surely hold the switching rotary member 52 at the position rotated by one tooth. can do. Then, the rotation amount for one tooth is exactly the same as the ink ribbon 45.
Second-stage ribbon area 45b from second-tier ribbon area 45a
The ink ribbon 45 is switched and set to the position of the second stage because it corresponds to the moving amount to be moved upward.

When the operating solenoid 55 is further excited by one-shot pulse from the state shown in FIG. 8B, the two pawl members 56 and 60 cooperate as described above to further move the switching rotary member 52 by one tooth. Is rotated and held in this rotated position,
The rotation amount for one further tooth is increased by 3 from the second stage as described above.
The ink ribbon 45 can be switched and set to the position of the third stage by making it correspond to the amount of the upward movement of the ink ribbon 45 to the ribbon region 45c of the stage. In the case where the ink ribbon 45 is directly switched and set from the state where the switching rotation member 52 is at the original position, that is, the state where the ink ribbon 45 is at the first stage position, the operation solenoid 5 is used.
5 may be excited twice.

When printing is completed and the carriage 40 returns to the home position H in a state where the switching rotation member 52 is held at the rotation position by the both pawl members 56 and 60 as described above, the engagement is performed as described above. The engagement between the projection 63 and the cam piece 56b causes the two claw members 56 and 60 to be disengaged from the engagement teeth 53 of the switching rotation member 52, and the switching rotation member 52 is returned to its original position as shown in FIG. And the ink ribbon 45 is also reset to the first non-elevated position.

Thus, the ink ribbon switching mechanism 7
In the above, the ink ribbon 45 can be shifted to a desired ribbon area or printing stage only by applying a temporary excitation pulse to the operating solenoid 55. As described above, the ink ribbon 45 is held in the set ribbon area until the carriage 40 finishes printing for one line and returns to the home position H, but the next line is printed in the same area. The carriage position detection sensor 47 detects the carriage 40 at the print standby position A provided before the carriage 40 without returning the carriage 40 to the home position H.
A detection signal is sent to stop the carriage 40 at the position A. Therefore, the ink ribbon 45 is not reset, and printing is continued in the same ribbon area. And
When printing in a different ribbon area of the ink ribbon 45 is required, the carriage 40 is returned to the home position H regardless of the detection signal from the sensor 47, the ink ribbon 45 is reset, and the operating solenoid 55 is turned on. By operating again, the ink ribbon is switched to the desired step position.

The ink ribbon switching mechanism 7 has been described above. The number of teeth of the engagement teeth 53 around the switching rotation member 52 is 3
Although the number of teeth is provided in accordance with the step switching, in the case of using the ink ribbon 45 divided into more steps, the number of teeth may be provided in accordance with the number. Further, by setting the pitch of the teeth of the engagement teeth 53 to a so-called half pitch, a ribbon area can be set even in a narrower ribbon area, and the number of steps and the pitch can be set arbitrarily. In particular, the printing of the identification code mark and the check mark may be narrow marks as shown in FIG. 2, so that the ribbon area required for the printing may be narrow. Therefore, in the case of using a conventional red-black two-color ribbon as the ink ribbon and performing normal work printing in the black part, printing late, holidays, etc. in the red part, the identification code is printed in a small area between these printing parts. Alternatively, printing can be performed by shifting the ribbon at a half pitch using the vicinity of both edges of the ribbon.

The first and third ribbon areas 45 to be printed by the ink ribbon switching mechanism 7 described above.
Reference numerals a and 45c denote areas used for normal printing for working data such as working hours. If this is the first ribbon area, the second ribbon area 45b is the second ribbon area for printing identification codes and check marks. 2 area. When the ink ribbon 45 is a two-stage switching type and uses black and red two-color ribbons, the black ribbon area for printing normal working hours and the like is the first ribbon area for normal printing, The identification code and the check mark are printed by using the second ribbon area as the second ribbon area where the red ribbon area on which the printing is performed is used as the second ribbon area. In any case, the identification code and check mark are usually printed using an area other than the most frequently used ribbon area,
The printing density is always kept higher than the printing density.

Next, a series of processing procedures in the card creation mode will be described with reference to FIG. This time clock has a card creation mode in which each individual's time card is created, for example, every month, a normal printing mode in which the created cards are printed such as daily working hours, and the like. Aggregation mode for aggregation,
In addition, a maintenance mode for the card is prepared. Here, a card creation mode related to the present invention will be described.

In FIG. 9, the operator selects and starts the card creation mode from the keyboard 2 at step 70, inserts the time card 21, and at step 71 the presence or absence of card insertion is confirmed by the sensors 14 and 15 and confirmed. If so, the card is drawn in by the card feeding mechanism 12 in step 72. The state of the front and back of the card 21 inserted in step 73 is reversed by the insertion state determination means 19, and in step 74, as a result of the determination by the insertion state appropriateness determination means 20, if the card is not correctly inserted,
The card feeding mechanism 12 is rotated in the reverse direction to eject the card 21 at step 75, a card insertion error is displayed on the display unit 6 at step 76, and the operator is instructed to reinsert the card. In step 77, the process ends.

If it is determined in step 74 that the card insertion state is proper, a determination is made in step 78 as to whether the identification code is an existing one printed on the card. If it is determined in step 79 that the printed data has already been read, the card 21 is ejected by the card feeding mechanism 12 in step 80, and in step 81, a message indicating "code printed" is displayed on the display unit 6. This series of processing is terminated at step 82 at 82. When it is confirmed that the identification code is printed, the check mark 26 is also printed at the same time.

If it is determined in step 79 that the identification code has not been printed on the card 21, the identification data of the individual to be printed is read from the personal identification data memory 3 in step 83 and set in the print buffer 11. In step 84, the card 21 which has been sent in the insertion direction is inverted by the card feeding mechanism 12 in the ejection direction, and the upper end area 22 of the card 21 is adjusted to the printing position. The information is printed. At the time of this printing, since the ink ribbon 45 is a normal printing, the ribbon switching mechanism 7 maintains the ribbon 45 at a non-elevated position or a non-shifted position, and printing is performed using the first ribbon area 45a. It is.

Next, at step 86, the check mark 26 is printed, and at step 87, the identification code is printed. When the identification code is printed, the identification code corresponding to the individual printed in step 85 is read from the personal identification data memory 3 and set in the print buffer 11, and the sensor 1
4 detects the reference mark 27 (FIG. 2) on the card, the reference counter 17 counts the card feed amount to determine the code printing timing, and sequentially sends the card 21 by the card feed mechanism 12 at a predetermined printing position. The printer 9 sequentially prints the identification code marks 25a, 25b,... When the check mark 26 is printed, a predetermined printing position is determined by the reference mark 27 and the reference counter 17 in the same manner as the identification code printing.

The procedure for printing the check mark is shown in FIG.
As shown in (a), in step 87 together with the start of step 86, first, the ink ribbon 45 is switched and shifted to the ribbon area where the check mark is to be printed, that is, the second ribbon area 45b (FIG. 5). Switching shift is sensor 1
Reference numeral 4 indicates the detection of the reference mark 27 on the card, and when this detection signal is sent from the read signal processing means 16 to the control unit 1, the control signal is transmitted from the control unit 1 to the ribbon switching control circuit 8, and the ribbon switching control circuit 8 By sending a switching signal to the switching mechanism 7, a one-shot pulse is applied to the operating solenoid 55, and the ribbon switching mechanism 7 moves the ink ribbon 45 from the first-stage ribbon region 45a to the second-stage ribbon. The display is switched to the area 45b. When the printer 9 completes printing of one line in step 88 due to the travel of the carriage 40 from the home position H, when it is confirmed in step 89 that printing of a predetermined number of check marks has been completed, in step 90 the carriage 40 is checked. Is returned to the home position H, the ink ribbon 45 is switched to the original non-elevated position, and the printing process of the two check marks is completed in step 91. Although only two check marks 26 are shown, this is to ensure the detection of the mark and to shorten the processing time. You may make it print on an edge. In this case, one line is further printed in step 88 in step 89 of FIG.
During this time, the carriage 40 is not returned to the home position H, and the ink ribbon is held in the same ribbon area 45b.

After the check mark 26 has been printed in this way, the identification code is printed in step 92. At the start of this printing, the ink ribbon is switched to the same second ribbon area 45b as in the printing of the check mark 26. When a specific code is read from the personal identification data memory 3 and the information is sent from the control unit 1 to the print buffer 11, the switching shift is transmitted from the control unit 1 to the ribbon switching control circuit 8, By sending a switching signal from the circuit to the ribbon switching mechanism 7, printing is performed in steps 93, 94, and 95 in FIG. Until the printing of the series of identification code marks 25a, 25b,... Is completed, the carriage 40 is not returned to the home position H, the ink ribbon is held in the same ribbon area 45b, and the printing of all the code marks is completed. In step 92, the ink ribbon is switched to the first ribbon area 45a, which is a normal printing area, and in step 97, the printing process of the identification code ends.

Next, in step 98, the check mark 26 is read from the sensor 14 and a detection signal is sent to the read signal processing means 16, and the read output of the check mark 26 read in step 99 is sent to the print density determination means 2.
The determination is made at 8. Here, when the read output can detect only one check mark and when neither of them can be detected, it is determined that the print density has decreased to a level that cannot be read by the sensor. Is displayed on the display unit 6 via the control unit 1 and the user is notified of the lack of the ink ribbon density to urge the user to replace the ribbon. As a result of the determination, when two check marks are detected, it is determined that the identification code has been properly printed. In step 101, the card is ejected from the time clock, and a series of processes in the card creation mode is completed. I do.

As described above, since the check mark 26 is printed in the second ribbon area 45b which is not used for normal printing and is the same as each mark of the identification code, the printing density of these marks is higher than that of normal printing. A dark printing state can be always maintained. By judging the presence or absence of the detection of the check mark 26, all the marks of the printed identification code are read, and even if the coincidence with the identification code data set for printing is not performed every time, the identification code of these identification codes can be obtained. The print density can be grasped indirectly.

In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10A, the check mark is printed in the same ribbon area as that of the identification code, and both prints have substantially the same print density state. Then, the density is checked, but as a modification, the method shown in FIGS. 10C and 10D is also possible.

In FIG. 10C, when the printing of the check mark is started in step 86, the ink ribbon 45 is placed in the state of the first ribbon area 45a of the normal printing, and the two lines of the check mark are printed in step 103. 26 is printed, and it is confirmed in step 104 whether or not printing has been completed. After the printing is completed, in step 105, printing of the check mark ends.

That is, in the case of the above modification, the check mark 26 to be printed has the same print density as that of the normal print, which is always lower than the print density of the identification code. Therefore, during the card issuance mode in which a large number of cards are continuously issued, the check mark reading result is not detected, and even if the sensor cannot detect the check mark, the print density of the identification code is still low. Since the card is sufficiently maintained, the created card is not wasted, and several cards can be issued. Therefore, it is not necessary to change the ink ribbon in the middle of the issuing mode in a hurry. Is improved.
Also, in this state, the density of the ink ribbon is expected to decrease, so a message requesting the replacement of the ink ribbon can be issued by the time of the next card creation, and the ribbon replacement time can be notified in advance. Becomes

In FIG. 10D, when the printing of the check mark is started in step 86, first, as in FIG. 10C, in step 106, the first check mark is printed in the first ribbon area 45a of the normal printing. Is printed, and then the second step of printing the identification code at step 107 is performed.
The second check mark is printed in step 108, the ink ribbon is returned to the first ribbon area 45a for normal printing in step 109, and the check mark is End printing.

In the above modification, two sets of check marks are provided.
The print is performed in different ribbon areas. When the print density is determined, when both the first and second check marks can be detected by a combination of the detection outputs of the first and second check marks. The identification code is properly printed and the density of the ink ribbon is determined to be good.
When only the check mark is not detected, it is expected that the printing of the identification code has been properly performed but the ribbon density has been reduced, and the replacement of the ribbon is urged by designating a considerable period. If neither check mark can be detected, the density of the code print is already insufficient, and a message indicating a bad card is displayed. In this way, the operator is notified of the state of the print density according to each determination result. Therefore, a more accurate and safe check can be performed by the double check using both check marks.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiment and the modified examples, the present invention is not limited to the above-described configuration.

[0053]

As described above, according to the present invention, in order to determine the print density of an identification code composed of a combination of a plurality of unit marks, the density is substantially the same as or lower than the density of these code marks. A check mark consisting of a unit mark is printed in step (1), and the print density of the identification code is determined indirectly from the detection result of the check mark. Improve the function of the time clock, such as notifying the user of the print density insufficiency and decrease, and detecting or preventing the inability to read the identification code to prevent the use or creation of a defective card. Various practical effects can be achieved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partially broken front view of the time card on which a check mark is printed.

FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of a time clock for explaining card feeding by a card feeding mechanism.

FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of a time clock for explaining an ink ribbon switching mechanism.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial view showing an aspect of a print area of the ink ribbon.

6 is a schematic plan view of the time clock shown in FIG.

7 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part of the time clock and the ink ribbon switching mechanism shown in FIG. 4;

FIGS. 8A and 8B show the operation mode of the ink ribbon switching mechanism.
It is operation | movement explanatory drawing shown by (b) and (c), respectively.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a time card in a card creation mode and particularly clarifying a procedure of density determination of identification code printing.

10A is a flowchart detailing a print procedure of a check mark in the flowchart of FIG. 9, and FIG. 10B is a flowchart detailing a print procedure of an identification code.
(D) is a flowchart showing a modified example of a check mark printing procedure.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 control unit 7 ink ribbon switching mechanism 9 printer 14, 15 sensor 21 time card 26 check mark 28 print density determination means

Claims (3)

(57) [Scope of request for utility model registration] 1. A time recorder for performing normal printing of working data such as working hours on a time card and printing of an individual identification code composed of a combination of a plurality of unit marks via an ink ribbon. A printer for selectively performing the normal printing and the printing of the identification code on the time card sent to the printer via the ink ribbon, and a specific ribbon area of the ink ribbon corresponding to the printing of the identification code when printing by the printer. Means for setting at a printing position, check mark print control means for printing the density determination check mark corresponding to the unit mark of the identification code on the card by the printer in the same ribbon area as the corresponding ribbon area of the identification code, Reads the printed check mark and sends a read signal. And a check mark reading means that,
A print density check device for an identification code in a time clock, comprising a print density determination device for determining a print density of the identification code based on a signal from the reading device. 2. An ordinary printing of working data such as working hours on a time card and an individual identification code consisting of a combination of a plurality of unit marks are performed via an ink ribbon. The first ribbon area corresponds to the printing position, and the ink ribbon switching mechanism operates such that the second ribbon area different from the first ribbon area corresponds to the printing position when the identification code is printed. In a time recorder in which selective switching is performed, a printer that selectively performs the normal printing and the printing of the identification code via an ink ribbon on a time card sent to a printing position of the time recorder and a unit mark of the identification code corresponding to the printer. A check mark for the density determination to be performed by the printer in the first ribbon area. Check mark printing control means for printing on a time card, reading the check mark printed and sending a read signal, and determining the print density of the identification code based on the signal from the read means. A print density check device for an identification code in a time clock, comprising a print density determination means. 3. The check mark printing control means further causes the printer to print the determination check mark in the second ribbon area on a time card, and determines whether the determination check mark has been printed in the first and second ribbon areas. 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the check mark is read by the check mark reading means, a read signal is transmitted for each mark, and the print density of the identification code is determined by the print density determination means based on the signal from the reading means. Print density check device described in the above.