JP2998192B2 - Printer - Google Patents

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printer, and more particularly to a configuration of a printer most suitable for POS / ECR.

[Prior Art] A conventional printer for printing on a single form of a single sheet of paper is a printer having a flat, large-area recording paper guide because the form paper is indeterminate and has many print lines. It is used and is called a slip printer. For this reason, it was hardly used as a roll paper printer.

In addition, a single type of validation paper is generally a fixed-size, multi-ply copy paper called a multi-ply, and it is difficult for a conventional roll paper printer to share a recording paper path.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a slip printer, a kind of conventional cut-sheet printer, in which 401 is a print head, 12 is slip paper, and 404 and 405 are paper feed rollers for nipping and transporting slip paper as recording paper. Numeral 403 denotes a positioning member for positioning the slip paper before printing is started, and 402a and 402b denote recording paper detectors, respectively. This recording paper detection structure
As shown in FIG. 11, a recording paper detector 402a for detecting the leading end of the slip recording paper 12 and a recording paper detector 402b for detecting the end of the slip recording paper for notifying the printing limit are generally provided. Met.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a type of cut-sheet paper dedicated to validation paper.
Reference numeral 6 denotes a sheet guide / positioning member. This recording paper detection structure required a recording paper detector 402c for detecting the end and the presence or absence of the validation recording paper, as shown in FIG.

Further, FIGS. 13 and 14 are block diagrams of a conventional recording paper control system, in which a separate power source and a separate power source are provided for feeding means of continuous paper such as journal paper or receipt paper and cut paper such as slip paper. Power was transmitted and controlled by the clutch means 411 and 412. In some cases, the power is switched by slip switching and roll paper printing by the power switching means 413 using the same power source, and a single main unit is used.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] In recent years, various types of paper have been distributed in the POS market, and printers that can handle these various types of recording paper have been demanded as POS / ECR printers.

However, if the conventional slip printer, validation printer, and roll paper printer are integrated into one printer, it is necessary to provide a separate printing unit, install a large number of recording paper detectors, and it is expensive and requires less space. This was a factor that hindered compactness.

In addition, generally used validation sheets have a large number of copies, and in a long recording sheet path, the copy sheet is peeled off or caught in the path, causing a drab.

Further, in the conventional recording paper transfer control system, since it is a separate power source and a separate clutch system, the number of parts is large and an expensive and complicated control system is required. For the same power source shown in FIG. 14, power switching is performed by gear switching or the like as a power switching means. Therefore, it is necessary to record data for journals in terms of safety and certainty, and the conventional method shown in FIG. 14 cannot be used. Such a need is called a security slip.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a printer which integrates a printing unit and can cope with various types of recording paper, has a simple structure, has high reliability, and is inexpensive and space-efficient. It is an object to provide an optimal control means and a control method.

Further, an object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism and control method of a printer that can efficiently use cut sheet paper and continuous paper and that can simultaneously print the contents of cut sheet paper on roll paper as needed. To provide.

Means for Solving the Problems In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is a printer for printing on at least first and second cut sheet recording paper, and guides the first cut sheet recording paper. A second recording paper path for guiding the second cut-sheet recording paper, the first recording paper path having a junction with the first recording paper path and the first recording paper path; A first recording paper transport mechanism that is disposed and transports the first cut recording paper; and a second recording paper that is disposed on the second recording paper path and transports the second cut recording paper A transport mechanism, a printing unit disposed at a junction of the first and second recording paper paths, and performing printing on the first and second cut recording paper, wherein a printing head, a platen, and the A first recording paper path for inserting the first cut recording paper, the recording paper path being provided upstream of the confluence of the recording paper path in the recording paper conveyance direction; A recording paper insertion port, a recording paper insertion / discharge port provided at an upper end of the merging portion of the second recording paper path, for inserting and discharging the second cut sheet recording paper, A recording paper receiving portion provided at a lower end portion of the second recording paper path and abutting against a lower end portion of the second cut recording paper;
And common recording paper detecting means for commonly detecting the second cut recording paper.

Further, the printer according to the present invention includes at least first and second printers.
A printer that prints on a single sheet of recording paper,
A first recording paper path for guiding the cut sheet recording paper;
A second recording paper path for guiding the second cut recording paper, and a first recording paper path arranged on the first recording paper path. And a second recording paper transport mechanism disposed in the second recording paper path and transporting the second cut recording paper; and a first and second recording paper transport mechanism disposed in the second recording paper path and transporting the second cut-sheet recording paper. A printing unit disposed at a confluence of the recording paper path and performing printing on the first and second cut recording paper, the printing unit including a print head and a platen;
Common recording paper detecting means arranged at the merging section for detecting the first and second cut recording papers in common; and a first recording paper path upstream of the common recording paper detecting means in the recording paper transport direction. And a recording paper engaging portion that abuts and locks the first cut recording paper in the interrupted state.

In this case, it is preferable that the recording paper engaging portion is provided so as to be retractable from the second recording paper path in accordance with the progress of the second cut recording paper.

Further, in this case, the first recording paper transport mechanism is disposed closer to the recording paper insertion port than the merging portion, and the first recording paper transport mechanism is capable of holding and releasing the first cut recording paper.
And a first interlocking means for interlocking the opening of the recording paper path of the recording paper engaging portion and the nipping of the recording paper by the first recording paper nipping mechanism. .

Further, the printer according to the present invention includes at least first and second printers.
A printer that prints on a single sheet of recording paper,
A first recording paper path for guiding the cut sheet recording paper;
A second recording paper path for guiding the second cut recording paper, and a first recording paper path arranged on the first recording paper path. And a second recording paper transport mechanism disposed in the second recording paper path and transporting the second cut recording paper; and a first and second recording paper transport mechanism disposed in the second recording paper path and transporting the second cut-sheet recording paper. A printing unit that is arranged at a confluence of a recording paper path and prints on the first and second cut recording papers, the printer including a printing unit having a print head and a platen; The recording paper transport mechanism is disposed at the merging section, and further includes a second recording paper clamping mechanism capable of clamping and releasing the first and second cut recording papers, and the printing section includes the printing section. A printing unit opening / closing mechanism capable of setting a gap between the head and the platen to be narrow and wide, and It characterized by having a narrow interval by sandwiching based the printing section opening and closing mechanism of the recording paper by the recording paper clamping mechanism for setting and a second interlocking means for interlocking the.

In these cases, the printing unit has a third recording paper path that joins the merging unit and guides continuous recording paper, and a third recording paper transport mechanism that transports the continuous recording paper. Is desirable.

In this case, the printing section joins the merging section and guides the continuous recording paper, a third recording paper path, a third recording paper transport mechanism for transporting the continuous recording paper, A common drive source for commonly driving the second and third recording paper transport mechanisms; and clutch means for connecting and disconnecting the common drive source and the third recording paper transport mechanism. Is preferably directly connected to the first and second recording paper transport mechanisms and connected to the third recording paper transport mechanism via the clutch means.

In the above case, a print mode selecting means for selecting the type of the recording paper, the first and / or second recording paper transport mechanism based on the print mode selected by the print mode selecting means, the recording paper It is desirable to have control means for controlling at least one of a locking part, the first and / or second recording paper holding mechanism, the printing part opening / closing mechanism, and the clutch means.

A print mode selection unit for selecting a type of the recording paper; and a case where the first or second cut recording paper is selected by the print mode selection unit. When the overprint mode is selected, the clutch unit is set to the connected state, and when the overprint mode is not selected, the clutch unit is set to the disconnected state. You may have it.

[Operation] According to the configuration of the present invention, a relatively large form sheet of cut sheet can be inserted and printed from the suction side in the recording paper transport direction, and generally a large number of copy sheets can be printed. By inserting paper with a fixed number of print lines, such as validation paper with a small number of print lines, from the discharge side, reliable printing can be performed without damaging the copy paper. It is possible to set the recording position or detect the end of the recording paper. For this reason, it is possible to achieve a function corresponding to various recording papers on the market with one unit.

Further, it is possible to simultaneously print the content of printing on cut sheet paper on continuous paper as needed.

Hereinafter, an embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 10 (a) is a schematic view showing the structure of an example of a print head used in a printer mechanism according to the present invention, wherein 1 denotes a print head main body, and 1a denotes a printing wire pin for forming dots. The plurality of wire pins 1a are arranged at predetermined intervals in a row in the horizontal direction as shown in the figure, and print characters and symbols while reciprocating in the directions of arrows 1A and 1B.

FIG. 10 (b) is an overall external view of a printer mechanism according to the present invention, in which the print head 1 is mounted, and printing can be performed on three or more types of recording paper while swinging the print head 1 in the left-right direction. A printer having a mechanism will be described in detail below.

FIGS. 4 (a), (b) and FIGS. 5 (a), (b) are schematic diagrams showing the structure of the mechanism of the printer according to the present invention and the operation of each mechanism according to the type of recording paper.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show the operation when the printer is used as a slip printer. Reference numeral 1 denotes a print head in which print elements 1a are arranged in a row in the horizontal direction, and printing is performed on a recording paper placed between the platen 2 and a platen 2 which are arranged oppositely via an ink ribbon (not shown). The print head 1 employs, as an example, a so-called shuttle printer which is installed so as to be swingable in the left-right direction by a motor (not shown). 1b indicates a ribbon cassette containing an ink ribbon.

Reference numeral 5 denotes a recording paper driving roller for transporting the recording paper, which is connected to a power source (not shown) such as a motor via a transmission system such as a gear. Reference numeral 6 denotes a recording paper pressing roller disposed at a position facing the recording paper driving roller, and is supported by the rear arm 25. The platen 2 is similarly fixed to an arm 25, and the arm 25 is configured to be rotatable about a fulcrum 25a in a direction of an arrow 25A by a plunger. Platen 2,
The printing unit opening / closing mechanism 40 includes the arm 25 and the plunger 28 as main components. Further, the transfer unit opening / closing mechanism 30 is formed by using the recording paper pressing roller 6, the arm 25, and the plunger 28 as main components, and the recording paper driving roller 5 is added to these as a main component for cut sheets. The recording paper transport mechanism 50 is formed. The printing unit opening / closing mechanism 40 changes the distance between the printing head 1 and the platen 2 of the printing unit.
The printing unit opening / closing mechanism 40 and the transfer unit opening / closing mechanism 30 share a drive source and an arm 25 that is a transmission member.

Reference numeral 7 denotes a recording paper driving roller, and reference numeral 8 denotes a recording paper pressing roller provided at a position facing the recording paper driving roller. The recording paper pressing roller 8 is pivotally supported by an arm 19,
Is installed so as to be rotatable in the direction of arrow 19A with the fulcrum as a fulcrum. Recording paper drive roller 7, recording paper press roller 8, arm
19, Recording paper transport mechanism with plunger 18 as the main component
Make up 10. The transfer unit opening / closing mechanism 20 includes the plunger 18, the arm 19, and the recording paper pressing roller 8. Reference numeral 21 denotes a recording paper guide that forms a recording paper transport path, and is provided with a notch 21a through which the platen 2 penetrates, a notch 21b through which the drive roller 6 passes, and the like. Reference numeral 22 denotes a recording paper path for form paper (also referred to as slip paper), which merges with a recording paper path 23 for validation paper described later and is connected to a recording paper path 24.

The operation of the plunger 18 (in the direction of arrow 18A)
It is transmitted to a form stopper 27 which hits the position of the recording paper and interrupts the recording paper path via the support members 4 and 15 and the support member 16. These components constitute the path blocking mechanism 35 as main components.

As the plungers 18 and 28 serving as power sources for the reciprocating operation, it is suitable to use a state storage type built-in magnet. This is because no unnecessary power is consumed for maintaining the state.
In this case, the driving circuit for driving the plunger is a bipolar type circuit capable of flowing a current in both directions.

The recording paper detector 26 is a general optical sensor having an optical axis 26a, which is of a facing type similar to that shown in FIG.
The presence or absence of the recording paper can be detected based on whether or not 6a is interrupted.

The recording paper 12 such as a form paper is printed using the arrows 12A to 12B as the recording paper path, and FIG. 4A shows that when the recording paper 12 is set, the recording paper detector 26 detects the presence or absence of the recording paper. In this state, the recording paper 12 can be positioned with the form stopper 27 as a hit. Recording paper 12 that is a form paper
After the setting is completed, the plunger 18 is actuated in the direction of arrow 19B to close the recording paper transport section 32 and at the same time, the form stopper 27 is moved.
Is actuated in the direction of arrow 27a to release it from the recording paper
In a transferable state. At this time, the printing unit opening and closing mechanism
Operate in direction B to keep it closed.

Generally, a stepping motor is used as a driving source for recording paper transfer, and the transfer mechanisms 10 and 50 are connected to the same driving source, so that they can be easily driven in synchronization. With the rotation of the motor (not shown), the driving roller 7 rotates in the direction of arrow 7A, and the driving roller 5 rotates in the direction of arrow 5A, and the form paper 12 is nipped by each driving roller and the pressing roller arranged opposite thereto. Transported. Form paper
In step 12, when printing is started, the printing paper is first fed at a predetermined pitch to the printing unit, and after the leading end of the recording paper reaches a predetermined position above the printing unit, printing is started.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show the operation when the printer of the present invention is used as a validation printer. FIG. 5A shows a state when recording paper is inserted, and FIG. 5B shows a state during printing. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

The validation paper is a recording paper of a fixed length, which is used for a large number of copies and requires authentication, and is generally called as such.

In the case of the validation paper, the recording paper is inserted into the validation paper 13 in the arrow 13A direction from the exit direction (or the upper part of the printing unit) of the recording paper transport direction of the normal printing. When setting the recording paper, the printing unit opening / closing mechanism 40 is kept open. As a result, a large gap is formed in the printing portion, and handling of validation paper, which is generally a multi-ply paper (multiply), becomes extremely easy.

In addition, the recording paper size is often a fixed type having a length of about 3.5 inches, and a long recording paper path is unnecessary. A notch is provided in the side frame 17 of the printer to form a recording paper path 23, and the recording paper 13 inserted from above the printing unit is guided in a direction different from the path of the recording paper 12 described above. The inserted recording paper reaches the bottom contact portion 23a and is set. At this time, since the foam stopper 27 is slidably mounted on the support member 16, it is retracted in the direction of arrow 27A by the force of the recording paper and
Does not hinder the progress of the game.

From the printing unit to the recording paper detector 26, the recording paper 12 and the recording paper path are shared, and the recording paper detector 26 is a general optical sensor, and the validation paper 1 which enters from the direction of arrow 13A.
3 and both recording papers of the form paper 12 entering from the direction of the arrow 12A are arranged at detectable positions.

In the present embodiment, the detection is performed by the U-shaped recording paper detector 26, but the detection of both recording papers may be performed by a reflective optical detector or a mechanical detector.

When the setting of the recording paper is completed, the platen 2 and the press roller 6 which have been retracted from the recording paper path are operated in the direction of arrow 25B by the operation of the plunger, like the recording paper 12, and the drive roller 5 and the press roller 6 Printing is executed by the print head 1 while sandwiching the validation paper 13 and rotating in the directions of arrows 5A and 6A, respectively.

With the validation paper, the recording paper size is fixed and almost the same length, so that the printing start position is determined with the recording paper set. When printing starts, the recording paper 13 points to an arrow.
Sent in the 13B direction.

For both recording papers, the end of the recording paper is detected when the recording paper is transported upward and passes through the recording paper detector 26 and the ends of both recording papers release the interruption of the optical axis 26a of the recording paper detector 26. Since the printable range immediately after the end is detected is equal to the length of the remaining recording paper path, the print limit is detected while calculating this with a control device using a CPU, etc., and printing within the predetermined range is performed. It is possible.

FIGS. 6 (a) and (b) and FIGS. 7 (a) and (b) are explanatory views of an embodiment of the printer mechanism according to the present invention.
6A and 6B are schematic diagrams in which a continuous paper printing mechanism is further added to the embodiment described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B. 4th
5 (a) and 5 (a) and 5 (b) have the same functions and the same items as those in FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b).

FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b) are schematic diagrams showing the connection between each recording paper transport mechanism and a motor, and FIG. 7 (a) is a diagram showing a state when roll paper and slip paper are set at a recording position. FIG. 7 (b) is a schematic diagram showing a state in which printing is performed on both recording papers.

The step motor 9 as a paper feed power source is mounted inside the right side frame 17b, and the motor gear 41 fixed to the motor shaft of the step motor 9 has a wheel train arranged outside the side frame 17b. It is engaged with the system. The intermediate gears 42 and 43 and the intermediate gear 44 are rotatably supported by a shaft (not shown) fixed to the side frame 17b. The drive gear 45 is connected to the left and right side frames 17
It is fixed to a drive gear shaft 45a rotatably supported by a and b. The drive gear 47 and the drive roller 5 are fixed to a gear shaft 47a. In this embodiment, the case where the number of the driving roller 5 and the pressing roller 6 is two is illustrated, however, one or a plurality of the driving rollers 5 and the pressing roller 6 may be used depending on the paper feeding size, the paper feeding capacity and the like. The stepping motor 9, the intermediate gears 42 and 43, the driving gear 47, the driving roller 5, the pressing roller 6, and the like constitute a form sheet recording paper transport mechanism in the same manner as in FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b).

In this embodiment, the intermediate gear 43 and the driving gear 47 are
The recording paper driving roller 7 is connected to a driving gear 47 by a belt 48, and slip paper 12 which is a form paper is connected.
Is held between the pressing roller 6 and the driving roller 5 and fed. The construction of the plunger 18, the plunger 18 and each recording paper transport mechanism employs the same mechanism as in FIGS. 4 (a), (b) and FIGS. 29 is plunger
The coil spring assists the operation of 28, and is installed so as to be able to hold the printing portion in an open state when no power is supplied.

The structure so far is basically the same as the mechanism shown in FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b).

Next, a recording paper transport mechanism of the roll paper 11, which is continuous paper, will be described below.

Reference numeral 45 denotes a drive gear for transferring and driving the roll paper 11 connected to the intermediate gear 44, and a clutch means is interposed between the drive gear 3 and the drive roller 3.

FIG. 8 shows an electric type clutch of this kind of clutch means.
It is a detailed view of 80 parts.

The clutch 80 is arranged coaxially with the gear shaft 45a, and by energizing the clutch electromagnet 71, the clutch electromagnet 71 attracts the clutch plate 72, which is stably pressed against the clutch electromagnet 71 by the compression spring 73, at an arbitrary position. Fixed and clutch plate
72 is an external member, for example, a frame 17b constituting a mechanism.
Stop for etc. When the step motor 9 operates in this state, the clutch spring 74 is rotated as the gear shaft 45a rotates.
However, since the clutch plate 72 locked on the loose side of the clutch spring 74 is stopped with respect to the frame 17b, the clutch spring 74 starts to loosen from the clutch plate 72 side, and the gear shaft 45a The driving force is not transmitted to the recording paper driving roller 3, and the power of the driving roller 3 remains in a non-coupled state and remains stopped. When the clutch electromagnet is not energized, the clutch plate 72 is not attracted and fixed, so that the clutch spring 74 is rotatable and the clutch spring 74 is arranged on the tightening side with respect to the gear shaft 45a. 3
And the power is connected. The press roller 4 is pressed against the drive roller 3 with an appropriate press pressure, and the roller paper 11 is pressed.
Is sandwiched.

As shown in FIG. 6 (a), the roll paper 11 has a recording paper path which passes through an inside of an arm 25 supporting a platen from an external roll paper supply unit (not shown), passes through the drive roller 3 and a paper guide. It is discharged outside through 21. A print head 1 serving as the same printing unit for printing on slip paper, validation paper or the like and printing on continuous paper such as roll paper has a wire pin 1a therein, and a printing platen 2
The roll paper 11, the slip paper 12, or the validation paper 13 is set in the gap between the printer and the printer, and printing is performed via the ink ribbon 1b.

 Next, the operation of the embodiment will be described.

In the case of printing on roll paper When printing only on roll paper, the roll paper 11 is wound around the drive roller 3 and passes through the surface between the platen 2 and the print head and is set in the same manner as the slip printing described above. When the plunger 28 is energized, the print is enabled and the clutch 80 is connected, the power of the step motor 9 is changed to the rotational force of the drive roller 3 in the direction of arrow 3A, and the paper is fed. Printing on the roll paper 11 can be executed in synchronization with the drive timing. At this time, since the slip 12 is not set, the drive roller 5
The pressing roller 6 is rotating, but there is no problem.

The receipt issuing machine can be used as a receipt issuing machine by generally providing cutter means at the end (not shown) in the direction of arrow 11A and cutting the printed roll paper into an appropriate length. it can.

Further, the journal machine can be used as a journal machine capable of recording and storing the printed matter by providing a roll paper winding means printed on the extension in the direction of arrow 11A.

In the case of printing on slip paper In the case of printing on slip paper, the press roller 8 is shown in FIG.
Form stopper (not shown) in open state as shown
When the paper is set, the plunger 18 is energized by a paper presence signal generated by cutting off the optical axis of the recording paper detector 26, the motor 9 is driven, and the slip paper 12 The sheet is fed along the paper guide 21 while being held by the rollers 8 to a position where the sheet has passed the leading end of the printing section that is open. In this state, slip paper 12
Means that the initialization before printing is completed.

When the plunger 28 is energized, the printing unit is closed and the platen 2 is set at a predetermined position, and the printing is enabled as shown in FIG. 5 (b). Next, the clutch 80 is disengaged, the driving force of the step motor 9 is not transmitted to the driving roller 3, and only the slip paper 12 is driven by the driving roller 7, the pressing roller 8 and the driving roller 5 by the pressing roller 6 to drive the print head 1. The sheet is transported in the direction of arrow 12A in synchronization with the timing, and printing is performed on slip paper 12. At this time, even if the roll paper 11 is set and the roll paper is pressure-sensitive paper, the roll paper is not transported, so that the printing is not understood.

In the case of printing on validation paper In the case of printing on validation paper, paper setting is possible irrespective of the state of the press roller 8 and the paper presence signal generated by cutting off the optical axis of the recording paper detector 26 indicates this state. This means that the initialization of the validation paper 13 before printing is completed.

When the plunger 28 is energized, the printing unit is closed and the platen 2 is set at a predetermined position, and the printing is enabled as shown in FIG. 5 (b). Next, the clutch 80 is disengaged, the driving force of the step motor 9 is not transmitted to the driving roller 3, and only the validation paper 13 is driven by the driving roller 5 pressing roller 6 in the direction of arrow 12A in synchronization with the driving timing of the print head 1. And printing is performed on the slip paper 12.

In the case of simultaneous printing of cut sheet paper and roll paper printing In the case of security slip where printing on slip paper and this content are simultaneously printed on roll paper as it is, set the roll paper as pressure sensitive paper and use it as the above-mentioned journal machine Similarly, the clutch 80 is brought into the connected state. Further, the slip 12 is set, and the slip 12 is overlapped and printed on the journal paper 11 in the printing section, so that the slip paper 12 is connected via an ink ribbon, and the roll pin 11 is provided with a wire pin 1a.
The same print content can be printed at the same time by pressurizing. Since the paper feed amount is the same for the slip paper 12 and the journal paper 11, there is no problem such as paper misalignment.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the structure of the mechanism section of the present invention. The feeding means for transferring slip paper or validation paper to a power source is always connected, and is not used for continuous paper such as roll paper or journal paper. They are connected via clutch means. A major feature of the present invention is that, in the present invention, since the clutch means is of the electric type, the recording paper transfer method can be automatically selected in response to the means for setting the type of printing.

FIG. 1 is a control block diagram of a printer control unit showing the overall configuration of the present invention.
(B), the printer mechanism described with reference to FIGS. 4 (a) and (b), which includes a print head 101, a printing section opening / closing mechanism / transfer section opening / closing mechanism 102, a transfer section opening / closing mechanism / path blocking mechanism 103, and recording paper transfer. , A motor 104, a recording paper detector 105, a clutch 106, and the like. 60 is a CPU, ROM61, RAM62,
Interface 63, head control circuit 65, plunger control circuit 66, plunger control circuit 67, motor control circuit 68,
It has a detection circuit 69 connected to a recording paper detector for detecting the presence or absence of recording paper, a clutch control circuit 70, and the like. Reference numeral 64 denotes a switch of a kind of print mode selecting means for selecting a print mode. The state of this switch determines whether printing is performed on slip paper or on validation paper.

When print data is input from interface 63, RA
Once captured in the M62, the CPU decodes this data and returns the character font data corresponding to the data code to the RO.
The printer mechanism is controlled via the read motor control circuit, head control circuit, and plunger control circuit read from the M61 to execute printing.

The print mode may be selected by a panel switch drawn from the circuit board to the case of the printer, or may be set by a data code input from the interface 63. Generally, in a POS printer connected to a host computer, it is more convenient to select a recording sheet by a data code, that is, a command.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a printer control method according to the present invention, and shows a print control method when printing on cut paper.

In step 201, the print command is received and the print data is
Import to AM61. In step 202, the initial setting of the printer mechanism is executed, the plungers 18 and 28 are pushed in the initial state, and the printing unit and the recording paper path are released (step 20).
3). In step 204, the print mode, that is, the recording paper is selected. If this is a general form sheet, the slip mode of step 205 is set. Steps for validation paper
The validation mode becomes 211.

In the slip mode, first, the level of the detector 26 is checked to detect whether or not the recording paper is set, and waits until the detector is turned off. After the detector is turned off, in step 206, the plunger 18 is pulled to release the form stopper blocking the recording paper path, and the recording paper can be transported. In step 207, the recording paper 12 is transported to the printing unit, and the recording paper is set at the beginning. In step 208, the plunger 28 is set to the pulling state, the printing unit is closed, and the printing is enabled. From here, the recording paper 12 while driving the head and transporting the recording paper (step 209).
The position where the end of the probe passes the detector (Step 21)
0). When the detector is turned on, the recording paper transfer amount up to the printing limit is stored in a predetermined address in the RAM, and the head is driven and the recording paper transfer until the end of the print data or the printing limit comes while subtracting in synchronization with the recording paper transfer. (Steps 216, 217, 21
8). In step 219, the recording paper is transported by a predetermined amount, and
At 220, the printing operation ends.

In the validation mode, similarly to the slip mode, the setting of the recording paper is awaited in step 211, and if set, the plunger 18 is pulled in step 212. In the validation, the beginning of the recording paper is not usually necessary, and the transfer is performed by the recording paper transfer code included in the print data. In steps 213 and 214, the detector is ON
The head drive and the transfer of the recording paper are repeated until the operation is completed. The following is the same as the slip mode.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the control method of the printer according to the present invention, and shows the control method when printing on roll paper, which is continuous paper.

In step 301, the print command is received and the print data is
Import to AM61. In step 302, an initial setting of the printer mechanism is executed. In step 303, it is determined whether the printing is cut sheet printing or continuous sheet printing. In the case of cut sheet printing, the clutch means is disconnected in step 311 and the roll sheet transfer mechanism is disengaged, and the second sheet printing is performed.
The flow shifts to step 203 in the figure to execute the cut sheet printing routine indicated by 312.

If continuous paper has been selected, the routine proceeds to step 304, where the clutch is engaged, and then it is determined in step 305 whether or not the security mode is set. If the security mode is set, the cut sheet printing routine 312 is executed. In the case of printing only on roll paper, the plunger 28 in step 306 is pulled, the printing unit is closed, and steps 307 and 308, which are printing operations, are executed.
After the printing is completed, the recording paper is transferred in a predetermined step 309, and then the printing in step 310 is ended.

With such a printing method, it becomes possible to execute a single printer that supports printing modes in all cases in the POS market.

FIG. 10 (b) is an external view of the printer mechanism according to the present invention, as described above. The left side of the side frame has a cut-out portion so that printing can be performed even with an irregular type such as slip paper. 32 is installed so that printing is possible even if the recording paper protrudes from the left side. Similarly, the recording paper path of the validation paper is also configured such that the side frame is cut out so that the recording paper can be set from the side. Reference numeral 90 denotes a roll paper holder which is provided so that roll paper, which is continuous paper, can supply recording paper smoothly to the printing mechanism.

In the present embodiment, a printer equipped with a shuttle type print head has been described as an example. However, a similar configuration and effect can be obtained by using a general serial head having a 7-pin or 9-pin print element arranged in the vertical direction. Needless to say.

[Effects of the Invention] According to the present invention as described above, a printer capable of coping with various recording papers in the POS market by arranging three recording paper paths and sharing a printing unit is provided. It can be supplied on a stand.

It is possible to configure a printer that prints with a single print head a slip mode that prints on irregular form paper and a validation mode that prints on standard validation paper, making it compact in space and extremely useful. A printer can be provided.

According to the configuration of the present invention, it is possible to simultaneously leave the recorded contents of cut sheets as necessary for continuous paper, and it is possible to use even in the field where security such as storage of records is required. did.

According to the configuration of the mechanism and the control means of the printer according to the present invention, the recording paper cutoff mechanism operates and printing cannot be performed even if the slip paper is erroneously inserted at least in the validation mode. Also, when the slip mode is specified, even if the validation paper is inserted by mistake due to the recording paper path, the end of the recording paper will be detected while the leading edge of the recording paper starts to the printing start position, so error detection is also performed. This makes it possible to provide various types of recording paper with a single detector, thereby providing a printer that is extremely advantageous in terms of cost.

With a configuration in which recording paper paths are arranged in three systems and the printing unit can be shared, a single printer that can handle various types of recording paper in the POS market can be supplied.

In addition, since the printing section is opened and closed and the recording paper can be inserted from above the printing section, reliable printing can be performed without damaging the multi-ply type copy paper.

Furthermore, by sharing the power source of the path blocking mechanism and the transfer unit opening / closing mechanism, and sharing the power of the printing unit opening / closing mechanism and the other transfer unit opening / closing mechanism, an extremely simple and inexpensive printer could be realized. .

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[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a control block diagram of a printer control unit showing the overall configuration of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a printer control method according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a printer control method according to the present invention. FIGS. 4 (a) and (b) and FIGS. 5 (a) and (b) are schematic diagrams showing the structure of the mechanism of the printer according to the present invention and the operation of each mechanism according to the type of recording paper. FIGS. 6 (a), (b) and 7 (a), (b) are explanatory views of an embodiment of the printer mechanism according to the present invention, and FIGS. 6 (a), (b) are recording paper transport mechanisms. 7A shows the state when the roll paper and the slip paper are set at the recording position. FIG. 8 shows an electric clutch 80 which is a kind of this clutch means.
FIG. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a mechanism section of the present invention. FIG. 10 (a) is a schematic view showing the structure of an example of a print head used in a printer mechanism according to the present invention. FIG. 10B is an external view of a printer mechanism according to the present invention. FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are schematic views of a conventional cut-sheet printer. 13 and 14 are block diagrams of a conventional recording paper control system. 1 Print head 2 Platen 25 Recording paper detector 7 Form stopper 3, 5, 7 Recording paper drive roller 4, 6, 8 Recording paper press roller 9 Motor 18, 28 …… Plunger 80 …… Clutch 11 …… Roll paper (continuous paper) 12 …… Slip paper (form paper) 13 …… Validation paper 40 …… Printer opening and closing mechanism 10, 50… Recording paper transport mechanism 55 …… Recording Paper transfer mechanism 20, 30, transfer mechanism opening / closing mechanism 35, path cutoff mechanism 60, CPU 100, printer mechanism

Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-63-98465 (JP, A) JP-A-62-1561 (JP, A) Real-life opening 63-125547 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int) .Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B41J 11/48

Claims (9)

(57) [Claims] 1. A printer for printing on at least first and second cut recording paper, comprising: a first recording paper path for guiding the first cut recording paper; and a first recording paper. A second recording paper path for guiding the second cut recording paper, and a second recording paper path arranged on the first recording paper path to convey the first cut recording paper; A first recording paper transport mechanism; a second recording paper transport mechanism disposed on the second recording paper path and transporting the second cut recording paper; and the first and second recording paper paths. A printing unit, which is disposed at a junction of the first and second sheets and prints on the first and second cut-off recording papers, comprising: a printing unit having a print head and a platen; And a recording paper insertion opening for inserting the first cut recording paper, the recording paper insertion opening being provided on the upstream side in the recording paper transport direction with respect to the second recording medium. A recording paper insertion / ejection port provided at the upper end of the merging section of the recording paper path for inserting and discharging the second cut sheet recording paper; and provided at the lower end of the second recording paper path. A recording paper receiving portion that is in contact with a lower end portion of the second cut recording paper; common recording paper detecting means that is disposed at the merging portion and detects the first and second cut recording paper in common; A printer comprising: 2. A printer for printing on at least first and second cut recording paper, comprising: a first recording paper path for guiding the first cut recording paper; and a first recording paper. A second recording paper path for guiding the second cut recording paper, and a second recording paper path arranged on the first recording paper path to convey the first cut recording paper; A first recording paper transport mechanism; a second recording paper transport mechanism disposed on the second recording paper path and transporting the second cut recording paper; and the first and second recording paper paths. A printing unit that prints on the first and second cut sheet recording paper, the printing unit including a print head and a platen; Common recording paper detecting means for commonly detecting the second cut recording paper; and upstream of the common recording paper detecting means in the recording paper transport direction. A printer which is disposed so as to be capable of blocking and opening the first recording paper path, and has a recording paper locking portion for abuttingly locking the first cut recording paper in the blocked state. 3. The printer according to claim 2, wherein the recording paper engaging portion is provided so as to be retractable from the second recording paper path in accordance with the progress of the second cut recording paper. A printer. 4. The printer according to claim 2, wherein the first recording paper transport mechanism is disposed closer to the recording paper insertion opening than the confluence portion, and the first recording paper transporting mechanism is arranged on the first side. A first recording paper clamping mechanism capable of clamping and releasing the cut recording paper; opening a recording paper path of the recording paper engaging portion and clamping the cut recording paper by the first recording paper clamping mechanism; First to link with
A printer comprising: interlocking means. 5. A printer for printing on at least a first and a second cut sheet, comprising: a first recording sheet path for guiding the first cut sheet; and a first recording sheet. A second recording paper path having a merging portion with a path and guiding the second cut recording paper; and a second recording paper path arranged on the first recording paper path to convey the first cut recording paper. A first recording paper transport mechanism; a second recording paper transport mechanism disposed in the second recording paper path for transporting the second cut recording paper; and the first and second recording paper paths. A printing unit that is disposed at the junction of the first and second printing papers and prints on the first and second cut-sheet recording paper, the printing unit including a printing head and a platen; A transport mechanism is disposed at the merging section, and is capable of holding and releasing the first and second cut sheet recording paper. The printing unit includes a printing unit opening / closing mechanism capable of setting a gap between the print head and the platen to be narrow and wide, and the recording paper by the second recording paper holding mechanism. The second is to link the pinching of the sheet with the setting of the narrow interval by the printing unit opening / closing mechanism.
And a linking means. 6. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the printing unit joins the merging unit in the printing unit and guides the continuous recording paper, and the continuous recording paper. And a third recording paper transport mechanism for transporting the recording paper. 7. The printer according to claim 5, wherein a third recording paper path that joins the confluence section in the printing section and guides continuous recording paper, and a third recording paper that conveys the continuous recording paper. A transport mechanism; a common drive source for commonly driving the first, second and third recording paper transport mechanisms; and a clutch means capable of connecting and disconnecting the common drive source and the third recording paper transport mechanism. Wherein the common drive source is directly connected to the first and second recording paper transport mechanisms, and is connected to the third recording paper transport mechanism via the clutch means. Printer. 8. The printer according to claim 1, wherein: a print mode selection unit for selecting a type of the recording paper; and a print mode selected by the print mode selection unit. At least one of the first and / or second recording paper transport mechanism, the recording paper latching section, the first and / or second recording paper holding mechanism, the printing section opening / closing mechanism, and the clutch means. And a control means for controlling the printer. 9. The printer according to claim 7, wherein a print mode selecting means for selecting a type of the recording paper, and wherein the first or second cut recording paper is selected by the print mode selecting means. When the overprinting mode for performing printing over the continuous recording paper is selected, the clutch unit is connected, and when the overprinting mode is not selected, the clutch is connected. A clutch control unit for setting the unit to a disconnected state.