JP3227572B2 - Printer device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printer device such as an impact printer device (dot line printer device) for performing a printing operation by reciprocating a print head, and more particularly to a shuttle unit having a print head and a linear motor. The present invention relates to a printer device of a type that reciprocates using a printer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An example of a conventional impact printer is shown in FIG. This printer device has a shuttle unit 9
0 is reciprocally movable in the horizontal direction of the arrow Na along the guide rod 91.
At 0, a plurality of print heads (not shown) are provided at appropriate intervals in the horizontal direction. A platen roller 92 is provided on the side of the shuttle unit 90 (in FIG. 9, behind the shuttle unit 90), and recording paper (not shown) is supplied between the platen roller 92 and the shuttle unit 90. You. A reciprocating drive source of the shuttle unit 90 is a linear motor 93. The linear motor 93 includes a plurality of magnets 93a and 93a 'attached to the bottom surface of the shuttle unit 90 and a horizontal member of a frame 95 facing the magnets. It is configured by combining a plurality of electromagnetic coils 93b attached to 95a. The horizontal member 95a has two magnets 97, 9 for magnetic springs.
7 is also provided. These two magnets for magnetic spring 9
7, 97 have different polarities from the two magnets 93a ', 93a' near both ends of the shuttle unit 90, and these magnets 93a ', 93a', 97, 97 constitute a magnetic spring mechanism. ing.

In the printer, when the shuttle unit 90 is reciprocated at a constant stroke, the shuttle unit 90 is moved at a constant speed in the intermediate region Sa of the reciprocating region S as shown in FIG. Can be. Therefore, this intermediate area Sa is an area where the print head is driven to perform the printing operation on the recording paper.
On the other hand, the region Sb near the start end and the region Sc near the end of the reciprocating region S are acceleration or deceleration regions. Therefore, these two areas Sb and Sc are areas where the work of feeding the recording paper in the direction of the line spacing of printing is performed.

The shuttle unit 90 is suddenly accelerated in one of the two areas Sb and Sc, then suddenly decelerated and stopped in the opposite area, and instantaneously reverses its moving direction and suddenly accelerates. Is repeated. Therefore, in order to perform such an operation, very large energy is required, and the power consumption of the linear motor 93 becomes large. On the other hand, the shuttle unit 90 includes the start end vicinity region Sb and the end vicinity region Sb.
c, a magnetic force is generated between the magnetic spring magnets 97 and 97 and the magnets 93a 'and 93a' to draw the shuttle unit 90 toward the center of the reciprocating region S thereof. Therefore, the acceleration / deceleration immediately before the reversing operation of the shuttle unit 90 and the thrust after the reversal can be assisted by such a magnetic force, so that the load on the linear motor 93 can be reduced and the time required for the reversal of the shuttle unit 90 can be reduced. Shortening can be achieved.

[0005]

However, conventionally, there have been the following problems.

That is, conventionally, the magnet 9 for the magnetic spring is used.
Nos. 7, 97 are fixed to the horizontal member 95a of the frame 95 in such a manner that they cannot be removed. For this reason, conventionally, once the printer device is assembled, the magnets 97, 97 for the magnetic springs and the magnets 93a ',
The relationship with 93a 'was fixed and could not be changed. On the other hand, when manufacturing the printer device, there may be a case where a dimensional error occurs in a component part of each part or a variation occurs in winding resistance of the plurality of electromagnetic coils 93b. Therefore, conventionally, the magnetic spring magnets 97,
Even if the printer device is manufactured such that a constant magnetic force is generated between the magnet unit 97 and the magnets 93a 'and 93a', the shuttle unit may be damaged due to the dimensional error of each part described above or the variation of the winding resistance. In some cases, the reciprocating operation speed of 90 cannot be set to the original speed, and it may be difficult to set the printing speed of the printer device to a desired speed.

In using the above-mentioned printer device,
For example, in the case of performing a skip feed of the recording paper (feeding the recording paper in the space between the lines without printing on the recording paper to create a blank line), the shuttle unit 90 is used.
May need to be stopped at the beginning or end of the reciprocating region S to be on standby. In order to stop the shuttle unit 90 at the start or end in this way, it is necessary to increase the magnetic force of the magnetic spring magnets 97 that draw the shuttle unit 90 toward the center of the reciprocating region S. Can not. Therefore, conventionally, an auxiliary thrust for assisting the reversing operation of the shuttle unit 90 is obtained by utilizing the magnetic force of the magnetic spring magnets 97, 97, but there is a certain limit in increasing the ratio of the auxiliary thrust. Reciprocating the shuttle unit 90 using the linear motor 93 still consumes a large amount of power.

The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and even when there are dimensional errors in the components and variations in the winding resistance of the linear motor, the present invention is not limited thereto.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a printer device which can obtain a desired printing speed by setting a reciprocating operation speed of a shuttle unit to a desired speed, and can reduce power consumption.

[0009]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following technical means.

[0010] A printer device provided by the first aspect of the present invention has a shuttle unit having a print head and capable of reciprocating by driving a linear motor, and the shuttle unit having a reciprocating region at the beginning and end of the reciprocating region. Fixed to the shuttle unit so as to generate a magnetic force that draws the shuttle unit toward a central portion of the reciprocating region with respect to a certain portion of the shuttle unit when the shuttle unit is moved to the vicinity of any of the shuttle units. And a magnet for a magnetic spring attached to a member, characterized in that the magnet for a magnetic spring is detachable from the fixed member.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of magnetic spring magnets prepared so that at least one of size, shape, and magnetic force is different can be exchanged and attached to the fixing member. It has been.

In the printer apparatus provided by the first aspect of the present invention, the shuttle unit reciprocates while assisting the thrust when the shuttle unit is reversed by utilizing the magnetic force of the magnetic spring magnet attached to the fixed member. If the reciprocating operation speed does not reach a desired speed when moving the magnet, the magnet for the magnetic spring is removed from the fixing member and replaced with another magnet for a magnetic spring having a different shape, size, or magnetic force. can do. By exchanging such magnetic spring magnets, it is possible to change the magnitude and other characteristics of the magnetic force that assists the thrust when the shuttle unit reverses, and set the shuttle unit's reciprocating operation speed to a desired speed. It becomes possible. Therefore, even if it is difficult to set the reciprocating operation speed of the shuttle unit to a desired speed due to a dimensional error of each part of the printer device or a variation in the winding resistance of the linear motor. By replacing the magnet for the magnetic spring, such a problem can be solved, and the printing speed of the printer can be set to the target speed. Of course, since the thrust of the shuttle unit can be assisted by the magnetic force of the magnet for the magnetic spring, the power consumption required for driving the linear motor can be reduced.

A printer device provided by a second aspect of the present invention has a shuttle unit having a print head and capable of reciprocating by driving a linear motor, and the shuttle unit having a start end and an end of a reciprocating region. A position facing the reciprocating region of the shuttle unit such that a magnetic force that attracts the shuttle unit toward a central portion of the reciprocating region with respect to a certain portion of the shuttle unit when moved to the vicinity of any of the shuttle units is generated. And a magnetic spring magnet provided in the printer device, wherein the position of the magnetic spring magnet can be changed in a direction facing the shuttle unit.

A printer device provided by a third aspect of the present invention has a shuttle unit having a print head and capable of reciprocating by driving a linear motor, wherein the shuttle unit has a start end and an end of a reciprocating region. A position facing the reciprocating region of the shuttle unit such that a magnetic force that draws the shuttle unit toward a central portion of the reciprocating region with respect to a certain portion of the shuttle unit when moving to the vicinity of any of the above is generated. And a magnetic spring magnet provided in the printer device, wherein the position of the magnetic spring magnet can be changed in a direction in which the shuttle unit reciprocates.

In the printer apparatus provided by the second and third aspects of the present invention, the position of the magnet for the magnetic spring is changed in the direction facing the shuttle unit or in the direction in which the shuttle unit reciprocates. The magnitude or other characteristic of the magnetic force generated between the magnetic spring magnet and a predetermined portion of the shuttle unit is changed to adjust the auxiliary thrust acting on the shuttle unit when the shuttle unit performs a reversing operation. be able to. Therefore, even when the reciprocating operation of the shuttle unit cannot be set to a desired speed due to a dimensional error in each part of the printer device or the like, the reciprocating operation of the shuttle unit is performed by changing the position of the magnetic spring magnet described above. The speed can be set to a desired speed, and the printing speed of the printer device can be set to the target speed.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a position changing mechanism having a driving means for moving the magnet for a magnetic spring, a speed detecting means for detecting an operation speed of the shuttle unit, and the speed detecting means A moving direction and a required moving amount of the magnetic spring magnet are determined based on the detected operation speed, and drive control of the position changing mechanism is performed so as to move the magnetic spring magnet according to the determination result. And control means.

According to such a configuration, it is determined whether or not the actual operation speed of the shuttle unit is appropriate, and if the actual operation speed is not appropriate, the magnetic speed for matching or approaching the desired operation speed is determined. The work of changing the position of the spring magnet can be automatically and accurately performed without any human intervention, and the workability thereof can be improved.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention,
When the shuttle unit stops at or near one of the start end and the end of the reciprocating region and stands by, the position changing mechanism is configured to move the magnetic spring magnet away from the fixed portion of the shuttle unit. It has control means for operating.

According to such a configuration, for example, in the case of performing the skip feed of the recording paper, the shuttle unit is moved to one of the start end and the end of the reciprocating region,
Or, when stopped near it and waiting,
By preventing strong magnetic attraction between the magnet for the magnetic spring and a certain portion of the shuttle unit, it is possible to prevent the shuttle unit from being pulled toward the center of the reciprocating region by a strong force. Therefore, a magnet having a strong magnetic force is used as the magnet for the magnetic spring, and while effectively assisting propulsion when the shuttle unit reciprocates, the shuttle unit is moved to a predetermined position, such as when skipping recording paper. In this case, it is possible to prevent a problem from occurring in the operation in which the linear motor is kept in the standby state, to considerably reduce the load on the linear motor, and to further reduce the power consumption of the printer device.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of embodiments of the present invention.

[0021]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a main part showing a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line II of FIG.

In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the printer A of the present embodiment is configured as an impact printer, and its basic configuration is similar to that of the conventional printer described above. Things. However,
As will be described later, the mounting structure of the two magnetic spring magnets 5 and 5 to a predetermined portion of the frame 1 is significantly different from that of the conventional printer.

More specifically, the printer A is provided with a frame 1, a shuttle unit 2, a platen roller 3, a linear motor 4, and two magnets 5 and 5 for magnetic springs.

The shuttle unit 2 is slidably supported by a guide rod 11 which is provided horizontally between the side plates 10a and 10b of the frame 1. On one side surface of the shuttle unit 2, a plurality of print heads 20 facing the platen roller 3 are provided at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction of the shuttle unit 2. Shuttle unit 2
If, for example, four print heads 20 are provided at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction of the print head, each print head 20 will have a length of about １ ／ of one line when printing is performed by the four print heads 20 for one line. In this case, it is only necessary to perform printing in the area of the shuttle unit 2 which is necessary for printing one line.
Can be shortened. Recording paper D
Is supplied between the platen roller 3 and the shuttle unit 2.

The linear motor 4 includes a plurality of magnets 40 (permanent magnets) arranged on the bottom surface of the shuttle unit 2 in a row in the longitudinal direction of the shuttle unit 2, and an upper surface of the horizontal member 12 of the frame 1. And a plurality of electromagnetic coils 41 provided in a row. The linear motor 4 generates a thrust (electromagnetic force) based on Fleming's left-hand rule by causing a current to flow through an electromagnetic coil 41 in the magnetic field of the magnet 40, and this thrust causes the shuttle unit 2 to generate a thrust. It moves along the guide rod 11. By controlling the current flowing through the plurality of electromagnetic coils 41, the shuttle unit 2 can reciprocate in the direction of arrow N1 in FIG. 1 with a constant stroke.

The two magnets for magnetic springs 5, 5 are two magnets 40, 40 (40a, 40) located at both ends of the plurality of magnets 40 of the shuttle unit 2.
A magnetic spring is formed by a combination of the two magnets 40a and 40a, and is a permanent magnet having a different polarity from the two magnets 40a and 40a. The magnets 40a, 40a are magnets constituting the linear motor 4 and also magnets constituting a magnetic spring mechanism. The magnets 5 for magnetic springs are
The plurality of electromagnetic coils 41 are attached to the horizontal member 12 so as to sandwich a row in which the plurality of electromagnetic coils 41 are arranged. The horizontal member 12 corresponds to an example of a fixing member according to the present invention.

Each of the magnetic spring magnets 5 is detachable from the horizontal member 12. Specifically, FIG.
Each of the magnetic spring magnets 5 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape having a predetermined width, height, and length, as is clearly shown in the enlarged front view of the C1 portion of FIG. It is fixedly attached to the upper surface of the substantially L-shaped attachment 50. On the other hand, the horizontal member 12 is formed with a groove 51 having an inverted T-shaped cross section, and the magnetic spring magnet 5 and the attachment 50 are inserted into the groove 51 from one side thereof. Have been. A shaft portion of a screw body 52 such as a bolt is inserted into a downward bent piece portion 50a provided at one end of the attachment 50,
The attachment and the magnet for magnetic spring 5 are attached to the horizontal member 12 by screwing the shaft to the side wall of the horizontal member 12. FIG.
2 and FIG. 2, the attachment 50 provided with the magnets 5 for magnetic springs is illustrated only in one set of right and left. However, when the printer device A is manufactured by a manufacturer or the inspection is performed, As the magnetic spring magnet 5, a component combining a plurality of magnetic spring magnets different in at least one of size, shape, and magnetic force and an attachment to which the magnets are attached is separately prepared.

In the printer A, the linear motor 4
When the shuttle unit 2 is caused to reciprocate along the guide rod 11 by the drive of, magnetic forces attracting each other between the magnets 40a and the magnets 5 for magnetic springs can be generated. This magnetic force acts on the shuttle unit 2 as a force to draw the shuttle unit 2 toward the center of the reciprocating region. Therefore, when the shuttle unit 2 is started from the start end region near the side plate 10a toward the center of the reciprocating region, when the shuttle unit 2 is decelerated just before reaching the side plate 10b, and after the deceleration, the shuttle unit 2 is moved. For example, when reversing the moving direction of the shuttle unit 2 toward the center of the reciprocating area, the magnetic force can be used to assist the acceleration or deceleration of the shuttle unit 2, and the shuttle unit can be used accordingly. 2 can reduce the load on the linear motor 4 when driving.

On the other hand, the reciprocating operation speed of the shuttle unit 2 may not reach the original speed due to, for example, a dimensional error of the components of the printer device A. Therefore, in such a case, each magnetic spring magnet 5 is replaced with another magnetic spring magnet separately prepared. As described above, each of the magnetic spring magnets 5 serves to assist the acceleration and deceleration of the shuttle unit 2. Therefore, each of the magnetic spring magnets 5 has a different size, shape, and shape.
Alternatively, if the magnetic unit is replaced with a magnetic spring magnet having a different magnetic force, the characteristics of the magnetic spring mechanism composed of the replaced magnetic spring magnet and the magnet 40a are changed to assist the shuttle unit 2 in accelerating or decelerating. Thrust can be increased or decreased. Therefore, the shuttle unit 2 can be adjusted to a desired reciprocating operation speed by replacing the magnet for the magnetic spring, and the printing speed of the printer A can be set to a desired printing speed.

Each of the magnetic spring magnets 5 can be removed from the horizontal member 12 by loosening the screw 52 and pulling out the attachment 50 from the groove 51. In addition, a new magnet for the magnetic spring to be replaced
It is attached to an attachment similar to the attachment 50 described above. For this reason, a new magnet for a magnetic spring is attached by inserting the attachment to which the magnet is attached into the groove portion 51 and then screwing the attachment to the horizontal member 12 using the screw body 52. be able to. Therefore, the replacement work of the magnet for the magnetic spring can be performed very easily.

In the first embodiment, the screw 5
2, the magnet for the magnetic spring can be attached to and detached from a predetermined portion of the frame, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, for example, a structure in which a magnet for a magnetic spring is detachably attached to a predetermined position of a frame using a pin, or a means for detachably clamping the magnet for a magnetic spring to a predetermined position by a clamp member provided on the frame, etc. It is possible to employ various means.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a main part showing a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. In the drawings after FIG. 3, the same parts as those in the previous embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The printer apparatus Aa of the present embodiment has the first position changing mechanism Ba, Ba for changing the position of the two magnetic spring magnets 5A, 5A.
The configuration is different from that of the first embodiment. Other configurations are the same as those of the printer A described above.

Each of the position changing mechanisms Ba has a structure capable of adjusting the height of the magnetic spring magnet 5A. Specifically, on the lower surface of the upper wall portion of the horizontal member 12 of the frame 1,
A bracket 53 having a substantially U-shaped portion in a side view is fixedly attached. The magnetic spring magnet 5A is supported by the adjusting screw 54 by being screwed into a screw portion 54a of the adjusting screw 54 that penetrates the bracket 53 from below, and is supported by the adjusting screw 54 via a slit 55 provided in the horizontal member 12. It protrudes above the horizontal member 12. Since the magnetic spring magnet 5A is inserted into the slit 55, its horizontal rotation is prevented,
When the adjusting screw 54 is rotated in the forward and reverse directions, the magnetic spring magnet 5A is raised or lowered in the vertical direction of the printer device Aa by the screw feeding action of the screw portion 54a. An opening 56 through which a worker inserts his hand to operate the adjusting screw 54 is provided in one side wall 12 a of the horizontal member 12.
One or a plurality of compression springs 57 are interposed between the magnetic spring magnet 5A and the bracket 53 so that the bracket 53 and the adjustment screw 54 are always maintained in a fixed positional relationship. Is configured.

Also in the printer Aa, the shuttle unit 2 is moved in the reciprocating region by a magnetic spring mechanism in which the two magnets 5A for magnetic springs and the magnets 40a attached to the shuttle unit 2 are combined. By exerting the force of drawing to the center, the operation when the shuttle unit 2 accelerates or decelerates in the vicinity of the side plates 10a, 10a can be assisted. However, in the present embodiment, by operating the adjusting screws 54 of the position changing mechanisms Ba, Ba to change the heights of the two magnetic spring magnets 5A, 5A, respectively, the corresponding magnetic spring magnets 5A correspond to each other. The distance between the magnet and each magnet 40a can be changed, whereby the magnetic force acting between them can be adjusted.

For example, when the height of the magnetic spring magnet 5A is increased, the magnetic spring magnet 5A and the corresponding magnet 40a can be brought close to each other, so that the shuttle unit 2 can move in the reciprocating region by their magnetic force. The force attracted to the central portion can be increased. Therefore, it is possible to increase the auxiliary thrust when the shuttle unit 2 accelerates or decelerates in the vicinity of the start end or the end of the reciprocating region, thereby increasing the reciprocating operation speed of the shuttle unit 2. When the height of the magnetic spring magnet 5A is reduced, the reciprocating operation speed of the shuttle unit 2 can be reduced, contrary to the above. Accordingly, by adjusting the height of the pair of magnetic spring magnets 5A, 5A, the shuttle unit 2 can be set to a desired reciprocating operation speed and adjusted to a desired printing speed.

FIG. 5 is a partially sectional front view showing a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line VI-VI of FIG.

In the printer Ab of the present embodiment, the position changing mechanisms Bb, Bb for moving the two magnetic spring magnets 5B, 5B include the two magnetic spring magnets 5B, 5B.
The position of B can be adjusted in the horizontal direction, which is the reciprocating direction of the shuttle unit 2. More specifically, each of the position change mechanisms Bb has the following configuration. Each of the magnets 5B for magnetic springs is fixedly attached to the upper surface of a slide member 70 having a substantially L-shaped cross section. The slide member 70 is attached to the lower surface of the upper surface wall of the horizontal member 12 and below it. It is slidably arranged between the fixed bracket 71 and the fixed bracket 71. The side plate 10a or the side plate 10b is provided at the bent portion 70a at one end of the slide member 70.
The screw shaft portion of the adjustment screw 72 inserted through is screwed. On the upper wall of the horizontal member 12, the magnetic spring magnet 5 is provided.
A slit 73 that allows B to protrude above the horizontal member 12 is provided. The slit 73 is formed wider than the magnetic spring magnet 5B so as to allow the magnetic spring magnet 5B to move in the horizontal direction. Therefore, when the adjusting screw 72 is rotated in the forward and reverse directions, the slide member 70 and the magnet for magnetic spring 5B move in the horizontal direction. 6, one or more compression springs 74 are interposed between the slide member 70 and the side plate 10a or the side plate 10b, and the side plate 10a or the side plate 10b and the adjusting screw 72 are configured to maintain a fixed positional relationship.

In the printer Ab, by operating the adjusting screws 72 of the position adjusting mechanisms Bb, Bb to move the magnetic spring magnets 5B, 5B in the horizontal direction, the shuttle unit 2 with respect to the magnets 40a, 40a is moved. The relative positional relationship between the magnets for magnetic springs 5B, 5B can be changed, and the characteristics of the magnetic spring mechanism constituted by them can be changed. For example, two magnets 5B for magnetic springs,
When the shuttle unit 2 is moved in the horizontal direction so as to widen the interval between the magnets 5B and the magnets 40a when the shuttle unit 2 is located near the beginning or end of the reciprocating operation area. The magnetic force acting between them increases. Therefore, it is possible to rapidly accelerate or decelerate the shuttle unit 2 when it is located near the start end or near the end. On the other hand, if the positions of the magnetic spring magnets 5B, 5B are changed in the direction of decreasing the distance between them, the acceleration or deceleration of the shuttle unit 2 can be moderated. Therefore, also in the printer Ab, the shuttle unit 2 can be set to a desired reciprocating operation speed by changing the position of the magnetic spring magnets 5B, 5B, and the printing speed can be set to the target speed.

FIG. 7 is a sectional front view of a main part showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

The printer device Ac of this embodiment has a position change mechanism Bc for changing the position of the magnetic spring magnet 5C.
In addition, a speed detection circuit 8A, a control circuit 8B, and other devices described later are provided.

The position changing mechanism Bc is configured as a link mechanism having a stepping motor M. A first link 75 having one end connected to a drive shaft of the stepping motor M, and a second link connected to the other end of the first link 75. A second link 76 is connected, and a third link 77 having one end connected to the other end of the second link 76 and supported by a fulcrum 78 is provided. The lower end of the magnetic spring magnet 5C is engaged with the other end of the third link 77. In the position changing mechanism Bc, when the drive shaft of the stepping motor M rotates in either the forward or reverse direction as shown by the arrow N2, the first link 75
Moves the other end of the second link 76 in the direction of the arrow N3, and the third link 77 swings about the fulcrum 78 above or below the arrow N4. For this reason, the magnetic spring magnet 5 </ b> C moves up or down in conjunction with the third link 77, and the slit 79 provided in the horizontal member 12.
The size of the projection from above can be adjusted.

The speed detection circuit 8A is a circuit for detecting the operation speed of the shuttle unit 2. The speed detection circuit 8A includes two photosensors 80 that detect when the shuttle unit 2 has advanced to the start and end of the reciprocating region and output detection signals when the shuttle unit 2 has advanced to the start and end (in FIG. (Not shown) are connected. However, the photo sensor 80 may be provided only at the start end region or only at the end region of the reciprocating region of the shuttle unit 2 so that the detection signal is output each time the shuttle unit 2 performs one reciprocating operation. I don't care.
The speed detection circuit 8A measures the time required for one reciprocating operation of the shuttle unit 2 based on the detection signal, and uses the measured value as the reciprocating operation speed.
Send to B.

The control circuit 8B includes the speed detection circuit 8
The data of the operating speed of the shuttle unit 2 transmitted from A is compared with a value (target speed) previously set and input to the control circuit 8B to determine whether the reciprocating operation speed of the shuttle unit 2 is appropriate. It has the function of determining whether The control circuit 8B does not perform any special control if the reciprocating operation speed of the shuttle unit 2 is appropriate as a result of the above determination.
The driving of the stepping motor M is controlled via the controller 5 to control the height adjustment of the magnetic spring magnet 5C. More specifically, when the reciprocating operation speed of the shuttle unit 2 is lower than the target value, the control circuit 8B rotates the stepping motor M so that the magnetic spring magnet 5C rises, When the reciprocating operation speed of the shuttle unit 2 is higher than the target speed, the stepping motor M is reversely rotated so as to lower the magnetic spring magnet 5C. If there is a difference between the actual reciprocating operation speed of the shuttle unit 2 and the target speed, the difference can be reduced by lowering or raising the magnetic spring magnet 5C in any direction by any amount. Since it can be known in advance by a test, the rotation angle of the stepping motor M can be determined by the control circuit 8B based on the difference between the reciprocating operation speed detected by the speed detection circuit 8A and the target speed. It is.

The control circuit 8B includes the shuttle unit 2
Is located at the beginning or end of the reciprocating region, and when the recording paper is skipped, stepping is performed so that the magnetic spring magnet 5C is lowered considerably below the original position only during the skipping. Motor M
It is configured to perform control for driving. The timing at which the recording paper is skipped can be determined, for example, by receiving a predetermined signal from control means for controlling the entire printer apparatus Ac. The control circuit 8B is connected to a photo sensor 82 capable of detecting a fixed portion of the third link 77. The control circuit 8B can control the drive rotation angle of the stepping motor M using a position where the photo sensor 82 detects a certain portion of the third link 77 as a reference (origin).

In the printer Ac, the height of the magnetic spring magnet 5C is adjusted in accordance with the actual reciprocating operation speed of the shuttle unit 2 so that the reciprocating operation speed of the shuttle unit 2 matches or approaches the target speed. be able to. Moreover, such adjustment work is not performed manually,
It can be done easily and accurately. When skipping the recording paper, the magnetic spring magnet 5C is sufficiently lowered to prevent a large tensile force from being generated between the magnet 40a of the shuttle unit 2 and the magnetic spring magnet 5C. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the linear motor 4 required to stop the shuttle unit 2 at the start or end and keep the shuttle unit 2 on standby.

FIG. 8 is a sectional front view of a main part showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

The printer Ad of the present embodiment has a position changing mechanism B for changing the position of the magnetic spring magnet 5D.
and a control circuit 8C for controlling the operation of the position changing mechanism Bd.

The position changing mechanism Bd is a mechanism capable of adjusting the position of the magnetic spring magnet 5D in the horizontal direction. More specifically, the position changing mechanism Bd is a link mechanism including a stepping motor M, and includes a first link 83 having one end connected to a drive shaft of the stepping motor M, and a longitudinal intermediate portion of the first link 83. One end is connected to the fulcrum 88
Link 84 supported by the second link 84 and the second link 8
4 is provided with a third link 85 having one end connected thereto.
The other end of the third link 84 is connected to a magnetic spring magnet 5D. However, the magnetic spring magnet 5D is
It is supported on a bracket plate 86 provided on the horizontal member 12 via rollers 87 so as to be movable in the horizontal direction. In this position changing mechanism Bd, the stepping motor M
When the first link 83 rotates in the same direction as the drive shaft of the arrow N5, the second link 84 rotates about the fulcrum 88 at the other end (upper end) as indicated by the arrow N6.
, And the third link 85 also moves in the horizontal direction. For this reason, the magnetic spring magnet 5D
Move horizontally in a slit 89 of the horizontal member 12 formed wider than that.

The control circuit 8C basically has substantially the same function as the control circuit 8B of the fourth embodiment, and operates at the operating speed of the shuttle unit 2 detected by the speed detecting circuit 8A. Is compared with the target speed value previously set and input to the control circuit 8C to determine whether or not the reciprocating operation speed of the shuttle unit 2 is appropriate. If the reciprocating operation speed of the shuttle unit 2 is inappropriate as a result of the determination, the control circuit 8B drives the stepping motor M via the driver 81 to perform height adjustment control of the magnetic spring magnet 5D. It is configured as follows.

More specifically, when the reciprocating operation speed of the shuttle unit 2 is lower than the target value, the magnetic spring magnet 5D is moved closer to the start or end of the reciprocating region of the shuttle unit 2. The stepping motor M is rotated as described above. In contrast, shuttle unit 2
When the reciprocating operation speed is higher than the target speed, control is performed to horizontally move the magnetic spring magnet 5D in the opposite direction to the above. The control circuit 8C includes:
When the shuttle unit 2 is located at the beginning or end of the reciprocating region and the recording paper is skipped, the magnetic spring magnet 5D is moved away from the beginning or end from the original position for the waiting period of the skipping. The control for driving the stepping motor M is performed as described above. The control circuit 8C includes the first
Photo sensor 82a capable of detecting a fixed portion of link 83
Is connected. Therefore, the control circuit 8C is configured to control the drive rotation angle of the stepping motor M with the position at which the photo sensor 82a detects a certain portion of the first link 83 as a reference (origin).

In the printer device Ad, the horizontal position of the magnetic spring magnet 5D is adjusted in accordance with the actual reciprocating operation speed of the shuttle unit 2, and the shuttle unit 2
Can be made to match or approach the target speed. Moreover, the adjustment can also be performed without requiring any human intervention. When skipping the recording paper, the magnet 5C for the magnetic spring can be kept away from the magnet 40a of the shuttle unit 2 located at the beginning or end of the reciprocating region, and a large tensile force is generated between them. In this case, the power consumption of the linear motor 4 required to keep the shuttle unit 2 at the start or end can be reduced.

The specific configuration of each part of the printer according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment.
For example, in the fourth embodiment and the fifth embodiment,
The position of the magnetic spring magnet can be changed only in one of the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. However, unlike these, the position of the magnetic spring magnet is simultaneously changed in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction (for example, The case where the position can be changed vertically and obliquely) also belongs to the technical scope of the present invention.
Further, in the present invention, a specific mechanism for moving the magnetic spring magnet may be different from the link mechanism. Further, in the present invention, the specific number of the magnets for the magnetic spring is not limited to a specific number. For example, the number may be two or more. Instead of combining the magnetic spring magnet with the magnet of the linear motor to constitute the magnetic spring mechanism, the magnetic spring magnet may be combined with another magnet or a ferromagnetic member provided on the shuttle unit. The magnetic spring mechanism may be constituted by the above.

[0055]

As described above, according to the present invention, the power consumption of the printer can be reduced by assisting the thrust of the shuttle unit by using the magnet for the magnetic spring. If the operating speed of the shuttle unit is incorrect due to dimensional errors of the components of the shuttle spring, the magnitude of the magnetic force of the magnet for the magnetic spring and other characteristics are changed, and the reciprocating operation speed of the shuttle unit is adjusted to the desired speed. Can be set to Therefore, the printing speed of the printer can be set to a desired speed. According to the configuration including the predetermined position changing mechanism, the speed detecting unit, and the control unit of the present invention,
The operation of setting the reciprocating operation speed of the shuttle unit to a desired speed can be easily and accurately performed without requiring any manual operation. Further, according to the configuration of the present invention, when the shuttle unit stops at or near one of the start end and the end of the reciprocating region and stands by, the magnetic spring magnet is moved away from a certain portion of the shuttle unit. In this case, the load on the linear motor can be reduced, and the power consumption of the printer can be further reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of an essential part showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line II of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a main part front view showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a partially sectional front view showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line VI-VI of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional front view of a main part showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a sectional front view of a main part showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a front view of an essential part showing an example of a conventional printer device.

FIG. 10 is an operation explanatory view of the shuttle unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

 A, Aa to Ad Printer device Ba to Bd Position change mechanism D Recording paper M Stepping motor (drive means) 1 Frame 2 Shuttle unit 3 Platen roller 4 Linear motor 5, 5A to 5D Magnet for magnetic spring 8A Speed detection circuit (speed detection) Means) 8B, 8C Control circuit (Control means) 12 Horizontal member (Fixed member) 20 Print head 40, 40a Magnet

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-1-141754 (JP, A) JP-A-59-83671 (JP, A) JP-A-4-71868 (JP, A) JP-A-62 70058 (JP, A) JP-A-57-138967 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B41J 19/18 B41J 19/02 B41J 19/30

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] 1. A shuttle unit having a print head and capable of reciprocating by driving a linear motor, and the shuttle unit when the shuttle unit moves to one of the start end and the end of the reciprocating region. A magnetic spring magnet attached to a fixed member facing the reciprocating region of the shuttle unit so as to generate a magnetic force that pulls the shuttle unit toward the center of the reciprocating region with respect to a certain portion of the shuttle unit. The printer device according to claim 1, wherein the magnet for a magnetic spring is detachable from the fixed member. 2. A plurality of magnetic spring magnets prepared so that at least one of a size, a shape, and a magnetic force is different from each other can be exchanged and attached to the fixing member. 2. The printer device according to 1. 3. A shuttle unit having a print head and capable of reciprocating by driving a linear motor, and the shuttle unit when the shuttle unit moves to one of the start end and the end of the reciprocating region. A magnetic spring magnet provided at a position facing the reciprocating region of the shuttle unit so as to generate a magnetic force that pulls the shuttle unit toward the center of the reciprocating region with respect to a certain portion of the shuttle unit. The printer device according to claim 1, wherein the position of the magnetic spring magnet is changeable in a direction facing the shuttle unit. 4. A shuttle unit having a print head and capable of reciprocating by driving a linear motor, and the shuttle unit when the shuttle unit moves to one of a start end and an end of a reciprocating region thereof. A magnetic spring magnet provided at a position facing the reciprocating region of the shuttle unit so as to generate a magnetic force that draws the shuttle unit toward the center of the reciprocating region with respect to a certain portion of the shuttle unit. The printer device, wherein the position of the magnetic spring magnet can be changed in a direction in which the shuttle unit reciprocates. 5. A position changing mechanism having driving means for moving the magnet for a magnetic spring, speed detecting means for detecting an operating speed of the shuttle unit, and an operation speed detected by the speed detecting means. Control means for judging a moving direction and a necessary moving amount of the magnetic spring magnet, and performing drive control of the position changing mechanism so as to move the magnetic spring magnet according to the judgment result. The printer device according to claim 3, wherein the printer device performs the operation. 6. When the shuttle unit stops at or near one of the start end and the end of the reciprocating region and stands by, the magnetic spring magnet is moved away from the fixed portion of the shuttle unit. 4. A control device for operating the position changing mechanism.
6. The printer according to any one of claims 5 to 5.