JPH0542747A - Serial printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enhance the reliability of reading accuracy of an ID sensor and print quality by providing a brush arranged on the side frame side so that it comes in contact with a ribbon protector, and a calculation device which calculates the printing duty of one line when printing is effected on a medium. CONSTITUTION:A brush 15 is fixed to a bracket 16 provided on a side frame 13 in the extension direction of a platen 1, and when a carriage 2 moves to a position where the brush 15 is arranged, the tip of the carriage 2 comes in contact with the rhombic hole part of a protector 6. Ink sticking to the ribbon protector 6 is removed under the above configuration. In addition, a calculation device calculates the printing duty of one line, and if the calculated value is higher than a specified level, the device issues a command by which to move the carriage 2 to a position for the brush 15. Further, during an action to read an ID mark, the device allows the surface of the ID sensor 14 to be cleaned, unless the sensitivity of the ID sensor reaches a specified level. Thus it is possible to prevent print quality from becoming worse due to print contamination.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to removal of print stains in a serial printer. It also relates to the removal of dirt on the surface of the ID sensor in the serial printer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art First, the structure of the prior art will be described.
FIG. 3 shows a partial perspective view of a horizontal wire dot printer as an example of a conventional serial printer. Also, FIG.
FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the print head of the printer shown in FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the ribbon protector.

Reference numeral 1 is a platen, and 2 is a carriage. The carriage 2 carries a print head 3 and a ribbon protect racket 4, the print head 3 has print head pins 5, and the print head pins 5 are arranged so as to abut the platen 1, and the ribbon protect racket. 4 is arranged so as to be inserted between the print head pin 5 and the platen 1. The ribbon protector racket 4 is provided with a ribbon protector 6 having a rhombic opening (hereinafter simply referred to as a rhombic hole) in the approximate center thereof. Reference numeral 7 is a carriage shaft, and 8 is a slide beam, and the carriage 2 is inserted or pinched and held. A synchro belt 9 is fixed to the rear portion of the carriage 2. A motor 10 is arranged at one end of the synchro belt 9 and an idle pulley 11 is arranged at the other end thereof.
The forward / reverse rotation operation of the motor 10 is converted into the reciprocating operation of the carriage 2. An ink ribbon 12 runs between the print head pin 5 and the ribbon protector 6, as shown in FIG. Medium to be printed (hereinafter referred to as medium)
Are inserted between the ribbon protector 6 and the platen 1. Reference numeral 13 is a side frame that locks the above-mentioned mechanism.

Next, the operation of the printer having the above structure will be described. When the power is turned on, the carriage 2 starts the home position check operation. This operation is a step in which the carriage 2 is moved to the left end and the carriage 2 hits the side frame 13 to recognize the position where the motor 10 is out of step as the home position. Subsequently, when the above-described medium is set on a table (not shown), the carriage 2 moves to a predetermined position (so that the medium is easily set on the platen 1) and moves the medium to a predetermined position. Let At this time, the ribbon protective tab racket 4 serves to guide the medium. When the medium is properly set on the platen 1, the printable state is set. Then, the carriage 2 starts to reciprocate left and right based on a print command issued by an external computer (not shown), and the print head pin 5 also starts a print operation based on the print command. When the printing of one line of data is completed, the medium is fed and the next line is printed. Then, printing is performed on the medium by repeating the same steps based on the print command.

Further, FIG. 6 shows a partial perspective view of a horizontal wire dot printer as another example of the prior art of a serial printer. 7 is a schematic diagram of the ID sensor shown in the printer of FIG.

An ID sensor 14 is provided near the print head 3 and reads an ID mark printed on the medium. In the figure, a horizontal wire dot printer is shown as a printer equipped with an ID sensor, but this is not limited to a horizontal wire dot printer.
The ID sensor can be mounted on all general serial printers. In the example of FIG. 6, the ID sensor 14 is fixed to the ribbon protector 6, and as shown in FIG.
On the surface of the ID sensor of the ribbon protector 6, an opening for an ID sensor (hereinafter, simply referred to as an ID sensor hole) is provided. After the medium is set at a predetermined position, the carriage 2 is moved from left to right to read the ID mark of the medium by the ID sensor 14.

[0007]

However, when the apparatus having the structure shown in FIG. 3 continuously prints a character or a pattern having a high print duty (hereinafter, simply referred to as print duty), the ink is formed in the rhombus hole portion of the ribbon protector 6. There is a problem that the ink adheres and the adhered ink is transferred to the medium, resulting in print stains. Further, when the apparatus having the configuration shown in FIG. 7 has been used for many years, there is a problem that paper dust, dust, etc., of the medium adheres to the surface of the ID sensor and the sensitivity of the sensor deteriorates, resulting in erroneous reading.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing apparatus having improved printing quality and a printing apparatus having improved reliability of reading accuracy of an ID sensor by eliminating the above problems.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is directed to a brush disposed in the extension direction of a platen so as to come into contact with a diamond-shaped hole portion of a ribbon protector, and a case of printing on a medium. By having a calculation means for calculating the print duty for one line, when the print duty is higher than a predetermined value, the carriage is moved to the position where the brush is arranged, thereby forming the rhombus hole portion of the ribbon protector. It is designed to be cleaned. Further, in the operation of reading the ID mark (ID mark reading mode), the surface of the ID sensor is cleaned when the sensitivity of the ID sensor does not satisfy a predetermined level.

[0010]

According to the present invention, the ink adhering to the diamond-shaped hole of the ribbon protector 6 can be removed when the print duty is higher than a predetermined value. Further, in the operation of reading the ID mark (ID mark reading mode), the surface of the ID sensor can be cleaned when the sensitivity of the ID sensor does not satisfy a predetermined level.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, a configuration example of the present invention will be described. First, a printing apparatus having a configuration capable of removing ink attached to the rhombic hole portion of the ribbon protector will be described below. It should be noted that the same or similar components as those of the conventional technique are designated by the same reference numerals and will be described.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 15 is a brush arranged in the extension direction of the platen 1, and is fixed to a bracket 16 provided on the side frame 13. The brush 15 is arranged so that when the carriage 2 moves to the position where the brush 15 is arranged (the left end of the platen 1 in the figure), the tip of the brush 15 comes into contact with the diamond-shaped hole of the ribbon protector 6. Accordingly, the ink attached to the ribbon protector 6 is removed. The brush 15 is mounted so that it can be replaced with one touch, and can be easily replaced when the brush 15 deteriorates or becomes dirty.

The present invention has a calculation means (not shown), which calculates the print duty for one line, and when the print duty is higher than a predetermined value, moves the carriage 2 to the brush 15 Is issued to move to the position where

Next, the operation of this apparatus will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Note that the description of this flowchart is given as an example only, and the steps, numerical values, and the like of the flowchart can be changed depending on the embodiment. For example, the duty ratio of the print duty is 6 in this embodiment.
When it is 0% or more, it is said that the print stain appears remarkably, but this is based on the data obtained by fixing it to one specific model, and the model change and the ink component and application of the ribbon It depends on the amount, and it is necessary to select the optimum value depending on the degree of print stain.

A control unit of a printer (not shown) having a calculation means receives print data (print command) and then <STEP
(Hereinafter, simply referred to as ST) 1> Judge whether the length of one line is 1 inch or more <ST2> If the length is 1 inch or more, the print duty is calculated <ST3>, and the print duty is 60
When it is judged to be more than%, in <ST4>, the carriage 2 is moved to the left end after the printing, <ST5>, and the tip of the brush 15 provided on the side frame 13 is brought into contact with the diamond-shaped hole portion of the ribbon protector 6. Cleaning <ST6
>, And shifts to the next printing operation <ST7>. Therefore, 1
When the print duty of the line is 60% or less, this operation is not performed (removal of ink adhering to the rhombic hole portion), and the normal print operation is performed.

With the above configuration, the print duty for one line is a predetermined value (6 in this embodiment).
0%) or more, the diamond-shaped hole portion of the ribbon protector 6 and the brush 15 are brought into contact with each other, whereby the ink attached to the diamond-shaped hole portion can be removed.

Further, a printer having a structure capable of cleaning the surface of the ID sensor will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 1, a brush 15 is fixed to a bracket 16 provided on the side frame 13. The brush 15 is arranged so that the tip of the brush 15 can come into contact with the surface of the ID sensor by moving the carriage 2, whereby the surface of the ID sensor can be cleaned.

Further, the present invention has an arithmetic means (not shown), and the arithmetic means reads the ID mark (ID
In the mark reading mode), the sensitivity of the ID sensor 14 is checked, and if the sensitivity of the ID sensor 14 does not satisfy a predetermined level, a command to move the carriage 2 to the position of the brush 15 is issued.

Next, the operation of this apparatus will be described. 8, 9 and 10 are views for explaining the ID sensor cleaning process, and show the position of the carriage 2 in each process. FIG. 8 shows the start-up of the printer, and the carriage 2 is characterized in that the ID sensor 14 and the brush 15 are not in contact with each other. FIG. 9 shows the cleaning of the ID sensor, and the carriage 2 is characterized in that the ID sensor 14 and the brush 15 are in contact with each other. FIG. 10 shows normal printing, and the carriage 2 is characterized in that the ID sensor 14 and the brush 15 are not in contact with each other. Further, the present apparatus is configured to check the sensitivity of the ID sensor 14 in a blank portion near the ID mark and then read the ID mark. FIG. 11 shows the ID sensor sensitivity check position and the ID mark. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a process of cleaning the ID sensor 14.

When the apparatus is set in the ID mark reading mode <ST11>, the sheet (medium) is sucked into the apparatus and the sheet (medium) is set at a predetermined position <ST12.
>. Then, the apparatus checks the sensitivity of the ID sensor 14 at the ID sensor sensitivity check position of the medium shown in FIG. 11 <ST13>. In ST13, if the predetermined value (slice level necessary for reading the ID mark) cannot be obtained, the carriage 2 is moved to the left end <ST.
14>, the ID sensor surface is brought into contact with the brush 15 for cleaning <ST15>, and after the cleaning is completed, the ID mark is read while moving the carriage 2 to the right <S>.
T16>. If a predetermined value is obtained in ST13, this operation (cleaning operation) is not performed, and the ID mark reading operation is performed <ST16>. When the reading operation is completed, the medium is discharged to a stacker (not shown) <ST17>.

With the above configuration, the I mark is read during the ID mark reading operation (ID mark reading mode).
Only when the sensitivity of the D sensor does not satisfy the predetermined level, the surface of the ID sensor and the brush 15 are brought into contact with each other, whereby it is possible to remove paper dust, dust, etc. of the medium.

[0023]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention, the print duty for one line is calculated, and when the print duty is higher than a predetermined value, the ribbon protector is provided on the side frame. By making it possible to clean the rhombus holes of the ribbon protector by contacting with the brush, the state where the ink is less attached to the rhombus holes of the ribbon protector is maintained even after printing characters and patterns with a high print duty. be able to. Therefore,
It is possible to prevent deterioration of print quality due to print stains,
It is possible to supply a device with improved print quality. In addition, operation to read the ID mark (ID mark reading mode)
At times, when the sensitivity of the ID sensor does not satisfy a predetermined level, the surface of the ID sensor can be cleaned, and it is possible to provide a printing apparatus with improved reliability of reading accuracy of the ID sensor.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a serial printer of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a diamond hole cleaning process of the ribbon protector according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of a conventional serial printer.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a print head.

FIG. 5 is a detailed view of a ribbon protector.

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of another conventional serial printer.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an ID sensor.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a cleaning process of the ID sensor of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a cleaning process of the ID sensor of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory view of a cleaning process of the ID sensor of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an ID mark of a medium.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an ID sensor cleaning step in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 Carriage 6 Ribbon protector 9 Synchro belt 10 Motor 13 Side frame 14 ID sensor 15 Brush 16 Bracket

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A printing means for printing on a medium with a ribbon interposed between a print head pin and a ribbon protector, a moving means for moving the printing means, and both side frames for locking the printing means. Then, in a serial printer that performs an operation of performing printing on a medium while reciprocally moving the printing means in the both side frames, the serial printer has a brush and a computing means, and the brush is in contact with the ribbon protector. When the printing duty is higher than a predetermined value, the computing means calculates the printing duty for one line when printing is performed on the medium. After printing one line, the moving means is used to move the printing means to the position where the brush is arranged, Serial printer, characterized in that to clean the ribbon protector By Bonn protector into contact with the brush. 2. A printing means for printing on a medium, an ID sensor provided in the vicinity of the printing means and for reading an ID mark printed on the medium with the surface of the ID sensor facing the medium, the printing means and the printing means. It has a moving means for moving the ID sensor and both side frames for locking the printing means and the ID sensor, and prints on the medium while reciprocatingly moving the printing means and the ID sensor in the both side frames. In a serial printer for performing an applying operation and an operation of reading an ID mark on a medium, the serial printer has a brush and a computing means, and the brush is provided on the side frame side so as to allow contact with the surface of the ID sensor And the calculating means is provided when the sensitivity of the sensor read by the ID sensor does not satisfy a predetermined level. Wherein the ID sensor using the moving means is moved to a position where the brush is arranged, a serial printer, characterized in that for cleaning the ID sensor surface by the ID sensor contacting said brush.