JPH0976608A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer capable of quantitatively recognizing the replacing period of an ink ribbon. SOLUTION: In an impact type printer 1 applying printing to a recording medium by using an ink ribbon, a detection means 3a detecting the use degree of the ink ribbon at each time when printing is applied to the recording medium, a memory means 4 preliminarily storing the printing limit degree to one ink ribbon and an output means 3b comparing the use degree with the printing limit degree and outputting a replacing period signal showing the replacing period of the ink ribbon when the use degree becomes the printing limit degree or more are provided.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing apparatus for printing using an ink ribbon, such as an impact type printer apparatus, and particularly to a printing apparatus capable of recognizing the replacement time of the ink ribbon. It relates to the device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a printing apparatus such as an impact type printer apparatus, an ink ribbon is superposed on a recording medium such as printing paper and a desired character, symbol, or the like is formed by hitting a wire pin or the like on the ink ribbon. A bar code or the like is printed on the recording medium. In such a printing apparatus, since the ink ribbon is a consumable item, the user (user) must replace the ink ribbon as needed. However, the replacement time depends on the characters, symbols, and
Judgment is made by visually observing the light and shade of printed results such as barcodes. That is, in this printing apparatus, the time to replace the ink ribbon depends on the human sense, and the ink ribbon is replaced when the user finds it difficult to see the print result.

[0003]

By the way, for human beings,
Even if dots (dots) forming characters, symbols, barcodes, etc. are missing or faint, they have the ability to complement these by reasoning accurately. Therefore, in a printing apparatus that relies on the human sense to replace the ink ribbon, the ink ribbon may not be replaced even if there are missing or faint print results. However, when the printing result of the printing device is read by the optical reading device or the like, the optical reading device or the like requires a printing density higher than a certain level, and as described above, the printing result may be missing or faint. , It becomes impossible to read them accurately. That is, in a printing device that depends on human senses for ink ribbon replacement timing, the printing result of the printing device may not be readable by an optical reading device or the like.

Further, since there are large individual differences in human senses, if the ink ribbon replacement timing depends on the human sense, the variation range of the replacement timing becomes large. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus capable of quantitatively recognizing the ink ribbon replacement timing.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a printing apparatus devised to achieve the above object, which is an impact type printing apparatus which prints on a recording medium using an ink ribbon, and further comprises the recording medium. Detection means for detecting the degree of use of the ink ribbon each time printing is performed, storage means for storing in advance a print limit degree for one ink ribbon, print limit degree stored in the storage means and the detection It is characterized by further comprising output means for comparing the usage detected by the means and outputting a replacement timing signal indicating the replacement timing of the ink ribbon when the usage exceeds the printing limit.

According to the printing apparatus having the above structure,
Each time printing is performed on the recording medium using the ink ribbon, the detection unit detects the usage degree indicating the usage amount of the ink ribbon, such as the number of printed characters, the number of printed lines, or the number of printed pages.
At this time, in the storage means, for example, the number of print characters, the number of print lines, or the number of print pages that can be printed by one ink ribbon,
The print limit degree for one ink ribbon is stored in advance. Therefore, when the usage detected by the detection unit exceeds the printing limit stored in the storage unit, the output unit outputs the replacement timing signal indicating the replacement timing of the ink ribbon. As a result, in this printing apparatus, the replacement time of the ink ribbon is quantitatively detected and output as a replacement time signal.

Further, the printing apparatus of the present invention may be provided with a display means for visually displaying the replacement timing signal output from the output means. When the display means is provided, the replacement timing signal output by the output means is displayed by the display means. Therefore, when the display result is visually recognized by the user, for example, the user recognizes the replacement time of the ink ribbon.

Further, the printing apparatus of the present invention may be provided with a setting unit capable of arbitrarily setting the printing limit degree stored in the storage unit. When the setting means is provided, the printing limit degree stored in the storage means is arbitrarily set by the setting means, so that the printing limit degree according to the ink ribbon to be used is stored in the storage means.

[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A printing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an example of an embodiment of a printing apparatus 1 according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is
And a main controller 10 and an optical reader 20.

The main controller 10 controls the entire system configuration, and includes a keyboard section 11 and a main control section 12.
And a display unit 13. The keyboard unit 11 is composed of, for example, a keyboard and a touch panel, and a user can provide information (print commands) necessary for printing characters, symbols, barcodes, etc. on a recording medium (hereinafter referred to as a form) in the printing apparatus 1. It is for inputting. The main control unit 12 is composed of, for example, a main body of a personal computer, sends out a print command input by the keyboard unit 11 to the printing apparatus 1, and acquires information from the printing apparatus 1. The information acquired by the main controller 12 from the printer 1 includes a replacement timing signal sent from the output means 2b, which will be described later. The display unit 13 is composed of, for example, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), and is for displaying the information input by the keyboard unit 11 and the information acquired by the main control unit 12 to the user.

The optical reading device 20 is composed of, for example, an OCR (Optical Character Reader) device, and optically reads and encodes characters, symbols, bar codes, etc. printed on the form by the printing device 1. It has a function.

The printing apparatus 1 used in such a system configuration prints by the dot impact method, and includes a printer unit 2, a printer control unit 3, and a non-volatile memory 4. The printer unit 2
An ink ribbon and a print head that faces the form with the ink ribbon sandwiched therebetween. The print head prints characters, symbols, bar codes, etc. on the form by hitting wire pins from above the ink ribbon. Is. However, in the printer unit 2, printing on the form is performed line by line under the control of the printer control unit 3 described later. In addition to printing on a form, the printer unit 2 also has a function of carrying (supplying, discharging, etc.) a form for printing.

The printer control unit 3 is composed of, for example, a microprocessor, controls the operation of the printer unit 2 in accordance with an instruction from the main control unit 10, and also controls the main control unit 1.
The print data (dot matrix data) to be printed by the printer unit 2 is edited based on the print command from 0. When the printer control unit 3 receives a print command from the main control unit 10, that is, data to be printed by the printer unit 2, the printer control unit 3 prints the data to be printed.
The RAM (Random Access Memory) (not shown) is temporarily stored (spooled).

Further, the printer control section 3 has the functions of the detection means 3a and the output means 3b of the present invention. Each time the printer unit 2 prints on the form line by line, the detection unit 3a detects the "printed line number" as a usage level indicating the usage amount of the ink ribbon. The detection unit 3a detects the "number of print lines" each time.
The value is stored in the print line number counter 4a of the nonvolatile memory 4 described later. The output unit 3b detects the "print line number" detected by the detection unit 3a and stored in the print line number counter 4a, and the "print limit line number" stored in the print limit line number area 4b of the nonvolatile memory 4 described later. Compared with, when the "number of print lines" is equal to or more than the "print limit line number",
The replacement time signal for indicating the replacement time of the ink ribbon of the printer unit 2 is output. However, the output means 3b is adapted to send the outputted replacement timing signal to the main controller 10. The detection unit 3a and the output unit 3b are both formed by executing a program in the printer control unit 3.

The non-volatile memory 4 is, for example, an EEPROM.
(Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Mem
ory) and a battery backup memory, and is provided with a print line number counter 4a and a print limit line number area 4b as shown in FIG. The print line number counter 4a is an area (address) for storing the "print line number" detected by the detection unit 3a. However, the print line number counter 4a is configured to clear the stored "print line number" to 0 when there is an instruction from the main controller 10.

The print limit line number area 4b is an area (address) for storing the "print limit line number" that represents the number of lines that can be printed by the printer unit 2 using one ink ribbon, and is the main control. An arbitrary value set by the user in the keyboard section 11 of the apparatus 10 is stored. However, "print limit line number" is a character, symbol,
A value in consideration of the safety factor, that is, a slightly smaller value is set with respect to the number of lines that can be printed before the barcode or the like can be discriminated by the optical reading device 20. That is, the non-volatile memory 4 including the print limit row number area 4b functions as a storage unit of the present invention.

Next, the printing apparatus 1 configured as described above
An example of the operation will be described. However, it is assumed that the "print limit line number" has already been stored in the print limit line number area 4b of the nonvolatile memory 4. When the printing apparatus 1 starts printing on a form, in the main controller 10, the user inputs a print command required for printing in the keyboard unit 11. When a print command is input from the keyboard unit 11, the main control unit 12 analyzes the print command and issues an operation instruction as necessary in the form supply operation, the form print operation, and the form discharge operation. To the printer control unit 3.

Here, the print control in the printer control section 3 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The printer control unit 3 is in a state of waiting for an operation instruction from the main control unit 12 when the printing apparatus 1 starts printing a form (step 101, the step is hereinafter abbreviated as S). If there is an operation instruction from, it is determined what operation instruction the operation instruction is (S102). If the operation instruction is a form supply operation instruction, the printer control unit 3 instructs the printer unit 2 to convey (supply) a form for printing (S103), and the operation instruction is a form operation. If the instruction is a discharge operation of (1), the printer unit 2 is instructed to carry (discharge) the printed form (S1).
04).

If the operation instruction from the main control unit 12 is a print operation instruction to the form, the printer control unit 3 determines whether or not the print command is stored in the RAM (not shown) of the printing apparatus 1, that is, the above-mentioned. It is determined whether data to be printed remains in the RAM (S105). If the data to be printed remains, the printer control unit 3 edits the print data for one line to be printed by the printer unit 2 based on the data to be printed (S106), and further, this one line is printed. It is determined whether or not the print data requires the impact operation of the ink ribbon in the printer unit 2, that is, whether or not the print data is composed only of space (blank) data (S107).

If the print data for one line is composed only of blank data, the printer control unit 3 does not need the impact operation and the ink ribbon is not consumed. Therefore, the printer unit 2 prints the next line. An instruction is given to convey the form to the position (S108), and it is again determined whether or not the print command is stored in the RAM (S105). Also,
If the print data for one line is not blank data, the printer control unit 3 gives an instruction to the printer unit 2 to print the print data on the form (S109), and after the printing of the print data is completed, the printer head 3 It is instructed to move to the home position (S110) and to convey the form to the position where the next line is printed (S111).

At this time, the detection means 3 of the printer controller 3
In a, when one line of print data is printed on the form by the printer unit 2, the printing of that one line is detected, and the “print line number” stored in the print line number counter 4 a in the non-volatile memory 4 is detected. The number is incremented by 1 (S112). And
The printer control unit 3 again determines whether or not the print command is stored in the RAM (S105).

In the step of determining whether or not the print command is stored in the RAM, if it is determined that there is no data to be printed, then the output means 3b of the printer control unit 3 causes the nonvolatile memory 4 to store the print command. The "print line number" stored in the print line number counter 4a is compared with the "print limit line number" stored in the print limit line number area 4b in the non-volatile memory 4, and the "print line number" is compared. Is greater than or equal to the "print limit line number" (S113).
If the "print line number" is not equal to or more than the "print limit line number", the printer control unit 3 again waits for an operation instruction from the main control unit 12 (S101).

On the other hand, if the "print line number" is equal to or more than the "print limit line number", the output means 3b of the printer control unit 3 sends a replacement timing signal indicating the replacement time of the ink ribbon to the main control unit 1.
2 (S114). Then, the main control unit 12 displays the replacement timing signal from the output means 3b on the display unit 11 to notify the user that the ink ribbon needs to be replaced. It should be noted that the user follows the replacement time signal displayed on the display unit 11 to the printer unit 2
When exchanging the ink ribbon, the keyboard unit 13 needs to perform an operation for clearing the "printed line number" stored in the printed line number counter 4a in the non-volatile memory 4 to zero.

As described above, in the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the "printing line number" detected by the detecting unit 3a and the "printing limit line number" stored in the non-volatile memory 4 are output by the output unit. By comparing 3b, it is possible to quantitatively recognize whether or not the ink ribbon of the printer unit 2 needs to be replaced. Therefore, in the printing apparatus 1, the time to replace the ink ribbon can be determined without depending on human senses, and therefore, missing or blurring does not occur in the print result, and the print result is read by the optical reading device. Even when reading with 20, accurate reading is possible. Further, since the replacement time is quantitatively recognized without depending on human senses, the range of variation in the replacement time does not increase.

Next, a printing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 shows an example of a printing apparatus 1a according to another embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the printing apparatus 1a of the present embodiment is provided with a simple display unit 5 and a simple input key 6 in addition to the printing apparatus 1 of the above-described embodiment. The printing apparatus 1a is used in the system configuration similar to that of the above-described embodiment.

The simple display unit 5 is, for example, an LCD.
It is composed of a (Liquid Crystal Display) panel, and when the output means 3b of the printer control section 3 outputs a replacement timing signal, the replacement timing signal is visually displayed. That is, the simple display section 5 functions as the display means of the present invention. Simple input key 6
Is a key switch, for example. The user can set an arbitrary value as the "print limit line number" to be stored in the print limit line number area 4b in the non-volatile memory 4, or the print line in the non-volatile memory 4 can be stored. The operation for clearing the "number of print lines" stored in the number counter 4a to 0 is performed. That is, the input simple key 6 functions as the setting means of the present invention.

In the printing apparatus 1a configured as described above, printing on the form is performed according to the control by the same procedure as the printing apparatus 1 of the above-described embodiment. However, in the printing apparatus 1a, when the output means 3b outputs the replacement timing signal, the simple display unit 5 displays the replacement timing signal to the user. Then, by displaying the replacement time signal on the simple display unit 5, the user recognizes that it is time to replace the ink ribbon. Therefore,
The main controller 10 connected to the printer 1a does not need to have a function of receiving the replacement timing signal from the output means 3b. Further, since the printing device 1a is provided with the input simple key 6, an arbitrary value corresponding to the ink ribbon used by the user is set as the "printing limit line number". Therefore, the main control device 10 connected to the printer 1a does not need to have a function of setting the "print limit line number" or a function of clearing the "print line number" to zero.

As described above, the printing apparatus 1a according to the present embodiment
Then, the simple display unit 5 displays the replacement time signal, and the "print limit line number" is set by the input simple key 6. Therefore, this printing apparatus 1
The main control device 10 connected to a has only to have a function for normal print control, and a general-purpose terminal device (personal computer, workstation, etc.) can be used. Further, in the printing apparatus 1a, the replacement time signal is visibly displayed on the simple display unit 5, so that the user can surely and quantitatively recognize the replacement time of the ink ribbon of the printer unit 2. Become. Further, in this printing apparatus 1a, the input simple key 6
Since the "print limit line number" is arbitrarily set, the user can set a value corresponding to the ink ribbon used in the printer unit 2 as the "print limit line number".

In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the detection means 3a and the non-volatile memory 4 correspond to the number of print lines printed by the printer unit 2 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is not limited.
For example, the detection unit 3a and the non-volatile memory 4 may correspond to the number of printed characters or the number of printed pages printed by the printer unit 2. Further, for example, the detection unit 3a and the non-volatile memory 4 may correspond to the length of the ink ribbon used when performing printing. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the dot impact type printing apparatus has been described, but if the impact type using the ink ribbon is used, for example, a daisy wheel type such as a typewriter It is applicable even to the printing device of. Further, for example, even a terminal device provided with a printer function can be applied as long as the printer function is of an impact type using an ink ribbon.

[0030]

As described above, in the printing apparatus of the present invention, the usage of the ink ribbon detected by the detection means,
By comparing the printing limit stored in the storage means with the output means, it is possible to quantitatively recognize whether or not the ink ribbon needs to be replaced. Therefore, in this printing device, it is possible to determine the time to replace the ink ribbon without depending on human senses, and there is no omission or blurring in the printing result, and the printing result can be read by the optical reading device. Even when reading, accurate reading becomes possible. Moreover, since the replacement time is quantitatively recognized without depending on human senses, the range of the variation does not increase.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an example of an embodiment of a printing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a nonvolatile memory in the printing apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of print control by a printer control unit of the printing apparatus in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of another embodiment of a printing apparatus according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 1a Printer 3a Detection means 3b Output means 4 Non-volatile memory (storage means) 5 Simple display (display means) 6 Simple input keys (setting means)

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── --- Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Toshihiro Yuda 1-7-12 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Shinsuke Ito 4-3 Tsunashima-east, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa No. 1 in Matsushita Communication Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Daisuke Kawate No. 4-3, Jonai, Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture Shinko Seisakusho Co., Ltd. Ohi office

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An impact-type printing apparatus that prints on a recording medium using an ink ribbon, a detection unit that detects the usage of the ink ribbon each time the recording medium is printed, and one ink ribbon. A storage unit that stores the printing limit degree in advance is compared with the printing limit degree stored in the storage unit and the usage degree detected by the detection unit, and when the usage degree exceeds the printing limit degree, A printing apparatus comprising: an output unit that outputs a replacement timing signal indicating a replacement timing of the ink ribbon. 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising display means for visually displaying a replacement timing signal output from the output means. 3. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a setting unit capable of arbitrarily setting a printing limit degree stored in the storage unit.