JPS5826525B2 - Digital electronic scale with label printer - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a digital electronic scale with a label printer that has the function of measuring the weight of an object to be weighed and printing the weight etc. on a label. This invention relates to an improvement of a label printer mechanism in a digital electronic scale.

BACKGROUND ART Recently, due to the remarkable development of distribution systems, department stores, supermarkets, etc. often handle large quantities of a wide variety of products.

In addition, some of the above products, such as food products, are sold after their weight is measured and the price calculated. It is stored in the pack body, and a label on which the unit price, weight, price, product name, etc. are printed is affixed to the pack body.

For this reason, it is necessary to print such labels in large quantities, and recently, in order to meet this demand, label printers that are used in conjunction with electronic scales have been developed and put into practical use.

The above-mentioned electronic scale converts the amount of mechanical displacement corresponding to the weight of the object (product) to be weighed into a predetermined number of pulse signals using an A-D converter, and counts these converted pulse signals using a counter. The weight is calculated and displayed digitally.

In addition, with this electronic scale, when the unit price of a product is set on the scale by operating a unit price setting key, etc., and the product is placed on the weighing pan, the weight is measured and the price is calculated by adding up this weight and the set unit price. Some are automatically calculated and displayed.

In addition, the label printer used in conjunction with the electronic scale has roll paper for labels,
Equipped with a printing device, etc.

Therefore, as mentioned above, when the unit price is set on the electronic scale and the product is weighed to calculate the weight and price, the printing device inside the label printer prints the weight, price, and even the product name on the roll paper for the label. printed on top.

After the printed label is transferred to a predetermined position, it is attached to the weighed object.

The digital electronic scale with a label printer has been briefly described above, but in the past, this label printer used labels on which, for example, the name of a supermarket and its branch name were printed in advance.

Furthermore, the unit price, weight, price, processing date, product name, etc. are printed on this label, but as mentioned above, the unit price, weight, price, etc. are based on the unit price entered using the numeric keypad and the weight measured using the electronic scale. The unit price, weight, and price are digitally displayed, and at the same time, the appropriate printing hammer is selected and printed.

On the other hand, for the product name, create a rubber stamp for each product in advance.
This rubber stamp was selected depending on the product and was attached to the printing mechanism each time to print.

As mentioned above, conventional label printers require rubber stamps for each product, and it takes time and effort to replace the rubber stamps for each product.Furthermore, this conventional printing mechanism uses mechanical means such as printing hammers and rubber stamps. There were problems that needed to be resolved, such as it taking an hour or causing noise.

Furthermore, the rubber stamp had poor durability, making it impossible to use it for a long period of time.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a label printer that makes it possible to use blank labels and has a high recording speed without noise by enabling electrical recording. The present invention provides a digital electronic scale with a label printer.

That is, the present invention uses photosensitive paper such as diazo photosensitive paper, silver halide photopaper, dry silver paper, thermal paper, electrolytic recording paper, discharge breakdown recording paper, etc. as label paper, and the unit price, weight, price, etc.
After converting the product name, store name, etc. into an electrical signal, this electrical signal is converted into heat, light, current, voltage, etc. depending on the material of the label paper, and is then recorded.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to side views for the case where thermal paper is used.

1 and 2, reference numeral 1 in the figures is a digital electronic scale with a label printer of the present invention, which is composed of a label printer 2 and an electronic scale body 3 installed at the front lower part of the printer 2. These are electrically connected, and the weighing pan 4 of the electronic scale body 3 is disposed at the lower front side of the printer frame 5.

A label take-out lower is opened in the center of the front surface 6 of the printer frame 5, and an operation display section 8 is formed on the upper inclined surface of the front surface 6Q. 10, a weight display section 11, a price display section 12, a label number counter 13, a processing date setting dial 14, a processing date display section 15, a base film insertion slot 16, a base film ejection button 17, etc. are provided. There is.

Inside the printer frame 5, there are a roll paper, a guide roller for the roll paper, a recording mechanism, a paper feed motor mechanism, a roller for winding the roll paper, a signal control mechanism for the recording mechanism, a base film, and the base film. It has a built-in pattern detection mechanism.

The roll paper 18 is supported by a shaft 19 fixed to the printer frame 5.

This roll paper 18 has a label 21 cut to a predetermined length on the top surface of a waste paper 20 made of a long and narrow strip of release paper.
are removably attached one after another at regular intervals.

Further, the roll paper 18 is sequentially guided to the recording mechanism section 25 via guide rollers 22, 23, 24, and furthermore, the label 21 is peeled off from the waste paper 20 at the guide plate 26 and sent out to the label outlet. After this, the waste paper 20 is pulled downward from the guide plate 26, and the paper feed motor mechanism 2 is used to sequentially feed the roll paper 18.
7, the waste paper is wound up on a paper winding roller 28.

29 is a base film pattern detection mechanism, and 30 is a signal control mechanism for the recording mechanism 25.

The recording mechanism 25, paper feeding motor mechanism 27, base film pattern detection mechanism 29 and signal control mechanism 30 will be described in detail below.

First, the base film pattern detection mechanism 29 detects a first film with a store name printed thereon inserted through the base film insertion slot 16.
An installation box 293 that stores a base film 291 and a second base film 292 on which a product name is printed, and a light source 2
94 and a photoelectric converter 295.

Fixed information and semi-fixed information as shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b are printed on the first and second base films 291 and 292.

Note that at least the second base film 292 must be a transparent film.

Further, in FIG. 2, the light from the light source is reflected by the base film, and this reflected light is received by the photoelectric converter 295, but the light source may be installed on the back side of the base film and the transmitted light may be received.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, after the first and second base films 291 and 292 are stored in the cartridge 269, the cartridge may be inserted through the base film insertion opening 16 and installed in the installation box 293.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG.
If the shape and size of the base film 2 does not cover the printed portion of the first base film 291, it is possible to eliminate optical loss of the optical information of the first base film due to the second base film.

The light from the light source 294 is irradiated onto the first and second base films installed overlapping each other, and the reflected light is sent to the photoelectric converter 29.
5 receives the light and converts it into an electrical signal.

As the photoelectric converter 295, it is possible to use either a device that photoelectrically converts two-dimensional information, such as an image pickup tube, or a device that photoelectrically converts point information, such as a phototransistor. It is necessary to photoelectrically convert the two-dimensional information on the base film by scanning the base film along the surface of the base film or by moving the base film relative to the phototransistor.

The electrical signal from the photoelectric converter 295 is input to the signal control mechanism 30 as a base film pattern signal and is stored in the storage section.

Next, the signal control mechanism 30 will be explained using FIG. 5.

Note that the signal control mechanism 30 includes a storage section, a control section, and a calculation section.

The weight signal from the electronic scale 3 is input to the register of the calculation section of the signal control mechanism 30.

Further, the unit price is input into the storage section of the signal control mechanism 30 by operating the ten key 9 for setting the unit price on the operation display section 8 formed on the upper inclined surface of the front surface 6 of the printer frame 5.

The unit price input to this register continues to be stored in the storage unit until the item changes, and each time a weight signal is input from the electronic scale 3, it is read out from the storage unit and input to the register of the calculation unit.

The calculation section of the signal control mechanism 30 receives the input weight signal and unit price signal, calculates the price, and stores this in the register of the calculation section for price.

The unit price, weight, and
The prices are displayed on each display section 10 of the operation display section 8. lL12
It is sent to the recording mechanism 25 at the same time as it is displayed on the screen.

On the other hand, the base film pattern detection signal stored in the storage section of the signal control mechanism 30 is also read out and sent to the recording mechanism 25.
sent to.

In the recording mechanism 25, for example, five heat-sensitive elements per space are arranged in a matrix, and the positive and negative electrodes of the matrix are connected by a common electrode in each row and each column, respectively.

Note that the size of this matrix plate is approximately equal to the size of the label.

The unit price, weight, and price signals from the signal control mechanism 30 and the base film pattern signal are applied as electric signals to each terminal of the heat-sensitive elements of the recording mechanism 25, and each heat-sensitive element is selectively heated in accordance with the signals. , the recording is completed by crimping a label made of thermal paper.

In FIG. 2, 251 is a signal control section, 252 is a matrix plate for heat-sensitive elements, and 253 is a pressure bonding plate.

The signal control unit 251 compiles a recording signal for the label from the unit price, weight, and price signals from the signal control mechanism 30 and the base film pattern signal.

That is, a recording signal for completing the recording of one label is created by incorporating the unit price, weight, and price during a certain main scanning period of the base film pattern signal.

For example, if we take Figure 3 as an example, the product name, tuna, store name, etc.
The unit price, weight, and price signals may be incorporated so that the unit price, weight, and price are written in a certain main scanning period following the net quantity (1) and price (yen) signals per 100 units (yen).

Note that the recording signals on this label are organized by the signal control mechanism 3.
It may be performed within the control unit of 0.

Next, the paper feed motor mechanism 27 will be explained.

A roller 272 that decelerates the rotation of the motor 271 and rotates at the feed speed of the roll paper; a combing paper winding roller 28;
and are interlocked by a belt 273.

A pressing roller 214 presses the waste paper 20 against a rotary roller 272 and sends it to the waste paper winding roller 28 .

31 is a guide roller made of waste paper. The configuration of the digital electronic scale with a label printer of the present invention has been described above, and the operation of this electronic scale will be described below.

First, the roll paper 18 fitted into the shaft 19 is passed between the matrix plate 252 and the pressure bonding plate 253 of the heat-sensitive element of the recording mechanism 25 via the guide rollers 22, 23, 24.
Furthermore, the roll paper 18 is mounted by passing it between the roller 272 of the paper feeding motor mechanism 21 and the pressure roller 274 via the guide plate 26, and wrapping the tip of the paper around the waste paper winding roller 28 via the guide roller 31. Complete.

Note that the roll paper is stopped until the recording of one label is completed, and then fed intermittently so as to advance by one label after the recording is completed.

Therefore, the roller 272 of the paper feed motor mechanism 27 feeds one label when it is detected that the object to be weighed is placed on the weighing pan of the electronic scale and when it is detected that label recording is completed. It rotates intermittently at a constant speed.

Further, the pressure bonding plate 253 of the recording mechanism 25 also holds the label between the matrix plate 252 and the pressure bonding plate 253 during the time period from when one label enters between the matrix plate 252 and the pressure bonding plate 253 until the recording is completed.
52, and when recording is completed, the pressure is loosened to allow the next label to enter.

The above is the relationship between roll paper loading and feeding time.

For recording on the label, for example, set a recording key,
Recording may be started by operating this recording key, and when it is detected that this recording is completed, one label may be sent.

Next, from the base film insertion slot 16 of the operation display section 8 formed on the upper inclined surface of the front surface 6 of the printer frame 5, the first base film 291 on which the store name etc. are printed and the product name etc. of the object to be weighed are printed. The second base film 292 is inserted simultaneously or separately.

When the first and second base films are stored in the installation box 293, the light source 294 is turned on, and the photoelectric converter 295 is operated to convert the base film pattern into an electrical signal, and the signal control mechanism 1 stores the memory. Remember it.

When the detection of the base film pattern is completed, turn off the light source. As shown in FIG. Print out this line 291'
You may use the detection signal from as a horizontal synchronization signal.

The base film pattern signal stored in the storage section is read out and sent to the recording mechanism 25 every time an object to be weighed is placed on the electronic scale 3.

Next, when the unit price is set by operating the unit price setting numeric keypad 9 of the operation display section 8, the unit price is digitally displayed on the unit price display section 10 and simultaneously input and stored in the register of the storage section of the signal control mechanism 30. Ru.

Next, when the object to be weighed is placed on the weighing pan 3 of the electronic scale 3, its weight is digitally displayed on the weight display section 11 and simultaneously input into the register of the calculation section of the signal control mechanism 30.

Furthermore, when this weight is input to the register of the calculation section, the unit price stored in the register of the storage section is read out and input to the register of the calculation section.

The calculation section of the signal control mechanism 30 integrates the input unit price signal and weight signal to calculate the price, and the calculated price is displayed on the price display section 12 and simultaneously stored in the register.

The signals of the unit price, weight, and price stored in each register and the base film pattern stored in the storage section are sent to the recording mechanism 25 to operate the matrix plate 252 of the heat-sensitive element.

Note that when the entrance of the label onto the matrix plate 252 is detected, the pressure bonding plate 253 operates as described above, and the label is pressure bonded to the matrix plate 252.

When the unit price, weight, price, and base film pattern signals are sent to the recording mechanism 25, the matrix board 252
The thermal elements at predetermined positions operate to generate heat and form an image on the label made of thermal paper.

Note that during image formation, as mentioned above, the line 29 printed on either the left or right side of one of the two base films.
The electrode terminals in the column direction of the matrix plate 252 may be sequentially switched using a horizontal synchronizing signal as a horizontal synchronizing signal using the detection signal from 1'.

Furthermore, the number of main scanning lines of the photoelectric converter 295 of the base film pattern detection mechanism 29 is equal to the number of electrode terminals in the column direction of the matrix plate 252 of the recording mechanism 25, or the number of electrode terminals in the column direction of the matrix plate 252 is slightly increased. By doing so, it is possible to save the effort of signal conversion for applying the signal detected by the pattern detection mechanism 29 to the matrix plate of the recording mechanism 25.

Therefore, the main scanning time of the photoelectric converter 295 is divided equally by the number of heat-sensitive elements arranged in the row direction of the matrix board, and the detected signal is read out from the photoelectric converter using a clock pulse, and this signal is sent to the electrode terminals in the row direction of the matrix board. It is sufficient to apply them sequentially.

When the image formation on the label is completed, the end detection signal loosens the pressure on the pressure bonding plate 253, and at the same time the roller 272 rotates by one label, and the next label is placed on the matrix plate 25.
It comes in on top of 2.

With this approach, the same operation as described above is repeated.

The label on which image formation has been completed is peeled off from the release paper by the guide plate 26 and taken out from the label take-out lower.

Note that the unit price signal and base film pattern signal stored in the storage section of the signal control mechanism 30 are the operation display section 80.
When the base film ejection button 17 is operated, it is erased from the storage section.

Furthermore, the unit price, weight, and price signals stored in the register of the arithmetic unit of the signal control mechanism 30 are small until recording on the label is completed (both are stored in the register, and at what point after recording is completed) You can also delete it.

Above, this embodiment has been described in detail with respect to the case where a matrix plate in which heat-sensitive elements are arranged in a matrix is used as the recording mechanism 25.
You can also record using a file.

The case where recording is performed in one row will be described below.

In this case, the roll paper is continuously fed at a constant speed while recording of one label is completed.

Therefore, the roller 2 of the paper feed mechanism 27 during the label recording period
The rotation speed of 72 is controlled so that it advances by one line interval in the recording time of one line of the label.

Other mechanisms are the same as in the previous embodiment.

Although the recording means of the present invention has been described above using an example of thermal recording, the present invention is not limited to thermal recording. For example, recording on photosensitive paper using a 4.5-inch small cathode ray tube, signal storage/display tube, etc. is also possible. It is also possible to record on discharge-destroyable paper using a discharge recording needle.

Furthermore, regarding the present invention, the matrix plate of the recording mechanism 25 is
We have shown an example of recording one label at a time, but for example, using two matrix plates or cathode ray tubes arranged in series, first record the base film pattern with one, and then Even if the unit price, weight, and price are recorded on a matrix board or a cathode ray tube, it is not possible.

Furthermore, it is also possible to record in multiple colors by using color recording paper as the label paper.

In summary, the present invention measures the weight of the object to be weighed using an electronic scale, calculates the price from this weight signal and the unit price of the object to be weighed entered by operating the numeric keypad, and applies the unit price, weight, and price to the object to be weighed. In a digital electronic scale with a label printer equipped with a function to record on labels for pasting, a first base film with a store name printed on it and a second base film with a product name etc. printed on it are superimposed, and this a base film pattern detection mechanism that converts the patterns of the two base films into electrical signals; and a recording mechanism that records the base film pattern signal and the unit price, weight, and price signals on a label made of blank recording paper. By using the present invention, it is possible to use a blank label paper instead of the conventional label paper with the name of a store such as a supermarket printed on it.
If you prepare a sheet of base film, there is no need to print the store name, etc. on label paper.

In addition, in the past, a rubber stamp was prepared for each product and the rubber stamp was changed each time the product to be weighed changed, but in the present invention, a base film with the product name printed on it is prepared for each product and the rubber stamp is changed each time the product to be weighed changes. The base film is replaced every time the product changes, but the replacement work is much easier than before, and while conventional rubber stamps had the disadvantage of wearing out after long-term use, the present invention 1 piece of base film per product
If prepared, it can be used almost permanently, and at the same time, in the case of new products, the base film can be created by hand and used.

Furthermore, since the present invention converts the recording signal into an electric signal and operates the recording means electrically, there is no noise and vibration (and the recording speed is faster), compared to conventional printing hammers. can.

In addition, in the present invention, the unit price can be entered using the numeric keypad.
As explained above, for example, a 4-digit BCD code is printed on the second or third base film, the necessary parts of the BCD code are filled in according to the unit price of the object to be weighed, and this BCD code is printed on a photoelectric It is also possible to detect it with the converter 295 and convert it into a unit price signal with the signal control mechanism 30.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

1 and 2 are external perspective views and internal configuration diagrams of a digital electronic scale with a label printer according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is an example of printing of the first and second base films used in the present invention, and FIG. The figure shows an example of the structure of the base film, and FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the signal control mechanism of the digital electronic scale with label printer of the present invention. 3...Electronic scale body, 7...Label ejection port, 9...Numeric keypad, 16...Base film insertion slot, 17... Base film ejection button, 18... Roll paper, 20
-...Cast paper, 25...Recording mechanism, 25
2... Matrix plate of heat sensitive element, 253...
...Crimp plate, 26...Guide plate, 27...
... Paper feeding mechanism, 28 ... Paper scrap winding roller 29 ... Base film pattern detection mechanism, 291 ... First base film, 29
2...Second base film, 295...
...Photoelectric converter, 30...Signal control mechanism.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A signal control mechanism comprising: an electronic scale for detecting the weight of an object to be weighed; In a digital electronic scale with a label printer equipped with a recording mechanism for recording the above unit price, weight, and price on a label to be attached to the object to be weighed, the above-mentioned label can be thermal recording paper, photosensitive recording paper, electrolytic recording paper, or discharge paper. A base film is prepared in which store names, product names, etc. are recorded in advance using blank recording paper such as destructive recording paper, and the optical pattern of this base film is converted into an electrical signal and input to the signal control mechanism. The base film pattern and the unit price are detected by the film pattern detection mechanism and the signal control mechanism.
A digital electronic scale with a label printer, which is equipped with a recording mechanism that records weight and price on the blank label using a thermal recording method or the like. 2 As base films, a first base film on which fixed information such as a store name is recorded and a second base film on which semi-fixed information such as a product name is recorded are used, and the first and second base films are superimposed. 2. A digital electronic scale with a label printer according to claim 1, wherein the base film pattern is formed using a label printer.