WO1998021040A1

WO1998021040A1 - Printer

Info

Publication number: WO1998021040A1
Application number: PCT/JP1997/003940
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kazuyasu Ono; Kanji Suzuki; Hideo Kanbe
Original assignee: Star Micronics Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 1996-11-08
Filing date: 1997-10-29
Publication date: 1998-05-22
Also published as: JPH10138584A

Abstract

A printer comprises a table (11) for supporting horizontally a slip (S) along a predetermined transfer route, a sheet-like vertical frame (13) having a slit (13a) for inserting and discharging the slip (S) from the side of the transfer route and extending upward above the table (11), a printing unit (20) fitted to the front side of the vertical frame (13) for printing the slip (S) on the table (11), a printing unit (30) disposed above the printing unit (20) on the vertical frame (13) for printing a continuous sheet (L2), and a roll holding member (53) disposed on the back of the vertical frame (13) for holding a roll (L1) of the continuous sheet (L2). This construction makes it easy to set and remove the continuous sheet and to reduce a floor space.

Description

Description Printer

【Technical field】

The present invention relates to a printer integrally provided with a printing mechanism for printing cut sheets and a printing mechanism for printing continuous paper.

[Background Art]

Conventionally, cut sheets such as order slips and receipt slips are also referred to as slip paper.When printing on such paper, slip printers that feed paper manually from the front or side of the printing unit and execute printing are known. (For example, Japanese Utility Model No. 62-15048, Japanese Utility Model No. 2-8781).

In some retail stores and restaurants, items such as the product list, product unit price, and the number of units sold are stored in advance in a computer, and when liquidation is performed, slips are printed on slip paper using a slip printer installed in an accounting counter. The printing method is adopted. Slip paper has the advantage that copies of the required number of sheets, such as those for shops, salesclerks, and customers, can be printed simultaneously with the same contents. Similarly, when paying with a credit card, it is often necessary to make multiple copies.

In addition, there are some customers who want to issue a receipt (receipt) separately from such a copy, so it is necessary to install a printer for issuing receipts separately from Slits Ablinta.

However, when two printers of the same type are arranged side by side, the accounting counter becomes narrower. As a countermeasure, a combination printer that integrates both functions is being developed.

FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B are schematic configuration diagrams showing examples of a conventional combination printer. First, in Fig. 1 OA, a vertical frame 2 stands on a horizontal frame 1, and a slit 2a is formed in the vertical frame 2 so that the cut sheet S can be transported in the horizontal direction. Cut sheet S can be inserted or ejected from the side of the transfer path One end of the slit 2a is open as possible. Therefore, the vertical frame 2 has a U-shaped cantilever structure.

At the front side of the vertical frame 2 (left side of OA in Fig. 1), a print unit 3 for printing cut sheets S is attached. The print unit 3 reciprocates in the width direction of cut sheets S and is It is equipped with an impact type printing head 3a for performing multi-printing. On the other hand, on the rear side of the vertical frame 2 (to the right of OA in Fig. 1), a printing unit 4 that prints continuous paper L2 is installed, and the printing unit 4 generates linear heat in the width direction of the continuous paper L2. A thermal head 4 a having an element is provided, and a receipt issuing port is provided on the upper surface of the printing unit 4. Further, on the right side of the printing unit 4, a roll paper L1 for supplying the continuous paper L2 is held. The cover 5 is openable and closable for maintenance and replacement of the roll paper L1.A platen roller 6 is pivotally supported inside the cover 5, and the cover 5 is closed to the thermal head 4a with the cover closed. A structure that presses the continuous paper L1 with a so-called clam shell structure.

FIG. 10B shows an example in which a printing unit 4 having a thermal head 4 a is mounted on another vertical frame 7, which is also cantilevered to secure a transfer path for the cut sheet S. Structure is adopted.

However, in the conventional configuration, when viewed from the front, since the printing unit 3, the printing unit 4, and the roll paper L1 are arranged in this order, the floor area increases. Further, when the printing unit 4 and the roll paper L1 approach each other, it becomes difficult to set the continuous paper L2. Therefore, it is necessary to secure a certain interval between them, and the overall length of the apparatus is inevitably increased.

Also, since the print head 4a and the platen roller 6 of the print unit 4 have a clamshell structure in which the print head 4a and the platen roller 6 are separated from each other, the paper setting operation is relatively easy, but it is difficult to maintain the relative positions of the two with high precision. It is difficult, and the pressure balance of the continuous paper L2 collapses, increasing the probability of meandering and jamming (paper jam).

In addition, since the receipt issuing port of the printing unit 4 is located at a position relatively far from the front of the apparatus (left side in the figure), a burden is imposed on the force operation using the tear bar.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a printer that can easily set and take out continuous paper and has a small floor area.

The present invention provides a table for horizontally supporting a cut sheet along a predetermined transfer path, a first print unit arranged above the table and for printing the cut sheet on the table,

A second printing unit, located above the first printing unit, for printing continuous paper;

And a roll paper holding section for holding the roll paper on which the continuous paper is wound.

According to the present invention, by adopting a so-called two-story structure in which a second printing unit for printing continuous paper is arranged on a first printing unit for printing cut sheets, a so-called two-story structure is adopted. Floor area can be significantly reduced. In addition, by arranging the second printing unit above the two-story structure, the discharge opening of the second printing unit is located near the front of the apparatus and at a high position, thereby facilitating the operation of taking out the receipt.

The present invention also provides a table for horizontally supporting a cut sheet along a predetermined transfer path,

A frame member having a shape capable of inserting or discharging cut sheets from the side of the transfer path, and extending above the table height;

A first printing unit attached to the frame member so as to be above the table and for printing cut sheets on the table;

A second printing unit attached to the frame member so as to be above the first printing unit and for printing continuous paper;

A printer disposed above the table so as to be aligned with the first printing unit along the transport path, and comprising a roll paper holding unit for holding roll paper wound with the continuous paper. I will provide a.

According to the present invention, by adopting a so-called two-story structure in which a second printing unit for printing continuous paper is arranged on a first printing unit for printing cut-sheet paper, a so-called two-story structure is adopted. Floor area can be significantly reduced. Also, the frame member to which the first print unit and the second print unit are attached has a shape that allows insertion or ejection of cut sheets from the side of the transfer path, so that cut sheets can be easily handled. For example, the setting operation of slip paper and the removal operation after printing are simplified.

Furthermore, by arranging the roll paper so as to line up with the first print unit along the transport path, and by arranging the second print unit above the two-story structure, the distance between the second print unit and the roll paper is increased. The paper ejection opening of the second print unit is located near the front of the machine and at a high position, making it easy to take out receipts. Becomes easier.

Further, in the present invention, it is preferable that the first printing unit has an impact type print head.

According to the present invention, the first printing unit for printing cut sheets is printed by the impact method so that high-quality copied print can be easily performed even if cut sheets are composed of a plurality of sheets such as copy paper. I can do it.

Further, in the present invention, it is preferable that the second print unit integrally includes a print head of a thermal recording system and a platen roller.

According to the present invention, the second printing unit that prints continuous paper can print at a higher density than the impact method by printing using the thermal recording method, and is suitable for applications such as issuing a receipt. In addition, by providing the print head and platen roller integrally in the same unit, it is easy to achieve high precision in the relative position and press balance of both, and to reliably prevent paper conveyance failure and print density fluctuation. it can.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a printer according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a printer according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a printer according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a printer according to the present invention.

5A and 5B are configuration diagrams showing the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5A is a side view, and FIG. 5B is a front view. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view showing the internal structure of the printer.

7A and 7B are configuration diagrams showing a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7A is a side view, and FIG. 7B is a front view.

8A and 8B are configuration diagrams showing a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8A is a side view, and FIG. 8B is a front view.

9A and 9B are configuration diagrams showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 9A is a side view and FIG. 9B is a front view.

FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of a conventional combination printer. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

1 to 4 are perspective views showing the printer according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the printer with the cover closed as viewed from the front left, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the printer with the cover opened as viewed from the front left. FIG. 3 is a perspective view from the right rear when the cover is closed, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view from the right rear when the cover is opened.

In FIG. 1, the printer has a lower housing 10 and an upper housing 50, and a cover 51 that is pivotally supported on the rear end side is attached to the upper housing 50. On the upper surface of the cover 51, there is formed a paper discharging roller 52 for discharging the printed continuous paper L2, and the cut sheet S is a slit-shaped opening W or a front surface provided on the side of the apparatus. After being inserted from the side and set on the table 11 having a horizontal surface, printing is performed while transporting in the A direction, and after printing is completed, the sheet is taken out from the opening W or the front side. At the right rear corner of the printer, a display panel 60 for displaying data specified by an external host device is installed facing backward. The display panel 60 is used for customer confirmation when, for example, the printer is installed in the accounting office.

As shown in FIG. 2, a printing unit 20 having an impact-type printing head is provided above the table 11, and a ribbon cassette 21 is detachably mounted. Above the printing unit 20, there is provided a thermal recording type printing unit 30, on which a force for cutting the continuous paper L 2 printed by the printing unit 30 is provided. It is attached. When the cover 51 is opened, a large space is secured, where the continuous paper L 2 is supplied to the printing unit 30. The roll paper L1 is detachably loaded.

5A and 5B are configuration diagrams showing the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5A is a side view, and FIG. 5B is a front view. A plate-shaped vertical frame 13 stands upright on the horizontal frame 12, and a slit 13 a is formed in the vertical frame 13 so that the cut sheet S can be transported in the horizontal direction. One end of the slit 13a is opened so that the cut sheet S can be inserted or ejected from the side of the transfer path on 11. Therefore, the vertical frame 13 has a U-shaped cantilever structure. The upper end of the vertical frame 13 has a horizontal portion bent 90 degrees forward, and the printing unit 30 is mounted on the horizontal portion. To reinforce the vertical frame 13, the side plate frame 14 is fixed in a direction perpendicular to the vertical frame 13 and the horizontal frame 12.

A printing unit 20 for printing a cut sheet S is attached to the front side of the vertical frame 13. The printing unit 20 reciprocates in the width direction of the cut sheet S to perform serial printing. Equipped with print head 2 2.

Above the printing unit 20, a printing unit 30 integrally provided with a printing head 32 of a thermal recording type and a platen roller 33 is provided.

On the rear side of the vertical frame 13, a roll paper L 1 that supplies the continuous paper L 2 is held, and since the height of the printing unit 30 and the roll paper L 1 are different, a long interval between them can be secured. . As a result, it is possible to install the roll paper L1 close to the vertical frame 13 so that the insertion of the continuous paper L2 and the replacement of the roll paper L1 can be easily performed in a compact device.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view showing the internal structure. A table 11 supporting cut sheets S is set horizontally. A transmissive photosensor PS that detects the presence and edge of the cut sheet S and rollers 26 and 27 for transporting the cut sheet S in the front-rear direction A platen 25 facing the print head 22 is provided. The rollers 26 and 27 are driven by a motor 28 via a transmission mechanism (not shown). The print head 22 is guided so as to be able to reciprocate in the width direction of the cut sheet S (perpendicular to the paper surface). The printing unit 20, which is held by the motor 23 and is driven by a motor 24 via a transmission mechanism (not shown), is mounted on the front side of the vertical frame 13. It is.

The print unit 30 for the sensation recording is mounted on the vertical frame 13 so as to be above the print unit 20, and the print head 3 2 composed of a line type thermal head inside and the platen roller 3 3 is provided. Above the printing unit 30, a cutting unit 31 for cutting the continuous paper L2 discharged from the printing unit 3 ° is attached so as to be angularly displaceable, and a cutter blade 31a is provided inside. The cutter unit 31 automatically cuts off when the printing unit 30 finishes printing on the continuous paper L2, so that a tear bar or the like can be omitted.

The cover 51 is rotatably supported by an angular displacement. The roll paper L1 is held by a roll paper holding member 53 formed integrally with the cover 51, and is removably loaded so as to be coaxial with the rotation axis of the cover 51. The continuous paper L 2 supplied from the roll paper L 1 is discharged from the paper discharge roller 52 formed on the upper surface of the cover 51 via the print unit 30 and the force unit 31.

By arranging the printing unit 30 for printing the continuous paper L2 on the printing unit 30 for printing the cut sheet S in this way, the floor area of the apparatus can be significantly reduced. By arranging the roll paper L1 on the back side of 3 and arranging the printing unit 30 on the upper side of the two-story structure, the distance between the printing unit 30 and the roll paper L1 can be secured longer, and the roll paper can be ejected. The loading operation and the loading operation of the continuous paper are facilitated, and the discharge operation 52 of the continuous paper L1 is located near the front of the apparatus and at a high position.

7A and 7B are configuration diagrams showing a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7A is a side view, and FIG. 7B is a front view. The overall configuration is similar to that of FIGS. 5A and 5B, except that the upper end of the vertical frame 13 extends vertically upward.

At the front of the vertical frame 13, a print unit 20 for printing cut sheets S on the table 11 is attached, and above the print unit 20, a continuous paper L2 is printed. Unit 30 is attached.

On the rear side of the vertical frame 13, a roll paper L 1 that supplies continuous paper L 2 is held. In addition, since the printing unit 30 and the roll paper L1 have different heights, a long interval between them can be ensured. As a result, it is possible to install the roll paper L 1 close to the vertical frame 13, so that the insertion of the continuous paper L 2 and the exchange of the portal paper L 1 can be easily performed in a compact device.

8A and 8B are configuration diagrams showing a third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8A is a side view, and FIG. 8B is a front view. This configuration is different from those of FIGS. 5A and 5B or FIGS. 7A and 7B in that the vertical frame 13 is configured as a lateral frame.

The vertical frame 13 is erected on the side of the transport path of the cut sheet S, has a horizontal portion at the upper end that crosses over the table 11, and has an inverted L-shaped cantilever structure as a whole. . With such a structure, insertion or ejection of the cut sheet S from the side of the transfer path is facilitated, and the slit 13a shown in FIG. 7 is omitted.

On the left side of the vertical frame 13 is attached a printing unit 20 for printing cut sheets S on the table 11 and a continuous paper L 2 on the horizontal part above the printing unit 20. A printing unit 30 for printing is attached.

At the rear side of the printing unit 20, a roll paper L1 for supplying the continuous paper L2 is held, and since the height of the printing unit 30 and the roll paper L1 are different, a long interval between them can be secured. . As a result, it is possible to install the roll paper L1 close to the printing unit 20, and it is possible to easily insert the continuous paper L2 and exchange the roll paper L1 with a compact device.

9A and 9B are configuration diagrams showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9A is a side view, and FIG. 9B is a front view. This overall configuration is similar to that of FIGS. 8A and 8B, except that the upper end of the vertical frame 13 extends vertically upward.

The vertical frame 13 is provided on the side of the transport path of the cut sheet S, and has a cantilever structure that supports the printing unit 230 from one side. With such a structure, insertion or ejection of the cut sheet S from the side of the transfer path is facilitated, and the slit 13a shown in FIG. 7 is omitted. On the left side of the vertical frame 13 is attached a printing unit 20 for printing cut sheets S on the table 11 and a printing unit for printing continuous paper L 2 above the printing unit 20. Unit 30 is attached.

【The invention's effect】

As described in detail above, according to the present invention, the floor area of the apparatus can be reduced by employing a two-story structure in which the second printing unit is arranged above the first printing unit, and furthermore, the roll paper or the like can be used. Handling of continuous paper is easy, and a compact and simple printer can be realized.

In addition, since the first printing unit for printing cut sheets is printed by the impact method, high-quality copy printing can be easily performed even if cut sheets are composed of a plurality of sheets such as copy paper.

In addition, the second printing unit that prints on continuous paper prints with a thermal recording method, thereby enabling high-density and clear printing. Further, by integrally providing the print head and the platen roller, it is possible to reliably prevent paper conveyance failure and print density fluctuation.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1.A table for supporting cut sheets horizontally along a predetermined transfer path, a first print unit arranged above the table and for printing cut sheets on the table,

A roll paper holding unit for holding the roll paper on which the continuous paper is wound.

2. A table for supporting cut sheets horizontally along a predetermined transfer path, and a shape that allows insertion or discharge of cut sheets from the side of the transfer path, and extends above the table height A frame member to be

A printer disposed above the table so as to be aligned with the first printing unit along the transport path, and comprising a roll paper holding unit for holding roll paper wound with the continuous paper. .

3. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the first printing unit has an impact printing head.

4, the second print unit, thermal recording method of the print head and printer _t of the platen roller integrally claim 1, wherein, characterized in that it comprises or paragraph 2 wherein the