WO2022137352A1 - Printer and method for manufacturing printer - Google Patents

Printer and method for manufacturing printer Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022137352A1
WO2022137352A1 PCT/JP2020/047984 JP2020047984W WO2022137352A1 WO 2022137352 A1 WO2022137352 A1 WO 2022137352A1 JP 2020047984 W JP2020047984 W JP 2020047984W WO 2022137352 A1 WO2022137352 A1 WO 2022137352A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
printer
paper
positions
control unit
roller
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2020/047984
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
光宏 今村
Original Assignee
三菱電機株式会社
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by 三菱電機株式会社 filed Critical 三菱電機株式会社
Priority to PCT/JP2020/047984 priority Critical patent/WO2022137352A1/en
Publication of WO2022137352A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022137352A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J11/00—Devices or arrangements  of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
    • B41J11/02—Platens
    • B41J11/14—Platen-shift mechanisms; Driving gear therefor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/315—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of heat to a heat sensitive printing or impression-transfer material
    • B41J2/32—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of heat to a heat sensitive printing or impression-transfer material using thermal heads
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/315—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of heat to a heat sensitive printing or impression-transfer material
    • B41J2/32—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of heat to a heat sensitive printing or impression-transfer material using thermal heads
    • B41J2/325—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of heat to a heat sensitive printing or impression-transfer material using thermal heads by selective transfer of ink from ink carrier, e.g. from ink ribbon or sheet
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J25/00—Actions or mechanisms not otherwise provided for
    • B41J25/304—Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J29/00—Details of, or accessories for, typewriters or selective printing mechanisms not otherwise provided for
    • B41J29/38—Drives, motors, controls or automatic cut-off devices for the entire printing mechanism
    • B41J29/393—Devices for controlling or analysing the entire machine ; Controlling or analysing mechanical parameters involving printing of test patterns

Definitions

  • This disclosure relates to printers and printer manufacturing methods.
  • a printer that can notify maintenance information at an appropriate timing and suppress maintenance costs and a printer that can notify maintenance information at an appropriate timing and suppress maintenance costs. It provides a method of manufacturing a printer that can be used.
  • the printer of the present disclosure is a printer that prints on paper, and includes a movable part provided in the printing mechanism of the printer, a drive part that drives the movable part, a position sensor that detects the position of the movable part, a control unit, and the like.
  • the control unit measures the time required to move the moving parts between positions by the position sensor, and the control unit measures the moving parts and / or the moving parts based on the measurement result of the time required to move between the positions.
  • a printer that determines whether to notify maintenance information.
  • the printer manufacturing method of the present disclosure is the printer manufacturing method described in the present disclosure, and a test for verifying the time required for moving between positions of moving parts is performed, and a threshold value is set to the moving between positions obtained in the test.
  • a printer manufacturing method that is determined based on the time required.
  • the control unit determines whether to notify maintenance information regarding moving parts, driving parts, or both based on the measurement result of the time required for movement between positions. As a result, a printer that can notify maintenance information at an appropriate timing and suppress maintenance costs is provided.
  • the printer manufacturing method of the present disclosure is the printer manufacturing method described in the present disclosure, in which a test for verifying the time required for moving between positions of moving parts is performed, and a threshold value is set to the moving between positions obtained in the test. Determined based on the time required. This provides a method for manufacturing a printer that can notify maintenance information at an appropriate timing and suppress maintenance costs.
  • FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of a printing mechanism of the printer 100 of the present embodiment.
  • the printer 100 is a thermal transfer type printer that prints by thermally transferring the ink dye applied to the ink ribbon 3 to the paper 1.
  • the printing mechanism of the printer 100 includes a transport unit 12, a paper feed unit 8, a paper sensor 20, a thermal head 13, a thermal head crimping unit 14, a platen roller 15, a cutter 19, and a paper ejection unit 16. It includes a supply-side ink bobbin 4, a supply-side ink bobbin drive unit 6, a take-up side ink bobbin 5, a take-up side ink bobbin drive unit 7, and an ink sensor 21.
  • the transport unit 12 pulls out the paper 1 from the roll paper 2 in which the paper 1 is wound in a roll shape and transports the paper 1.
  • the transport unit 12 includes a grip roller 9, a pinch roller 10, a transport drive unit 11, and a pinch roller crimping unit 23.
  • the transport drive unit 11 is provided with, for example, a stepping motor, and the grip roller 9 is rotationally driven by the stepping motor.
  • the transport unit 12 sandwiches the paper 1 by crimping the grip roller 9 and the pinch roller 10 with the paper 1 sandwiched between them, and in that state, the transport drive unit 11 rotates and drives the grip roller 9 to drive the paper 1.
  • the pinch roller crimping portion 23 crimps the pinch roller 10 to the grip roller 9 and releases the pinch roller 10 from crimping to the grip roller 9.
  • FIG. 4 shows a pinch roller crimping portion 23.
  • the pinch roller crimping portion 23 includes a motor 24, a gear 24a, a cam 12a, a gear 12b, a transmissive sensor 12e, and a transmissive sensor 12f.
  • the gear 24a is attached to the motor 24 so as to rotate in synchronization with the motor 24.
  • the gear 12b is attached to the cam 12a.
  • the gear 24a and the gear 12b are in contact with each other so as to mesh with each other.
  • the cam 12a rotates via the gear 24a and the gear 12b.
  • the cam 12a has a position where the pinch roller 10 is crimped to the grip roller 9 according to the rotation of the cam 12a (hereinafter referred to as a crimping position) and a position where the crimping with the grip roller 9 is released (hereinafter referred to as open position).
  • a cam groove (not shown) is formed to move between (referred to as a position).
  • the cam 12a is provided with a protrusion 12c and a protrusion 12d. Depending on the position of the cam 12a, whether the protrusion 12c blocks the signal light of the transmissive sensor 12e and whether the protrusion 12d blocks the signal light of the transmissive sensor 12f changes.
  • the control unit 53 which will be described later, identifies the position of the cam 12a and the position of the pinch roller 10 by monitoring the timing at which the outputs of the transmissive sensor 12e and the transmissive sensor 12f change when the cam 12a is rotated. be able to. That is, the combination of the transmissive sensor 12e and the transmissive sensor 12f can be regarded as a position sensor that measures the position of the pinch roller 10 that is a movable component in terms of crimping or opening with the grip roller 9.
  • the thermal head 13 presses the ink ribbon 3 coated with the ink dye and the paper 1 with the platen roller 15, and heats the ink dye by generating heat in that state, and heat-transfers the ink dye to the paper 1.
  • the thermal head crimping portion 14 crimps the ink ribbon 3 and the paper 1 by crimping the thermal head 13 against the platen roller 15 with the ink ribbon 3 and the paper 1 sandwiched between them.
  • the detailed mechanism of the thermal head crimping portion 14 is not shown.
  • the thermal head crimping portion 14 includes, for example, a cam and a motor for rotationally driving the cam, and the thermal head 13 is crimped to the platen roller 15 by the cam, and the thermal head 13 is also crimped. Is released from crimping to the platen roller 15.
  • the control unit 53 identifies the position of the thermal head 13 by using, for example, a protrusion provided on the cam provided in the thermal head crimping unit 14 and a transmissive sensor.
  • the paper feed unit 8 is driven to unwind or rotate the roll paper 2 in the winding direction.
  • the paper feed unit 8 is provided with, for example, a DC motor, and the roll paper 2 rotatably supported from both end surfaces by a flange or the like is rotationally driven by the DC motor via a transmission gear.
  • the detailed structure of the DC motor and the transmission gear included in the paper feed unit 8 is not shown.
  • the paper sensor 20 detects the position of the paper 1.
  • the cutter 19 cuts the paper 1 so that the printed matter has a specified size.
  • the paper ejection unit 16 ejects the printed matter separated from the paper 1.
  • the paper ejection unit 16 includes a paper ejection roller driving unit 22, a paper ejection roller 18, and a pinch roller 17.
  • the paper ejection roller drive unit 22 includes, for example, a DC motor.
  • the paper ejection roller drive unit 22 rotates and drives the paper ejection roller 18.
  • the paper ejection unit 16 sandwiches the paper 1 between the paper ejection roller 18 and the pinch roller 17, and in that state, the paper ejection roller 18 is rotationally driven by the paper ejection roller driving unit 22 to convey the paper 1.
  • the paper ejection portion 16 includes a pinch roller crimping portion 25 that crimps or opens the pinch roller 17 to the paper ejection roller 18.
  • the pinch roller crimping portion 25 has, for example, the same mechanism as the pinch roller crimping portion 23.
  • the unused portion of the ink ribbon 3 is wound around the ink bobbin 4 on the supply side.
  • the supply-side ink bobbin drive unit 6 includes a motor, and the supply-side ink bobbin 4 is rotationally driven by the motor.
  • the portion of the ink ribbon 3 used for printing is taken up on the take-up side ink bobbin 5.
  • the take-up side ink bobbin drive unit 7 includes a motor, and the take-up side ink bobbin 5 is rotationally driven by the motor.
  • the ink sensor 21 reads the information of the ink ribbon 3.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing elements related to printing of the printer 100.
  • FIG. 2 shows an information processing device 200 outside the printer 100.
  • the printer 100 further includes a communication unit 51, a memory 52, a control unit 53, an image data processing unit 54, a print data processing unit 55, a data bus 57, and a notification unit 56.
  • the data bus 57 includes a supply-side ink bobbin drive unit 6, a take-up side ink bobbin drive unit 7, a paper feed unit 8, a transport unit 12, a paper discharge unit 16, a cutter 19, and a notification unit 56. They are connected to each other and exchange data with each other as needed.
  • the communication unit 51 receives image data and information related to printing from the information processing device 200. Further, the communication unit 51 transmits the operation information and the error information of the printer 100 to the information processing apparatus 200.
  • the memory 52 includes, for example, both a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory.
  • the volatile memory is used, for example, as a working memory for temporary storage and data processing of image data received by the printer 100 from the information processing apparatus 200.
  • the non-volatile memory stores, for example, a control program for controlling the operation of the printer 100 and initial setting values.
  • the control unit 53 controls the operation of the entire printer 100, for example, the operation of the printer 100 at the time of printing, according to the control program stored in the memory 52.
  • the control unit 53 includes a time measurement unit 61, a state determination unit 62, and a notification necessity determination unit 63.
  • the time measuring unit 61 measures the time required for moving a moving part from one position to another (hereinafter referred to as an operating time).
  • the state determination unit 62 determines the state of the movable part or a part related to the operation of the movable part based on the operation time measured by the time measurement unit 61.
  • the notification necessity determination unit 63 determines whether or not to notify the maintenance information to the outside based on the state determination result by the state determination unit 62.
  • the maintenance information includes information indicating whether the printer 100 or a component of the printer 100 is in a normal state or an abnormal state, information indicating the necessity of maintenance, or information indicating the content of recommended maintenance.
  • the image data processing unit 54 performs image processing such as image quality adjustment and resolution conversion of the image data received from the information processing device 200.
  • the print data processing unit 55 converts the image data processed by the image data processing unit 54 into print data.
  • the control unit 53 heats the thermal head 13 based on the print data generated by the print data processing unit 55.
  • the notification unit 56 is, for example, an LED, a display device, or a buzzer.
  • the notification unit 56 visually or audibly notifies the user of the printer 100 of the state of the printer 100.
  • the printer 100 may be able to notify the information processing apparatus 200 of the status of the printer 100 via the communication unit 51, or notify the status of the printer 100 by outputting a printed matter indicating the status of the printer 100. You may be able to.
  • the function of the control unit 53 is realized by the processing circuit HW1 shown in FIG.
  • the processing circuit HW1 may be dedicated hardware or a CPU (central processing unit) that executes a program stored in the memory 52.
  • the processing circuit HW1 may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable). Gate Array) or a combination of these is applicable.
  • each function of the control unit 53 is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware.
  • the software and firmware are described as programs and stored in the memory 52.
  • the processing circuit HW1 realizes each function of the control unit 53 by reading and executing the program stored in the memory 52.
  • Each function of the control unit 53 may be partially realized by dedicated hardware and the rest may be realized by software or firmware.
  • the memory 52 is, for example, any one of non-volatile semiconductor memory such as flash memory, MRAM, EEPROM, magnetic disk, flexible disk, optical disk, compact disk, mini disk, DVD, etc., or a combination thereof.
  • non-volatile semiconductor memory such as flash memory, MRAM, EEPROM, magnetic disk, flexible disk, optical disk, compact disk, mini disk, DVD, etc., or a combination thereof.
  • FIG. 3 is an operation flowchart of the printer 100.
  • the printer 100 starts the operation of the flowchart shown in FIG. 3, for example, when the printer 100 is started or when a print command is given.
  • the control unit 53 determines in steps S01 and S02 whether the paper 1 and the ink ribbon 3 mounted on the printer 100 are unused or have already been used for printing.
  • the control unit 53 acquires the remaining amount information of the paper 1 and the ink ribbon 3 in step S01.
  • the control unit 53 obtains the remaining amount information from, for example, an IC tag attached to the paper 1 or the ink ribbon 3.
  • the remaining amount information of the paper 1 and the ink ribbon 3 is stored in the memory 52, and the control unit 53 obtains the remaining amount information from the memory 52.
  • the specified remaining amount information is set in the memory 52 when the paper 1 and the ink ribbon 3 are replaced with new ones, and the remaining amount information stored in the memory 52 is updated every time printing is performed.
  • control unit 53 determines whether the new paper 1 and the ink ribbon 3 are mounted from the information of the paper 1 and the ink ribbon 3 (step S02).
  • the control unit 53 reads the maintenance necessity determination information of the printer 100 from the memory 52 (step S03).
  • the maintenance necessity determination information of the printer 100 stored in the memory 52 is information used for determining the maintenance necessity.
  • the information for determining the maintenance necessity of the printer 100 includes the cumulative number of prints of the printer 100, the cumulative number of prints by print size, the estimated replacement time for each consumable part, and the movable mechanism such as the opening / closing mechanism. Includes information related to operating time and maintenance history. Information related to the operating time of the movable mechanism will be described later. In FIG. 7, the operation time for one mechanism x and the reference operation time related thereto are shown, but the maintenance necessity determination information includes information related to the operation time for each movable mechanism. good.
  • the maintenance necessity determination information shown in FIG. 7 indicates that, for example, the printer 100 has printed 50210 times in total, and the L size printed matter has been printed 45623 times. Further, the maintenance history of the maintenance necessity determination information shown in FIG. 7 indicates that the cutter 19 has been replaced after printing 25326 times.
  • the grip roller drive motor is a stepping motor provided in the transport drive unit 11
  • the paper feed motor is a DC motor provided in the paper feed unit 8
  • the pinch roller crimping unit drive motor is a motor 24.
  • the bobbin drive motor is a motor provided in the supply side ink bobbin drive unit 6,
  • the take-up side ink bobbin drive motor is a motor provided in the take-up side ink bobbin drive unit 7, and
  • the thermal head crimping unit drive motor is a thermal head crimping unit.
  • 14 is a motor included in the paper ejection roller drive unit 22, and the paper ejection roller drive motor is a motor included in the paper ejection roller drive unit 22.
  • step S04 the control unit 53 determines the state of the printer 100 or the parts of the printer 100 based on the maintenance necessity determination information read in step S03 by the state determination unit 62.
  • the specific operation of the state determination unit 62 will be described later.
  • the control unit 53 When the state determination unit 62 determines that the printer 100 has an abnormality in step S04, the control unit 53 notifies the maintenance information of the defective component, for example, the content of necessary maintenance, in step S11. In step S11, the control unit 53 visually or audibly notifies the outside of the necessary maintenance contents by using, for example, the notification unit 56.
  • the control unit 53 may notify the maintenance information to the outside by outputting the maintenance information via the communication unit 51. If printing is possible even if the printer 100 has an abnormality, the control unit 53 may notify the outside by printing the maintenance information in step S11.
  • step S04 If it is determined in step S04 that there is no abnormality in the printer 100, the control unit 53 notifies the outside of the maintenance information, for example, the contents of necessary maintenance by printing in step S05.
  • step S05 the control unit 53 prints the maintenance information using the head portion of the new paper 1 and the head portion of the new ink ribbon 3.
  • the head portion of the newly mounted paper 1 and the head portion of the newly mounted ink ribbon 3 are not used for printing ordinary printed matter. Therefore, by using that portion, maintenance information can be printed without consuming extra paper 1 and ink ribbon 3.
  • 8 and 9 show examples of the area 1a and the area 3a, which are the head portions of the paper 1 and the ink ribbon 3 used for printing the maintenance information in step S05.
  • the printing in step S05 it is sufficient that the maintenance information printed on the paper 1 can be read. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, the printing in step S05 is performed using, for example, only the cyan (C) ink.
  • FIG. 10 shows an example of printing maintenance information in step S05. If there is no necessary maintenance in step S05, the control unit 53 prints a message indicating that there is no necessary maintenance as maintenance information.
  • step S05 the control unit 53 may determine whether to print the maintenance information by the notification necessity determination unit 63. In that case, for example, when the state determination unit 62 determines in step S04 that maintenance is necessary, the notification necessity determination unit 63 determines to notify the maintenance information, and the state determination unit does not require maintenance. When the determination in step 62 is made in step S04, the notification necessity determination unit 63 determines not to notify the maintenance information.
  • step S05 the control unit 53 controls the information processing device 200 via the communication unit 51 in step S06. Communicate with and check if there is a print command. If there is no print command, the printer 100 ends the operation of the flowchart shown in FIG.
  • the control unit 53 receives an image from the information processing apparatus 200 (step S07) and executes printing (step S08).
  • step S08 the control unit 53 not only executes printing, but also uses the time measuring unit 61 to determine the states of the driving parts and moving parts included in the printing mechanism and the parts related to their operation. Measure the operating time of.
  • the control unit 53 may measure the operating time for each of the plurality of movable parts and determine the state of each of the plurality of movable parts and related drive parts.
  • the driving component that drives the pinch roller 10 is the motor 24 provided in the pinch roller crimping portion 23.
  • the control unit 53 measures the time Tp required for the pinch roller 10 to move from the crimping position to the open position or from the open position to the crimping position.
  • FIG. 5 drives the output voltage V e of the transmissive sensor 12e, the output voltage V f of the transmissive sensor 12 f, and the motor 24 of the pinch roller crimping portion 23 when the pinch roller 10 is crimped to the grip roller 9. It is a figure which shows an example of the time change of the voltage V s of the drive signal for this.
  • the output voltages of the transmissive sensor 12e and the transmissive sensor 12f when the sensing signal light is blocked are VL , and the transmissive sensor 12e when the sensing signal light is not blocked. And the output voltage of the transmissive sensor 12f is VH . Further, when the voltage V s of the drive signal is V OFF , the motor 24 is not operating, and when the voltage V s of the drive signal is V ON , the motor 24 is operating.
  • the output of the transmissive sensor 12f changes from V H to VL .
  • the control unit 53 detects that the pinch roller 10 has moved from the open position to the crimping position by changing the output of the transmissive sensor 12f.
  • the control unit 53 determines the time required for the transmissive sensor 12f to detect the position after the drive voltage of the motor 24 is turned on to move the pinch roller 10 between the open positions and the crimping positions. It is measured as the required time Tp, that is, the operating time Tp of the pinch roller 10.
  • the control unit 53 updates the maintenance necessity determination information based on the operating time of the moving parts measured in step S08 (step S09).
  • step S10 the control unit 53 determines the state of the printer 100 or the component of the printer 100 by the state determination unit 62 based on the maintenance necessity determination information updated in step S09.
  • the operation of the state determination unit 62 will be described later.
  • the control unit 53 determines that the notification necessity determination unit 63 notifies the maintenance information to the outside.
  • the control unit 53 uses the notification unit 56 to transmit the maintenance information of the parts determined to require maintenance, for example, the content of the necessary maintenance. Notify the outside visually or audibly (step S11). If printing is possible, the control unit 53 may print the maintenance information. Further, the control unit 53 may notify the maintenance information to the outside by outputting the maintenance information to the information processing apparatus 200 via the communication unit 51.
  • step S10 If it is determined in step S10 that maintenance is not necessary, the printer 100 ends the operation of the flowchart shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 6 is an example of a transition diagram for determining the presence / absence of abnormality and the necessity of maintenance.
  • the horizontal axis of FIG. 6 is the number of operations n of the target movable mechanism.
  • the vertical axis of FIG. 6 is the operating time Tp of the movable component of the movable mechanism.
  • FIG. 6 shows the test operation time Tpr and the design reference time Tpd, and the first reference operation time Tp1, the second reference operation time Tp2, the third reference operation time Tp3, which are threshold values for determining the state of the movable mechanism, and the third reference operation time Tp3.
  • the fourth reference operating time Tp4 is shown.
  • FIG. 6 shows a case where the first reference operating time Tp1 and the fourth reference operating time Tp4 depend on the number of operations n of the movable mechanism.
  • the design reference time Tpd is a design value of the operating time Tp in a new state.
  • the test operation time Tpr is the operation time at each operation number n obtained in the test for verifying the operation time of the moving parts in the manufacturing process, and represents the transition of the operation time when the normal degree of wear occurs.
  • the first reference operating time Tp1, the second reference operating time Tp2, the third reference operating time Tp3, and the fourth reference operating time Tp4 are determined based on the design reference time Tpd and the test operating time Tpr.
  • control unit 53 determines that no abnormality has occurred in the movable mechanism and maintenance is not necessary.
  • control unit 53 determines that no abnormality has occurred in the movable mechanism, but maintenance is required.
  • the control unit 53 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the movable mechanism and maintenance is required. The control unit 53 determines that an abnormality larger than that in the area r2 has occurred in the area r4.
  • the control unit 53 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the movable mechanism when the operation time Tp exceeds the first reference operation time Tp1 in the region where the number of operations n is small and it is estimated that the consumption is relatively low.
  • control unit 53 determines that maintenance is necessary even if no abnormality has occurred.
  • the control unit 53 assumes that a special failure or the like has occurred, determines that it is abnormal, and determines that maintenance is required.
  • the control unit 53 measures the time required for the moving parts provided in the printing mechanism to move between positions by the position sensor, and the control unit 53 measures in step S10. Based on the result of measuring the time required to move between positions, it is determined whether to externally notify the maintenance information about the moving part and / or the driving part driving the moving part, whereby the printer 100 is suitable. Maintenance information can be notified at the right timing, and maintenance costs can be suppressed.
  • the moving part is the pinch roller 10
  • the driving part is the motor 24.
  • the control unit 53 notifies the outside of maintenance information regarding the pinch roller 10 and / or the motor 24 based on the measurement result of the time required for the position-to-position movement between the crimping position and the opening position of the pinch roller 10. To judge.
  • the movable part is the thermal head 13
  • the drive part is the thermal head crimping portion drive motor provided in the thermal head crimping portion 14.
  • the control unit 53 is based on the measurement result of the time required for the movement between the positions of the thermal head 13 crimped to the platen roller 15 and the position where the crimping of the platen roller 15 is open. It is determined whether to notify the maintenance information regarding the head 13 and / or the thermal head crimping portion drive motor to the outside.
  • the printer 100 prints and notifies the maintenance information by using the head portion of the new paper 1 and the head portion of the new ink ribbon 3 in step S05.
  • the degree of wear of the latest printer can be provided to the user, and the user's awareness of maintenance can be enlightened.
  • step S11 when an abnormality occurs, it is immediately notified by the notification unit 56 or the like in step S11, so that the user can promptly repair it.
  • the control unit 53 determines that maintenance is necessary when the number of operations n is larger than the replacement guideline print number n0 even if no abnormality has occurred.
  • the printer 100 the movement between positions is necessary. Since the presence or absence of an abnormality is determined based on the measurement result of the time required for the printer, n0 can be set as a large value and the maintenance cost can be suppressed. Further, since the presence or absence of an abnormality is determined based on the operating time, for example, it can be determined whether or not the part life remains even if the consumable parts exceed the replacement guideline printed number n0, and if there is no abnormality, maintenance is performed. Maintenance cost can be reduced by suppressing the above.
  • control unit 53 determines whether to notify maintenance information based on the result of one measurement of the operation time, but averages the measurement results of a plurality of preset operation times and averages them. It may be determined whether or not to notify the maintenance information based on the operation time of. By determining whether to notify the maintenance information based on the average value of the operation times of a plurality of times, the influence of the variation in the operation of the printing mechanism is suppressed, and the determination accuracy of the degree of wear is stabilized.
  • the boundary of the area is shown as a straight line, but the boundary of the area is not limited to the straight line, and it depends on the life characteristics of the consumable parts. It may be set as a quadratic function or an exponential function with respect to the number of operations.
  • FIG. 6 shows a case where the first reference operating time Tp1 and the fourth reference operating time Tp4 are determined according to the number of operations n of the entire movable mechanism, but each reference operating time is movable provided by the movable mechanism. It may be determined according to the operation history of the drive component provided by the component and the movable mechanism, or both.
  • a structure for detecting the position of a moving part a structure in which a protrusion is provided on the cam and the position is detected by a transmissive sensor has been described.
  • a hole or a reflector is provided in the cam and the hole or the reflection is detected by the sensor.
  • a structure for detecting a plate may be used.
  • a protrusion, a hole, or a reflector is provided on a member that operates in synchronization with a movable part other than the cam, and the position of the movable part is measured by detecting the protrusion, the hole, or the reflector with a sensor. You may.

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Abstract

Provided is a printer that can indicate maintenance information at an appropriate timing and suppress maintenance cost. Thus, the printer is provided with a movable component that is provided in a printing mechanism of the printer, a driving component that drives the movable component, a position sensor that detects a position of the movable component, and a control unit. The control unit measures, with the position sensor, the time required for position-to-position movement of the movable component. On the basis of the measurement result of the time required for the position-to-position movement, the control unit determines whether to indicate maintenance information relating to the movable component or the driving component, or both.

Description

プリンターおよびプリンターの製造方法Printers and printer manufacturing methods
　本開示は、プリンターおよびプリンターの製造方法に関する。 This disclosure relates to printers and printer manufacturing methods.
　プリンターにおいて、モーターなどの消耗部品が寿命により動作不良を起こすと、印刷が実行できない、または印刷不良が発生する、という問題が起きる。このような問題に対して、印刷機構のメンテナンス時期を判定し表示するプリンターが提案されている（例えば、特許文献１参照）。 In a printer, if a consumable part such as a motor malfunctions due to its life, printing cannot be executed or a printing defect occurs. To solve such a problem, a printer that determines and displays the maintenance time of the printing mechanism has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
特開２０１８－０５１９２９号公報Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2018-051929
　消耗部品の動作不良を予防するための方法として、印刷枚数をモニターし、規定の印刷枚数を超えた場合に消耗部品を交換する方法が考えられる。しかし、規定の印刷枚数を超えても部品寿命が残っていて動作に問題が無い場合もあるため、印刷枚数をモニターして消耗部品を交換する場合には余分なメンテナンスコストが発生するという課題がある。 As a method for preventing malfunction of consumable parts, a method of monitoring the number of printed sheets and replacing the consumable parts when the specified number of printed sheets is exceeded can be considered. However, even if the specified number of prints is exceeded, the life of the parts may remain and there may be no problem in operation. Therefore, there is a problem that extra maintenance costs are incurred when monitoring the number of prints and replacing consumable parts. be.
　本開示は、上述のような課題を解消するためになされたもので、適切なタイミングでメンテナンス情報を報知しメンテナンスコストを抑制できるプリンター、および、適切なタイミングでメンテナンス情報を報知しメンテナンスコストを抑制できるプリンターの製造方法、を提供するものである。 This disclosure is made to solve the above-mentioned problems. A printer that can notify maintenance information at an appropriate timing and suppress maintenance costs, and a printer that can notify maintenance information at an appropriate timing and suppress maintenance costs. It provides a method of manufacturing a printer that can be used.
　本開示のプリンターは、用紙に印刷を行うプリンターであって、プリンターの印刷機構に備わる可動部品と、可動部品を駆動する駆動部品と、可動部品の位置を検知する位置センサーと、制御部と、を備え、制御部は、位置センサーにより可動部品の位置間移動に要する時間を測定し、制御部は、位置間移動に要する時間の測定の結果に基づいて、可動部品または駆動部品またはその両方に関するメンテナンス情報を報知するかどうかを判定する、プリンター、である。 The printer of the present disclosure is a printer that prints on paper, and includes a movable part provided in the printing mechanism of the printer, a drive part that drives the movable part, a position sensor that detects the position of the movable part, a control unit, and the like. The control unit measures the time required to move the moving parts between positions by the position sensor, and the control unit measures the moving parts and / or the moving parts based on the measurement result of the time required to move between the positions. A printer that determines whether to notify maintenance information.
　本開示のプリンターの製造方法は、本開示に記載のプリンターの製造方法であって、可動部品の位置間移動に要する時間を検証する試験を行い、閾値を、試験で得られた位置間移動に要する時間に基づいて定める、プリンターの製造方法、である。 The printer manufacturing method of the present disclosure is the printer manufacturing method described in the present disclosure, and a test for verifying the time required for moving between positions of moving parts is performed, and a threshold value is set to the moving between positions obtained in the test. A printer manufacturing method that is determined based on the time required.
　本開示のプリンターにおいて、制御部は、位置間移動に要する時間の測定の結果に基づいて、可動部品または駆動部品またはその両方に関するメンテナンス情報を報知するかどうかを判定する。これにより、適切なタイミングでメンテナンス情報を報知し、メンテナンスコストを抑制できるプリンターが提供される。 In the printer of the present disclosure, the control unit determines whether to notify maintenance information regarding moving parts, driving parts, or both based on the measurement result of the time required for movement between positions. As a result, a printer that can notify maintenance information at an appropriate timing and suppress maintenance costs is provided.
　本開示のプリンターの製造方法では、本開示に記載のプリンターの製造方法であって、可動部品の位置間移動に要する時間を検証する試験を行い、閾値を、試験で得られた位置間移動に要する時間に基づいて定める。これにより、適切なタイミングでメンテナンス情報を報知しメンテナンスコストを抑制できるプリンターの製造方法が提供される。 The printer manufacturing method of the present disclosure is the printer manufacturing method described in the present disclosure, in which a test for verifying the time required for moving between positions of moving parts is performed, and a threshold value is set to the moving between positions obtained in the test. Determined based on the time required. This provides a method for manufacturing a printer that can notify maintenance information at an appropriate timing and suppress maintenance costs.
　また、本願明細書に開示される技術に関連する目的と、特徴と、局面と、利点とは、以下に示される詳細な説明と添付図面とによって、さらに明白となる。 Further, the objectives, features, aspects, and advantages associated with the techniques disclosed herein will be further clarified by the detailed description and accompanying drawings shown below.
実施の形態のプリンターの印刷機構の構成の説明図である。It is explanatory drawing of the structure of the printing mechanism of the printer of an embodiment. 実施の形態のプリンターの印刷に関わる要素を示すブロック図である。It is a block diagram which shows the element which concerns the printing of the printer of an embodiment. 実施の形態のプリンターの動作を示すフローチャートである。It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the printer of an embodiment. ピンチローラー圧着部を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the pinch roller crimping portion. 透過型センサーの出力電圧およびモーターを駆動するための駆動信号の電圧の時間変化を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the time change of the output voltage of a transmission type sensor, and the voltage of a drive signal for driving a motor. 実施の形態のプリンターの異常の有無およびメンテナンス要否の判定の推移図である。It is a transition diagram of the determination of the presence / absence of abnormality of the printer of embodiment, and the necessity of maintenance. 実施の形態のプリンターのメンテナンス要否判定用情報を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the maintenance necessity determination information of the printer of an embodiment. 用紙の先頭部分を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the head part of the paper. インクリボンの先頭部分を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the head part of the ink ribbon. メンテナンス情報の印刷例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the printing example of maintenance information. 実施の形態のプリンターの制御部のハードウェア構成を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the hardware configuration of the control part of the printer of an embodiment. 制御部の構成を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the structure of the control part.
　＜Ａ．実施の形態＞
　＜Ａ－１．構成＞
　図１は本実施の形態のプリンター１００の印刷機構の構成の説明図である。 <A. Embodiment>
<A-1. Configuration>
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of a printing mechanism of the printer 100 of the present embodiment.
　プリンター１００は、インクリボン３に塗布されたインク染料を用紙１に熱転写することで印刷を行う熱転写方式のプリンターである。プリンター１００の印刷機構は、搬送部１２と、給紙部８と、用紙センサー２０と、サーマルヘッド１３と、サーマルヘッド圧着部１４と、プラテンローラー１５と、カッター１９と、排紙部１６と、供給側インクボビン４と、供給側インクボビン駆動部６と、巻取側インクボビン５と、巻取側インクボビン駆動部７と、インクセンサー２１と、を備える。 The printer 100 is a thermal transfer type printer that prints by thermally transferring the ink dye applied to the ink ribbon 3 to the paper 1. The printing mechanism of the printer 100 includes a transport unit 12, a paper feed unit 8, a paper sensor 20, a thermal head 13, a thermal head crimping unit 14, a platen roller 15, a cutter 19, and a paper ejection unit 16. It includes a supply-side ink bobbin 4, a supply-side ink bobbin drive unit 6, a take-up side ink bobbin 5, a take-up side ink bobbin drive unit 7, and an ink sensor 21.
　搬送部１２は、用紙１がロール状に巻き回されたロール紙２から用紙１を引き出して搬送する。搬送部１２は、グリップローラー９と、ピンチローラー１０と、搬送駆動部１１と、ピンチローラー圧着部２３と、を備える。搬送駆動部１１は例えばステッピングモーターを備え、当該ステッピングモーターによりグリップローラー９を回転駆動する。搬送部１２は間に用紙１を挟んでグリップローラー９とピンチローラー１０とを圧着することで用紙１を挟持し、その状態で搬送駆動部１１によりグリップローラー９を回転駆動することで、用紙１を搬送する。ピンチローラー圧着部２３は、ピンチローラー１０をグリップローラー９に対し圧着し、また、ピンチローラー１０をグリップローラー９に対する圧着から開放する。 The transport unit 12 pulls out the paper 1 from the roll paper 2 in which the paper 1 is wound in a roll shape and transports the paper 1. The transport unit 12 includes a grip roller 9, a pinch roller 10, a transport drive unit 11, and a pinch roller crimping unit 23. The transport drive unit 11 is provided with, for example, a stepping motor, and the grip roller 9 is rotationally driven by the stepping motor. The transport unit 12 sandwiches the paper 1 by crimping the grip roller 9 and the pinch roller 10 with the paper 1 sandwiched between them, and in that state, the transport drive unit 11 rotates and drives the grip roller 9 to drive the paper 1. To transport. The pinch roller crimping portion 23 crimps the pinch roller 10 to the grip roller 9 and releases the pinch roller 10 from crimping to the grip roller 9.
　図４はピンチローラー圧着部２３を示す。ピンチローラー圧着部２３は、モーター２４と、ギア２４ａと、カム１２ａと、ギア１２ｂと、透過型センサー１２ｅと、透過型センサー１２ｆと、を備える。 FIG. 4 shows a pinch roller crimping portion 23. The pinch roller crimping portion 23 includes a motor 24, a gear 24a, a cam 12a, a gear 12b, a transmissive sensor 12e, and a transmissive sensor 12f.
　ギア２４ａは、モーター２４に、モーター２４と同期して回転するよう取り付けられている。ギア１２ｂはカム１２ａに取り付けられている。ギア２４ａとギア１２ｂとは互いに噛み合うように接している。モーター２４が回転することにより、ギア２４ａおよびギア１２ｂを介して、カム１２ａが回転する。カム１２ａには、カム１２ａの回転に応じてピンチローラー１０がグリップローラー９に圧着されている位置（以下、圧着位置と呼ぶ）とグリップローラー９との圧着が開放れている位置（以下、開放位置と呼ぶ）との間を移動するように、図示されないカム溝が形成されている。 The gear 24a is attached to the motor 24 so as to rotate in synchronization with the motor 24. The gear 12b is attached to the cam 12a. The gear 24a and the gear 12b are in contact with each other so as to mesh with each other. As the motor 24 rotates, the cam 12a rotates via the gear 24a and the gear 12b. The cam 12a has a position where the pinch roller 10 is crimped to the grip roller 9 according to the rotation of the cam 12a (hereinafter referred to as a crimping position) and a position where the crimping with the grip roller 9 is released (hereinafter referred to as open position). A cam groove (not shown) is formed to move between (referred to as a position).
　カム１２ａには、突起１２ｃおよび突起１２ｄが設けられている。カム１２ａの位置に応じて、突起１２ｃが透過型センサー１２ｅの信号光を遮るかどうかおよび突起１２ｄが透過型センサー１２ｆの信号光を遮るかどうかが変わる。後述する制御部５３は、カム１２ａを回転させた際に、透過型センサー１２ｅおよび透過型センサー１２ｆの出力が変化するタイミングを監視することで、カム１２ａの位置およびピンチローラー１０の位置を特定することができる。つまり、透過型センサー１２ｅおよび透過型センサー１２ｆを合わせたものを、可動部品であるピンチローラー１０のグリップローラー９との圧着または開放に関する位置を測定する位置センサーと見做すことができる。 The cam 12a is provided with a protrusion 12c and a protrusion 12d. Depending on the position of the cam 12a, whether the protrusion 12c blocks the signal light of the transmissive sensor 12e and whether the protrusion 12d blocks the signal light of the transmissive sensor 12f changes. The control unit 53, which will be described later, identifies the position of the cam 12a and the position of the pinch roller 10 by monitoring the timing at which the outputs of the transmissive sensor 12e and the transmissive sensor 12f change when the cam 12a is rotated. be able to. That is, the combination of the transmissive sensor 12e and the transmissive sensor 12f can be regarded as a position sensor that measures the position of the pinch roller 10 that is a movable component in terms of crimping or opening with the grip roller 9.
　サーマルヘッド１３は、インク染料が塗布されたインクリボン３と用紙１をプラテンローラー１５とで圧着し、その状態で発熱することでインク染料を加熱し、インク染料を用紙１に熱転写する。 The thermal head 13 presses the ink ribbon 3 coated with the ink dye and the paper 1 with the platen roller 15, and heats the ink dye by generating heat in that state, and heat-transfers the ink dye to the paper 1.
　サーマルヘッド圧着部１４は、インクリボン３と用紙１を間に挟んでサーマルヘッド１３をプラテンローラー１５に対し圧着することにより、インクリボン３と用紙１を圧着する。サーマルヘッド圧着部１４の詳細な機構の図示は省略されている。サーマルヘッド圧着部１４は、例えば、ピンチローラー圧着部２３と同様、カムおよび当該カムを回転駆動するモーターを備え、当該カムにより、サーマルヘッド１３をプラテンローラー１５に対し圧着し、また、サーマルヘッド１３をプラテンローラー１５に対する圧着から開放する。制御部５３は、例えば、サーマルヘッド圧着部１４の備えるカムに設けられた突起および透過型センサーを用いて、サーマルヘッド１３の位置を特定する。 The thermal head crimping portion 14 crimps the ink ribbon 3 and the paper 1 by crimping the thermal head 13 against the platen roller 15 with the ink ribbon 3 and the paper 1 sandwiched between them. The detailed mechanism of the thermal head crimping portion 14 is not shown. Like the pinch roller crimping portion 23, the thermal head crimping portion 14 includes, for example, a cam and a motor for rotationally driving the cam, and the thermal head 13 is crimped to the platen roller 15 by the cam, and the thermal head 13 is also crimped. Is released from crimping to the platen roller 15. The control unit 53 identifies the position of the thermal head 13 by using, for example, a protrusion provided on the cam provided in the thermal head crimping unit 14 and a transmissive sensor.
　給紙部８は、ロール紙２を巻き出しあるいは巻き取り方向に回転駆動する。給紙部８は、例えばＤＣモーターを備え、フランジなどで両端面から回転自在に支持されたロール紙２を、ＤＣモーターにより伝達ギアを介して回転駆動する。給紙部８の備えるＤＣモーターと伝達ギアとの詳細な構造の図示は省略されている。 The paper feed unit 8 is driven to unwind or rotate the roll paper 2 in the winding direction. The paper feed unit 8 is provided with, for example, a DC motor, and the roll paper 2 rotatably supported from both end surfaces by a flange or the like is rotationally driven by the DC motor via a transmission gear. The detailed structure of the DC motor and the transmission gear included in the paper feed unit 8 is not shown.
　用紙センサー２０は用紙１の位置を検出する。 The paper sensor 20 detects the position of the paper 1.
　カッター１９は印刷物が規定のサイズになるよう用紙１を切断する。 The cutter 19 cuts the paper 1 so that the printed matter has a specified size.
　排紙部１６は用紙１から切り離された印刷物を排紙する。排紙部１６は、排紙ローラー駆動部２２と、排紙ローラー１８と、ピンチローラー１７と、を備える。排紙ローラー駆動部２２は例えばＤＣモーターを備える。排紙ローラー駆動部２２は排紙ローラー１８を回転駆動する。排紙部１６は、排紙ローラー１８とピンチローラー１７とで用紙１を挟持し、その状態で排紙ローラー駆動部２２により排紙ローラー１８を回転駆動して用紙１を搬送する。また、排紙部１６は、ピンチローラー１７を排紙ローラー１８に圧着あるいは開放するピンチローラー圧着部２５を備える。ピンチローラー圧着部２５は、例えば、ピンチローラー圧着部２３と同様の機構を有する。 The paper ejection unit 16 ejects the printed matter separated from the paper 1. The paper ejection unit 16 includes a paper ejection roller driving unit 22, a paper ejection roller 18, and a pinch roller 17. The paper ejection roller drive unit 22 includes, for example, a DC motor. The paper ejection roller drive unit 22 rotates and drives the paper ejection roller 18. The paper ejection unit 16 sandwiches the paper 1 between the paper ejection roller 18 and the pinch roller 17, and in that state, the paper ejection roller 18 is rotationally driven by the paper ejection roller driving unit 22 to convey the paper 1. Further, the paper ejection portion 16 includes a pinch roller crimping portion 25 that crimps or opens the pinch roller 17 to the paper ejection roller 18. The pinch roller crimping portion 25 has, for example, the same mechanism as the pinch roller crimping portion 23.
　供給側インクボビン４にはインクリボン３のうち未使用部分が巻き回されている。供給側インクボビン駆動部６はモーターを備え、当該モーターにより供給側インクボビン４を回転駆動する。 The unused portion of the ink ribbon 3 is wound around the ink bobbin 4 on the supply side. The supply-side ink bobbin drive unit 6 includes a motor, and the supply-side ink bobbin 4 is rotationally driven by the motor.
　巻取側インクボビン５にはインクリボン３のうち印刷に用いられた部分が巻き取られる。巻取側インクボビン駆動部７はモーターを備え、当該モーターにより巻取側インクボビン５を回転駆動する。 The portion of the ink ribbon 3 used for printing is taken up on the take-up side ink bobbin 5. The take-up side ink bobbin drive unit 7 includes a motor, and the take-up side ink bobbin 5 is rotationally driven by the motor.
　インクセンサー２１は、インクリボン３の情報を読み取る。 The ink sensor 21 reads the information of the ink ribbon 3.
　図２は、プリンター１００の印刷に関わる要素を示すブロック図である。図２には、プリンター１００に加え、プリンター１００の外部の情報処理装置２００も示されている。 FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing elements related to printing of the printer 100. In addition to the printer 100, FIG. 2 shows an information processing device 200 outside the printer 100.
　プリンター１００は、通信部５１と、メモリー５２と、制御部５３と、画像データ処理部５４と、印刷データ処理部５５と、データバス５７と、報知部５６と、をさらに備える。 The printer 100 further includes a communication unit 51, a memory 52, a control unit 53, an image data processing unit 54, a print data processing unit 55, a data bus 57, and a notification unit 56.
　通信部５１と、メモリー５２と、制御部５３と、画像データ処理部５４と、印刷データ処理部５５と、サーマルヘッド１３と、サーマルヘッド圧着部１４と、インクセンサー２１と、用紙センサー２０と、供給側インクボビン駆動部６と、巻取側インクボビン駆動部７と、給紙部８と、搬送部１２と、排紙部１６と、カッター１９と、報知部５６と、は、データバス５７により相互に接続されており、必要に応じて互いにデータの授受を行う。 Communication unit 51, memory 52, control unit 53, image data processing unit 54, print data processing unit 55, thermal head 13, thermal head crimping unit 14, ink sensor 21, paper sensor 20 and so on. The data bus 57 includes a supply-side ink bobbin drive unit 6, a take-up side ink bobbin drive unit 7, a paper feed unit 8, a transport unit 12, a paper discharge unit 16, a cutter 19, and a notification unit 56. They are connected to each other and exchange data with each other as needed.
　通信部５１は情報処理装置２００から画像データおよび印刷に関する情報を受信する。また、通信部５１は、プリンター１００の動作情報およびエラー情報を情報処理装置２００に送信する。 The communication unit 51 receives image data and information related to printing from the information processing device 200. Further, the communication unit 51 transmits the operation information and the error information of the printer 100 to the information processing apparatus 200.
　メモリー５２は例えば揮発性メモリーと不揮発性メモリーの両方を備える。揮発性メモリーは、例えば、プリンター１００が情報処理装置２００から受信した画像データの一時的な保存およびデータ処理のためのワーキングメモリとして用いられる。不揮発性メモリーは、例えば、プリンター１００の動作を制御するための制御プログラムと初期設定値とを記憶する。 The memory 52 includes, for example, both a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. The volatile memory is used, for example, as a working memory for temporary storage and data processing of image data received by the printer 100 from the information processing apparatus 200. The non-volatile memory stores, for example, a control program for controlling the operation of the printer 100 and initial setting values.
　制御部５３は、メモリー５２に保存されている制御プログラムに従ってプリンター１００全体の動作、例えばプリンター１００の印刷時の動作を制御する。 The control unit 53 controls the operation of the entire printer 100, for example, the operation of the printer 100 at the time of printing, according to the control program stored in the memory 52.
　制御部５３は、時間測定部６１と、状態判定部６２と、報知要否判定部６３と、を備える。時間測定部６１は、可動部品のある位置から別の位置への移動に要する時間（以下、動作時間と呼ぶ）を測定する。状態判定部６２は、時間測定部６１で測定された動作時間に基づいて、当該可動部品または当該可動部品の動作に関連する部品の状態を判定する。報知要否判定部６３は、状態判定部６２による状態の判定結果に基づいて、メンテナンス情報を外部に報知するかどうかを判定する。メンテナンス情報は、プリンター１００またはプリンター１００の部品が正常な状態か異常な状態かを示す情報、または、メンテナンスの要否を示す情報、または、推奨されるメンテナンスの内容を示す情報を含む。 The control unit 53 includes a time measurement unit 61, a state determination unit 62, and a notification necessity determination unit 63. The time measuring unit 61 measures the time required for moving a moving part from one position to another (hereinafter referred to as an operating time). The state determination unit 62 determines the state of the movable part or a part related to the operation of the movable part based on the operation time measured by the time measurement unit 61. The notification necessity determination unit 63 determines whether or not to notify the maintenance information to the outside based on the state determination result by the state determination unit 62. The maintenance information includes information indicating whether the printer 100 or a component of the printer 100 is in a normal state or an abnormal state, information indicating the necessity of maintenance, or information indicating the content of recommended maintenance.
　画像データ処理部５４は、情報処理装置２００から受信した画像データの画質調整および解像度変換などの画像処理を行う。 The image data processing unit 54 performs image processing such as image quality adjustment and resolution conversion of the image data received from the information processing device 200.
　印刷データ処理部５５は、画像データ処理部５４で処理された画像データを印刷データに変換する。 The print data processing unit 55 converts the image data processed by the image data processing unit 54 into print data.
　制御部５３は、印刷データ処理部５５で生成された印刷データに基づいてサーマルヘッド１３を発熱させる。 The control unit 53 heats the thermal head 13 based on the print data generated by the print data processing unit 55.
　報知部５６は、例えばＬＥＤまたは表示装置またはブザーである。報知部５６は、視覚的または聴覚的に、プリンター１００の使用者にプリンター１００の状態を報知する。プリンター１００は、通信部５１を経由して情報処理装置２００にプリンター１００の状態を報知することができてもよいし、プリンター１００の状態を示す印刷物を出力することによりプリンター１００の状態を報知することができてもよい。 The notification unit 56 is, for example, an LED, a display device, or a buzzer. The notification unit 56 visually or audibly notifies the user of the printer 100 of the state of the printer 100. The printer 100 may be able to notify the information processing apparatus 200 of the status of the printer 100 via the communication unit 51, or notify the status of the printer 100 by outputting a printed matter indicating the status of the printer 100. You may be able to.
　制御部５３の機能は、図１１に示される処理回路ＨＷ１により実現される。処理回路ＨＷ１は、専用のハードウェアであっても、メモリー５２に格納されるプログラムを実行するＣＰＵ（ｃｅｎｔｒａｌ　ｐｒｏｃｅｓｓｉｎｇ　ｕｎｉｔ）であってもよい。処理回路ＨＷ１が専用のハードウェアである場合、処理回路ＨＷ１は、例えば、単一回路、複合回路、プログラム化したプロセッサ、並列プログラム化したプロセッサ、ＡＳＩＣ（Ａｐｐｌｉｃａｔｉｏｎ　Ｓｐｅｃｉｆｉｃ　Ｉｎｔｅｇｒａｔｅｄ　Ｃｉｒｃｕｉｔｅ）、ＦＰＧＡ（Ｆｉｅｌｄ－Ｐｒｏｇｒａｍｍａｂｌｅ　Ｇａｔｅ　Ａｒｒａｙ）、またはこれらを組み合わせたものが該当する。 The function of the control unit 53 is realized by the processing circuit HW1 shown in FIG. The processing circuit HW1 may be dedicated hardware or a CPU (central processing unit) that executes a program stored in the memory 52. When the processing circuit HW1 is dedicated hardware, the processing circuit HW1 may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable). Gate Array) or a combination of these is applicable.
　処理回路ＨＷ１がＣＰＵの場合、制御部５３の各機能は、ソフトウェア、ファームウェア、またはソフトウェアとファームウェアの組み合わせによりそれぞれ実現される。ソフトウェアおよびファームウェアはプログラムとして記述され、メモリー５２に格納される。処理回路ＨＷ１は、メモリー５２に記憶されたプログラムを読み出して実行することにより、制御部５３の各機能を実現する。制御部５３の各機能は、一部が専用のハードウェアで実現され、残部がソフトウェアまたはファームウェアで実現されてもよい。 When the processing circuit HW1 is a CPU, each function of the control unit 53 is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software and firmware are described as programs and stored in the memory 52. The processing circuit HW1 realizes each function of the control unit 53 by reading and executing the program stored in the memory 52. Each function of the control unit 53 may be partially realized by dedicated hardware and the rest may be realized by software or firmware.
　メモリー５２は、例えばフラッシュメモリ、ＭＲＡＭ、ＥＥＰＲＯＭ等の不揮発性の半導体メモリー、磁気ディスク、フレキシブルディスク、光ディスク、コンパクトディスク、ミニディスク、ＤＶＤ等のうちのいずれか、またはそれらの組み合わせである。 The memory 52 is, for example, any one of non-volatile semiconductor memory such as flash memory, MRAM, EEPROM, magnetic disk, flexible disk, optical disk, compact disk, mini disk, DVD, etc., or a combination thereof.
　＜Ａ－２．動作＞
　次にプリンター１００の動作について説明する。ここでは主に、制御部５３が可動機構の状態を判定し、また、その判定に基づいてメンテナンス情報を報知する動作、について説明を行い、プリンターの印刷動作の詳細な説明は省略する。 <A-2. Operation>
Next, the operation of the printer 100 will be described. Here, the operation in which the control unit 53 determines the state of the movable mechanism and notifies the maintenance information based on the determination will be mainly described, and the detailed description of the printing operation of the printer will be omitted.
　図３は、プリンター１００の動作フローチャートである。プリンター１００は、例えば、プリンター１００が起動されたとき、または印刷指令があったときに、図３に示されるフローチャートの動作を開始する。 FIG. 3 is an operation flowchart of the printer 100. The printer 100 starts the operation of the flowchart shown in FIG. 3, for example, when the printer 100 is started or when a print command is given.
　制御部５３は、ステップＳ０１およびステップＳ０２により、プリンター１００に装着されている用紙１とインクリボン３とが未使用であるか既に印刷に用いられたかを判定する。 The control unit 53 determines in steps S01 and S02 whether the paper 1 and the ink ribbon 3 mounted on the printer 100 are unused or have already been used for printing.
　そのために、制御部５３は、ステップＳ０１において、用紙１とインクリボン３との残量情報を取得する。制御部５３は、例えば、用紙１あるいはインクリボン３に取り付けられているＩＣタグから残量情報を入手する。あるいは、用紙１とインクリボン３の残量情報はメモリー５２に記憶され、制御部５３は、メモリー５２から残量情報を入手する。その場合、メモリー５２には用紙１とインクリボン３が新品に交換されたときに規定の残量情報がセットされ、また、メモリー５２に記憶されている残量情報は印刷毎に更新される。 Therefore, the control unit 53 acquires the remaining amount information of the paper 1 and the ink ribbon 3 in step S01. The control unit 53 obtains the remaining amount information from, for example, an IC tag attached to the paper 1 or the ink ribbon 3. Alternatively, the remaining amount information of the paper 1 and the ink ribbon 3 is stored in the memory 52, and the control unit 53 obtains the remaining amount information from the memory 52. In that case, the specified remaining amount information is set in the memory 52 when the paper 1 and the ink ribbon 3 are replaced with new ones, and the remaining amount information stored in the memory 52 is updated every time printing is performed.
　次に、制御部５３は、用紙１とインクリボン３との情報より、新しい用紙１とインクリボン３が装着されたかを判定する（ステップＳ０２）。 Next, the control unit 53 determines whether the new paper 1 and the ink ribbon 3 are mounted from the information of the paper 1 and the ink ribbon 3 (step S02).
　ステップＳ０２において、新しい用紙１と新しいインクリボン３が装着されていると判定されたら、制御部５３は、メモリー５２からプリンター１００のメンテナンス要否判定用情報を読み込む（ステップＳ０３）。メモリー５２に保存されているプリンター１００のメンテナンス要否判定用情報は、メンテナンスの要否を判定するために用いられる情報である。プリンター１００のメンテナンス要否判定用情報は、例えば、図７に示されるように、プリンター１００の累積印刷枚数、印刷サイズ別累積印刷枚数、消耗部品毎の交換目安時期、開閉機構などの可動機構の動作時間に関わる情報、および、メンテナンス履歴を含む。可動機構の動作時間に関わる情報については、後述する。図７では、１つの機構ｘについての動作時間およびそれに関連する基準動作時間等が示されているが、メンテナンス要否判定用情報は、各可動機構それぞれについての動作時間に関わる情報を含んでいてよい。 When it is determined in step S02 that the new paper 1 and the new ink ribbon 3 are attached, the control unit 53 reads the maintenance necessity determination information of the printer 100 from the memory 52 (step S03). The maintenance necessity determination information of the printer 100 stored in the memory 52 is information used for determining the maintenance necessity. As shown in FIG. 7, for example, the information for determining the maintenance necessity of the printer 100 includes the cumulative number of prints of the printer 100, the cumulative number of prints by print size, the estimated replacement time for each consumable part, and the movable mechanism such as the opening / closing mechanism. Includes information related to operating time and maintenance history. Information related to the operating time of the movable mechanism will be described later. In FIG. 7, the operation time for one mechanism x and the reference operation time related thereto are shown, but the maintenance necessity determination information includes information related to the operation time for each movable mechanism. good.
　図７に示されるメンテナンス要否判定用情報は、例えば、プリンター１００は累積で５０２１０回の印刷を行ったこと、また、Ｌサイズの印刷物の印刷は４５６２３回行われたことを示す。また、図７に示されるメンテナンス要否判定用情報のメンテナンス履歴は、２５３２６回の印刷を行った後にカッター１９の交換が行われていることを示す。 The maintenance necessity determination information shown in FIG. 7 indicates that, for example, the printer 100 has printed 50210 times in total, and the L size printed matter has been printed 45623 times. Further, the maintenance history of the maintenance necessity determination information shown in FIG. 7 indicates that the cutter 19 has been replaced after printing 25326 times.
　図７において、グリップローラー駆動モーターは搬送駆動部１１の備えるステッピングモーターであり、給紙モーターは給紙部８の備えるＤＣモーターであり、ピンチローラー圧着部駆動モーターはモーター２４であり、供給側インクボビン駆動モーターは供給側インクボビン駆動部６の備えるモーターであり、巻取側インクボビン駆動モーターは巻取側インクボビン駆動部７の備えるモーターであり、サーマルヘッド圧着部駆動モーターはサーマルヘッド圧着部１４の備えるモーターであり、排紙ローラー駆動モーターは排紙ローラー駆動部２２の備えるモーターである。 In FIG. 7, the grip roller drive motor is a stepping motor provided in the transport drive unit 11, the paper feed motor is a DC motor provided in the paper feed unit 8, and the pinch roller crimping unit drive motor is a motor 24. The bobbin drive motor is a motor provided in the supply side ink bobbin drive unit 6, the take-up side ink bobbin drive motor is a motor provided in the take-up side ink bobbin drive unit 7, and the thermal head crimping unit drive motor is a thermal head crimping unit. 14 is a motor included in the paper ejection roller drive unit 22, and the paper ejection roller drive motor is a motor included in the paper ejection roller drive unit 22.
　ステップＳ０４では、制御部５３は、状態判定部６２により、ステップＳ０３で読み込んだメンテナンス要否判定用情報を基に、プリンター１００またはプリンター１００の部品の状態を判定する。状態判定部６２の具体的な動作については後述する。 In step S04, the control unit 53 determines the state of the printer 100 or the parts of the printer 100 based on the maintenance necessity determination information read in step S03 by the state determination unit 62. The specific operation of the state determination unit 62 will be described later.
　ステップＳ０４で、プリンター１００に異常があると状態判定部６２が判定すると、制御部５３は、ステップＳ１１で、異常がある部品のメンテナンス情報、例えば必要なメンテナンスの内容、を報知する。ステップＳ１１では、制御部５３は、必要なメンテナンスの内容を、例えば、報知部５６を用いて視覚的あるいは聴覚的に外部に報知する。制御部５３は、通信部５１を介してメンテナンス情報を出力することにより、当該メンテナンス情報を外部に報知してもよい。プリンター１００に異常があっても印刷が可能である場合には、制御部５３は、ステップＳ１１で、当該メンテナンス情報を印刷することにより外部に報知しても良い。 When the state determination unit 62 determines that the printer 100 has an abnormality in step S04, the control unit 53 notifies the maintenance information of the defective component, for example, the content of necessary maintenance, in step S11. In step S11, the control unit 53 visually or audibly notifies the outside of the necessary maintenance contents by using, for example, the notification unit 56. The control unit 53 may notify the maintenance information to the outside by outputting the maintenance information via the communication unit 51. If printing is possible even if the printer 100 has an abnormality, the control unit 53 may notify the outside by printing the maintenance information in step S11.
　ステップＳ０４で、プリンター１００に異常が無いと判定すると、制御部５３は、ステップＳ０５で、メンテナンス情報、例えば必要なメンテナンスの内容、を、印刷することにより外部に報知する。ステップＳ０５では、制御部５３は、メンテナンス情報を、新しい用紙１の先頭部分および新しいインクリボン３の先頭部分を用いて印刷する。 If it is determined in step S04 that there is no abnormality in the printer 100, the control unit 53 notifies the outside of the maintenance information, for example, the contents of necessary maintenance by printing in step S05. In step S05, the control unit 53 prints the maintenance information using the head portion of the new paper 1 and the head portion of the new ink ribbon 3.
　プリンター１００において、新しく装着された用紙１の先頭部分および新しく装着されたインクリボン３の先頭部分は、通常の印刷物の印刷には用いられない。そのため、その部分を利用することで、用紙１およびインクリボン３を余分に消費することなく、メンテナンス情報を印刷できる。図８および図９に、用紙１およびインクリボン３のうち、ステップＳ０５でのメンテナンス情報の印刷に利用される先頭部分である領域１ａおよび領域３ａの例を示す。ステップＳ０５での印刷では、用紙１に印刷されたメンテナンス情報が判読できれば良いので、ステップＳ０５の印刷は、図９に示されるように、例えばシアン（Ｃ）のインクのみ使用して行われる。インクリボン３に複数種類のインクが長手方向に周期的に塗布されている場合、インクリボン３の先頭部分は、先頭の一周期分の部分である。図１０はステップＳ０５でのメンテナンス情報の印刷例を示す。ステップＳ０５において、必要なメンテナンスが無い場合は、制御部５３は、メンテナンス情報として、必要なメンテナンスが無い旨を伝えるメッセージを印刷する。 In the printer 100, the head portion of the newly mounted paper 1 and the head portion of the newly mounted ink ribbon 3 are not used for printing ordinary printed matter. Therefore, by using that portion, maintenance information can be printed without consuming extra paper 1 and ink ribbon 3. 8 and 9 show examples of the area 1a and the area 3a, which are the head portions of the paper 1 and the ink ribbon 3 used for printing the maintenance information in step S05. In the printing in step S05, it is sufficient that the maintenance information printed on the paper 1 can be read. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, the printing in step S05 is performed using, for example, only the cyan (C) ink. When a plurality of types of ink are periodically applied to the ink ribbon 3 in the longitudinal direction, the head portion of the ink ribbon 3 is a portion corresponding to the first cycle. FIG. 10 shows an example of printing maintenance information in step S05. If there is no necessary maintenance in step S05, the control unit 53 prints a message indicating that there is no necessary maintenance as maintenance information.
　ステップＳ０５において、制御部５３は、報知要否判定部６３により、メンテナンス情報を印刷するかどうかを判定してもよい。その場合、例えば、メンテナンスが必要であると状態判定部６２がステップＳ０４で判定した場合には、報知要否判定部６３はメンテナンス情報を報知するよう判定し、メンテナンスが必要ではないと状態判定部６２がステップＳ０４で判定した場合には、報知要否判定部６３はメンテナンス情報を報知しないよう判定する。 In step S05, the control unit 53 may determine whether to print the maintenance information by the notification necessity determination unit 63. In that case, for example, when the state determination unit 62 determines in step S04 that maintenance is necessary, the notification necessity determination unit 63 determines to notify the maintenance information, and the state determination unit does not require maintenance. When the determination in step 62 is made in step S04, the notification necessity determination unit 63 determines not to notify the maintenance information.
　ステップＳ０５の後、または、ステップＳ０２で新しい用紙１と新しいインクリボン３とが装着されてはいないと判定された場合、制御部５３は、ステップＳ０６で、通信部５１を介して情報処理装置２００と通信し、印刷指令の有無を確認する。印刷指令が無い場合、プリンター１００は、図３に示されるフローチャートの動作を終了する。印刷指令が有る場合、制御部５３は、情報処理装置２００より画像を受信し（ステップＳ０７）、印刷を実行する（ステップＳ０８）。制御部５３は、ステップＳ０８において、単に印刷を実行するだけでなく、印刷機構の備える駆動部品および可動部品およびこれらの動作に関わる部品の状態を判定するために、時間測定部６１により、可動部品の動作時間を測定する。制御部５３は、複数の可動部品それぞれに対して動作時間を測定し、複数の可動部品それぞれ及び関連する駆動部品等の状態を判定してもよい。 After step S05, or when it is determined in step S02 that the new paper 1 and the new ink ribbon 3 are not attached, the control unit 53 controls the information processing device 200 via the communication unit 51 in step S06. Communicate with and check if there is a print command. If there is no print command, the printer 100 ends the operation of the flowchart shown in FIG. When there is a print command, the control unit 53 receives an image from the information processing apparatus 200 (step S07) and executes printing (step S08). In step S08, the control unit 53 not only executes printing, but also uses the time measuring unit 61 to determine the states of the driving parts and moving parts included in the printing mechanism and the parts related to their operation. Measure the operating time of. The control unit 53 may measure the operating time for each of the plurality of movable parts and determine the state of each of the plurality of movable parts and related drive parts.
　ここでは、例として、可動部品がピンチローラー１０である場合について説明する。ピンチローラー１０を駆動する駆動部品はピンチローラー圧着部２３の備えるモーター２４である。制御部５３は、ステップＳ０８において、ピンチローラー１０の、圧着位置から開放位置への位置間移動、または、開放位置から圧着位置への位置間移動、に要する時間Ｔｐを測定する。 Here, as an example, a case where the movable part is a pinch roller 10 will be described. The driving component that drives the pinch roller 10 is the motor 24 provided in the pinch roller crimping portion 23. In step S08, the control unit 53 measures the time Tp required for the pinch roller 10 to move from the crimping position to the open position or from the open position to the crimping position.
　図５は、ピンチローラー１０をグリップローラー９に圧着する際の、透過型センサー１２ｅの出力電圧Ｖｅと、透過型センサー１２ｆの出力電圧Ｖｆと、ピンチローラー圧着部２３のモーター２４を駆動するための駆動信号の電圧Ｖｓと、の時間変化の一例を表す図である。 FIG. 5 drives the output voltage V e of the transmissive sensor 12e, the output voltage V f of the transmissive sensor 12 f, and the motor 24 of the pinch roller crimping portion 23 when the pinch roller 10 is crimped to the grip roller 9. It is a figure which shows an example of the time change of the voltage V s of the drive signal for this.
　図５において、センシング用の信号光が遮られている場合の透過型センサー１２ｅおよび透過型センサー１２ｆの出力電圧はＶＬであり、センシング用の信号光が遮られていない場合の透過型センサー１２ｅおよび透過型センサー１２ｆの出力電圧はＶＨである。また、駆動信号の電圧ＶｓがＶＯＦＦである場合にはモーター２４は動作しておらず、駆動信号の電圧ＶｓがＶＯＮである場合にはモーター２４は動作している。 In FIG. 5, the output voltages of the transmissive sensor 12e and the transmissive sensor 12f when the sensing signal light is blocked are VL , and the transmissive sensor 12e when the sensing signal light is not blocked. And the output voltage of the transmissive sensor 12f is VH . Further, when the voltage V s of the drive signal is V OFF , the motor 24 is not operating, and when the voltage V s of the drive signal is V ON , the motor 24 is operating.
　ピンチローラー１０が圧着位置に達すると、透過型センサー１２ｆの出力がＶＨからＶＬに変化する。制御部５３は、ピンチローラー１０が開放位置から圧着位置まで移動したことを、透過型センサー１２ｆの出力の変化により検知する。制御部５３は、モーター２４の駆動電圧がＶＯＮになってから透過型センサー１２ｆが位置を検出するまでに要した時間を、ピンチローラー１０が開放位置と圧着位置との間の位置間移動に要した時間Ｔｐ、つまり、ピンチローラー１０の動作時間Ｔｐとして測定する。 When the pinch roller 10 reaches the crimping position, the output of the transmissive sensor 12f changes from V H to VL . The control unit 53 detects that the pinch roller 10 has moved from the open position to the crimping position by changing the output of the transmissive sensor 12f. The control unit 53 determines the time required for the transmissive sensor 12f to detect the position after the drive voltage of the motor 24 is turned on to move the pinch roller 10 between the open positions and the crimping positions. It is measured as the required time Tp, that is, the operating time Tp of the pinch roller 10.
　制御部５３は、ステップＳ０８で測定した、可動部品の動作時間に基づいて、メンテナンス要否判定用情報を更新する（ステップＳ０９）。 The control unit 53 updates the maintenance necessity determination information based on the operating time of the moving parts measured in step S08 (step S09).
　ステップＳ１０では、制御部５３は、状態判定部６２により、ステップＳ０９で更新されたメンテナンス要否判定用情報に基づいて、プリンター１００またはプリンター１００の部品の状態を判定する。状態判定部６２の動作については後述する。状態判定部６２においてプリンター１００またはプリンター１００の部品がメンテナンスを要する状態であると判定されると、制御部５３は、報知要否判定部６３により、メンテナンス情報を外部に報知するよう判定する。 In step S10, the control unit 53 determines the state of the printer 100 or the component of the printer 100 by the state determination unit 62 based on the maintenance necessity determination information updated in step S09. The operation of the state determination unit 62 will be described later. When the state determination unit 62 determines that the printer 100 or the component of the printer 100 is in a state requiring maintenance, the control unit 53 determines that the notification necessity determination unit 63 notifies the maintenance information to the outside.
　ステップＳ１０でメンテナンス情報を外部に報知するよう判定された場合、制御部５３は、メンテナンスが必要であると判定された部品のメンテナンス情報、例えば必要なメンテナンスの内容、を、報知部５６を用いて視覚的あるいは聴覚的に外部に報知する（ステップＳ１１）。印刷が可能である場合には、制御部５３は、当該メンテナンス情報を印刷しても良い。また、制御部５３は、通信部５１を介してメンテナンス情報を情報処理装置２００に出力することにより、メンテナンス情報を外部に報知してもよい。 When it is determined in step S10 to notify the maintenance information to the outside, the control unit 53 uses the notification unit 56 to transmit the maintenance information of the parts determined to require maintenance, for example, the content of the necessary maintenance. Notify the outside visually or audibly (step S11). If printing is possible, the control unit 53 may print the maintenance information. Further, the control unit 53 may notify the maintenance information to the outside by outputting the maintenance information to the information processing apparatus 200 via the communication unit 51.
　ステップＳ１０でメンテナンスが必要ではないと判定された場合、プリンター１００は、図３に示されるフローチャートの動作を終了する。 If it is determined in step S10 that maintenance is not necessary, the printer 100 ends the operation of the flowchart shown in FIG.
　ステップＳ０４およびステップＳ１０における、ある可動機構に異常があるかどうか、また、メンテナンスが必要であるかどうかの判定の方法について図６を用いて説明する。図６は異常の有無およびメンテナンス要否の判定の推移図の例である。 The method of determining whether or not there is an abnormality in a certain movable mechanism and whether or not maintenance is required in steps S04 and S10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is an example of a transition diagram for determining the presence / absence of abnormality and the necessity of maintenance.
　図６の横軸は、対象とする可動機構の動作回数ｎである。図６の縦軸は、当該可動機構の可動部品の動作時間Ｔｐである。図６には、試験動作時間Ｔｐｒおよび設計基準時間Ｔｐｄと、可動機構の状態を判定するための閾値である第１基準動作時間Ｔｐ１、第２基準動作時間Ｔｐ２、第３基準動作時間Ｔｐ３、および第４基準動作時間Ｔｐ４が示されている。図６では、第１基準動作時間Ｔｐ１および第４基準動作時間Ｔｐ４は、可動機構の動作回数ｎに依存する場合が示されている。 The horizontal axis of FIG. 6 is the number of operations n of the target movable mechanism. The vertical axis of FIG. 6 is the operating time Tp of the movable component of the movable mechanism. FIG. 6 shows the test operation time Tpr and the design reference time Tpd, and the first reference operation time Tp1, the second reference operation time Tp2, the third reference operation time Tp3, which are threshold values for determining the state of the movable mechanism, and the third reference operation time Tp3. The fourth reference operating time Tp4 is shown. FIG. 6 shows a case where the first reference operating time Tp1 and the fourth reference operating time Tp4 depend on the number of operations n of the movable mechanism.
　設計基準時間Ｔｐｄは、設計上の、新品の状態での動作時間Ｔｐの値である。 The design reference time Tpd is a design value of the operating time Tp in a new state.
　試験動作時間Ｔｐｒは、製造工程の可動部品の動作時間を検証する試験で得られた各動作回数ｎでの動作時間であり、通常程度の消耗が起きている場合の動作時間の推移を表す。第１基準動作時間Ｔｐ１、第２基準動作時間Ｔｐ２、第３基準動作時間Ｔｐ３および第４基準動作時間Ｔｐ４は、設計基準時間Ｔｐｄと試験動作時間Ｔｐｒに基づいて定められる。 The test operation time Tpr is the operation time at each operation number n obtained in the test for verifying the operation time of the moving parts in the manufacturing process, and represents the transition of the operation time when the normal degree of wear occurs. The first reference operating time Tp1, the second reference operating time Tp2, the third reference operating time Tp3, and the fourth reference operating time Tp4 are determined based on the design reference time Tpd and the test operating time Tpr.
　制御部５３は、可動機構の動作回数ｎと動作時間Ｔｐが図６の領域ｒ０に相当する場合、可動機構に異常は発生しておらず、メンテナンスは必要ないと判定する。 When the number of operations n and the operation time Tp of the movable mechanism correspond to the region r0 of FIG. 6, the control unit 53 determines that no abnormality has occurred in the movable mechanism and maintenance is not necessary.
　制御部５３は、可動機構の動作回数ｎと動作時間Ｔｐが図６の領域ｒ１に相当する場合、可動機構に異常は発生していないが、メンテナンスが必要と判定する。 When the number of operations n and the operation time Tp of the movable mechanism correspond to the region r1 of FIG. 6, the control unit 53 determines that no abnormality has occurred in the movable mechanism, but maintenance is required.
　制御部５３は、可動機構の動作回数ｎと動作時間Ｔｐが図６の領域ｒ２、領域ｒ３、または領域ｒ４に相当する場合、可動機構に異常が発生しており、メンテナンスが必要と判定する。制御部５３は、領域ｒ４では、領域ｒ２よりも大きな異常が発生していると判定する。 When the number of operations n and the operation time Tp of the movable mechanism correspond to the area r2, the area r3, or the area r4 of FIG. 6, the control unit 53 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the movable mechanism and maintenance is required. The control unit 53 determines that an abnormality larger than that in the area r2 has occurred in the area r4.
　制御部５３は、動作回数ｎの少ない比較的消耗が進んでいないと推測される領域では、動作時間Ｔｐが第１基準動作時間Ｔｐ１を超えると、可動機構に異常が発生している判定する。 The control unit 53 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the movable mechanism when the operation time Tp exceeds the first reference operation time Tp1 in the region where the number of operations n is small and it is estimated that the consumption is relatively low.
　動作回数ｎがある程度以上あり消耗が進んでいると推定される領域、つまりｎ＞ｎ１の領域では、動作時間Ｔｐが第１基準動作時間Ｔｐ１を超えても直ちには異常が発生しているとは判定せず、動作時間Ｔｐが第２基準動作時間Ｔｐ２以下であれば、駆動力の伝達機構の伝達負荷が増加しておりメンテナンスが必要と判定する。この場合、制御部５３は、ステップＳ０５またはステップＳ１１において、清掃等のメンテナンスを促す。 In the region where it is estimated that the number of operations n is more than a certain amount and the consumption is progressing, that is, in the region where n> n1, even if the operation time Tp exceeds the first reference operation time Tp1, it is said that an abnormality occurs immediately. If the operation time Tp is not determined and the operation time Tp is 2 or less, it is determined that the transmission load of the driving force transmission mechanism is increasing and maintenance is required. In this case, the control unit 53 prompts maintenance such as cleaning in step S05 or step S11.
　また、動作回数ｎがさらに多く、動作回数ｎが交換目安印刷枚数ｎ０を超えている場合には、制御部５３は、異常が発生していなくても、メンテナンスが必要と判定する。 Further, when the number of operations n is further larger and the number of operations n exceeds the replacement guideline print number n0, the control unit 53 determines that maintenance is necessary even if no abnormality has occurred.
　制御部５３は、動作時間Ｔｐが第２基準動作時間Ｔｐ２より短い場合は、特別な故障などが発生したものと想定し異常と判定し、メンテナンスが必要と判定する。 When the operation time Tp is shorter than the second reference operation time Tp2, the control unit 53 assumes that a special failure or the like has occurred, determines that it is abnormal, and determines that maintenance is required.
　以上説明したように、本実施の形態のプリンター１００において、制御部５３は、位置センサーにより印刷機構に備わる可動部品の位置間移動に要する時間を測定し、また、制御部５３は、ステップＳ１０において、位置間移動に要する時間の測定の結果に基づいて、可動部品または当該可動部品を駆動する駆動部品またはその両方に関するメンテナンス情報を外部に報知するかどうかを判定する、これにより、プリンター１００は適切なタイミングでメンテナンス情報を報知し、メンテナンスコストを抑制できる。 As described above, in the printer 100 of the present embodiment, the control unit 53 measures the time required for the moving parts provided in the printing mechanism to move between positions by the position sensor, and the control unit 53 measures in step S10. Based on the result of measuring the time required to move between positions, it is determined whether to externally notify the maintenance information about the moving part and / or the driving part driving the moving part, whereby the printer 100 is suitable. Maintenance information can be notified at the right timing, and maintenance costs can be suppressed.
　例えば、可動部品はピンチローラー１０であり、駆動部品はモーター２４である。制御部５３は、ピンチローラー１０の圧着位置と開放位置の間の位置間移動に要する時間の測定の結果に基づいて、ピンチローラー１０またはモーター２４またはその両方に関するメンテナンス情報を外部に報知するかどうかを判定する。 For example, the moving part is the pinch roller 10, and the driving part is the motor 24. Whether the control unit 53 notifies the outside of maintenance information regarding the pinch roller 10 and / or the motor 24 based on the measurement result of the time required for the position-to-position movement between the crimping position and the opening position of the pinch roller 10. To judge.
　また、例えば、可動部品はサーマルヘッド１３であり、駆動部品はサーマルヘッド圧着部１４の備えるサーマルヘッド圧着部駆動モーターである。制御部５３は、サーマルヘッド１３のプラテンローラー１５に圧着されている位置とプラテンローラー１５との圧着が開放されている位置との間の位置間移動に要する時間の測定の結果に基づいて、サーマルヘッド１３またはサーマルヘッド圧着部駆動モーターまたはその両方に関するメンテナンス情報を外部に報知するかどうかを判定する。 Further, for example, the movable part is the thermal head 13, and the drive part is the thermal head crimping portion drive motor provided in the thermal head crimping portion 14. The control unit 53 is based on the measurement result of the time required for the movement between the positions of the thermal head 13 crimped to the platen roller 15 and the position where the crimping of the platen roller 15 is open. It is determined whether to notify the maintenance information regarding the head 13 and / or the thermal head crimping portion drive motor to the outside.
　プリンター１００は、用紙１およびインクリボン３を新しいものに交換された際に、ステップＳ０５で新しい用紙１の先頭部分および新しいインクリボン３の先頭部分を利用してメンテナンス情報を印刷して報知するので、最新のプリンターの消耗度合いを利用者に提供でき、利用者のメンテナンスに対する意識を啓蒙することができる。 When the paper 1 and the ink ribbon 3 are replaced with new ones, the printer 100 prints and notifies the maintenance information by using the head portion of the new paper 1 and the head portion of the new ink ribbon 3 in step S05. , The degree of wear of the latest printer can be provided to the user, and the user's awareness of maintenance can be enlightened.
　また、異常が発生した場合は、ステップＳ１１で直ちに報知部５６等により報知されるので、ユーザーは速やかに修理を行うことができる。 Further, when an abnormality occurs, it is immediately notified by the notification unit 56 or the like in step S11, so that the user can promptly repair it.
　図６に示す例では、制御部５３は、異常が発生していなくても、動作回数ｎが交換目安印刷枚数ｎ０より大きい場合にはメンテナンスが必要と判定したが、プリンター１００では、位置間移動に要する時間の測定の結果に基づいて異常の有無を判定するので、ｎ０を大きな値と設定することができ、メンテナンスコストを抑制できる。また、動作時間に基づいて異常の有無が判定されているため、例えば、消耗部品が交換目安印刷枚数ｎ０を超えてもなお部品寿命が残っているかどうかが判別でき、異常が無い場合にはメンテナンスを抑制することで、メンテナンスコストを削減することができる。 In the example shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 53 determines that maintenance is necessary when the number of operations n is larger than the replacement guideline print number n0 even if no abnormality has occurred. However, in the printer 100, the movement between positions is necessary. Since the presence or absence of an abnormality is determined based on the measurement result of the time required for the printer, n0 can be set as a large value and the maintenance cost can be suppressed. Further, since the presence or absence of an abnormality is determined based on the operating time, for example, it can be determined whether or not the part life remains even if the consumable parts exceed the replacement guideline printed number n0, and if there is no abnormality, maintenance is performed. Maintenance cost can be reduced by suppressing the above.
　＜Ａ－３．変形例＞
　上記の＜Ａ－２．動作＞では、制御部５３は、動作時間の１回の測定の結果に基づいて、メンテナンス情報を報知するかどうかを判定したが、予め設定した複数回分の動作時間の測定結果を平均し、平均の動作時間に基づいて、メンテナンス情報を報知するかどうかを判定してもよい。複数回の動作時間の平均値に基づいてメンテナンス情報を報知するかどうかを判定することで、印刷機構の動作のバラツキの影響が抑えられ、消耗度合いの判定精度が安定する。 <A-3. Modification example>
The above <A-2. In operation>, the control unit 53 determines whether to notify maintenance information based on the result of one measurement of the operation time, but averages the measurement results of a plurality of preset operation times and averages them. It may be determined whether or not to notify the maintenance information based on the operation time of. By determining whether to notify the maintenance information based on the average value of the operation times of a plurality of times, the influence of the variation in the operation of the printing mechanism is suppressed, and the determination accuracy of the degree of wear is stabilized.
　また、図６に示したメンテナンス要否判定の推移図では、領域の境界を直線として示しされているが、領域の境界は直線に限定されるものではなく、消耗部品の寿命特性に応じて、動作回数に対して二次関数あるいは指数関数として設定されても良い。また、図６では、第１基準動作時間Ｔｐ１および第４基準動作時間Ｔｐ４が、可動機構全体の動作回数ｎに応じて定められる場合を示したが、各基準動作時間は、可動機構の備える可動部品または可動機構の備える駆動部品またはその両方の動作履歴に応じて定められてよい。 Further, in the transition diagram of the maintenance necessity determination shown in FIG. 6, the boundary of the area is shown as a straight line, but the boundary of the area is not limited to the straight line, and it depends on the life characteristics of the consumable parts. It may be set as a quadratic function or an exponential function with respect to the number of operations. Further, FIG. 6 shows a case where the first reference operating time Tp1 and the fourth reference operating time Tp4 are determined according to the number of operations n of the entire movable mechanism, but each reference operating time is movable provided by the movable mechanism. It may be determined according to the operation history of the drive component provided by the component and the movable mechanism, or both.
　また、可動部品の位置の検出のための構造として、カムに突起を設けて透過型センサーで位置を検出する構造について説明したが、カムに穴または反射板を設けてセンサーで当該穴または当該反射板を検出する構造を用いてもよい。 Further, as a structure for detecting the position of a moving part, a structure in which a protrusion is provided on the cam and the position is detected by a transmissive sensor has been described. However, a hole or a reflector is provided in the cam and the hole or the reflection is detected by the sensor. A structure for detecting a plate may be used.
　また、カム以外の可動部品と同期して動作する部材に、突起または穴または反射板を設けて、センサーで当該突起または当該穴または当該反射板を検出することで、可動部品の位置を測定してもよい。 In addition, a protrusion, a hole, or a reflector is provided on a member that operates in synchronization with a movable part other than the cam, and the position of the movable part is measured by detecting the protrusion, the hole, or the reflector with a sensor. You may.
　なお、各実施の形態を自由に組み合わせたり、各実施の形態を適宜、変形、省略したりすることが可能である。 It is possible to freely combine each embodiment, and to appropriately modify or omit each embodiment.
　１　用紙、２　ロール紙、３　インクリボン、４　供給側インクボビン、５　巻取側インクボビン、６　供給側インクボビン駆動部、７　巻取側インクボビン駆動部、８　給紙部、９　グリップローラー、１０　ピンチローラー、１１　搬送駆動部、１２　搬送部、１２ａ　カム、１２ｂ　ギア、１２ｃ，１２ｄ　突起、１２ｅ，１２ｆ　透過型センサー、１３　サーマルヘッド、１４　サーマルヘッド圧着部、１５　プラテンローラー、１６　排紙部、１７　ピンチローラー、１８　排紙ローラー、１９　カッター、２０　用紙センサー、２１　インクセンサー、２２　排紙ローラー駆動部、２３　ピンチローラー圧着部、２４　モーター、２４ａ　ギア、２５　ピンチローラー圧着部、５１　通信部、５２　メモリー、５３　制御部、５４　画像データ処理部、５５　印刷データ処理部、５６　報知部、５７　データバス、６１　時間測定部、６２　状態判定部、６３　報知要否判定部、１００　プリンター、２００　情報処理装置、ＨＷ１　処理回路。 1 paper, 2 roll paper, 3 ink ribbon, 4 supply side ink bobbin, 5 take-up side ink bobbin, 6 supply side ink bobbin drive unit, 7 take-up side ink bobbin drive unit, 8 paper feed unit, 9 grip roller, 10 pinch roller, 11 transport drive unit, 12 transport unit, 12a cam, 12b gear, 12c, 12d protrusion, 12e, 12f transmissive sensor, 13 thermal head, 14 thermal head crimping section, 15 platen roller, 16 paper ejection section, 17 pinch roller, 18 paper ejection roller, 19 cutter, 20 paper sensor, 21 ink sensor, 22 paper ejection roller drive unit, 23 pinch roller crimping part, 24 motor, 24a gear, 25 pinch roller crimping part, 51 communication part, 52 Memory, 53 control unit, 54 image data processing unit, 55 print data processing unit, 56 notification unit, 57 data bus, 61 time measurement unit, 62 status determination unit, 63 notification necessity determination unit, 100 printer, 200 information processing device. , HW1 processing circuit.

Claims (12)

  1. 　用紙に印刷を行うプリンターであって、
    　前記プリンターの印刷機構に備わる可動部品と、
    　前記可動部品を駆動する駆動部品と、
    　前記可動部品の位置を検知する位置センサーと、
    　制御部と、
    　を備え、
    　前記制御部は、前記位置センサーにより前記可動部品の位置間移動に要する時間を測定し、
    　前記制御部は、前記位置間移動に要する前記時間の前記測定の結果に基づいて、前記可動部品または前記駆動部品またはその両方に関するメンテナンス情報を報知するかどうかを判定する、
    　プリンター。     A printer that prints on paper
    The moving parts of the printing mechanism of the printer and
    The drive parts that drive the movable parts and
    A position sensor that detects the position of the moving parts and
    Control unit and
    Equipped with
    The control unit measures the time required to move the movable part between positions by the position sensor, and measures the time required for the moving component to move between positions.
    Based on the result of the measurement of the time required for the movement between positions, the control unit determines whether to notify maintenance information regarding the movable part, the driving part, or both of them.
    printer.
  2. 　請求項１に記載のプリンターであって、
    　前記制御部は、前記位置間移動に要する前記時間の前記測定の結果と前記可動部品または前記駆動部品またはその両方の動作履歴とに基づいて、前記メンテナンス情報を報知するかどうかを判定する、
    　プリンター。     The printer according to claim 1.
    The control unit determines whether or not to notify the maintenance information based on the result of the measurement of the time required for the movement between positions and the operation history of the movable component and / or the drive component.
    printer.
  3. 　請求項１に記載のプリンターであって、
    　前記可動部品の前記位置間移動に要する前記時間に対する予め定められた閾値を記憶する記憶部をさらに備え、
    　前記位置間移動に要する前記時間の前記測定の結果が、前記記憶部に記憶された前記閾値を超えた場合に、前記制御部は、前記メンテナンス情報を報知するよう判定する、
    　プリンター。     The printer according to claim 1.
    Further, a storage unit for storing a predetermined threshold value for the time required for moving the movable part between the positions is provided.
    When the result of the measurement of the time required for the movement between positions exceeds the threshold value stored in the storage unit, the control unit determines to notify the maintenance information.
    printer.
  4. 　請求項３に記載のプリンターであって、
    　前記閾値は、前記可動部品または前記駆動部品またはその両方の動作履歴に応じて定められている、
    　プリンター。     The printer according to claim 3.
    The threshold value is determined according to the operation history of the moving component, the driving component, or both.
    printer.
  5. 　請求項１に記載のプリンターであって、
    　前記制御部は、前記位置間移動に要する時間の測定を複数回行い、
    　前記制御部は、前記可動部品の前記位置間移動にかかる前記時間に対する前記複数回の測定の結果に基づいて、前記メンテナンス情報を報知するかどうかを判定する、
    　プリンター。     The printer according to claim 1.
    The control unit measures the time required for movement between positions a plurality of times.
    The control unit determines whether or not to notify the maintenance information based on the result of the plurality of measurements for the time required for the movement of the movable part between the positions.
    printer.
  6. 　請求項５に記載のプリンターであって、
    　前記制御部は、前記可動部品の前記位置間移動にかかる前記時間に対する前記複数回の測定の結果と前記可動部品または前記駆動部品またはその両方の動作履歴とに基づいて、前記メンテナンス情報を報知するかどうかを判定する、
    　プリンター。     The printer according to claim 5.
    The control unit notifies the maintenance information based on the result of the plurality of measurements for the time required for the movement of the movable part between the positions and the operation history of the movable part, the driving part, or both of them. Determine if,
    printer.
  7. 　請求項５に記載のプリンターであって、
    　前記可動部品の前記位置間移動に要する前記時間に対する予め定められた閾値を記憶する記憶部をさらに備え、
    　前記可動部品の前記位置間移動にかかる前記時間に対する前記複数回の測定の結果の平均値が、前記記憶部に記憶された前記閾値を超えた場合に、前記制御部は、前記メンテナンス情報を報知するよう判定する、
    　プリンター。     The printer according to claim 5.
    Further, a storage unit for storing a predetermined threshold value for the time required for moving the movable part between the positions is provided.
    When the average value of the results of the plurality of measurements with respect to the time required for the movement of the movable part between the positions exceeds the threshold value stored in the storage unit, the control unit notifies the maintenance information. Judging to do,
    printer.
  8. 　請求項７に記載のプリンターであって、
    　前記閾値は、前記可動部品または前記駆動部品またはその両方の動作履歴に応じて定められている、
    　プリンター。     The printer according to claim 7.
    The threshold value is determined according to the operation history of the moving component, the driving component, or both.
    printer.
  9. 　請求項１から８のいずれか１項に記載のプリンターであって、
    　第１のローラーをさらに備え、
    　前記可動部品としての第２のローラーを備え
    　間に前記用紙を挟んで前記第１のローラーと前記第２のローラーとを圧着することで前記用紙を挟持した状態で前記用紙を搬送し、
    　前記位置センサーは前記第２のローラーの前記第１のローラーとの圧着または開放に関する位置を測定し、
    　前記位置間移動は、前記第２のローラーの前記第１のローラーとの圧着状態での位置から開放状態での位置への位置間移動、または、前記第２のローラーの前記第１のローラーとの開放状態での位置から圧着状態での位置への位置間移動である、
    　プリンター。     The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
    With a first roller
    The paper is conveyed in a state where the paper is sandwiched by crimping the first roller and the second roller with the paper sandwiched between the second rollers as the movable parts.
    The position sensor measures the position of the second roller with respect to crimping or opening with the first roller.
    The inter-position movement is a movement between positions of the second roller from a position in a crimped state with the first roller to a position in an open state, or with the first roller of the second roller. It is a movement between positions from the position in the open state to the position in the crimped state.
    printer.
  10. 　請求項１から８のいずれか１項に記載のプリンターであって、
    　インクリボンのインクを用紙に熱転写して印刷を行うプリンターであり、
    　第３のローラーをさらに備え、
    　前記可動部品としてのサーマルヘッドを備え、
    　間に前記用紙および前記インクリボンを挟んで前記第３のローラーと前記サーマルヘッドとを圧着することで前記用紙と前記インクリボンとを圧着して前記インクリボンのインクを前記用紙に熱転写し、
    　前記位置センサーは前記サーマルヘッドの前記第３のローラーとの圧着または開放に関する位置を測定し、
    　前記位置間移動は、前記サーマルヘッドの前記第３のローラーとの圧着状態での位置から開放状態での位置への位置間移動、または、前記サーマルヘッドの前記第３のローラーとの開放状態での位置から圧着状態での位置への位置間移動である、
    　プリンター。     The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
    It is a printer that prints by thermally transferring the ink of the ink ribbon to the paper.
    With a third roller
    Equipped with a thermal head as the movable part
    By crimping the third roller and the thermal head with the paper and the ink ribbon sandwiched between them, the paper and the ink ribbon are crimped to thermally transfer the ink of the ink ribbon to the paper.
    The position sensor measures the position of the thermal head in terms of crimping or opening with the third roller.
    The inter-position movement is a movement between positions of the thermal head from a position in a crimped state with the third roller to a position in an open state, or a state in which the thermal head is open with the third roller. It is a movement between positions from the position of to the position in the crimped state,
    printer.
  11. 　請求項１から１０のいずれか１項に記載のプリンターであって、
    　インクリボンのインクを用紙に熱転写して印刷を行うプリンターであり、
    　前記制御部は、新しいインクリボンおよび新しい用紙が装着された後の初回の印刷において、前記メンテナンス情報を前記新しいインクリボンの先頭部分と前記新しい用紙の先頭部分を使用して印刷する、
    　プリンター。     The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 10.
    It is a printer that prints by thermally transferring the ink of the ink ribbon to the paper.
    The control unit prints the maintenance information using the head portion of the new ink ribbon and the head portion of the new paper in the first printing after the new ink ribbon and the new paper are loaded.
    printer.
  12. 　請求項３または４または７または８に記載のプリンターの製造方法であって、
    　前記可動部品の前記位置間移動に要する時間を検証する試験を行い、
    　前記閾値を、前記試験で得られた前記位置間移動に要する時間に基づいて定める、
    　プリンターの製造方法。     The method for manufacturing a printer according to claim 3 or 4 or 7 or 8.
    A test was conducted to verify the time required for the moving parts to move between the positions.
    The threshold is determined based on the time required to move between the positions obtained in the test.
    How to make a printer.
PCT/JP2020/047984 2020-12-22 2020-12-22 Printer and method for manufacturing printer WO2022137352A1 (en)

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH08154161A (en) * 1994-09-26 1996-06-11 Ricoh Co Ltd Image forming device and management system thereof
US20030231332A1 (en) * 2002-06-04 2003-12-18 Tony Barrett Systems and methods for device degradation determination and resolution by event occurence recordation and timing analysis
JP2008055520A (en) * 2006-08-29 2008-03-13 Nidec Copal Corp Printer with paper cutting mechanism
JP2010052272A (en) * 2008-08-28 2010-03-11 Nidec Copal Corp System and method for maintaining printer

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH08154161A (en) * 1994-09-26 1996-06-11 Ricoh Co Ltd Image forming device and management system thereof
US20030231332A1 (en) * 2002-06-04 2003-12-18 Tony Barrett Systems and methods for device degradation determination and resolution by event occurence recordation and timing analysis
JP2008055520A (en) * 2006-08-29 2008-03-13 Nidec Copal Corp Printer with paper cutting mechanism
JP2010052272A (en) * 2008-08-28 2010-03-11 Nidec Copal Corp System and method for maintaining printer

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