JP7404913B2 - Printing device and method of controlling the printing device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a printing device and a method of controlling the printing device.

Research and development are being conducted on printing devices that print on print media such as bank passbooks.

Regarding this, even if the orientation of the print medium is oblique to the transport direction, by abutting the transport medium against the abutting member while the print medium is transporting, the orientation of the transport medium can be made parallel to the transport direction. There is a known printing device that corrects the image so as to make it look like this (see Patent Document 1). Here, the orientation of the print medium is expressed, for example, by an acute angle formed by a side of the print medium that intersects with a direction perpendicular to the transport direction and the transport direction. When the orientation of the print medium is parallel to the transport direction, the angle is 0°. Note that in this specification, for convenience of explanation, a situation in which the orientation of the print medium is tilted obliquely with respect to the transport direction, that is, a situation in which the angle becomes larger than 0° is referred to as skew. .

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-039584

However, in the printing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, even if the direction of the conveyed medium is corrected by pushing the conveyed medium against the abutting member, the conveyance medium is repeatedly conveyed after that, so that the conveyance medium is not conveyed. skew may occur again. In such a case, in the printing device, at least a portion of the print medium may come off the area where printing is performed by the printing device, and printing of an image on the print medium may fail.

In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention is to transport the print medium in a first transport direction in which the print medium is transported from upstream to downstream of a transport path along which the print medium is transported; a conveyance unit that conveys the print medium in a second conveyance direction in which the print medium is conveyed from downstream to upstream of the conveyance path; and a blocking position that blocks conveyance of the print medium along the conveyance path. and a non-blocking position where the conveyance of the printing medium along the conveyance path is not interrupted. a plurality of detection units capable of detecting the print medium conveyed along the line; identifying two or more of the detection units that have detected the print medium when conveyance of the print medium is interrupted; and conveying the print medium in the first conveyance direction or the second conveyance direction by the conveyance unit; Among the two or more detection units that have been detected, the detection state of the print medium may change at the edge of the print medium among the positions of the print medium, depending on the number of the detection units whose detection state of the print medium has changed during the conveyance of the print medium. The printing apparatus specifies a position and sets a printable range of the print medium based on the specified position of the edge of the print medium.

Another aspect of the present invention is to transport the print medium in a first transport direction in which the print medium is transported from upstream to downstream of the transport path, and downstream of the transport path. a conveyance unit that conveys the print medium in a second conveyance direction in which the print medium is conveyed upstream from the conveyance path; a blocking position that blocks conveyance of the print medium along the conveyance path; A blocking member movable to a non-blocking position that blocks the conveyance of the print medium along the conveyance path, and a blocking member that is provided at a predetermined distance from each other in a direction intersecting the conveyance path, A method for controlling a printing apparatus comprising: a plurality of detection units capable of detecting the print medium conveyed by the plurality of detection units, the detection unit configured to detect the conveyance of the print medium by the blocking member in the blocking position; identify two or more of the detection units that have detected the print medium when The position of the edge of the print medium among the positions of the print medium is specified according to the number of the detection units whose detection state of the print medium has changed during conveyance of the print medium among the detection units of the print medium. , a control method for a printing device, in which a printable range of the print medium is set based on a specified position of an end of the print medium.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a printing device 10 according to an embodiment. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a printing device main body 11. FIG. FIG. 2 is a top view showing an example of the configuration of main parts of the printing apparatus main body 11. FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the printing apparatus main body 11 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a control system of a printing apparatus 10. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process flow in which the printing device 10 prints an image on the print medium 100. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the positional relationship between the print medium 100 whose conveyance is stopped in step S140 and the print medium detection unit 42. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the positional relationship between the print medium 100 being conveyed in the first conveyance direction and the print medium detection unit 42 when a skew occurs. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another example of the flow of processing in which the printing device 10 prints an image on the print medium 100. FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the positional relationship between the print medium 100 being conveyed in the second conveyance direction and the print medium detection unit 42 when a skew occurs.

<Embodiment>
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

Note that directions in the figures will be explained below using a three-dimensional coordinate system TC. The three-dimensional coordinate system TC is a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system that indicates the direction in each drawing in which the three-dimensional coordinate system TC is drawn. In the following, for convenience of explanation, the X-axis in the three-dimensional coordinate system TC will be simply referred to as the X-axis. Furthermore, for convenience of explanation, the Y-axis in the three-dimensional coordinate system TC will be simply referred to as the Y-axis. Further, for convenience of explanation, the Z axis in the three-dimensional coordinate system TC will be simply referred to as the Z axis in the following description.

Further, below, as an example, a case will be described in which the negative direction of the Z-axis and the direction of gravity match. In the following, for convenience of explanation, the positive direction of the Z-axis will be referred to as an upward direction or simply an upward direction. Furthermore, for convenience of explanation, the negative direction of the Z-axis will be referred to as a downward direction or simply a downward direction in the following description. Further, for convenience of explanation, the positive direction of the Y-axis will be referred to as the left direction or simply the left in the following description. Furthermore, for convenience of explanation, the negative direction of the Y-axis will be referred to as the right direction or simply the right in the following description. Furthermore, for convenience of explanation, the positive direction of the X-axis will be referred to as the front direction or simply the front. Further, for convenience of explanation, the negative direction of the X-axis will be referred to as the rear direction or simply rear in the following description.

<Printing device configuration>
The configuration of the printing apparatus 10 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a printing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the printing apparatus main body 11. As shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a top view showing an example of the configuration of main parts of the printing apparatus main body 11. As shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of the printing apparatus main body 11 shown in FIG.

The printing device 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 is a dot impact printer. The printing device 10 includes a head 18 that prints images such as characters on the print medium 100 by protruding a plurality of pins. Note that each of the plurality of pins may be referred to as a wire.

The printing device 10 causes some or all of the plurality of pins included in the head 18 to protrude, and presses one or more of the protruded pins against the print medium 100 via the ink ribbon. Thereby, the printing device 10 forms dots on the print medium 100 and prints images such as characters on the print medium 100.

Here, the print medium 100 is, for example, a sheet on which images such as characters are printed. The print medium 100 may be a cut sheet cut to a predetermined length, or may be a continuous sheet in which a plurality of sheets are connected. The cut sheet may be, for example, plain paper such as cut paper or cut copy paper, or may be a bankbook, postcard, envelope, etc., or may be any other sheet cut to a predetermined length. good. The continuous sheet is, for example, continuous paper, continuous copy paper, or the like. Below, as an example, a case where the print medium 100 is a bankbook will be described. In this case, the print medium 100 is configured by binding a plurality of sheets of recording paper, and a magnetic stripe 101 is provided on the recording surface of the recording paper, which becomes the bottom surface when opened.

The printing device 10 prints on the print medium 100 based on print data received from an information processing device such as a host computer 200 (not shown in FIGS. 1 to 4), for example.

The printing apparatus 10 also includes a printing apparatus main body 11 , an upper cover 12 that is an exterior body covering the printing apparatus main body 11 , an upper housing 13 , and a lower housing 14 . A manual feed port 15 is opened on the front surface of the upper housing 13 and the lower housing 14.

The printing apparatus main body 11 has a main body frame (not shown) including a right side frame 16 and a left side frame 17. Further, the printing apparatus main body 11 includes a printing section 20 including a head 18 and a carriage 19. The printing unit 20 prints on the print medium 100 by operating the head 18 and the carriage 19, respectively. The printing apparatus main body 11 also includes a platen 21 provided at a position facing the head 18. The platen 21 is movable in a direction toward the head 18 and a direction away from the head 18. In the examples shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the direction in which the platen 21 approaches the head 18 corresponds to the upward direction, and the direction in which the platen 21 moves away from the head 18 corresponds to the downward direction.

The printing apparatus main body 11 also includes a first conveyance mechanism section 24 that includes a first conveyance roller 22 and a second conveyance roller 23 . The printing apparatus main body 11 also includes a second transport mechanism section 27 that includes a third transport roller 25 and a fourth transport roller 26 . The printing apparatus main body 11 also includes a third transport mechanism section 30 that includes a fifth transport roller 28 and a sixth transport roller 29 . These first transport mechanism section 24, second transport mechanism section 27, and third transport mechanism section 30 constitute a transport section H of the printing apparatus 10.

The transport unit H transports the print medium 100 in the first transport direction and prints in the second transport direction by the respective operations of the first transport mechanism unit 24, the second transport mechanism unit 27, and the third transport mechanism unit 30. The medium 100 is transported.

The first conveyance direction is a direction in which the print medium 100 is conveyed from upstream to downstream of the conveyance path along which the print medium 100 is conveyed. In other words, the first conveyance direction is the direction from the manual feed port 15 toward the printing unit 20, of the two directions in which the print medium 100 is conveyed on the conveyance path along which the print medium 100 is conveyed. In other words, the first conveyance direction is the direction from the manual feed port 15 toward the printing section 20, of the two directions perpendicular to the scanning direction of the carriage 19, which will be described later. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when a certain first portion of the conveyance path is closer to the manual feed port 15 than a second portion different from the first portion of the conveyance path, the first portion is located at the second portion of the conveyance path. In the following description, the second portion will be referred to as being upstream of the first portion, and the second portion will be referred to as being downstream of the first portion in the conveyance path.

The second conveyance direction is a direction in which the print medium 100 is conveyed from downstream to upstream of the conveyance path along which the print medium 100 is conveyed. In other words, the second conveyance direction is the direction from the printing unit 20 toward the manual feed port 15 out of the two directions in which the print medium 100 is conveyed on the conveyance path along which the print medium 100 is conveyed. In other words, the second conveyance direction is the direction from the printing section 20 toward the manual feed port 15, of the two directions perpendicular to the scanning direction of the carriage 19, which will be described later.

Further, the conveyance path of the print medium 100 is a path along which the print medium 100 is conveyed in the first conveyance direction or the second conveyance direction in the printing apparatus 10, and in the examples shown in FIGS. This is a path along which the printing medium 100 is conveyed back and forth along the X-axis from the spigot 15. For this reason, the conveyance path of the print medium 100 is configured on the front print medium guide 32 and the rear print medium guide 33. In the following, for convenience of explanation, the conveyance path of the print medium 100 will be simply referred to as a conveyance path.

The printing apparatus main body 11 also includes a magnetic information reading section 31 that reads and writes magnetic information from the magnetic stripe 101 provided on the print medium 100. Further, the printing device main body 11 includes a presser portion F that presses the printing medium 100 from rising from above when the magnetic information reading portion 31 reads and writes magnetic information from the magnetic stripe 101 .

Note that the printing device 10 reads magnetic information on the magnetic stripe 101 provided on the print medium 100 instead of the magnetic information reading section 31, and writes magnetic information on the magnetic stripe 101 provided on the print medium 100. The configuration may include a magnetic information reading section that does not perform the magnetic information reading section. The magnetic information reading section 31 is an example of a magnetic information reading section.

Further, in the printing apparatus main body 11, a carriage shaft CA is spanned between the right side frame 16 and the left side frame 17 included in the above-described main body frame. Further, a flat front print medium guide 32 and a rear print medium guide 33 are fixedly provided between the right side frame 16 and the left side frame 17. A planar platen 21 is arranged between the front print medium guide 32 and the rear print medium guide 33. Further, near the center of the rear print medium guide 33 in the direction orthogonal to the scanning direction of the carriage 19, an image reading section 35 that extends in the scanning direction of the carriage 19 and reads an image included in the print medium 100 is disposed.

The scanning direction of the carriage 19 is a general term for two directions in which the carriage 19 can move along the carriage axis CA. That is, in the examples shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the scanning directions of the carriage 19 are the positive direction of the Y-axis and the negative direction of the Y-axis. Therefore, in this example, the first conveyance direction described above coincides with the negative direction of the X axis. Furthermore, in this example, the second transport direction described above coincides with the positive direction of the X axis.

Here, the first transport mechanism section 24 is arranged on the front side of the printing apparatus main body 11 with respect to the platen 21. The second transport mechanism section 27 is arranged on the rear side of the printing apparatus main body 11 with respect to the platen 21 and on the front side of the printing apparatus main body 11 with respect to the image reading section 35. The third transport mechanism section 30 is arranged on the rear side of the printing apparatus main body 11 with respect to the image reading section 35 .

Furthermore, the first conveyance roller 22 and the second conveyance roller 23 are arranged in the vertical direction and form a pair. Further, the third conveyance roller 25 and the fourth conveyance roller 26 are also arranged in the vertical direction and form a pair. Furthermore, the fifth conveyance roller 28 and the sixth conveyance roller 29 are also arranged in the vertical direction and form a pair. Among these, the first conveyance roller 22 is arranged below the front print medium guide 32 together with the platen 21 and the image reading section 35 . Further, the third conveyance roller 25 is arranged below the rear print medium guide 33 together with the platen 21 and the image reading section 35 . Further, the fifth conveyance roller 28 is arranged below the rear print medium guide 33 together with the platen 21 and the image reading section 35 . Additionally, the second transport roller 23 is arranged above the front print media guide 32 . Further, the fourth conveyance roller 26 is arranged above the rear print medium guide 33. Further, the sixth conveyance roller 29 is arranged above the rear print medium guide 33.

Further, each of the first conveyance roller 22, the third conveyance roller 25, and the fifth conveyance roller 28 is a drive roller that is rotationally driven by a conveyance motor M1 (not shown) and a drive wheel train section (not shown) in FIGS. 1 to 4. It is. Further, the second conveyance roller 23, the fourth conveyance roller 26, and the sixth conveyance roller 29 are spring-biased with a predetermined pressing force toward the first conveyance roller 22, third conveyance roller 25, and fifth conveyance roller 28, respectively. This is a driven roller. As a result, the first conveyance roller 22 and the second conveyance roller 23 are rotationally driven in mutually opposite directions, the third conveyance roller 25 and the fourth conveyance roller 26 are rotationally driven in mutually opposite directions, and the fifth conveyance roller 28 is rotated in opposite directions. and the sixth conveyance roller 29 are driven to rotate in opposite directions.

Then, the print medium 100 is transported in a direction perpendicular to the scanning direction of the carriage 19 by the operations of the first transport mechanism section 24, the second transport mechanism section 27, and the third transport mechanism section 30.

The carriage 19 is slidably inserted into the carriage shaft CA. Further, the carriage 19 has a head 18 mounted thereon. The carriage 19 is coupled to a timing belt (not shown). The timing belt is stretched around a belt drive pulley (not shown) driven by a carriage drive motor M2 (not shown) in FIGS. 1 to 4. The carriage 19 is rotated in the range sandwiched between the right side frame 16 and the left side frame 17 in the scanning direction that coincides with the axial direction of the carriage axis CA and the longitudinal direction of the platen 21 by the forward or reverse rotation of the carriage drive motor M2. It is run (scanned).

Further, an ink ribbon (not shown) is positioned in the direction in which the head 18 moving together with the carriage 19 projects a plurality of pins. This ink ribbon is folded and stored in a ribbon cartridge (not shown) installed between the right side frame 16 and the left side frame 17. While the head 18 is traveling in the scanning direction together with the carriage 19, the head 18 causes a pin to protrude and strike against the ink ribbon. Thereby, the head 18 can attach ink from the ink ribbon to the print medium 100 that is conveyed between the platen 21 and the head 18, and can print images such as characters on the print medium 100.

Although not shown, the head 18 includes an electromagnetic coil fitted into a core formed in the frame of the head body. When the head 18 drives the pin, it energizes this electromagnetic coil, and uses the magnetic force of the electromagnetic coil to drive the pin via the pin lever. That is, the head 18 causes the pin to protrude toward the platen 21 by energizing the electromagnetic coil. Note that the protrusion force of the pin is determined by the width of current applied to the electromagnetic coil. In other words, the protruding force of the pin increases as the width of energization to the electromagnetic coil increases, and decreases as the width of energization to the electromagnetic coil decreases.

Further, the printing apparatus main body 11 includes a blocking member 41 that can move forward and backward in the conveyance path of the print medium 100. In the example shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the printing apparatus main body 11 has six blocking members 41 arranged along the Y axis. Note that the printing apparatus main body 11 may have a configuration including one to five blocking members 41, or may have a configuration including seven or more blocking members 41. Each blocking member 41 is movable between a blocking position where the printing medium 100 is blocked from being conveyed along the conveying path and a non-blocking position where the printing medium 100 is not blocked from being conveyed. When conveyance of the print medium 100 is blocked by each blocking member 41 in the blocking position, the orientation of the print medium 100 becomes parallel to the first conveyance direction. In other words, in this case, the print medium 100 is in a state where no skew has occurred. Here, the orientation of the print medium 100 is expressed, for example, by an acute angle formed by a side of the print medium 100 that intersects with a direction perpendicular to the first conveyance direction and the first conveyance direction. When the orientation of the print medium 100 is parallel to the first transport direction, the angle is 0°.

Each of the blocking members 41 is configured to be movable between a blocking position and a non-blocking position using an abutment motor M3 (not shown in FIGS. 1 to 4) as a driving source. Note that each of the blocking members 41 may be driven by a solenoid or the like instead of the abutting motor M3.

The printing apparatus main body 11 also includes a print medium detection section 42 that detects the print medium 100 being conveyed on the front print medium guide 32 . The print medium detection unit 42 is provided between the first conveyance roller 22 and the blocking member 41 in the first conveyance direction so as to be able to detect the print medium 100 conveyed on the front print medium guide 32 .

The print medium detection section 42 includes a plurality of detection sections 43 that can detect the print medium 100 conveyed along the conveyance path. In the example shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the print medium detection section 42 has eight detection sections 43. These eight detection units 43 are provided at a predetermined distance from each other in a direction intersecting the conveyance path, that is, a direction intersecting the first conveyance direction. In the example, these eight detection units 43 are arranged along the direction and spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. Note that these eight detection units 43 do not necessarily need to be lined up in a straight line along an axis parallel to the first conveyance direction, as long as they are provided at a predetermined distance from each other in the direction intersecting the first conveyance direction. That is, these eight detection units 43 may be provided, for example, so as to be arranged alternately with the axis in between. Further, the predetermined interval may be any interval. Moreover, the intervals between adjacent detection units 43 among these eight detection units 43 may be the same or different from each other.

The detection unit 43 is, for example, an optical sensor. Note that, instead of the optical sensor, the detection unit 43 may be another sensor such as a microswitch that can detect the print medium 100 being conveyed along the conveyance path, or another switch. The detection unit 43 outputs information indicating the detected result to the control unit 110, which will be described later. Here, for convenience of explanation, the state of the detection unit 43 in which the detection unit 43 is detecting the print medium 100 and the state in which the detection unit 43 is detecting the print medium 100 in the state of the detection unit 43 will be described below. The state in which the detection state is not detected will be collectively referred to as the detection state. That is, in the present embodiment, the detection state means either a state in which the detection unit 43 is detecting the print medium 100 or a state in which the detection unit 43 is not detecting the print medium 100.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, in the printing apparatus 10, the magnetic information reading section 31, the plurality of detection sections 43 of the print medium detection section 42, the blocking member 41, the printing section 20, and the image reading section 35 are , the magnetic information reading unit 31, the plurality of detection units 43 included in the print medium detection unit 42, the blocking member 41, the printing unit 20, and the image reading unit 35 are arranged in the conveyance path in this order toward the first conveyance direction. . Thereby, the printing device 10 can read magnetic information, read images, and print on the print medium 100 by repeatedly moving the print medium 100 in the first conveyance direction and the second conveyance direction. At least two of these combinations can be performed in sequence without the user having to re-insert the print medium 100 or the like.

<Printing device control system>
The control system of the printing apparatus 10 will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a control system of the printing apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. 5, the printing device 10 includes a control section 110 and a communication section 120.

The control unit 110 centrally controls each unit of the printing apparatus 10 . The control unit 110 includes a CPU 111 (Central Processing Unit), a ROM 112 (Read Only Memory), and a RAM 113 (Random Access Memory).

The CPU 111 reads a control program stored in the ROM 112 and executes it using the RAM 113.

The communication unit 120 transmits and receives various commands, various information, etc. to and from the host computer 200. Note that, for example, when the print medium 100 is a bank passbook, the host computer 200 stores information related to the account associated with the passbook, such as the customer's account number, the customer's PIN number, and the customer's transaction history. It has a database and manages customer accounts.

<Processing in which the printing device prints on print media>
Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 6, a process in which the printing apparatus 10 performs printing on the print medium 100 will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process flow in which the printing device 10 prints on the print medium 100. In the following, as an example, an image to be printed on the print medium 100 and an instruction to cause the printing device 10 to print the image are given at a timing before the process of step S110 shown in FIG. 6 is performed. A case will be described in which the printing apparatus 10 receives a command including the command from the host computer 200. Furthermore, as an example, a case will be described below in which the print medium 100 is inserted into the manual feed slot 15 of the printing device 10 by the user at the timing. Moreover, below, as an example, a case will be described in which the blocking member 41 is located at the non-blocking position at the timing.

The control unit 110 controls the abutting motor M3 to move each blocking member 41 from the non-blocking position to the blocking position (step S110).

Next, the control unit 110 controls the transport motor M1 to drive the first transport mechanism unit 24, the second transport mechanism unit 27, and the third transport mechanism unit 30 to move the print medium 100 in the first transport direction. Conveyance is started (step S120).

Next, the control unit 110 waits until a predetermined cutoff condition is met (step S130). The blocking condition is a necessary and sufficient condition for the printing medium 100 to be blocked by the blocking member 41. The cutoff condition is, for example, that a predetermined period of time has elapsed since conveyance of the print medium 100 in the first conveyance direction was started in the process of step S120. Note that the blocking condition may be any other condition as long as it is a necessary and sufficient condition for the printing medium 100 to be blocked by the blocking member 41. For example, in the case where the blocking member 41 includes a sensor that detects that the print medium 100 is blocked, the blocking condition may be such that the blocking member 41 detects that the printing medium 100 is blocked based on the output from the sensor. It may be something. Further, the predetermined time may be any time as long as it is a necessary and sufficient time for the printing medium 100 to be blocked by the blocking member 41. The predetermined time is determined, for example, depending on the speed at which the printing device 10 transports the print medium 100.

When the control unit 110 determines that the predetermined cutoff condition is satisfied (step S130-YES), the control unit 110 controls the transport motor M1 to stop transporting the print medium 100 in the first transport direction (step S140).

In this way, the control unit 110 moves the blocking member 41 to the blocking position through the processing in steps S120 to S140, and then controls the transport unit H to move the blocking member 41 at least until the printing medium 100 is blocked by the blocking member 41. The print medium 100 is conveyed in the first conveyance direction.

After the process of step S140 is performed, the control unit 110 detects the print medium 100 among the eight detection units 43 based on the information output from each detection unit 43 of the print medium detection unit 42. Two or more detection units 43 in the detection state are specified as target detection units to be used in the process of step S220 described below (step S150). Here, with reference to FIG. 7, the process of step S150 will be explained. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the positional relationship between the print medium 100 whose conveyance is stopped in step S140 and the print medium detection unit 42. In addition, in FIG. 7, in order to clearly show the positional relationship between the print medium 100 and the print medium detection unit 42, the print medium 100 is shown by a solid line showing the outline.

As shown in FIG. 7, when the conveyance is stopped in step S140, the print medium 100 is in contact with the blocking member 41. That is, in this state, the print medium 100 is blocked by the blocking member 41. As a result, even if the print medium 100 is skewed before being blocked by the blocking member 41, the skew is eliminated when the conveyance is stopped in step S140. That is, in this state, the orientation of the print medium 100 is parallel to the first conveyance direction. When the printing medium 100 is blocked by the blocking member 41, the printing medium 100 covers right above at least a portion of the eight detection units 43. Of the eight detection units 43, two or more detection units 43 directly covered by the print medium 100 output information indicating that the print medium 100 is being detected to the control unit 110. Thereby, in step S150, the control unit 110 can identify two or more of the eight detection units 43 that are detecting the print medium 100 as target detection units. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the length of the print medium 100 in the Y-axis direction is longer than the length of the straight line connecting the detection units 43 at both ends of the eight detection units 43. Therefore, in this example, all of the eight detection units 43 are identified as target detection units. However, the size of the print medium 100 is not necessarily the size of the print medium 100 shown in FIG. 7 . Therefore, if the size of the print medium 100 is smaller than the size of the print medium 100 shown in FIG. Two or more and less than eight detection units 43 that are detecting the medium 100 may be specified as target detection units.

After the process of step S150 is performed, the control unit 110 controls the abutment motor M3 to move each blocking member 41 from the blocking position to the non-blocking position (step S160).

Next, the control unit 110 determines whether to perform an operation other than printing the image (step S170). For example, if the unexecuted instructions included in the command received in advance include an instruction to cause the printing device 10 to perform an operation other than printing an image, the control unit 110 determines to perform the operation. do. On the other hand, if the unexecuted instructions included in the command received in advance do not include an instruction to cause the printing device 10 to perform the operation, the control unit 110 determines that the operation will not be performed.

When the control unit 110 determines to perform an operation other than printing an image (step S170-YES), the control unit 110 causes the print medium 100 to be conveyed a predetermined distance in the second conveyance direction (step S180). The predetermined distance is the distance required to align the front end of the print medium 100 with the predetermined first position. Note that, at this point, the control unit 110 has not specified the position of the front end of the print medium 100. At this point, since the print medium 100 has not moved since the conveyance was stopped in step S140, the control unit 110 moves the front end of the print medium 100 by conveying the print medium 100 a predetermined distance in the second conveyance direction. The position may correspond to a predetermined first position. Under these circumstances, if skew occurs due to the repeated processing of steps S170 to S190, the front end of the print medium 100 conveyed by the processing of step S180 will not accurately match the predetermined first position. Here, the front end of the print medium 100 refers to the end of the print medium 100 on the first transport direction side.

Next, the control unit 110 causes the printing device 10 to perform operations other than printing the image (step S190). Specifically, in step S190, the control unit 110 selects one of the unexecuted instructions included in the command received in advance and the instruction to cause the printing device 10 to perform an operation other than printing an image. A process for causing the printing device 10 to perform the operation indicated by the instruction is performed. The operation indicated by the instruction is, for example, reading magnetic information from the magnetic stripe 101 by the magnetic information reading section 31, reading an image from the print medium 100 by the image reading section 35, etc., but is not limited to these. . Note that when reading magnetic information more than once, the control unit 110 recognizes each of two or more instructions indicating reading of magnetic information as different instructions, for example. Further, when reading an image twice or more, for example, each of two or more instructions indicating image reading is recognized as a different instruction. After the process of step S190 is performed, the control unit 110 moves to step S170, and again determines whether or not to perform an operation other than printing the image. Note that when the processing from step S170 to step S190 is repeated multiple times, step S180 may be omitted in some of the multiple times.

On the other hand, if the control unit 110 determines that no operation other than printing the image is to be performed (step S170-NO), the control unit 110 transports the print medium 100 a predetermined distance in the second transport direction (step S200). As described above, at this point, the control unit 110 has not yet specified the position of the front end of the print medium 100. At this point, if the print medium 100 has not moved since the conveyance was stopped in step S140, the control unit 110 moves the front end of the print medium 100 by conveying the print medium 100 a predetermined distance in the second conveyance direction. The position may correspond to a predetermined first position. However, if skew occurs due to the repeated processing of steps S170 to S190, the front end of the print medium 100 conveyed by the processing of step S200 will not accurately match the predetermined first position. In this case, if the control unit 110 does not identify the position of the front edge of the print medium 100 or the position of the rear edge of the print medium 100, the printing apparatus 10 will fail to print the image to be printed on the print medium 100. There is. This is because in this case, the orientation of the print medium 100 is non-parallel to the first conveyance direction due to the skew, and the printing unit 20 prints a part of the image to be printed on the print medium conveyed in the first conveyance direction. It is possible to print outside the 100. In order to solve this problem, the control unit 110 performs steps S210 to S240.

After the process of step S200 is performed, the control unit 110 controls the transport motor M1 to drive the first transport mechanism unit 24, the second transport mechanism unit 27, and the third transport mechanism unit 30, so that the first transport Conveyance of the print medium 100 in the direction is started. Further, the control unit 110 controls the carriage drive motor M2 and causes the head 18 to start printing an image on the print medium 100 while moving the carriage 19 along the carriage axis CA (step S210).

Next, the control unit 110 waits until the number of state change detection units becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold during the conveyance of the print medium 100 started by the process in step S210 (step S220). The state change detection unit is a target detection unit whose detection state changes from a state in which it is detecting the print medium 100 to a state in which it is not detecting the print medium 100 while the print medium 100 is being transported. That is, in step S220, the control unit 110 changes the detection state of the print medium 100 from a state in which the print medium 100 is detected to a state in which the print medium 100 is not detected among the two or more target detection units. One or more target detection units that have changed during transportation are identified as state change detection units. The control unit 110 repeatedly performs such identification of the state change detection unit while the printing medium 100 is being transported, which started in step S210. Note that if the number of state change detection units does not exceed a predetermined threshold even after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the control unit 110 determines that if the number of state change detection units does not exceed a predetermined threshold, there is a possibility that a conveyance failure such as a paper jam has occurred in the conveyance of the print medium 100. For example, the conveyance of the print medium 100 is stopped and an error is notified on a display section (not shown) of the printing apparatus 10.

Here, FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the positional relationship between the print medium 100 being conveyed in the first conveyance direction and the print medium detection unit 42 when skew occurs. Note that in FIG. 8, the print medium 100 is indicated by a solid line indicating its outline in order to clearly show the positional relationship between the print medium 100 and the print medium detection unit 42. If skew has occurred as a result of the processing in steps S170 to S190, the orientation of the print medium 100 being transported in the first transport direction is non-parallel to the first transport direction. Therefore, in this case, among the sides of the print medium 100 being transported in the first transport direction, the side on the second transport direction side is non-parallel to the direction orthogonal to the first transport direction, as shown in FIG. It has become. Since the relevant side is non-parallel to the relevant direction, the eight object detection units gradually detect the print medium 100 one by one as time passes as the print medium 100 is transported in the first transport direction. The detection state changes from this state to a state where the print medium 100 is not detected. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the eight target detection units move from the detection unit 43 on the right side of the printing device 10 to the detection unit 43 on the left side of the printing device 10 by conveying the print medium 100 in the first conveyance direction. The detection state changes one by one from a state in which the print medium 100 is detected to a state in which the print medium 100 is not detected.

Therefore, the control unit 110 specifies the position of the trailing edge of the print medium 100 when the number of target detection units specified as state change detection units exceeds a predetermined threshold. Specifically, for example, in this case, the control unit 110 determines that the predetermined second position associated with the print medium detection unit 42 matches the position of the rear end of the print medium 100, A predetermined second position is specified as the position of the trailing edge of the print medium 100. The rear end of the print medium 100 is the end on the second transport direction side among the ends of the print medium 100. The predetermined second position is, for example, a position in the first conveyance direction where one of the eight detection units 43 is located, a straight line connecting the blocking members 41 at both left and right ends among the positions in the first conveyance direction, and a second position in the first conveyance direction. Although this is a position intersecting with the first transport direction, it may be any other position associated with the print medium detection unit 42. Further, the predetermined second position may be a position associated with another member of the members included in the printing device 10 instead of a position associated with the print medium detection unit 42.

Note that the predetermined threshold value may be any number as long as it is two or more and less than the number of target detection units, for example, a number greater than half the number of target detection units, or a number of target detection units. This is half the number of detection units. In this example, the number of target detection units is eight. In this case, the predetermined threshold is, for example, four.

In this way, the printing apparatus 10 can specify the position of the trailing edge of the print medium 100 being transported in the first transport direction through the process of step S220.

When the control unit 110 determines that the number of state change detection units is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold (step S220-YES), the control unit 110 specifies the position of the trailing edge of the print medium 100, as described above. Then, the control unit 110 sets the printable range of the print medium 100 based on the specified position (step S230). Specifically, the control unit 110 calculates the distance from the specified position to the head 18 in the first transport direction. Based on the calculated distance, the control unit 110 calculates the remaining distance over which the print medium 100 can be transported while the head 18 continues printing. Then, the control unit 110 sets the calculated distance as the printable range, and continues until the paper is conveyed the distance.

Next, the control unit 110 determines whether to finish printing the image on the print medium 100 (step S240). Specifically, if the control unit 110 determines that the print medium 100 has been conveyed a distance greater than or equal to the distance set as the printable range, the control unit 110 determines to end printing the image on the print medium 100. On the other hand, if the control unit 110 determines that the print medium 100 has not been conveyed a distance greater than or equal to the distance set as the printable range, the control unit 110 determines that printing of the image on the print medium 100 is not to be completed.

When the control unit 110 determines that the printing of the image on the print medium 100 is not to be finished (step S240 - NO), the control unit 110 moves to step S240 and continues conveying the print medium 100 and printing the image on the print medium 100. At the same time, it is determined again whether or not to finish printing the image on the print medium 100.

On the other hand, if the control unit 110 determines to finish printing the image on the print medium 100 (step S240-YES), it finishes printing the image on the print medium 100 by the head 18, and also prints the print medium 100 on the second print medium 100. The print medium 100 is conveyed in the conveyance direction and discharged (step S250).

Next, the control unit 110 determines whether all images scheduled to be printed on the print medium 100 have been printed in the printing started in step S210 (step S260). For example, if the control unit 110 has started printing a certain image on the first page of the print medium 100 in step S210, and if a part of the image has not been completely printed on the first page of the print medium 100, the control unit 110 may If not, the remaining image will be printed on the second page of the print medium 100. In such a case, the control unit 110 determines that all of the images that were scheduled to be printed on the print medium 100 have not been printed in the printing started in step S210. On the other hand, for example, if the control unit 110 has started printing a certain image on the first page of the print medium 100 in step S210, the control unit 110 prints the entire image on the first page of the print medium 100. In this case, there is no need to print the image on the second page of the print medium 100. In such a case, the control unit 110 determines that all images scheduled to be printed on the print medium 100 have been printed in the printing started in step S210.

If the control unit 110 determines that all images scheduled to be printed on the print medium 100 have been printed in the printing started in step S210 (step S260-YES), the process ends.

On the other hand, if the control unit 110 determines that all the images scheduled to be printed on the print medium 100 have not been printed in the printing started in step S210 (step S260-NO), the control unit 110 prints the images in the manual feed slot 15. The process waits until the medium 100 is reinserted (step S270). That is, in step S270, the control unit 110 waits until the user inserts the print medium 100 into the manual feed slot 15 again after the user opens the page on which the remaining unprinted image is to be printed.

When the control unit 110 determines that the print medium 100 has been re-inserted into the manual feed slot 15 (step S270-YES), the control unit 110 conveys the re-inserted print medium 100 in the first conveyance direction, and performs steps S110 to S110. After eliminating the skew by a process similar to the process of S140, the process moves to step S200, and the print medium 100 is again conveyed a predetermined distance in the second conveyance direction.

Note that the control unit 110 described above has a configuration that specifies the position of the front edge of the print medium 100 instead of specifying the position of the rear edge of the print medium 100 in the processing of steps S220 to S230. Good too. In this case, in step S200, the control unit 110 moves the print medium 100 in the second conveyance direction until the front end of the print medium 100 is located closer to the second conveyance direction than the print medium detection unit 42. transport. After performing the process in step S210, the control unit 110 determines the position of the front end of the print medium 100 in step S220 if the number of target detection units identified as state change detection units is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. Identify. However, in this case, the detection state of the target detection unit identified as the state change detection unit changes from a state of not detecting the print medium 100 to a state of detecting the print medium 100 while the print medium 100 is being transported. This refers to the target detection unit that detects the Then, in step S230, the control unit 110 sets the printable range of the print medium 100 based on the specified position. Specifically, the control unit 110 calculates the distance from the specified position to the head 18 in the first transport direction. Based on the calculated distance, the control unit 110 calculates the remaining distance over which the print medium 100 can be transported while the head 18 continues printing. Then, the control unit 110 sets the calculated distance as the printable range, and continues until the paper is conveyed the distance.

As described above, the printing apparatus 10 selects two or more of the plurality of detection units 43 that have detected the print medium 100 when the conveyance of the print medium 100 has been blocked by the blocking member 41 in the blocking position. The printing medium 100 is identified and transported in the first transport direction or the second transport direction by the transport unit H, and the detection state of the print medium 100 changes during transport of the print medium 100 among the two or more identified detection units 43. The position of the end of the print medium 100 among the positions of the print medium 100 is specified according to the number of detection units 43 detected, and the printable range of the print medium 100 is determined based on the specified position of the end of the print medium 100. Set. Thereby, the printing apparatus 10 can suppress failure in printing an image on the print medium 100 even if skew occurs during conveyance of the print medium 100.

Further, after identifying two or more target detection units, the printing device 10 transports the print medium 100 in the first transport direction by the transport unit H, and detects the print medium 100 from among the two or more identified detection units 43. The rear end of the print medium 100 among the positions of the print medium 100 may A configuration may be used in which the position is specified as the end of the print medium 100 described above, and the printable range of the print medium 100 is set based on the specified position of the rear end of the print medium 100. As a result, even if a skew occurs during conveyance of the print medium 100, the printing apparatus 10 can prevent printing of an image on the print medium 100 from failing based on the specified position of the trailing edge of the print medium 100. It is possible to prevent this from happening.

Further, after identifying two or more target detection units, the printing device 10 transports the print medium 100 in the first transport direction by the transport unit H, and detects the print medium 100 from among the two or more identified detection units 43. Depending on the number of detection units 43 whose detection state changes from a state in which the print medium 100 is not detected to a state in which the print medium 100 is detected while the print medium 100 is being conveyed, A configuration may be used in which the position is specified as the edge of the print medium 100 described above, and the printable range of the print medium 100 is set based on the specified front edge of the print medium 100. As a result, even if skew occurs during conveyance of the print medium 100, the printing device 10 can prevent printing of an image on the print medium 100 from failing based on the identified position of the leading edge of the print medium 100. It is possible to prevent it from being put away.

Further, after moving the blocking member 41 to the blocking position, the printing device 10 transports the printing medium 100 in the first transporting direction by the transport unit H until the printing medium 100 is blocked by the blocking member 41. is blocked by the blocking member 41, the blocking member 41 is moved to the non-blocking position, and after the blocking member 41 is moved to the non-blocking position, the printing medium 100 is transported in the first transport direction by the transport section H, and magnetic The configuration includes reading magnetic information by the information reading unit 31, reading an image from the print medium 100 by the image reading unit 35, and printing on the print medium 100 by the printing unit 20. may be used.

Furthermore, before the printing device 10 performs at least one of reading the magnetic information by the magnetic information reading section 31, reading the image by the image reading section 35, and printing by the printing section 20, the printing device 10 uses the transport section H to read the print medium. 100 in the second transport direction may be used.

Furthermore, after the printing device 10 performs at least one of reading the magnetic information by the magnetic information reading section 31, reading an image by the image reading section 35, and printing by the printing section 20, the printing device 10 uses the conveying section H to print the print medium. 100 in the second transport direction may be used.

<Modified example of a process in which a printing device prints on a print medium>
Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 9, a modified example of the process in which the printing device 10 prints on the print medium 100 will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating another example of the flow of processing in which the printing device 10 prints on the print medium 100. Note that the processing from step S110 to step S190 shown in FIG. 9 is similar to the processing from step S110 to step S190 shown in FIG. 6, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, since the processing from step S240 to step S270 shown in FIG. 9 is similar to the processing from step S240 to step S270 shown in FIG. 6, the explanation will be omitted. Further, as an example, an image to be printed on the print medium 100 and an instruction to cause the printing device 10 to print the image will be explained below at a timing before the process of step S110 shown in FIG. 9 is performed. A case will be described in which the printing apparatus 10 receives a command including the command from the host computer 200. Further, as an example, a case will be described below in which the print medium 100 is inserted into the manual feed slot 15 of the printing device 10 by the user at the timing. Moreover, below, as an example, a case will be described in which the blocking member 41 is located at the non-blocking position at the timing.

When the control unit 110 determines in step S170 that no operation other than printing the image is to be performed, the control unit 110 controls the transport motor M1 to start transporting the print medium 100 in the second transport direction (step S310).

Next, the control unit 110 waits until the number of state change detection units becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold during the conveyance of the print medium 100 started by the process of step S310 (step S320). However, in step S320, the detection state of the target detection unit identified as the state change detection unit changes from the state of detecting the print medium 100 to the state of not detecting the print medium 100 while the print medium 100 is being transported. This refers to the object detection unit that has changed. That is, in step S320, the control unit 110 changes the detection state of the print medium 100 from a state in which the print medium 100 is detected to a state in which the print medium 100 is not detected among the two or more target detection units. One or more target detection units that have changed during transportation are identified as state change detection units. The control unit 110 repeatedly performs such identification of the state change detection unit while the printing medium 100 is being transported, which started in step S310. Note that if the number of state change detection units does not exceed a predetermined threshold even after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the control unit 110 determines that if the number of state change detection units does not exceed a predetermined threshold, there is a possibility that a conveyance failure such as a paper jam has occurred in the conveyance of the print medium 100. For example, the conveyance of the print medium 100 is stopped and an error is notified on a display section (not shown) of the printing apparatus 10.

Here, FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the positional relationship between the print medium 100 being conveyed in the second conveyance direction and the print medium detection unit 42 when skew occurs. Note that in FIG. 10, the print medium 100 is indicated by a solid line indicating its outline in order to clearly show the positional relationship between the print medium 100 and the print medium detection unit 42. If skew has occurred as a result of the processing in steps S170 to S190, the orientation of the print medium 100 being conveyed in the second conveyance direction is non-parallel to the second conveyance direction. Therefore, in this case, among the sides of the print medium 100 being transported in the second transport direction, the side on the first transport direction side is non-parallel to the direction orthogonal to the second transport direction, as shown in FIG. It has become. Since the relevant side is non-parallel to the relevant direction, as the print medium 100 is transported in the second transport direction, the eight object detection units gradually detect the print medium 100 one by one as time passes. The detection state changes from this state to a state where the print medium 100 is not detected. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the eight target detection units move from the detection unit 43 on the left side of the printing device 10 to the detection unit 43 on the right side of the printing device 10 by conveying the print medium 100 in the second conveyance direction. The detection state changes one by one from a state in which the print medium 100 is detected to a state in which the print medium 100 is not detected.

Therefore, the control unit 110 specifies the position of the front end of the print medium 100 when the number of target detection units specified as state change detection units exceeds a predetermined threshold. Specifically, for example, in this case, the control unit 110 determines that the predetermined second position associated with the print medium detection unit 42 and the position of the front end of the print medium 100 match, and The second position is specified as the position of the front edge of the print medium 100.

In this way, the printing apparatus 10 can specify the position of the front end of the print medium 100 being transported in the second transport direction by the process of step S320.

If the control unit 110 determines that the number of state change detection units is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold (step S320-YES), the control unit 110 controls the transport motor M1 to stop transporting the print medium 100 in the second transport direction. (Step S330).

Next, the control unit 110 identifies the position of the front end of the print medium 100, as described above. Then, the control unit 110 sets the printable range of the print medium 100 based on the specified position (step S340). Specifically, the control unit 110 calculates the distance from the specified position to the head 18 in the first transport direction. Based on the calculated distance, the control unit 110 calculates the remaining distance over which the print medium 100 can be transported while the head 18 continues printing. Then, the control unit 110 sets the calculated distance as the printable range.

Next, the control unit 110 controls the transport motor M1 to drive the first transport mechanism unit 24, the second transport mechanism unit 27, and the third transport mechanism unit 30 to move the print medium 100 in the first transport direction. Start transport. Further, the control unit 110 controls the carriage drive motor M2 and causes the head 18 to start printing an image on the print medium 100 while moving the carriage 19 along the carriage axis CA (step S350).

In this way, the printing apparatus 10 can specify the position of the front end of the print medium 100 even while the print medium 100 is being conveyed in the second conveyance direction. Thereby, even if a skew occurs during conveyance of the print medium 100, the printing device 10 can prevent failure in printing an image on the print medium 100 based on the position. can.

Note that the control unit 110 described above has a configuration that specifies the position of the rear end of the print medium 100 instead of specifying the position of the front edge of the print medium 100 in the processing of steps S310 to S340. Good too. In this case, the control unit 110 specifies the position of the trailing edge of the print medium 100 when the number of target detection units specified as state change detection units exceeds a predetermined threshold in step S320. However, in this case, the detection state of the target detection unit identified as the state change detection unit changes from the state of detecting the print medium 100 to the state of not detecting the print medium 100 while the print medium 100 is being transported. This refers to the target detection unit that detects the Then, in step S340, the control unit 110 sets the printable range of the print medium 100 based on the specified position. Specifically, the control unit 110 calculates the distance from the specified position to the head 18 in the first transport direction. Based on the calculated distance, the control unit 110 calculates the remaining distance over which the print medium 100 can be transported while the head 18 continues printing. Then, the control unit 110 sets the calculated distance as the printable range, and continues until the paper is conveyed the distance.

As described above, the printing device 10 transports the print medium 100 in the second transport direction by the transport unit H, and detects the print medium 100 from among the two or more identified detection units 43. The position of the leading edge of the print medium 100 among the positions of the print medium 100 is specified according to the number of detection units 43 whose detection state has changed to a state of not detecting the print medium 100 during conveyance of the print medium 100, and the specified print A configuration may be used in which the printable range of the print medium 100 is set based on the position of the leading edge of the medium 100. This prevents the printing device 10 from failing in printing an image on the print medium 100 based on the position of the front edge of the print medium 100 even if skew occurs during conveyance of the print medium 100. can be suppressed.

In addition, the printing device 10 transports the print medium 100 in the second transport direction by the transport unit H, and detects the print medium 100 from a state where the print medium 100 is not detected by any of the two or more identified detection units 43. The position of the trailing edge of the print medium 100 among the positions of the print medium 100 is specified according to the number of detection units 43 whose detection state has changed to the state during conveyance of the print medium 100, and the position of the rear end of the print medium 100 is specified. A configuration may be used in which the printable range of the print medium 100 is set based on the position of the trailing edge of the print medium 100 . As a result, even if skew occurs during conveyance of the print medium 100, the printing device 10 fails to print an image on the print medium 100 based on the position of the trailing edge of the print medium 100. This can be suppressed.

Note that the process of specifying the position of the front end of the print medium 100 or the position of the rear end of the print medium 100 described above is not applied to the printing apparatus 10, but may be performed by, for example, an operation of conveying a sheet using a scanner or the like. It may also be applied to other electronic devices.

As described above, the printing apparatus according to the embodiment is capable of transporting the print medium in the first transport direction in which the print medium is transported from upstream to downstream of the transport path along which the print medium is transported; a conveyance unit that conveys the print medium in a second conveyance direction in which the print medium is conveyed from downstream to upstream; a blocking position that blocks conveyance of the print medium along the conveyance path; A blocking member that is movable to a non-blocking position that does not block the conveyance of the print medium and a non-blocking position that does not block the conveyance of the print medium is provided at a predetermined distance from each other in the direction intersecting the conveyance path, and is capable of detecting the print medium conveyed along the conveyance path. a plurality of detection units and a control unit, and the control unit includes two or more of the plurality of detection units that detect the print medium when conveyance of the print medium is blocked by the blocking member in the blocking position. A detection unit is identified, the print medium is transported in the first transport direction or the second transport direction by the transport unit, and detection that the detection state of the print medium changes during transport of the print medium among the two or more identified detection units. According to the number of copies, the position of the end of the print medium is specified among the positions of the print medium, and the printable range of the print medium is set based on the specified position of the end of the print medium. Thereby, the printing device can suppress failure in printing an image on the print medium even if skew occurs during conveyance of the conveyance medium. Here, in the example described above, the printing device 10 is an example of the printing device. Furthermore, in the example described above, the print medium 100 is an example of the print medium. Moreover, in the example explained above, the conveyance part H is an example of the said conveyance part. Further, in the example described above, the blocking member 41 is an example of the blocking member. Furthermore, in the example described above, the detection unit 43 is an example of the detection unit. Furthermore, in the example described above, the control unit 110 is an example of the control unit. Furthermore, in the example described above, the two or more object detection units are an example of the two or more detection units that detect the print medium when the conveyance of the print medium is blocked by the blocking member in the blocking position. Furthermore, in the example described above, the state change detection section is an example of a detection section whose detection state of the print medium changes among the two or more specified detection sections. Furthermore, in the example described above, each of the front end of the print medium 100 and the rear end of the print medium 100 is an example of an end portion of the print medium.

Further, in the printing device, the control unit, after specifying two or more detection units, causes the conveyance unit to convey the print medium in the first conveyance direction, and detects the print medium from among the two or more specified detection units. Depending on the number of detection units whose detection state changes from a state in which the print medium is not detected to a state in which the print medium is not detected while the print medium is being conveyed, the position of the trailing edge of the print medium among the positions of the print medium is A configuration may be used in which the printable range of the print medium is set based on the position of the specified trailing edge of the print medium.

Further, in the printing device, after specifying two or more detection units, the control unit causes the conveyance unit to convey the print medium in the first conveyance direction, and detects the print medium from among the two or more specified detection units. Depending on the number of detection units whose detection state changes from a state in which the print medium is not detected to a state in which the print medium is being detected, the position of the front edge of the print medium among the positions of the print medium is changed to the position of the front edge of the print medium. A configuration may be used in which the printable range of the print medium is set based on the specified leading edge of the print medium.

Further, in the printing device, after specifying two or more detection units, the control unit causes the conveyance unit to convey the print medium in the second conveyance direction, and detects the print medium from among the two or more specified detection units. Depending on the number of detection units whose detection status changes from not detecting the print medium to detecting the print medium while the print medium is being conveyed, the position of the trailing edge of the print medium among the positions of the print medium is A configuration may be used in which the printable range of the print medium is set based on the position of the specified trailing edge of the print medium.

Further, in the printing device, the control unit, after specifying two or more detection units, causes the conveyance unit to convey the print medium in the second conveyance direction, and detects the print medium from among the two or more specified detection units. Depending on the number of detection units whose detection state changes from a state where the print medium is not detected to a state where the print medium is not detected, the position of the front edge of the print medium among the positions of the print medium is changed to the position of the front edge of the print medium. A configuration may be used in which the printable range of the print medium is set based on the specified position of the leading edge of the print medium.

The printing device also includes a magnetic reading section that reads magnetic information included in the print medium, an image reading section that reads images included in the print medium, and a printing section that prints on the print medium. , the plurality of detection parts, the blocking member, the printing part, and the image reading part are arranged in the transport path in the order of the magnetic reading part, the plurality of detection parts, the blocking member, the printing part, and the image reading part in the first transport direction. After moving the blocking member to the blocking position, the control unit causes the transport unit to transport the print medium in the first transport direction until the printing medium is blocked by the blocking member, and the control unit transports the printing medium in the first transport direction until the printing medium is blocked by the blocking member. moving the blocking member to a non-blocking position; after moving the blocking member to the non-blocking position, the transport unit transports the print medium in a first transport direction, and the magnetic reading unit reads the magnetic information; A configuration may be used in which the image reading section reads an image from a print medium, and the printing section performs at least one of printing on the print medium. Here, in the example described above, the magnetic information reading section 31 is an example of the magnetic reading section. Furthermore, in the example described above, the image reading unit 35 is an example of the image reading unit. Furthermore, in the example described above, the printing section 20 is an example of the printing section.

In addition, in the printing device, the control unit causes the transport unit to first read the print medium before the magnetic reading unit reads the magnetic information, the image reading unit reads the image, and the printing unit prints. A configuration may also be used that transports in two transport directions.

Further, in the printing device, the control unit causes the transport unit to read the print medium after at least one of reading magnetic information by the magnetic reading unit, reading an image by the image reading unit, and printing by the printing unit. A configuration may also be used that transports in two transport directions.

In addition, in the printing device, the control unit may control the control unit to determine whether the number of the detection units whose detection state has changed during conveyance of the print medium is greater than half the number of the plurality of detection units, or half of the number of the plurality of detection units. A configuration may be used in which the position of the edge of the print medium 100 is specified when the number of print media 100 is reached.

Although the embodiments of this invention have been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and modifications, substitutions, deletions, etc. may be made without departing from the gist of this invention. may be done.

Furthermore, a program for realizing the functions of arbitrary components in the apparatus described above may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be read and executed by a computer system. Here, the device is, for example, the printing device 10, the host computer 200, or the like. Note that the "computer system" herein includes hardware such as an OS (Operating System) and peripheral devices. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, and CD (Compact Disk)-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. . Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" refers to volatile memory inside a computer system that serves as a server or client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. This also includes those that hold time programs.

Further, the above program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in a transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" that transmits the program refers to a medium that has a function of transmitting information, such as a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line.
Moreover, the above-mentioned program may be for realizing a part of the above-mentioned functions. Furthermore, the above-mentioned program may be a so-called difference file or difference program that can realize the above-described functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... Printing device, 11... Printing device main body, 12... Upper cover, 13... Upper housing, 14... Lower housing, 15... Manual input port, 16... Right side frame, 17... Left side frame, 18... Head, 19... Carriage, 20...Printing section, 21...Platen, 22...First conveyance roller, 23...Second conveyance roller, 24...First conveyance mechanism section, 25...Third conveyance roller, 26...Fourth conveyance roller, 27...First conveyance roller 2 conveyance mechanism section, 28...5th conveyance roller, 29...6th conveyance roller, 30...3rd conveyance mechanism section, 31...magnetic information reading section, 32...front print medium guide, 33...rear print medium guide, 35... Image reading unit, 41...Block member, 42...Print medium detection unit, 43...Detection unit, 100...Print medium, 101...Magnetic stripe, 110...Control unit, 120...Communication unit, 200...Host computer, CA...Carriage shaft , F... Presser section, H... Conveyance section, M1... Conveyance motor, M2... Carriage drive motor, M3... Abutting motor, TC... Three-dimensional coordinate system

Claims (10)

Conveying the print medium in a first conveyance direction in which the print medium is conveyed from upstream to downstream of a conveyance path, and conveying the print medium from downstream to upstream of the conveyance path. a conveyance unit that conveys the print medium in a second conveyance direction;
a blocking member that is movable to a blocking position that blocks transportation of the printing medium along the transportation path and a non-blocking position that does not block transportation of the printing medium along the transportation path;
a plurality of detection units that are provided at a predetermined distance from each other in a direction intersecting the conveyance path and can detect the print medium conveyed along the conveyance path;
a control unit;
Equipped with
The control unit includes:
out of the plurality of detection units, identifying two or more of the detection units that have detected the print medium when conveyance of the print medium is blocked by the blocking member in the blocking position;
The transport unit transports the print medium in the first transport direction or the second transport direction, and the detection state of the print medium changes during transport of the print medium among the two or more identified detection units. specifying the position of an end of the print medium among the positions of the print medium according to the number of the detection units that have been detected;
setting a printable range of the print medium based on the identified position of the end of the print medium;
Printing device. After specifying the two or more detection units, the control unit causes the conveyance unit to convey the print medium in the first conveyance direction, and selects the print medium from among the two or more specified detection units. Depending on the number of detection units whose detection state changes from a state in which the print medium is detected to a state in which the print medium is not detected while the print medium is being conveyed, the position of the print medium in the position of the print medium is determined. identifying the position of the rear end as the position of the end;
setting a printable range of the print medium based on the specified position of the trailing edge;
The printing device according to claim 1. After specifying the two or more detection units, the control unit causes the conveyance unit to convey the print medium in the first conveyance direction, and selects the print medium from among the two or more specified detection units. Depending on the number of the detection units whose detection state has changed from a state of not detecting the print medium to a state of detecting the print medium while the print medium is being conveyed, the position of the print medium among the positions of the print medium is determined. identifying the position of the front end as the position of the end;
setting a printable range of the print medium based on the identified position of the front end;
The printing device according to claim 1. After specifying the two or more detection units, the control unit causes the conveyance unit to convey the print medium in the second conveyance direction, and detects the print medium from among the two or more specified detection units. Depending on the number of the detection units whose detection state has changed from a state of not detecting the print medium to a state of detecting the print medium while the print medium is being conveyed, the position of the print medium among the positions of the print medium is determined. identifying the position of the rear end as the position of the end;
setting a printable range of the print medium based on the specified position of the trailing edge;
The printing device according to claim 1. After specifying the two or more detection units, the control unit causes the conveyance unit to convey the print medium in the second conveyance direction, and detects the print medium from among the two or more specified detection units. Depending on the number of detection units whose detection state changes from a state in which the print medium is detected to a state in which the print medium is not detected while the print medium is being conveyed, the position of the print medium in the position of the print medium is determined. identifying the position of the front end as the position of the end;
setting a printable range of the print medium based on the identified position of the front end;
The printing device according to claim 1. a magnetic information reading unit that reads magnetic information included in the print medium;
an image reading unit that reads an image included in the print medium;
a printing unit that prints on the print medium;
Equipped with
The magnetic information reading section, the plurality of detection sections, the blocking member, the printing section, and the image reading section include the magnetic information reading section, the plurality of detection sections, the blocking member, the printing section, and the image reading section. are provided in the conveyance path in line in the order of the reading units toward the first conveyance direction;
The control unit includes:
After moving the blocking member to the blocking position, the printing medium is transported in the first transporting direction by the transport unit until the printing medium is blocked by the blocking member,
After the print medium is blocked by the blocking member, moving the blocking member to the non-blocking position,
After moving the blocking member to the non-blocking position, the conveyance unit conveys the print medium in the first conveyance direction, the magnetic information reading unit reads the magnetic information, and the image reading unit reads the print medium. performing at least one of reading an image from a print medium and printing onto the print medium by the printing unit;
A printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The control unit includes:
Before at least one of reading the magnetic information by the magnetic information reading section, reading the image by the image reading section, and printing by the printing section, the printing medium is transferred to the second Convey in the conveying direction,
The printing device according to claim 6. The control unit includes:
After at least one of reading the magnetic information by the magnetic information reading unit, reading the image by the image reading unit, and printing by the printing unit, the printing medium is transferred to the second Convey in the conveying direction,
The printing device according to claim 6 or 7. The control unit is configured such that the number of the detection units whose detection states have changed during conveyance of the print medium is greater than half of the plurality of detection units, or half of the plurality of detection units. If the number of pieces is reached, specifying the position of the end portion;
A printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8. Conveying the print medium in a first conveyance direction in which the print medium is conveyed from upstream to downstream of the conveyance path, and conveying the print medium from downstream to upstream of the conveyance path. a transport unit that transports the print medium in a second transport direction, a blocking position that blocks transport of the print medium along the transport path, and a blocking position that blocks transport of the print medium along the transport path; A blocking member movable to a blocking position and a non-blocking position, and a blocking member provided at a predetermined distance from each other in a direction intersecting the transport path, and capable of detecting the print medium transported along the transport path. A method of controlling a printing device including a plurality of detection units, the method comprising:
out of the plurality of detection units, identifying two or more of the detection units that have detected the print medium when conveyance of the print medium is blocked by the blocking member in the blocking position;
The printing medium is transported by the transporting unit in the first transporting direction or the second transporting direction, and the detection state of the printing medium among the two or more identified detecting units changes while the printing medium is transporting. specifying a position of an edge of the print medium among the positions of the print medium according to the number of the detection units that have been detected;
setting a printable range of the print medium based on the identified position of the end of the print medium;
How to control a printing device.

Images