DESCRIPTION
Title of Invention
MULTIFUNCTION PRINTING DEVICE
Technical Field
[0001]
The present invention relates to amul tifunction printing device
that can print to checks and other slips and independently print
to continuous paper fed from a paper roll.
Background Art
[0002]
Checks are commonly used to make deposits and withdrawals from
banks. When a check is used for payment, the bank teller confirms
the date, signature, and other information recorded on the check,
executes the necessary deposit or withdrawal process, endorses the
back of the processed check, and then gives the customer ,a receipt
for the transaction. A driver license or some other form of
identification is typically requested to verify the user when
processing a check, and a photocopy of the identification may be
taken and filed as necessary. This entire process must be performed
in as short a time as possible many times a day at the teller window.
[0003]
This process may also be handled electronically by reading
magnetic information and optical information using an MICR (magnetic
ink character reader) and optical scanner, and an endorsement may
be printed by a printer.
[0004]
Japanese Unexamined Patent Appl .Pub. JP-A-2004-243764 teaches
a compactmultifunction printing device (multifunctionprinter) that
has a MICR, optical scanner, and printhead enabling checks to be
processed in a single operation at the teller window. This
multifunction printer has a conveyance path that transports checks
and other slips, a conveyance path that conveys continuous paper
for receipts perpendicularly to the check conveyance path, and a
single printhead that prints on both checks and receipts where the
two conveyance paths meet.
Citation List
[0005]
Patent Literature
PTL1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Appl . Pub. JP-A-2004-2437 4
Summary of Invention
Technical Problem
[0006]
The multifunction printer taught in JP-A-2004-243764 is
effective for making the device smaller and more compact than when
slips such as checks and continuous paper for receipts are printed
using separate dedicated printheads . However, because both slips
and continuous paper are printed at the same location using a single
printhead, slips and continuous paper cannot be printed
simultaneously in parallel processes. In addition, because the
conveyance paths for slips and continuous paper intersect at the
printing position, media conveyance must be controlled so that the
two conveyance operations do not interfere with each other.
[0007]
Because slip conveyance and printing, and continuous paper
conveyance and printing, must therefore be performed sequentially,
and checks and continuous paper cannot be processed any other way,
improvement in user (teller) convenience and processing speed is
limited. Slips and continuous paper also jam easily where the two
conveyance paths intersect, and continuous paper and slips passing
the conveyance path proximally to the continuous paper can easily
interfere with each other.
[0008]
With multifunction printers that print and otherwise process
slips and continuous paper, slips must be loaded and removed,
continuous paper must be loaded and removed, and if the printhead
is an inkjet head, the ink tank must be replaced or the ink supply
replenished. Improving the ability of the user way to perform such
diverse operations and tasks easily and conveniently is therefore
desirable.
[0009]
A multifunction printing device according to the invention can
process checks and continuous paper in various ways, prevent slips
and continuous paper from interfering with each other or jamming
on the conveyance path, and is easy to use.
Solution to Problem
[0010]
A first aspect of the invention is a multifunction printing
device including: a slip processing unit that processes slips; a
continuous paper processing unit that processes continuous paper;
and a device case in which the slip processing unit and continuous
paper processing unit are disposed. The slip processing unit includes
an entrance pocket in which a slip to be processed is loaded, an
exit pocket to which the slip is discharged after processing, a slip
print unit that prints on the slip, a magnetic reading unit that
reads magnetic information from the slip, an optical reading unit
that reads an image of the slip, and a slip conveyance path that
guides the slip fed from the entrance pocket past the printingposition
of the slip print unit, the reading position of the magnetic reading
unit, and the scanning position of the optical reading unit in this
order or a different order to the exit pocket. The continuous paper
processing unit includes a roll paper compartment, a continuous paper
print unit that prints to continuous paper fed for processing from
a paper roll stored in the roll paper compartment, a continuous paper
exit from which the continuous paper is discharged after processing,
and a continuous paper conveyance path that guides continuous paper
fed from the paper roll past the printing position of the continuous
paper print unit to the continuous paper exit. When the device frame
is set in the normal position on a level surface, one directionparallel
to the level surface is the longitudinal axis, the directionparallel
to the level surface and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis is
the transverse axis, and the direction perpendicular to the level
surface is the vertical axis. The roll paper compartment stores the
roll paper with the center axis of the paper roll aligned with the
transverse axis; the slip conveyance path is a conveyance path that
encloses the continuous paper processing unit on both sides on the
transverse axis and the back side on the longitudinal axis; and the
continuous paper conveyance path is a separate conveyance path that
extends from the roll paper compartment to the front on the
longitudinal axis with the conveyance path width aligned with the
transverse axis, and shares no conveyance path parts with the slip
conveyance path.
[0011]
The slip conveyance path and the continuous paper conveyance
path in the multifunction printing device according to the invention
are conveyance paths that are mutually independent and share no parts
of the conveyance path, and respectively have a slip print unit and
a continuous paper print unit. A s a result, the slips and continuous
paper conveyed through each can be simultaneously and independently
conveyed and printed. In addition, because the conveyance paths are
independent of each other, problems such as paper jams occurring
where the paths intersect do not occur. Furthermore, by sufficiently
separating the printing positions o f the conveyance paths from each
other, problems such as paper jams resulting from interference
between a conveyed slip and the continuous paper can b e avoided.
[0012]
In addition, because the continuous paper processing unit is
enclosed b y the slip conveyance path on both sides on the transverse
axis and the back on the longitudinal axis, and the slip conveyance
path is not located at the front side of the printer on the longitudinal
axis, the space enclosed b y the slip conveyance path can be used
effectively if the continuous paper conveyance path is formed
extending from the back to the front on the longitudinal axis and
component parts are disposed along the continuous paper conveyance
path. In other words, a multifunction printing device having two
independent conveyance paths can be made small and compact.
[0013]
In a multifunction printing device according to another aspect
of the invention, the entrance pocket and the exit pocket are both
open at the top on the vertical axis; the slip conveyance path is
defined by a conveyance channel o f a specific depth that is open
at the top on the vertical axis; the continuous paper exit opens
to the top on the vertical axis.; and the roll paper compartment is
open to the top on the vertical axis when a roll paper compartment
cover attached to the top o f the device case on the vertical axis
is opened.
[0014]
Because the entrance and exit pockets for slips, the roll paper
compartment, and the continuous paper exit are all open at the top
of the printer, slips can b e loaded and removed, roll paper can be
replaced, and continuous paper can be removed from the same side,
specifically from above the front of the printer, without changing
the orientation o f the multifunction printing device, and without
the user moving to or reaching around the sides or back o f the
multifunction printing device. Both slips and continuous paper can
therefore be processed from a user-friendly position. Furthermore,
because the continuous paper conveyance path extends to the front
of the printer where the slip conveyance path is not present and
the continuous paper exit is formed at this front end of the continuous
paper conveyance path, paper jams caused by continuous paper
discharged from the continuous paper exit interfering with a slip
conveyed through the slip conveyance path that is open at the top
can be prevented because the continuous paper exit can be disposed
to a position separated from the slip conveyance path.
[0015]
Further preferably in a multifunction printing device according
to another aspect of the invention, at least one of the slip print
unit and continuous paper print unit has an inkjet head. In this
case, an ink tank loading unit to which an ink tank that stores ink
supplied to the inkjet head is installed is preferably disposed on
the device front side of the continuous paper conveyance path; and
the ink tank loading unit opens to the top on the vertical axis when
an ink tank loading unit cover attached to the device top is opened.
This aspect of the invention enables installing an ink tank or
replenishing the ink supply from the front of the printer, and thus
simplifies these tasks.
[0016]
Further preferably in another aspect of the invention, the roll
paper compartment cover is an access cover that can open to the top
on the vertical axis pivoting at the back side thereof on the
longitudinal axis; the ink tank loading unit cover is an access cover
that can open to the top on the vertical axis pivoting at the front
side thereof on the longitudinal axis; and the continuous paper exit
is formed between the edge part of the front side of the roll paper
compartment cover and the edge part of the back side of the ink tank
loading unit cover.
[0017]
Further preferably in a multifunction printing device according
to another aspect of the invention, an automatic cutter for cutting
the continuous paper across the width thereof is disposed to the
continuous paper conveyance path at a position between the continuous
paper exit and the continuous paper print unit, enabling cutting
the discharged continuous paper and producing receipts of a specific
length, for example. If the drive unit of the automatic cutter is
also exposed when the ink tank loading unit opens, maintenance of
the automatic cutter, for example, can be simplified. Furthermore,
because the ink tank loading unit cover can also be used as the cover
of the automatic cutter, providing a separate cover is not necessary,
and device size and cost can be reduced.
[0018]
In a multifunction printing device according to another aspect
of the invention, the slip conveyance path has an upstream-side
conveyance path part that extends from the entrance pocket to the
back on the longitudinal axis at a position on one side of the roll
paper compartment on the transverse axis, a downstream-side
conveyance path part that extends from the exit pocket to the back
on the longitudinal axis at a position on the other side of the roll
paper compartment on the transverse axis, and a rear conveyance path
part that extends on the transverse axis from the downstream end
of the upstream-side conveyance path part to the upstream end of
the downstream-side conveyance path part at the back of the roll
paper compartment on the longitudinal axis.
[0019]
In this configuration, the height of the device top on the top
side on the vertical axis at the part of the device case where the
rear conveyance path part of the slip conveyance path is formed behind
the roll paper compartment cover on the longitudinal axis is
preferably set to a height that does not interfere with the roll
paper compartment cover when fully open. In addition, the position
of the roll paper compartment cover when fully open is preferably
set to not interfere with a slip passing the rear conveyance path
part .
Usability including replacing the roll paper is easier with
this configuration because the roll paper compartment cover can be
opened wide. Damage and paper jams can also be avoided when a slip
is conveyed while the roll paper compartment cover is open because
the slip will not contact the roll paper compartment cover.
[0020]
When the slip conveyance path has a portion with low side walls
(a shallow conveyance channel) , the magnetic reading unit, slipprint
unit, and optical reading unit are disposed to positions removed
on the transverse axis from the top of the device where the roll
paper compartment cover is positioned when fully open. For example,
the magnetic reading unit may be disposed to the upstream-side
conveyance path part, the slip print unit may be disposed to the
downstream end part of the rear conveyance path part, and the optical
reading unit may be disposed to the downstream-side conveyance path
part.
[0021]
Further preferably, the slip print unit and the continuous paper
print unit each have a line printhead.
[0022]
So that a driver license or other identification card can be
read optically andmagnetically whenprocessing slips such as checks,
a card slot of a specific depth extending on the longitudinal axis
for a magnetic reader is formed at a part of the device case on the
exterior side of the entrance pocket on the transverse axis at the
top of the device on the vertical axis; and
a card slot for scanning cards that feeds a card to the reading
position of the optical reading unit on the downstream-side
conveyance path part is formed in the top of the device to the inside
on the transverse axis from the exit pocket.
Other objects and attainments together with a fuller
understanding of the invention will become apparent and appreciated
by referring to the following description and claims taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0023]
FIG. 1 is an oblique view of a multifunction printing device
according to the invention.
FIG. 2 is an oblique view of the multifunction printing device
in FIG. 1 with two covers open.
FIG. 3 is an oblique view of the multifunction printing device
in FIG. 1 from above.
FIG. 4 is an oblique view of the multifunction printing device
in FIG. 1 with the rear cover open.
FIG. 5 describes the check processing unit and continuous paper
processing unit o f the multifunction printing device in FIG. 1 .
FIG. 6 shows the internal configuration o f the multifunction
printing device in FIG. 1 .
FIG. 7 is a longitudinal section view of the multifunction
printing device in FIG. 1 .
Description of Embodiments
[0024]
A preferred embodiment of a multifunction printing device
according to the present invention is described below with reference
to the accompanying figures. The multifunction printing device
described in the embodiment below processes checks as a type of slip,
and produces receipts by printing and cutting continuous paper
delivered from a paper roll, but the invention can obviously also
- l o
be used in a multifunction printing device that processes slips other
than checks, or in a multifunction printing device that performs
a process that prints and produces coupons instead o f receipts.
[0025]
General configuration
The general configuration of a multifunction printing device
("multifunction printer" below) according to this embodiment of the
invention is described next with reference primarily to FIG. 1 and
FIG. 5 . FIG. 1 is an oblique view of the multifunction printer from
diagonally above the right side, and FIG. 5 describes the
configuration of the check processing unit and continuous paper
processing unit incorporated in the multifunction printer. The
multifunction printer 1 houses the check processing unit 2 and
continuous paper processing unit 3 inside a printer case la. Note
that when the multifunction printer 1 is normally placed on a flat
horizontal surface for use as shown in FIG. 1 , the side o f the
multifunction printer 1 (printer case la) facing the operator is
the front and the opposite side is the back, the direction between
front and back is the longitudinal axis Y , the direction parallel
to the installation- surf ace and perpendicular to the longitudinal
axis Y is the transverse axis X , and the direction perpendicular
to the installation surface is the vertical axis Z .
[0026]
The check processing unit 2 of the multifunction printer 1
includes an entry pocket 4 in which one or more checks SI to be processed
are loaded; an exit pocket 5 into which checks SI are discharged
after processing; a magnetic reader 6 that reads magnetic information
from checks SI; a check print unit 7 that prints on checks SI; an
optical reading unit 8 that scans the front and back sides of the
checks SI; and a check conveyance path PI that is substantially
U-shaped when seen in plan view. A check Si fed from the entry pocket
4 into the check conveyance path PI sequentially passes the reading
position of the magnetic reader 6 , the printing position of the check
print unit 7 , and the reading position of the optical reading unit
8 , and is then discharged into the exit pocket 5 . Note that units
6 , 7 , and 8 can be arranged along the check conveyance path PI in
a different order than in this embodiment.
[0027]
The continuous paper processing unit 3 incorporated in the
multifunction printer 1 is disposed within the area surrounded by
the check conveyance path PI, and as shown in FIG. 5 includes a roll
paper compartment 11; a continuous paper print unit 12 that prints
on the continuous paper S2 to be processed that is fed from the paper
roll R stored in the roll paper compartment 11; an automatic cutter
13 that cuts across the width of the continuous paper S2 after printing
is completed; a continuous paper exit 1 that discharges the processed
continuous paper S2 (after printing or after printing and cutting) ;
and a continuous paper conveyance path P2 that carries the continuous
paper S2 fed from the paper roll R past the continuous paper print
unit 12 printing position to the continuous paper exit 1 .
[0028]
The check conveyance path PI is a conveyance path formed in
a U-shape when seen in plan view, creating a space in which the
continuous paper processing unit 3 is enclosed on both sides on the
transverse axis X and the back side on the longitudinal axis Y . The
check conveyance path PI is defined by a conveyance channel of a
specific depth that is open at the top along the vertical axis Z .
A check SI is inserted to the entry pocket 4 standing on edge with
the long sides on top andbottom, is conveyed through the multifunction
printer 1 to the exit pocket 5 while held upright, and the checks
SI discharged into the exit pocket 5 are stored standing in a horizontal
stack. Note that the continuous paper conveyance path P2 is an
independent conveyance path, has no parts that are shared with the
check conveyance path PI, and extends on the longitudinal axis Y
with the width of the conveyance path aligned with the width of the
printer.
[0029]
External appearance
The external appearance of the multifunction printer 1 is
described next with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 to FIG. 4 . FIG.
2 is an oblique view from above the front left side of the multifunction
printer 1 when the two covers disposed at the top of the printer
are open, FIG. 3 is an oblique view of the multifunction printer
1 from diagonally above the front, and FIG. 4 is an oblique view
from above the rear right side of the multifunction printer 1 when
the rear cover is open.
[0030]
A s shown in these figures, the printer case la of the
multifunction printer 1 includes a rectangular bottom case 21 of
a uniform thickness on the bottom, an inside case 22 on top, and
a right case 23, rear case 24, and left case 25 disposed on the right
side, back, and left side of the inside case 22 with specific gaps
therebetween. The top of themultifunctionprinter 1 is the top surface
of these parts 22 to 25 located at the top side on the vertical axis
Z . The check conveyance path PI, which has a U-shaped configuration
open to the front when seen in plan view, is defined by the vertical
channel of a specific depth formed between the inside case 22 and
the right case 23, rear case 24, and left case 25 .A wide entry pocket
4 that is open to the top and front is formed in the front part of
the space between the inside case 22 and right case 23 on the
longitudinal axis, and a wide exit pocket 5 that is open to the top
is formed in the front part of the space between the inside case
22 and left case 25.
[0031]
The check conveyance path PI includes an upstream-side
conveyance path part Pll that extends straight on the longitudinal
axis between the inside case 22 and right case 23; a downstream-side
conveyance path part P13 that extends straight from the back to the
front of the printer with a slight incline to the inside between
the inside case 22 and left case 25; and a rear conveyance path part
P12 that extends straight widthwise to the printer between the
downstream end of the upstream-side conveyance path part Pll and
the upstream end of the downstream-side conveyance path part P13
between the inside case 22 and rear case 24.
[0032]
A card slot 26 that extends straight on the longitudinal axis
is formed in the top part of the right case 23 in this embodiment.
This card slot 26 is a slot for reading magnetic information from
an identification card, for example. A magnetic reader not shown
disposed inside the card slot 26 reads the magnetic information when
the user inserts and removes the card from the card slot 26.
[0033]
A straight card slot 27 is also formed in the top of the inside
case 22 near the exit pocket 5 as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 . This
card slot 27 is a straight slot that continues from the downstream
end of the downstream-side conveyance path part P13, is positioned
on an extension of the downstream-side conveyance path part P13,
and is inclined slightly toward the widthwise center of the printer.
When a driver license or other card is inserted to the card slot
27 from the front, the card is detected by an internal sensor not
shown, and the inserted card is fed toward the downstream-side
conveyance path part P13. Before the fed card is returned to the
card slot 27 , image information on the front andback sides is captured
by an optical reading unit 8 that is disposed to the downstream-side
conveyance path part P13 for scanning checks.
[0034]
A roll paper compartment cover 28 and ink cartridge unit cover
29 are disposed to the top of the inside case 22. The roll paper
compartment cover 28 can open from the closed position shown in FIG.
1 to a substantially vertical position shown in FIG. 2 pivoting on
an axis of rotation that extends widthwise to the printer at the
back o f the printer. When the roll paper compartment cover 28 is
opened, the roll paper compartment 11 formed inside the inside case
22 opens to the top, and the paper roll R can b e replaced.
[003.5]
The ink cartridge unit cover 29 can open from the closed position
shown in FIG. 1 to the open position shown in FIG. 2 pivoting on
an axis of rotation that extends widthwise to the printer at the
front side o f the printer. When the ink cartridge unit cover 29 is
opened, the ink cartridge unit 29a formed inside the inside case
22 opens to the top, and the ink cartridge 29b can b e replaced.
The drive unit 13c of the automatic cutter 13 is disposed behind
the ink cartridge unit 29a. Maintenance of the automatic cutter 13
is thus simplified because the drive unit 13c of the automatic cutter
13 is also exposed when the ink cartridge unit cover 29 is opened.
[0036]
The continuous paper exit 14 formed in the top of the inside
case 22 is defined by the distal edge o f the roll paper compartment
cover 28 and the distal edge of the ink cartridge unit cover 29.
A s shown in FIG. 2 , the platen roller 12b o f the continuous paper
print unit 12 and the fixed knife 13a of the automatic cutter 13
are disposed to the distal end of the roll paper compartment cover
28. A s a result, when the roll paper compartment cover 28 opens,
the continuous paper conveyance path P2 opens and continuous paper
pulled from the paper roll can b e easily set in the continuous paper
conveyance path P2 .
[0037]
A flat operating panel 22a that slopes slightly to the front
of the printer is disposed at the left corner at the back end of
the inside case 22. An operating button 22b and a plurality of LED
units 22c for displaying the operating status are arrayed in the
operating panel 22a .A s will be understood from FIG . 1 , a power switch
22d is located at the bottom right part of the front of the printer.
[0038]
The entry pocket 4 of the multifunction printer 1 according
to this embodiment of the invention is thus open to the top on the
vertical axis Z and the front on the longitudinal axis Y , the exit
pocket 5 is open to the top on the vertical axis Z , and the continuous
paper exit 14 opens to the top from the top of the printer. Roll
paper can be loaded into the roll paper compartment 11 from the front
of the printer by opening the roll paper compartment cover 28, and
an ink cartridge 29b can be loaded to the ink cartridge unit 29a
from the front by opening the ink cartridge unit cover 29 .The operating
panel 22a can also be operated from the front. More specifically,
the operator can perform most operations from the front looking at
the top of the printer, and no operations require looking at the
sides or back of the device. In addition, because the drive unit
13c of the automatic cutter 13 is exposed when the ink cartridge
unit cover 29 is opened, maintenance of these parts can be done from
the front. The multifunction printer 1 is therefore very easy to
use and operate, and is extremely user-friendly.
[0039]
Check processing unit
FIG. 6 shows the configuration of the check processing unit
2 , and the internal configuration of the check processing unit 2
is described below referring primarily to FIG. 6 .
A paper feed roller 30a is disposed to the side of the entry
pocket 4 of the check processing unit 2 on the right case 23 side,
and a pressure member 30b is disposed to the side on the inside case
22 side. The pressure member 30b presses the checks S I inserted to
the entry pocket 4 to the paper feed roller 30a side. The checks
SI are fed into the upstream-side conveyance path part Pll of the
check conveyance path PI by the paper feed roller 30a, which is driven
by the feed motor 41. In this example the checks SI are inserted
Upright to the entry pocket 4 with the back facing the inside of
the printer (the inside case 22 side) .
[0040]
A feed roller 31b that conveys checks SI fed from the entry
pocket 4 , and a retard roller 31a disposed opposite the feed roller
31b with the upstream-side conveyance path part Pll therebetween,
are disposed to the upstream-side conveyance path part Pll of the
check conveyance path PI. The feed roller 31b is driven by the feed
motor 41, and turns synchronized with the paper feed roller 30a.
The retard roller 31a is urged to the feed roller 31b side, and
separates the checks SI so that the checks SI are fed one at a time
downstream in cooperation with the feed roller 31b.
[0041]
A plurality of paper feed roller pairs 32 to 36 are disposed
to the conveyance path portion of the check conveyance path PI
downstream from the feed roller 31b. Paper feed roller pair 32 is
disposed to the upstream-side conveyance path part Pll; paper feed
roller pairs 33, 34 are disposed to the rear conveyance path part
P12; and the remaining paper feed roller pairs 35, 36 are disposed
to the downstream- side conveyance path part P13. Each of the paper
feed roller pairs 32 to 36 has a drive roller 32a, 33a, 34a, 35a,
36a on the inside case 22 side, and an opposing follower roller 32b,
33b, 34b, 35b, 36b disposed to the right case 23, rear case 24, and
left case 25 side, respectively, with the check conveyance path PI
therebetween. The drive rollers 32a, 33a, 34a, 35a, 36a are
rotationally driven synchronously by the drive motor 40 through an
intervening endless belt 37. The follower rollers 32b, 33b, 34b,
35b, 36b are urged to the opposing drive roller 32a - 36a side by
an urging member not shown.
[0042]
A magnetic reader 6 is disposed to the upstream-side conveyance
path part Pll of the check conveyance path PI. The magnetic reader
6 includes a magnetic scanner 6a such as an MICR device capable of
reading magnetic information recorded in magnetic ink on the check
SI, and the magnetic scanner 6a is disposed to the right case 23
so that the magnetic reading surface thereof faces the upstream-side
conveyance path part Pll. A pressure roller 6b is disposed opposite
the magnetic reading surface of the magnetic scanner 6a with the
upstream-side conveyance path part Pll therebetween. The pressure
roller 6b presses the conveyed check SI to the magnetic reading surface
of the magnetic scanner 6a so that the magnetic information can be
reliably read by the magnetic scanner 6a.
[0043]
A check print unit 7 that prints an endorsement on the backs
of checks SI is disposed to the continuous paper print unit 12, which
continues widthwise to the printer fro the downstream end of the
upstream-side conveyance path part Pll, at a position on the left
corner side of the printer. The check print unit 7 has a line inkjet
head 7a disposed with the line on the vertical axis Z and the nozzle
face of the inkjet head 7a facing the rear conveyance path part P12 .
A platen 7b that determines the printing position of the inkjet head
7a is disposed to the rear case 24 opposite the nozzle face with
the rear conveyance path part P12 therebetween . The ink supply source
of the inkjet head 7a is an ink cartridge 29b (FIG. 2 , FIG. 7 ) loaded
in the ink cartridge unit 29a.
[0044]
Using a line head enables making the check print unit 7 more
compact than when a serial head is used. The check print unit 7 is
disposed at the downstream end of the rear conveyance path part P12,
or more particularly at the rear left corner part of the inside case
22. This has the advantage of easily assuring space for installing
the continuous paper processing unit 3 in which the continuous paper
conveyance path P2 is formed extending on the longitudinal axis inside
the inside case 22.
[0045]
The paper feed roller pairs 35, 36 are disposed to the
downstream-side conveyance path part P13 of the check conveyance
path PI, and an optical reading unit 8 that reads image information
from both sides o f the checks SI is disposed to the part of the
conveyance path between these paper feed roller pairs. The optical
reading unit 8 includes an optical scanner 8a for reading the check
face and an optical scanner 8b for reading the back of the check
with the scanning surfaces facing each other and the downstream-side
conveyance path part P13 therebetween.
[0046]
The exit pocket 5 into which checks SI are discharged after
magnetic information reading, endorsement printing, and optical
scanning processes are completed is disposed to the downstream end
of the downstream-side conveyance path part P13. The exit pocket
5 opens to the top, and checks SI discharged into the exit pocket
5 can be removed from the top. Because the entry pocket 4 and exit
pocket 5 of the check processing unit 2 are both open at the top,
the user can always handle checks at a position in front of the
multifunction printer 1 .
[0047]
FIG. 7 is a vertical section view of the multifunction printer
1 . A s will be understood from FIG. 7 and FIG. 4 , the height of the
top surface of the portion of the rear conveyance path part P12 behind
the roll paper compartment cover 28 is lowered to prevent interference
with the roll paper compartment cover 28 when open.
[0048]
More specifically, the top of the inside case 22 has a slope
22f that inclines down from the bottom of the rear edge 28b of the
roll paper compartment cover 28 when closed, and one side o f the
rear conveyance path part P12 is formed by the end part that descends
vertically from the rear end of the slope 22 f . When the roll paper
compartment cover 28 opens, the back end of the roll paper compartment
cover 28 rotates to the back pivoting on a hinge 52 at the back end,
and opens until the rear edge 28b contacts the slope 22f.
[0049]
So that the part of the rear case 24 located behind the roll
paper compartment cover 28 does not interfere with the roll paper
compartment cover 28 when the roll paper compartment cover 28 opens,
the top part 24a is set lower than the height of the top parts on
both sides thereof. More specifically, the top part 24a of the rear
case 24 is a flat surface of a constant height, and the right side
part thereof is connected to the bottom end part of the sloped portion
23b that descends from the top part 23a of the right case 23. The
left side part of the top part 24a is connected to the bottom end
of the sloped part 24b that inclines upward, and the top end of the
sloped part 24b is connected to the flat top part 24c located at
a higher elevation.
[0050]
By thus disposing the top part 24a behind the roll paper
compartment cover 28 at a lower position, the roll paper compartment
cover 28 does not interfere with the rear case 24 when the roll paper
compartment cover 28 opens. When fully open, the roll paper
compartment cover 28 is alsopositioned in front of the rear conveyance
path part P12 . Interference between checks SI conveyed through the
rear conveyance path part P12 and the roll paper compartment cover
28 can thus be avoided.
[0051]
This embodiment of the invention uses the tall parts of the
case on both sides of the rear conveyance path part P12 to hold the
magnetic reader 6 , check print unit 7 , and optical reading unit 8 .
More specifically, the magnetic reader 6 is located at the back of
the right case 23, and the check print unit 7 and optical reading
unit 8 are located in the tall part of the left- side of the rear
case 24.
[0052]
Roll paper processing unit
The structure of parts of the continuous paper processing unit
3 is described next referring primarily to FIG. 7 . The roll paper
compartment 11 of the continuous paper processing unit 3 is formed
inside the inside case 22 at the back, and holds the paper roll R
so that it can roll freely with the center axis aligned with the
printer width. The continuous paper conveyance path P2 that guides
continuous paper S2 fed from the paper roll R to the continuous paper
exit 14 extends from the roll paper compartment 11 to the front and
top with the conveyance path width aligned with the printer width.
[0053]
The roll paper compartment 11 has a bottom panel 51 of which
the bottom is a concave curve in section view, and the top opening
is covered by the roll paper compartment cover 28 . The back end of
the roll paper compartment cover 28 is supported by the hinge 52,
the pivot axis of which extends widthwise to the printer, and the
roll paper compartment cover 28 opens and closes pivoting on this
hinge 52.
[0054]
The continuous paper S2 fed from the paper roll R in the roll
paper compartment 11 is conveyed through the continuous paper
conveyance path P2 and guided to the continuous paper exit 14. More
specifically, the roll paper is guided to the front to the continuous
paper print unit 12 by a paper guide 53 attached to the front edge
part of the bottom panel 51. Note that freely rotating guide rollers
for reducing the rolling resistance of the paper roll R could be
disposed to the bottom of the roll paper compartment 11 and the paper
roll R placed thereon.
[0055]
The continuous paper print unit 12 includes a line thermal head
12a and a platen roller 12b that conveys while pressing the continuous
paper S2 to the surface of the thermal head 12a. The thermal head
12a is disposed to the inside case 22 side, and the platen roller
12b is disposed to the roll paper compartment cover 28, in this
embodiment of the invention.
[0056]
An automatic cutter 13 is disposed above the continuous paper
print unit 12. The automatic cutter 13 includes a fixed knife 13a
and a drive unit 13c including a movable knife 13b. The fixed knife
13a is disposed on the roll paper compartment cover 28 side, and
the movable knife 13b and drive unit 13c are disposed on the inside
case 22 side. The continuous paper S2 passes the cutting position
of the automatic cutter 13 after passing the printing position of
the continuous paper print unit 12, and is discharged upward from
the continuous paper exit 14, which is open to the top. Note that
as shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 a cutter knife 54 is disposed widthwise
to the printer at the front edge of the continuous paper exit 14,
enabling the operator to cut the continuous paper S2 at a desirable
position.
[0057]
Control system and operation of the multifunction printer
Operation of the multifunction printer 1 is controlled by a
control unit 61 (FIG. 6 , FIG. 7 ) such as a MPU mounted on a circuit
board 60 that is disposed on top of the bottom case 21 that supports
the check processing unit 2 and continuous paper processing unit
3 . Device maintenance including updating the driver is improved by
controlling the multifunction printer 1 using a single control unit
61 . Note that the control unit 61 may be installed as a control board
attached to the back side of the circuit board 60 (the opposite side
as the check conveyance path PI side) instead of being mounted on
the top of the circuit board 60 as shown in FIG. 6 .
[0058]
When a check SI is inserted from above to the entry pocket 4 ,
the control unit 61 controls the feed motor 41 and drive motor 40
of the check processing unit 2 to convey the check SI with the paper
feed roller 30a, and the checks are conveyed one by one through the
upstream-side conveyance path part Pll by the retard roller 31a and
feed roller 31b.
[0059]
When the check SI is conveyed through the upstream-side
conveyance path part Pll, the control unit 61 controls the magnetic
reader 6 to read magnetic information from the check SI and captures
the magnetic information. Based on the read magnetic information,
the control unit 61 then prints an endorsement on the back of the
check SI using the checkprint unit 7 .The control unit 61 also controls
the optical reading unit 8 to scan both sides of the check SI, and
captures the acquired image information. The control unit 61 then
discharges the scanned check SI into the exit pocket 5 by the paper
feed roller pair 36.
[0060]
The check processing unit 2 of the multifunction printer 1 thus
reduces the work load of the user by reading magnetic information,
printing an endorsement, and scanning the check in a single continuous
operation.
[0061]
The control unit 61 also controls a drive motor not shown of
the continuous paper processing unit 3 to rotationally drive the
platen roller 12b and convey the continuous paper S2 from the paper
roll R through the continuous paper conveyance path P2 . A s the
continuous paper S2 is conveyed between the thermal head 12a and
platen roller 12b, required information is printed on the continuous
paper S2 as controlled by the control unit 61 .The printed continuous
paper S2 is then further conveyed by the platen roller 12b and
discharged outside the printer from the continuous paper exit 14.
When the leading printed portion of the continuous paper S2 is
discharged and the trailing end of the printed portion reaches the
cutting position of the automatic cutter 13, continuous paper S2
conveyance stops, the automatic cutter 13 is driven by the control
unit 61 to cut across the width of the printed portion of the continuous
paper S2, and a receipt of a specific length is produced.
[0062]
The multifunction printer 1 thus has a check conveyance path
PI and an independent continuous paper conveyance path P2 arranged
so that the printing position of the check print unit 7 is located
as far as possible from the printing position of the continuous paper
print unit 12 on the U-shaped check conveyance path PI (see FIG.
6 ) . The check processing unit 2 and continuous paper processing unit
3 are thus positioned so that operation of one is not dependent upon
the operation of the other. Furthermore, because the control unit
61 is configured to control both the check processing unit 2 and
continuous paper processing unit 3 , the operation of both can be
related in many ways. More specifically, the control unit 61 can
control the relationship between the process performed by the check
print unit 7 and the receipt printing process of the continuous paper
print unit 12 in various ways to accomplish different processes.
[0063]
For example, the control unit 61 could get magnetic information
such as the amount of the check SI read by the magnetic reader 6
of the check processing unit 2 , and the control unit 61 could then
command the continuous paper print unit 12 to print the magnetic
information that was read.
[0064]
The control unit 61 could also control discharging the
continuous paper S2 from the continuous paper exit 14 simultaneously
to the check SI being discharged into the exit pocket 5 . This type
of control can be achieved by appropriately setting the drive speed
of the drive motor 40 that drives the drive rollers 32a to 36a of
the check processing unit 2 , and the drive speed of the drive motor
not shown that drives the platen roller 12b of the continuous paper
processing unit 3 . Implementing this type of control makes knowing
the relationship between checks and receipts easier when a plurality
of checks are processed continuously.
[0065]
A multifunction printer 1 according to this embodiment of the
invention can thus greatly improve ease of use for the user by
controlling the relationship between check processing unit 2 and
continuous paper processing unit 3 operations.
[0066]
While a configuration in which the magnetic information and
image information are passed to the control unit 61 is described
above, the magnetic scanner 6a and the optical scanners 8a, 8b could
output this information to a computer, display, or other external
device. In this case, output from the external device is input to
the control unit 61, and the control unit 61 may be configured to
print by the check print unit 7 and continuous paper print unit 12
according to commands from the external device.
[0067]
The drive motor 40 of the check processing unit 2 side and the
drive motor of the continuous paper processing unit 3 side are separate
motors in the foregoing embodiment, but driving the platen roller
12b of the continuous paper processing unit 3 using the drive motor
40 on the check processing unit 2 side through a speed reducer, pulley,
and endless belt is obviously also possible.
[0068]
Main operational effect of the multifunction printing device
according to the invention
Because the check conveyance path PI and continuous paper
conveyance path P2 are independent paths in the multifunction printer
1 according to the embodiment of the invention described above, checks
5 conveyed through the check conveyance path P I and continuous paper
52 conveyed through the continuous paper conveyance path P2 can each
be conveyed independently of each other. Checks SI and continuous
paper S2 will also not collide when conveyed simultaneously, and
there is no worry about paper jams.
[0069]
As shown in FIG. 5 , the printing position A l of the check print
unit 7 that prints checks SI is also set to a position farthest
separated from the printing position A2 of the continuous paper print
unit 12 that prints to continuous paper S2 on the check conveyance
path PI. A check SI and continuous paper S2 can therefore be printed
simultaneously or with a specific time difference therebetween
independently of the printing status of the other. The possibility
of a conveyed check SI and the discharged continuous paper S2 (receipt)
interfering with each other and creating a paper jam can also be
greatly reduced.
[0070]
In addition, in the area that is enclosed by the U-shaped check
conveyance path PI, the continuous paper conveyance path P2 is a
conveyance path that extends toward the front of the printer, which
is the open side of the U-shape. Compared with a configuration in
which the continuous paper conveyance path P2 is disposed extending
in line with the printer width, this configuration assures a
continuous paper conveyance path P2 of sufficient length without
interfering with the check conveyance path PI, and enables disposing
the parts of the continuous paper processing unit 3 efficiently in
the space surrounded by the U-shaped check conveyance path PI. A s
a result, a multifunction printing device that is small and compact
can be achieved.
[0071]
A s will be understood from FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 , all parts of the
multifunction printer 1 can be operated from a position above the
front of the printer. Operability is superior, and the ease of such
tasks as replacing the roll paper or changing the ink cartridge is
better, than a configuration in which the operator must move to the
side or back o f the device, or reach around the side or back of the
printer .
The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that
it may be varied in many ways . Such variations are not to be regarded
as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all
such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art
are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims .
CLAIMS
[Claim 1 ]
A multifunction printing device comprising:
a slip processing unit that processes slips;
a continuous paper processing unit that processes continuous
paper; and
a device case in which the slip processing unit and continuous
paper processing unit are disposed;
the slip processing unit including an entrance pocket in which
a slip to be processed is loaded,
an exit pocket to which the slip is discharged after
processing,
a slip print unit that prints on the slip,
a magnetic reading unit that reads magnetic information
from the slip,
an optical reading unit that reads an image of the slip,
and
a slip conveyance path that guides the slip fed from the
entrance pocket past the printing position of the slip print unit,
the reading position of the magnetic reading unit, and the scanning
position of the optical reading unit in this order or a different
order to the exit pocket;
the continuous paper processing unit including a roll paper
compartment,
a continuous paper print unit that prints to continuous
paper fed for processing from a paper roll stored in the roll paper
compartment,
a continuous paper exit from which the continuous paper
is discharged after processing, and
a continuous paper conveyance path that guides continuous
paper fed from the paper roll past the printing position of the
continuous paper print unit to the continuous paper exit;
wherein when the device frame is set in the normal position
on a level surface, one direction parallel to the level surface is
the longitudinal axis, the direction parallel to the level surface
and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis is the transverse axis,
and the direction perpendicular to the level surface is the vertical
axis,
the roll paper compartment stores the roll paper with the
center axis of the paper roll aligned with the transverse axis,
the slip conveyance path is a conveyance path that encloses
the continuous paper processing unit on both sides on the transverse
axis and the back side on the longitudinal axis, and
the continuous paper conveyance path is a separate
conveyance path that extends from the roll paper compartment to the
front on the longitudinal axis with the conveyance path width aligned
with the transverse axis, and shares no conveyance path parts with
the slip conveyance path.
[Claim 2 ]
The mult ifunction printing device described in claim 1 , wherein :
the entrance pocket and the exit pocket are both open at the
top on the vertical axis;
the slip conveyance path is defined by a conveyance channel
of a specific depth that is open at the top on the vertical axis;
the continuous paper exit opens to the top on the vertical axis;
and
the roll paper compartment is open to the top on the vertical
axis when a roll paper compartment cover attached to the top of the
device case on the vertical axis is opened.
[Claim 3 ]
The mult ifunction printing device described in claim 2 , wherei-n :
at least one of the slip print unit and continuous paper print
unit has an inkjet head;
an ink tank loading unit to which an ink tank that stores ink
supplied to the inkjet head is installed is disposed on the device
front side of the continuous paper conveyance path; and
the ink tank loading unit opens to the top on the vertical axis
when an ink tank loading unit cover attached to the device top is
opened.
[Claim 4 ]
The multifunction printing device described in claim 3 , wherein :
the roll paper compartment cover is an access cover that can
open to the top on the vertical axis pivoting at the back side thereof
on the longitudinal axis;
the ink tank loading unit cover is an access cover that can
open to the top on the vertical axis pivoting at the front side thereof
on the longitudinal axis; and
the continuous paper exit is formed between the edge part of
the front side of the roll paper compartment cover and the edge part
of the back side of the ink tank loading unit cover.
[Claim 5 ]
The multifunction printing device described in claim 3 or 4 ,
wherein :
an automatic cutter for cutting the continuous paper across
the width thereof is disposed to the continuous paper conveyance
path at a position between the continuous paper exit and the continuous
paper print unit; and
the drive unit of the automatic cutter is exposed when the ink
tank loading unit opens.
[Claim 6 ]
The multifunction printing device described in claim 4 or 5 ,
wherein :
the slip conveyance path has an upstream-side conveyance path
part that extends from the entrance pocket to the back on the
longitudinal axis at a position on one side of the roll paper
compartment on the transverse axis,
a downstream-side conveyance path part that extends from
the exit pocket to the back on the longitudinal axis at a position
on the other side of the roll paper compartment on the transverse
axis, and
a rear conveyance path part that extends on the transverse
axis from the downstream end of the upstream-side conveyance path
part to the upstream end of the downstream-side conveyance path part
at the back of the roll paper compartment on the longitudinal axis;
the height of the device top on the top side on the vertical
axis at the part of the device case where the rear conveyance path
part is formed behind the roll paper compartment cover on the
longitudinal axis is a height that does not interfere with the roll
paper compartment cover when fully open; and
the position of the roll paper compartment cover when fully
open is set to not interfere with a slip passing the rear conveyance
path part .
[Claim 7 ]
Themultifunctionprintingdevicedescribedinclaim6, wherein:
the magnetic reading unit, slip print unit, and optical reading
unit are disposed to positions removed on the transverse axis from
the top of the device where the roll paper compartment cover is
positioned when fully open.
[Claim 8 ]
Themultifunctionprintingdevicedescribedinclaim7, wherein:
the magnetic reading unit is disposed to the upstream-side
conveyance path part;
the slip print unit is disposed to the downstream end part of
the rear conveyance path part; and
the optical -reading unit is disposed to the downstream-side
conveyance path part.
[Claim 9 ]
The multifunction printing device described in any of claims
1 to 8 , wherein:
the slip print unit and the continuous paper print unit each
have a line printhead.
[Claim 10]
The multifunction printing device described in any of claims
1 to 9 , wherein:
a card slot of a specific depth extending on the longitudinal
axis for a magnetic reader is formed at a part of the device case
on the exterior side of the entrance pocket on the transverse axis
at the top of the device on the vertical axis; and
a card slot for scanning cards that feeds a card to the reading
position of the optical reading unit on the downstream- side
conveyance path part is formed in the top of the device to the inside
on the transverse axis from the exit pocket.