JP4938420B2 - Method for controlling medium printing apparatus and medium printing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a control method for a medium printing apparatus and a medium printing apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a card processing apparatus that has a printing function for printing on a card (medium) such as a magnetic card and erasing printing on the card is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The card processing apparatus described in Patent Document 1 includes a conveyance path through which a card is conveyed, a plurality of conveyance roller pairs that convey the card, a print head that performs printing on the card, and an erasing that erases printing on the card. And a head.

  In this card processing device, when printing on a card, the card is first transported from a predetermined standby position to the print head placement position by a pair of transport rollers and stopped. When the card stops, the print head that has been retracted from the conveyance path is lowered, and the print head is pressed against the surface of the card. In this state, the card is transported by the pair of transport rollers, and printing is performed on the card. Similarly, when erasing the print on the card, the card is first transported from the predetermined standby position to the position of the erasing head by the pair of transport rollers and stopped. When the card stops, the erasing head that has been retracted from the transport path is lowered and the erasing head is pressed against the surface of the card. In this state, the card is conveyed by the conveying roller pair, and the printing on the card is erased.

JP 2000-123125 A

  In recent years, there is an increasing need for shortening the processing time of a medium such as a card in an apparatus that handles a medium such as a card processing apparatus. However, in the card processing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, after the card is transported from a predetermined standby position to the print head placement position and stopped, the print head is lowered, and then the card is transported and printing is performed. . Further, after the card is conveyed from the predetermined standby position to the position where the erasing head is arranged and stopped, the erasing head is lowered, and thereafter the printing is erased. Therefore, it is difficult for the card processing device described in Patent Document 1 to shorten the processing time of the medium.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a control method for a medium printing apparatus that can shorten the processing time of the medium. Another object of the present invention is to provide a medium printing apparatus having a configuration capable of shortening the medium processing time.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a medium including medium conveying means for conveying a medium, and a printing / erasing means that contacts the medium and performs printing on the medium and / or erasing printing on the medium. In the control method of the printing apparatus, the actual moving time of the printing / erasing means from a predetermined standby position where the printing / erasing means cannot contact the medium to the printing / erasing position where the printing / erasing means can contact the medium is determined. Step for measuring the moving time to be measured, step for setting the actual moving time as the set moving time of the printing / erasing means from the standby position to the printable / erasable position, the set moving time, and toward the printing / erasing means A comparison step for comparing a set transport time of the medium from a predetermined transport start position of the transported medium to a print / erase start position at which printing on the medium and / or erasing of printing on the medium is started. And a preceding driving step for driving one of the medium conveying means and the printing / erasing means in advance based on the comparison result in the comparison step, and the time when the printing / erasing means reaches the printable / erasable position, And a simultaneous driving step of driving the medium conveying unit and the printing / erasing unit together after the preceding driving step so that the time point at which the medium reaches the printing / erasing start position coincides .

In the control method of the medium printing apparatus of the present invention, in the comparison step, the set movement time of the printing / erasing means from the predetermined standby position to the printable / erasable position and the predetermined conveyance start position to the printing / erasure start position. The medium conveying time is compared, and in the preceding driving step, one of the medium conveying means or the printing / erasing means is driven in advance based on the comparison result in the comparing step. Further, in the simultaneous driving step, the time arrival of printing / erasing means to print / erasable position, so that the point reached in the medium to the print / erase start position coincides, after preceding driving step, the medium transport means and The printing / erasing means are driven together. Therefore, the movement of the printing / erasing means to the print / erasable position and the conveyance of the medium to the printing / erasure start position can be performed together. Further, by continuously conveying the medium as it is, printing on the medium and erasing of printing on the medium can be continuously performed. That is, the conveyance of the medium is not stopped before the printing on the medium or the erasing of the printing on the medium is executed. As a result, in the present invention, the processing time of the medium such as the printing processing time and the erasing processing time can be shortened. The control method for the medium printing apparatus of the present invention further includes a moving time measuring step for measuring the actual moving time of the printing / erasing means from the standby position to the printable / erasable position in order to set the set moving time. . With this configuration, even if the movement time of the printing / erasing means from the standby position to the printable / erasable position varies due to the influence of various external environments such as temperature and individual differences for each apparatus, It is possible to set an appropriate travel time. Therefore, it is possible to accurately match the arrival time of the printing / erasing means to the print / erasable position and the arrival time of the medium to the printing / erasing start position. As a result, it is possible to perform printing within a predetermined printing range with high accuracy, and it is possible to erase printing within a predetermined range with high accuracy.

  In the present invention, the preceding driving step is based on the preceding driving start step for starting the driving of the medium conveying means in advance when the set conveying time is longer than the set moving time in the comparing step, and the set conveying time. A transfer time update step for updating the remaining time until the medium reaches the print / erase start position, and the simultaneous drive step drives the print / erase unit when the remaining time becomes equal to the set moving time. It is preferable to include a subsequent driving start step for starting. In the present invention, the preceding driving step includes a preceding driving start step for starting driving of the printing / erasing means in advance when the set moving time is longer than the set transport time in the comparing step, and a set moving time. And a moving time updating step for updating the remaining time until the printing / erasing means reaches the printable / erasable position, and the simultaneous driving step is performed when the remaining time is equal to the set conveyance time when the medium is It is preferable to include a subsequent drive start step for starting the drive of the transport means. With this configuration, based on the remaining time updated in the transport time update step and the movement time update step, the point of arrival of the printing / erasing means at the print / erasable position and the medium at the print / erase start position The medium conveying means and the printing / erasing means can be driven so that the arrival time substantially coincides.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the comparison step further includes a simultaneous drive start step for simultaneously starting the drive of the medium transport unit and the drive of the printing / erasing unit when the set movement time and the set transport time are equal. With this configuration, even when the set movement time and the set transport time are equal, the time when the printing / erasing means reaches the printable / erasable position and the time when the medium reaches the printing / erasing start position The medium conveying means and the printing / erasing means can be driven so that the values substantially coincide with each other.

  In the present invention, the control method for the medium printing apparatus includes a moving time measuring step for measuring the actual moving time of the printing / erasing means from the standby position to the printable / erasable position in order to set the set moving time. Is preferred. With this configuration, even if the movement time of the printing / erasing means from the standby position to the printable / erasable position varies due to the influence of various external environments such as temperature and individual differences for each apparatus, It is possible to set an appropriate travel time. Therefore, it is possible to accurately match the arrival time of the printing / erasing means to the print / erasable position and the arrival time of the medium to the printing / erasing start position. As a result, it is possible to perform printing within a predetermined printing range with high accuracy, and it is possible to erase printing within a predetermined range with high accuracy.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the moving time measuring step is executed during the initialization operation of the medium printing apparatus. If comprised in this way, the setting movement time which reflected the influence of various external environments, such as temperature, and the individual difference for every apparatus more appropriately can be set. Here, in this specification, the “initialization operation” refers to an operation for making preparations so that various drive mechanisms constituting the medium printing apparatus can be used. This is performed when the medium printing apparatus is turned on, before starting the work, or after predetermined error processing.

In order to solve the above-described problems, a medium printing apparatus according to the present invention includes a medium conveying unit that conveys a medium, and a printing / printing that prints on the medium and / or erases the printing on the medium in contact with the medium An erasing unit; and a control unit for controlling at least the medium conveying unit and the printing / erasing unit, wherein the control unit is configured such that the printing / erasing unit starts from a predetermined standby position where the printing / erasing unit cannot contact the medium Measure the actual movement time of the printing / erasing device to the printable / erasable position that can contact the sensor, and use the actual moving time as the set moving time of the printing / erasing device from the standby position to the printable / erasable position. The set travel time and the predetermined transport start position of the medium transported toward the print / erase means to the print / erase start position at which printing on the medium and / or erasing of the print on the medium is started. Medium Comparing the set transport time and, based on this comparison result, so that the point reached in the printing / erasing means to print / erasable position, and the time reaching medium to the printing / erasing start position coincides, medium It is characterized by comprising driving means for starting one of the conveying means or the printing / erasing means in advance and then starting the other driving of the medium conveying means or the printing / erasing means.

The medium printing apparatus of the present invention is configured so that the time point when the printing / erasing means reaches the printable / erasable position and the time when the medium reaches the printing / erasing start position substantially coincide with each other. Drive means for starting one drive of the means in advance and then starting the other drive of the medium conveying means or the printing / erasing means is provided. Therefore, the movement of the printing / erasing means to the print / erasable position and the conveyance of the medium to the printing / erasure start position can be performed together. Further, by continuously conveying the medium as it is, printing on the medium and erasing of printing on the medium can be continuously performed. That is, the conveyance of the medium is not stopped before the printing on the medium or the erasing of the printing on the medium is executed. As a result, in the present invention, the processing time of the medium can be shortened. Further, the medium printing apparatus of the present invention measures the actual movement time of the printing / erasing means from the standby position to the printable / erasable position in order to set the set movement time, and sets the measured movement time. Set as travel time. As a result, even when the movement time of the printing / erasing means from the standby position to the printable / erasable position varies due to the influence of various external environments such as temperature and individual differences for each device, appropriate setting movement It can be time. Therefore, it is possible to accurately match the arrival time of the printing / erasing means to the print / erasable position and the arrival time of the medium to the printing / erasing start position. As a result, it is possible to perform printing within a predetermined printing range with high accuracy, and it is possible to erase printing within a predetermined range with high accuracy.

In the medium printing apparatus of the present invention, the control means includes comparison means for comparing the set movement time with the set conveyance time of the medium from the conveyance start position to the print / erase start position , and a lapse of time since the medium has started conveyance. By subtracting the time from the set moving time, the first updating means for updating the first remaining time until the medium that has started transporting reaches the printing / erasing start position, and the printing / erasing means move. A second updating means for updating the second remaining time until the printing / erasing means that has started moving reaches the printable / erasable position by subtracting the elapsed time from the start from the set movement time ; The first update means and the second update means have the first remaining time and the second remaining time when the set transport time or the first remaining time matches the set moving time or the second remaining time. 2 remaining time It is preferable to update the time.

  According to this configuration, based on the comparison result of the comparison unit, the drive of one of the medium transport unit or the print / erase unit is appropriately started in advance, and then the other of the medium transport unit or the print / erase unit Can be started. In addition, based on the remaining time updated by the first update unit and the second update unit, the point of arrival of the print / erase unit at the printable / erasable position and the point of arrival of the medium at the print / erase start position So that the medium conveying means and the printing / erasing means can be driven.

  As described above, in the method for controlling the medium printing apparatus and the medium printing apparatus according to the present invention, the processing time of the medium can be shortened.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Schematic configuration of card printing and issuing device)
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a schematic configuration of a card print issuing device 3 using a card printing device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The card printing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is a medium printing apparatus that performs printing on a card-like medium 2 (hereinafter referred to as “card 2”). For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the card printer 1 is used for a card print issuing device 3 that prints on a card 2 to issue the card 2 and collects the used card 2.

  In addition to the card printing device 1, the card printing issuing device 3 records predetermined information on the card 2 and reads the information recorded on the card 2, and a card to which a newly issued card 2 is supplied. Supply device 5, card collection device 6 that collects used cards 2, cleaning card storage device 7 that stores a cleaning card (not shown) for cleaning the inside of card printing device 1, and conveyance of card 2 A first direction switching device 8 and a second direction switching device 9 that switch directions, a power source 10 that supplies power for driving each of these components, and a control unit 11 that performs various controls of the card print issuing device 3 And a card insertion / discharge portion 12 in which an insertion / discharge port 12a for the card 2 is formed. In the following description, “right”, “left”, “upper”, and “lower” are respectively referred to as “right”, “left”, “upper”, and “lower” in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the card insertion / ejection unit 12 is disposed on the upper right end side of the card print issuing device 3, and the reproduction recording device 4 is disposed on the left side of the card insertion / ejection unit 12. The first direction switching device 8 is arranged on the left side of the reproducing / recording device 4, and the card collecting device 6 is arranged below the reproducing / recording device 4. The card printing device 1 is arranged at the lower left of the first direction switching device 8, and the second direction switching device 9 is arranged at the lower left of the card printing device 1. The cleaning card storage device 7 is disposed above the second direction switching device 9, and the card supply device 5 is disposed on the left side of the cleaning card storage device 7 and the second direction switching device 9.

  The card 2 of this embodiment is, for example, a vinyl chloride card having a thickness of about 0.7 to 0.8 mm. The card 2 of this embodiment is a non-contact type IC card with a built-in communication antenna (not shown). Further, on the surface of the card 2 is formed a printing portion (not shown) where printing is performed by a thermal method. In other words, the card 2 is a rewritable card capable of printing a predetermined number of times and erasing the printing (printing / erasing). When the card 2 is printed / erased a predetermined number of times, the card is collected by the card collecting device 6.

  The card 2 may be a magnetic card having a magnetic stripe on which magnetic information is recorded or a contact IC card having an IC contact fixed on the surface. The card 2 may be a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) card having a thickness of about 0.18 to 0.36 mm or a paper card having a predetermined thickness.

  As described above, since the card 2 of this embodiment is a non-contact type IC card, the playback / recording apparatus 4 has an antenna 15 for communicating with the antenna inside the card 2 and a card 2 for carrying the card 2. Two pairs of conveyance roller sets 16 are provided.

  The card collection device 6 includes a card storage unit 17 in which the card 2 before collection is temporarily stored, and a reject cassette 18 in which the card 2 is collected. In this embodiment, for example, the information recorded on the card 2 before collection temporarily stored in the card storage unit 17 and the information recorded on the reproduction recording device 4 of the newly issued card 2 are collated. Done.

  The card printing apparatus 1 is in contact with the card 2 (more specifically, by pressing the card 2), and a print head (thermal head) 19 for printing on the card 2 by a thermal method, An erasing head 20 is provided for abutting (more specifically, pressing the card 2) and erasing the print on the card 2 in a thermal manner. That is, the card printing apparatus 1 includes two heads. The detailed configuration of the card printer 1 will be described later.

  The first direction switching device 8 performs a function of switching the transport direction of the card 2 among the card printing device 1, the reproduction / recording device 4, and the card collection device 6. That is, the first direction switching device 8 changes the transport direction of the card 2 carried out from the card printing device 1, the reproduction recording device 4 or the card collection device 6 to change the card printing device 1, the reproduction recording device 4 or the card collection device. The card 2 is carried into 6. For example, the card 2 carried out from the card printing device 1 to the upper right is carried into the first direction switching device 8, and the first direction switching device 8 transfers the card 2 to the reproduction recording device 4 or the card collection device 6. Carry in.

  The first direction switching device 8 includes two pairs of transport roller sets 21 for transporting the card 2 and a switching drive mechanism 22 for switching the transport direction of the card 2. The switching drive mechanism 22 includes a drive motor 23, pulleys 24 and 25, a timing belt 26, and the like. The switching drive mechanism 22 rotates the two pairs of transport roller sets 21 with the center of the pulley 25 arranged at a substantially intermediate position between the two pairs of transport roller sets 21 as a rotation center.

  In this embodiment, the conveyance roller set 16 and the conveyance roller set 21 arranged on the card insertion / ejection unit 12 side of the card printing apparatus 1 are not shown in the drive motor 27 arranged below the card printing apparatus 1. It is connected via a transmission means such as a timing belt and is driven by a drive motor 27.

  The card supply device 5 includes a hopper cassette 30 in which the card 2 before issue is stored, and a sending mechanism 31 for sending the card 2 stored in the hopper cassette 30 toward the second direction switching device 9. Yes. The delivery mechanism 31 includes a claw part 32 that engages with the card 2 and delivers the card 2, a drive motor 33 for driving the claw part 32, and a pulley 34 that transmits the power of the drive motor 33 to the claw part 32, Power transmission means such as a timing belt 35, a sprocket 36, and a chain 37 are provided.

  The cleaning card storage device 7 includes a cleaning card transport roller (not shown). The cleaning card storage device 7 sends out a cleaning card to the card printing device 1 via the second direction switching device 9 when the inside of the card printing device 1 needs to be cleaned. When the cleaning is completed, the cleaning card is collected from the card printer 1 via the second direction switching device 9 and stored.

  The second direction switching device 9 performs a function of switching the transport direction of the card 2 among the card printing device 1, the card supply device 5, and the cleaning card storage device 7. That is, the second direction switching device 9 changes the transport direction of the card 2 or the cleaning card carried out from the card printing device 1, the card supply device 5 or the cleaning card storage device 7 to change the card printing device 1 and the reproduction recording device 4. Alternatively, the card 2 or the cleaning card is carried into the card collecting device 6. For example, the second direction switching device 8 is loaded with the card 2 carried out from the card supply device 5 or the cleaning card carried out from the cleaning card storage device 7, and the second direction switching device 9 is The card 2 or the cleaning card is carried into the card printer 1.

  This second direction switching device 9 is for switching the transport direction of the two pairs of transport roller sets 39 for transporting the cards 2 and the like, the drive mechanism 40 for driving the transport roller sets 39, and the cards 2 and the like. The switching drive mechanism 41 is provided.

  The drive mechanism 40 includes a first transport roller drive motor 42 that drives the two pairs of transport roller sets 39 together, pulleys 43 and 44 that transmit the power of the first transport roller drive motor 42 to the transport roller set 39, and a timing belt. And a power transmission mechanism composed of 45 or the like. The first transport roller drive motor 42 of this embodiment is a stepping motor.

  The switching drive mechanism 41 includes a drive motor 46, pulleys 47 and 48, a timing belt 49, and the like. The switching drive mechanism 41 rotates the two pairs of transport roller sets 39 with the center of the pulley 47 disposed at a substantially intermediate position between the two pairs of transport roller sets 39 as the rotation center. The pulley 43 and the pulley 47 are disposed so as to overlap in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG.

(Schematic configuration of card printing device)
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a schematic configuration of the card printer 1 shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the first position detection mechanism 58 of the print head 19 and the second position detection mechanism 59 of the erasing head 20 shown in FIG.

  In addition to the print head 19 and the erasing head 20 described above, the card printing apparatus 1 includes three pairs of conveying roller sets 52 and platen rollers 53 and 54 for conveying the card 2, a conveying roller set 52 and a platen roller 53, A drive mechanism 55 for driving 54, a print head moving mechanism 56 for moving the print head 19, an erasing head moving mechanism 57 for moving the erasing head 20, and a first position detecting mechanism 58 for detecting the position of the print head 19. And a second position detecting mechanism 59 for detecting the position of the erasing head 20. Further, inside the card printing apparatus 1, a conveyance path 60 through which the card 2 is conveyed is formed by a guide member (not shown).

  In this embodiment, the transport roller set 52 and the platen rollers 53 and 54 are medium transport means for transporting the card 2 as a medium. The print head 19 and the erasing head 20 are printing / erasing means for printing / erasing the card 2.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the three pairs of transport roller sets 52 are arranged in the transport path 60 at a predetermined pitch. As shown in FIG. 2, the platen rollers 53 and 54 are disposed between the three pairs of transport roller sets 52. The platen roller 53 is disposed at a position facing the print head 19 when printing on the card 2, and the platen roller 54 is disposed at a position facing the erasing head 20 when erasing printing on the card 2. ing.

  The drive mechanism 55 includes a second transport roller drive motor 62 that drives the three pairs of transport roller sets 52 and the platen rollers 53 and 54 together, and the power of the second transport roller drive motor 62 as the transport roller set 52 and the platen roller 53. , 54 and a power transmission mechanism including a plurality of timing belts 64 and the like. The second transport roller drive motor 62 of this embodiment is a stepping motor.

  The print head moving mechanism 56 includes a head holder 65 that holds the print head 19, a print head moving motor 66 that serves as a drive source for rotating the head holder 65 to move the print head 19, and a print head moving motor 66. A gear train 67 for transmitting power to the head holder 65 side, an eccentric cam 68 fixed to a rotation shaft (not shown) of one gear constituting the gear train 67, and the eccentric cam 68 are engaged and the head holder 65 And a lever 69 that is rotatably connected to the lever 69.

  The print head moving motor 66 is a DC (direct current) motor. The gear train 67 is connected to a gear fixed to an output shaft (not shown) of the print head moving motor 66. The eccentric cam 68 is fixed to the rotation shaft of the driven gear (not shown) farthest from the output shaft of the print head moving motor 66 of the gear train 67 and rotates as the gear train 67 rotates. The lever 69 is formed with an engagement hole 69a with which the eccentric cam 68 is engaged. The upper surface of the engagement hole 69 a is a contact portion 69 b that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the eccentric cam 68, and the lever 69 moves substantially in the vertical direction as the eccentric cam 68 rotates.

  The lower end of the lever 69 is rotatably connected to the left end side of the head holder 65. In the head holder 65, the print head 19 is fixed on the right side of the connecting portion 65 a of the lever 69. The head holder 65 rotates around the rotation center 65 b at the right end as the lever 69 moves due to the rotation of the eccentric cam 68. As the head holder 65 rotates, the print head 19 moves. Specifically, the print head 19 rises to the top dead center indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 2 and descends to the bottom dead center indicated by the solid line in FIG. The vicinity of the top dead center indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 2 is a standby position where the print head 19 cannot contact the card 2, and the vicinity of the bottom dead center indicated by the solid line in FIG. This is a printable position where contact can be made.

  The erasing head moving mechanism 57 has substantially the same configuration as the print head moving mechanism 56. That is, the erasing head moving mechanism 57 includes a head holder 70 that holds the erasing head 20, an erasing head moving motor 71 that serves as a drive source for rotating the head holder 70 to move the erasing head 20, and an erasing head moving motor. A gear train 72 for transmitting the power of 71 to the head holder 70 side, an eccentric cam 73 fixed to a rotation shaft (not shown) of one gear constituting the gear train 72, and the eccentric cam 73 engage with the head. And a lever 74 rotatably connected to the holder 70.

  The erasing head moving motor 71 is a DC motor, and the gear train 72 is connected to a gear fixed to an output shaft (not shown) of the erasing head moving motor 71. The eccentric cam 73 is fixed to the rotating shaft of the driven gear (not shown) farthest from the output shaft of the erasing head moving motor 71 of the gear train 72 and rotates as the gear train 72 rotates. The lever 74 is formed with an engagement hole 74 a with which the eccentric cam 73 is engaged. The upper surface of the engagement hole 74 a is a contact portion 74 b that is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the eccentric cam 73. The lever 74 moves in the substantially vertical direction as the eccentric cam 73 rotates.

  The lower end of the lever 74 is rotatably connected to the right end side of the head holder 70. In the head holder 70, the erasing head 20 is fixed on the left side of the connecting portion 70a of the lever 74. The head holder 70 rotates around the rotation center 70 b at the left end as the lever 74 moves due to the rotation of the eccentric cam 73. As the head holder 70 rotates, the erasing head 20 moves. Specifically, the erasing head 20 rises to the top dead center indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 2 and descends to the bottom dead center indicated by the solid line in FIG. The vicinity of the top dead center indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 2 is a standby position where the erasing head 20 cannot contact the card 2, and the vicinity of the bottom dead center indicated by the solid line in FIG. It is an erasable position that can be contacted.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the first position detection mechanism 58 includes two sensors 76 and 77 and a detection plate 78. The sensors 76 and 77 are optical sensors having a light emitting element and a light receiving element which are not shown. The detection plate 78 is fixed to the rotation shaft of the gear to which the eccentric cam 68 is fixed, and rotates with the rotation of the gear train 67. The detection plate 78 is formed with a detection portion 78a that blocks between the light emitting elements and the light receiving elements of the sensors 76 and 77.

  In this embodiment, as indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 3, when the detection unit 78 a blocks between the light emitting element and the light receiving element of the sensor 76, the position of the print head 19 is the standby position (near top dead center). As shown by the solid line in FIG. 3, when the detection unit 78a blocks between the light emitting element and the light receiving element of the sensor 77, the position of the print head 19 is the printable position (near bottom dead center). Is detected. Detection signals output from the sensors 76 and 77 are input to the control unit 11.

  Similar to the first position detection mechanism 58, the second position detection mechanism 59 includes two sensors 79 and 80 and a detection plate 81. The sensors 79 and 80 are optical sensors in the same manner as the sensors 76 and 77. The detection plate 81 is fixed to the rotation shaft of the gear to which the eccentric cam 73 is fixed, and rotates with the rotation of the gear train 72. The detection plate 81 is formed with a detection portion 81 a that blocks between the light emitting elements and the light receiving elements of the sensors 79 and 80.

  In this embodiment, as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 3, when the detection unit 81a blocks between the light emitting element and the light receiving element of the sensor 79, the position of the erasing head 20 is the standby position (near top dead center). As shown by the solid line in FIG. 3, when the detection unit 81 a blocks between the light emitting element and the light receiving element of the sensor 80, the position of the erasing head 2 is the erasable position (near bottom dead center). Is detected. Detection signals output from the sensors 79 and 80 are input to the control unit 11.

(Schematic configuration of the control unit of the card print issuing device)
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the control unit 11 shown in FIG. In FIG. 4, only the configuration of the control unit 11 related to the control of the card printing apparatus 1 is illustrated.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 11 has a head descent time measurement unit 83, a storage unit 84, a remaining transport time update unit 85, and a remaining descent time update unit as a configuration related to the control of the card printing apparatus 1. 86, a comparison unit 87, motor drive units 88 to 91, and a motor control unit 92. Each configuration of the head descent time measurement unit 83, the storage unit 84, the remaining conveyance time update unit 85, the remaining descent time update unit 86, the comparison unit 87, the motor control unit 92, and the like is actually a CPU constituting the control unit 11. Etc., storage means such as ROM, RAM, and nonvolatile memory, clock generation means such as a crystal oscillator, input / output means such as an IO port, and the like.

  In addition, a control command unit 93 is connected to the control unit 11 via an input / output unit such as an IO port (not shown), and a first position detection mechanism 58 (specifically, sensors 76 and 77). A second position detecting mechanism 59 (specifically, sensors 79 and 80), a print head moving motor 66, an erasing head moving motor 71, a second conveying roller driving motor 62, and a first conveying roller driving motor. 42 is connected.

  The head lowering time measuring unit 83 measures the actual movement (lowering) time from the standby position of the print head 19 to the printable position and the actual movement (lowering) time from the standby position of the erasing head 20 to the erasable position. . In this embodiment, the head descent time measurement unit 83 receives the drive command signals for the print head moving motor 66 and the erasing head moving motor 71 from the control command unit 93, and the first position detection mechanism 58 and the second position detection mechanism 59. Based on the input detection signal, the actual descent time from the standby position of the print head 19 and the erasing head 20 to the printable position and the erasable position is measured. Specifically, the head descent time measuring unit 83 receives the drive command signals for the print head moving motor 66 and the erasing head moving motor 71 from the control command unit 93 while the print head 19 and the erasing head 20 are in the standby position. After the input, the time until the detection signals from the sensors 77 and 80 are input is measured as the descent time.

  The storage unit 84 stores various data necessary for controlling the card printer 1 and the like. For example, the descent time of the print head 19 measured by the head descent time measurement unit 83 is stored in the storage unit 84 as a set descent (movement) time (hereinafter referred to as “first set descent time”). Further, the descent time of the erasing head 20 measured by the head descent time measuring unit 83 is stored in the storage unit 84 as a set descent (movement) time (hereinafter referred to as “second set descent time”). Hereinafter, when the first set fall time and the second set fall time are collectively expressed, they are expressed as “set fall time”.

  Further, the storage unit 84 stores the card 2 transport time from the predetermined transport start position of the card 2 where printing / erasing is performed in the card print issuing device 3 to the print start position where printing on the card 2 is started. Is stored in the storage unit 84 as the set transport time (hereinafter referred to as “first set transport time”). Similarly, in the storage unit 84, the transport time of the card 2 from the predetermined transport start position to the erase start position at which the erasure of printing on the card 2 is started is set as a set transport time (hereinafter referred to as “second set transport time”). ").) Is stored in the storage unit 84. Hereinafter, when the first set transport time and the second set transport time are collectively expressed, they are expressed as “set transport time”.

  In this embodiment, the preset transport time is determined in advance from the distance from the transport start position to the print start position or erasure start position (print / erase start position) and the transport speed of the transport roller groups 39 and 52 and the platen rollers 53 and 54. Is calculated and stored in the storage unit 84. In this embodiment, the predetermined transfer start position of the card 2 on which printing / erasing is performed is the second direction switching device 9 as described later. Further, in this embodiment, for example, the position where the front end side of the card 2 conveyed through the card printing apparatus 1 toward the upper right slightly passes through the print head 19 at the printable position is the print start position, and the upper right The position where the front end side of the card 2 conveyed through the card printing apparatus 1 slightly passes through the erasing head 20 at the erasable position is the erasing start position.

  The remaining transport time update unit 85 includes a remaining time until the card 2 that has started transporting from a predetermined transport start position reaches the print start position (hereinafter referred to as “first remaining transport time”), and transport. The remaining time until the card 2 that has been transported from the start position reaches the erase start position (hereinafter referred to as “second remaining transport time”) is updated. Specifically, the remaining transport time update unit 85 sequentially updates the first remaining transport time by subtracting the elapsed time after the start of transport from the first set transport time stored in the storage unit 84, and the storage unit The second remaining transport time is sequentially updated by subtracting the elapsed time after the start of transport from the second set transport time stored in 84. Hereinafter, when the first remaining transport time and the second remaining transport time are collectively expressed, they are expressed as “remaining transport time”.

  The remaining descent time update unit 86 moves from the standby position until the print head 19 that has started moving from the standby position reaches the printable position (hereinafter referred to as “first remaining descent time”). The remaining time until the erasing head 20 that started the operation reaches the erasable position (hereinafter referred to as “second remaining falling time”) is updated. Specifically, the remaining descent time update unit 86 sequentially updates the first remaining descent time by subtracting the elapsed time after the descent start from the first set descent time stored in the storage unit 84, and the storage unit The second remaining descent time is sequentially updated by subtracting the elapsed time after the descent start from the second set descent time stored in 84. Hereinafter, when the first remaining fall time and the second remaining fall time are collectively expressed, they are expressed as “residual fall time”.

  The comparison unit 87 compares the first set transport time with the first set drop time, compares the first set transport time with the first remaining drop time, and compares the first set transport time with the first set drop time. Make a comparison. Specifically, the first set transfer time and the first set drop time stored in the storage unit 84, the first remaining transfer time updated by the remaining transfer time update unit 85, and the update by the remaining drop time update unit 86. The comparison unit 87 performs each comparison based on the first remaining descent time.

  The comparison unit 87 also compares the second set transport time with the second set drop time, compares the second set transport time with the second remaining drop time, and compares the second remaining transport time with the second set drop time. Compare with. Specifically, the second set transfer time and the second set drop time stored in the storage unit 84, the second remaining transfer time updated by the remaining transfer time update unit 85, and the update by the remaining drop time update unit 86. The comparison unit 87 performs each comparison based on the second remaining descent time.

  The motor driving units 88 to 91 drive the print head moving motor 66, the erasing head moving motor 71, the second transport roller driving motor 62, and the first transport roller driving motor 42, respectively. The motor control unit 92 controls the motor drive units 88 to 91. Specifically, based on the control command from the control command unit 93, the update results of each remaining time in the remaining transport time update unit 85 and the remaining descent time update unit 86, the comparison results in the comparison unit 87, and the like. The motor control unit 92 controls the motor driving units 88 to 91.

  In this embodiment, the configuration of the control unit 11 related to the control of the card printing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 4 is for driving and controlling the transport roller set 52 and the platen rollers 53 and 54, the print head 19 and the erasing head 20. The motor driving units 88 to 91 and the motor control unit 92 drive the print head moving motor 66, the erasing head moving motor 71, the second conveying roller driving motor 62, and the first conveying roller driving motor 42, respectively. Thus, it is a driving means for driving each of the conveying roller set 52, the platen rollers 53 and 54, the print head 19 and the erasing head 20. The comparison unit 87 is a comparison unit that compares the set conveyance time with the set descent time. Further, the remaining transport time update unit 85 is a first updating unit that updates the remaining transport time as the first remaining time, and the remaining fall time update unit 86 calculates the remaining fall time as the second remaining time. It is the 2nd update means to update.

(Outline control of card printing device)
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of measurement processing of the descent time of the print head 19 and the erasing head 20 in the card printer 1 shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the printing / erasing process in the card printer 1 shown in FIG.

  In the card print issuing device 3 of this embodiment, the card 2 that is taken in from the card insertion / ejection unit 12 and is printed / erased is always transported to the second direction switching device 9 and temporarily stopped by the second direction switching device 9. Thereafter, printing / erasing is performed by the card printing apparatus 1. Further, the new card 2 supplied from the card supply device 5 is also temporarily stopped by the second direction switching device 9 and then printed by the card printing device 1. That is, in the present embodiment, the second direction switching device 9 becomes a predetermined conveyance start position of the card 2 where printing / erasing is performed in the card print issuing device 3. Specifically, the position at which the card 2 is stopped in a state where both ends of the card 2 are held by the two pairs of transport roller sets 39 is the transport start position of the card 2. Further, in the card printer 1, when printing / erasing is not performed on the card 2, the print head 19 and the erasing head 20 are waiting at a standby position.

  In the card print issuing device 3 of this embodiment, in principle, the printing process and the erasing process on the card 2 are not performed simultaneously. That is, in principle, the printing process and the erasing process are simultaneously performed on the card 2 conveyed in the card printing apparatus 1 from the second direction switching apparatus 9 as the conveyance start position toward the first direction switching apparatus 8. It will never be. However, the printing process and the erasing process on the card 2 may be performed simultaneously. In that case, the control unit 11 executes a printing process flow and an erasing process flow, which will be described later, in parallel.

  In this embodiment, when the card print issuing device 3 changes from a power-off state to a power-on state, the card print issuing device 3 performs an initialization operation. During this initialization operation, the card printing apparatus 1 follows the flow shown in FIG. 5 to determine the actual descent time from the standby position of the print head 19 to the printable position and the erasable position from the standby position of the erasing head 20. And the first and second set fall times X are set.

  Specifically, when the card print issuing device 3 is in a power-on state (step S1), the head descent time measuring unit 83 receives the card printing device 1 (or card print issuing device 3) from the control command unit 93. It is determined whether or not an initialization operation start command has been received (step S2).

  If there is an initialization operation start command from the control command unit 93 in step S2, the head descent time measuring unit 83 measures the descent time of the print head 19 (step S3). That is, in step S3, the head descent time measuring unit 83 measures the descent time of the print head 19 during the initialization operation of the card printer 1 (or the card print issuing device 3). Specifically, the head descent time measurement unit 83 detects the sensor 77 from when the print head movement motor 66 drive command signal is input from the control command unit 93 while the print head 19 is in the standby position. The time until the signal is input is measured as the descent time of the print head 19. In measuring the descent time, the eccentric cam 68 is rotated once to move the print head 19 from the standby position to the printable position, and from the printable position to the standby position. Thereafter, the head descent time measurement unit 83 sets the measured descent time of the print head 19 as the first set descent time X and stores it in the storage unit 84 (step S4).

  Similarly, in step S3, the head descent time measuring unit 83 starts the sensor 80 from when the erasing head moving motor 71 drive command signal is input from the control command unit 93 while the erasing head 20 is in the standby position. The time until the detection signal is input is measured as the descent time of the erasing head 20. In step S <b> 4, the head drop time measuring unit 83 sets the measured drop time of the erasing head 20 as the second set drop time X and stores it in the storage unit 84.

  In this embodiment, printing / erasing is performed on the card 2 according to the flow shown in FIG. First, the flow of the printing process on the card 2 will be described. In FIG. 6, the remaining descent time, which is the updated or further updated value for the set descent time X, is X1, and similarly, the updated or further updated value for the set transport time Y. The remaining transport time is Y1.

  When the control command unit 93 outputs a print command to the control unit 11 to perform printing on the card 2, first, the comparison unit 87 first compares the first set fall time X stored in the storage unit 84 and the first set conveyance. The time Y is read (step S11), and it is determined whether or not the first set transport time Y is longer than the first set drop time X (step S12).

  In step S12, when the first set transport time Y is longer than the first set drop time X, the motor drive units 90 and 91 cause the second transport roller drive motor 62 and The first transport roller drive motor 42 is driven to start transport of the card 2 from the transport start position (step S13).

  Then, while continuing the drive of the 2nd conveyance roller drive motor 62 and the 1st conveyance roller drive motor 42 and continuing conveyance of the card | curd 2, the remaining conveyance time update part 85 updates 1st remaining conveyance time Y1 ( Step S14).

  Then, the comparison unit 87 determines whether or not the first set drop time X and the first remaining transport time Y1 are equal (step S15). If the first set drop time X and the first remaining transport time Y1 are not equal in step S15, the process returns to step S14.

  On the other hand, when the first set drop time X and the first remaining transport time Y1 are equal in step S15, the motor drive unit is driven by a control command from the motor control unit 92 while continuing the transport of the card 2. 88 drives the print head moving motor 66 to start the descent of the print head 19 (step S16).

  Thereafter, the conveyance of the card 2 is continued, the drive of the print head moving motor 66 is continued and the print head 19 is continuously lowered, and the remaining conveyance time update unit 85 updates the first remaining conveyance time Y1. Further, the remaining descent time update unit 86 updates the first remaining descent time X1 (step S17).

  That is, in steps S15 to S17, the conveyance roller sets 39 and 52 and the platen roller 53, so that the time when the print head 19 reaches the printable position and the time when the card 2 reaches the print start position substantially coincide. 54 and the print head 19 are driven together (simultaneously).

  Then, the motor control unit 92 determines whether or not the first remaining transport time Y1 has become “0” (that is, whether or not the card 2 has reached the print start position), and the first remaining descent time X1. Is determined to be “0” (that is, whether or not the print head 19 has been lowered to the printable position) (step S18). If the first remaining descent time X1 and the first remaining transport time Y1 are not “0” in step S18, the process returns to step S17.

  On the other hand, if the first remaining descent time X1 and the first remaining transport time Y1 become “0” in step S18, printing on the card 2 is executed. Specifically, in step S18, the transport of the card 2 is continued with the print head 19 stopped at the printable position (that is, with the print head 19 abutting (pressed) on the card 2). The card 2 is printed. When the printing on the card 2 is completed, a predetermined process such as returning the print head 19 to the standby position is performed, and the printing process on the card 2 is completed.

  If the first set transport time Y is shorter than the first set drop time X in step S12, the motor drive unit 88 drives the print head moving motor 66 according to a control command from the motor control unit 92. The descent of the print head 19 is started (step S20).

  Thereafter, the drive of the print head moving motor 66 is continued to continue the descent of the print head 19, and the remaining descent time update unit 86 updates the first remaining descent time X1 (step S21).

  Then, the comparison unit 87 determines whether or not the first remaining descent time X1 is equal to the first set transport time Y (step S22). If the first remaining descent time X1 is not equal to the first set transport time Y in step S22, the process returns to step S21.

  On the other hand, if the first remaining descent time X1 is equal to the first set transport time Y in step S22, the motor drive is driven by the control command from the motor control unit 92 while continuing the descent of the print head 2. The units 90 and 91 drive the second conveyance roller drive motor 62 and the first conveyance roller drive motor 42 to start conveyance of the card 2 from the conveyance start position (step S23).

  Thereafter, the print head 2 continues to descend, and the second transport roller drive motor 62 and the first transport roller drive motor 42 continue to be driven to continue transporting the card 2, and the remaining transport time update unit 85 The first remaining conveyance time Y1 is updated, and the remaining descent time update unit 86 updates the first remaining descent time X1 (step S24).

  That is, in Steps S22 to S24, as in Steps S15 to S17, the conveyance roller assembly is set so that the arrival point of the print head 19 at the printable position and the arrival point of the card 2 at the print start position substantially coincide. 39 and 52 and the platen rollers 53 and 54 and the print head 19 are driven together.

  Then, the motor control unit 92 determines whether or not the first remaining transport time Y1 has become “0”, and determines whether or not the first remaining descent time X1 has become “0” (step S25). . If the first remaining fall time X1 and the first remaining transport time Y1 are not “0” in step S25, the process returns to step S24, and in step S25, the first remaining fall time X1 and the first remaining transport time Y1. When Y1 becomes “0”, the process proceeds to step S19.

  Next, the flow of the print erasing process on the card 2 will be described. The flow of the print erasing process is the same as the flow of the print process on the card 2. That is, when erasing the print on the card 2, first, the comparison unit 87 reads the second set fall time X and the second set transport time Y stored in the storage unit 84 (step S11). It is determined whether or not the second set transport time Y is longer than the second set drop time X (step S12).

  If the second set transport time Y is longer than the second set drop time X in step S12, transport of the card 2 is started from the transport start position (step S13). Then, while continuing the conveyance of the card | curd 2, the 2nd remaining conveyance time Y1 is updated (step S14). Then, the comparison unit 87 determines whether or not the second set fall time X and the second remaining transport time Y1 are equal (step S15). If the second set drop time X and the second remaining transport time Y1 are not equal in step S15, the process returns to step S14.

  On the other hand, when the second set lowering time X and the second remaining transport time Y1 are equal in step S15, the erasing head 20 starts to descend while continuing to transport the card 2 (step S16). Thereafter, the conveyance of the card 2 is continued, the erasing head 20 is continuously lowered, the second remaining conveying time Y1 is updated, and the second remaining falling time X1 is updated (step S17).

  That is, in steps S15 to S17, the conveyance roller sets 39 and 52 and the platen roller 53, so that the time point when the erasing head 20 reaches the erasable position and the time point when the card 2 reaches the erasing start position substantially coincide. 54 and the erase head 20 are driven together.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the second remaining transport time Y1 has become “0” (that is, whether or not the card 2 has reached the erase start position), and the second remaining descent time X1 has become “0”. (That is, whether or not the erasing head 20 has been lowered to the erasable position) is determined (step S18). If the second remaining descent time X1 and the second remaining transport time Y1 are not “0” in step S18, the process returns to step S17.

  On the other hand, when the second remaining descent time X1 and the second remaining transport time Y1 become “0” in step S18, the printing on the card 2 is erased. Specifically, in step S18, the erasing head 20 is stopped at the erasable position, and the card 2 is continuously conveyed while the erasing head 20 is in contact (pressed) with the card 2, and the card 2 Erase the print. When the erasing of printing is completed, a predetermined process such as returning the erasing head 20 to the standby position is performed, and the erasing process of the printing on the card 2 is completed.

  If the second set transport time Y is shorter than the second set drop time X in step S12, the erasing head 20 starts to drop (step S20). Thereafter, the erasing head 20 continues to be lowered and the second remaining descent time X1 is updated (step S21). And it is judged whether the 2nd remaining fall time X1 and the 2nd setting conveyance time Y became equal (Step S22). If the second remaining descent time X1 and the second set transport time Y are not equal in step S22, the process returns to step S21.

  On the other hand, if the second remaining drop time X1 and the second set transfer time Y are equal in step S22, the card 2 starts to be transferred from the transfer start position while continuing the descent of the erasing head 20 ( Step S23). Thereafter, the descent of the print head 2 is continued, the conveyance of the card 2 is continued, the second remaining conveyance time Y1 is updated, and the second remaining descent time X1 is updated (step S24).

  That is, in Steps S22 to S24, as in Steps S15 to S17, the conveyance roller assembly is set so that the arrival point of the erasing head 20 at the erasable position and the arrival point of the card 2 at the erasure start position substantially coincide. 39 and 52 and the platen rollers 53 and 54 and the erasing head 20 are driven together.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the second remaining transport time Y1 has become “0” and whether or not the second remaining descent time X1 has become “0” (step S25). If the second remaining fall time X1 and the second remaining transport time Y1 are not “0” in step S25, the process returns to step S24, and in step S25, the second remaining fall time X1 and the second remaining transport time are returned. When Y1 becomes “0”, the process proceeds to step S19.

  In this embodiment, step S3 is a moving time for measuring the actual lowering (moving) time of the print head 19 and the actual lowering (moving) time of the erasing head 20 in order to set the set moving time X. Step S12 is a comparison step in which the first set travel time X and the first set transport time Y are compared, and the second set travel time X and the second set transport time Y are compared.

  In this embodiment, steps S13 and S14 and steps S20 and S21 are based on the comparison result in step S12, which is a comparison step, and the conveying roller set 52 and the platen rollers 53 and 54, or the print head 19 and the erasing head. This is a pre-driving step for driving one of 20 in advance. In particular, step S13 is a preceding drive start step that starts driving the transport roller set 52 and the platen rollers 53 and 54 in advance when the set transport time Y is longer than the set travel time X in step S12. S14 is a transport time update step for updating the remaining transport time until the card 2 reaches the print / erase start position based on the set transport time Y. Step S20 is a preceding drive start step that starts driving the print head 19 and the erasing head 20 in advance when the set transport time Y is shorter than the set movement time X in Step S12. This is a moving time update step for updating the remaining descent time until the print head 19 and the erasing head 20 reach the printable / erasable position based on the set moving time X.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, steps S15 to S17 and steps S22 to S24 are performed so that the time when the print head 19 reaches the printable position and the time when the card 2 reaches the print start position substantially coincide with each other. After the advance driving step S13, S14 or steps S20, S21, the conveyance roller group is set so that the time when the erasing head 20 reaches the erasable position and the time when the card 2 reaches the erasing start position substantially coincide. 52 and the platen rollers 53 and 54, and the print head 19 and the erasing head 20 are driven simultaneously. In particular, step S16 is a subsequent driving start step that starts driving the print head 19 and the erasing head 20 when the remaining transport time Y1 becomes equal to the set drop time X, and step S23 is the remaining drop time X1. This is a subsequent drive start step for starting driving the transport roller set 52 and the platen rollers 53 and 54 when the set transport time Y becomes equal.

(Main effects of this form)
As described above, in this embodiment, the time when the print head 19 reaches the printable position and the time when the card 2 reaches the print start position substantially coincide with each other, and the erase head reaches the erasable position. The driving roller set 52 and the platen rollers 53 and 54 or one of the print head 19 and the erasing head 20 are driven in advance so that the time point 20 reaches the time point when the card 2 reaches the erasing start position. And has started. Thereafter, driving of the conveyance roller set 52 and the platen rollers 53 and 54, or the other of the print head 19 and the erasing head 20 is started, and the conveyance roller set 52 and the platen rollers 53 and 54 and the print head 19, The erase head 20 is driven together. Therefore, the lowering of the print head 19 to the printable position and the conveyance of the card 2 to the print start position can be executed together, and the lowering of the erase head 20 to the erasable position and the card 2 to the erase start position are performed. Transport can be performed together. Further, by continuously conveying the card 2 as it is, printing / erasing on the card 2 can be continuously performed. That is, the conveyance of the card 2 is not stopped before the printing / erasing on the card 2 is executed. As a result, in the present embodiment, the printing process time and the erasing process time for the card 2 can be shortened.

  In this embodiment, the set movement time X of the print head 19 and the erasing head 20 from the standby position to the print / erasable position is compared with the set conveyance time Y of the card 2 from the conveyance start position to the print / erase start position. ing. Therefore, based on the comparison result between the set movement time X and the set transfer time Y, the drive of the transfer roller set 52 and the platen rollers 53 and 54 or one of the print head 19 and the erasing head 20 is appropriately preceded. After that, the driving of the conveyance roller set 52 and the platen rollers 53 and 54 or the other of the print head 19 and the erasing head 20 can be started.

  In the present embodiment, the remaining transport time update unit 85 updates the remaining transport time Y1, the remaining descent time update unit 86 updates the remaining descent time X1, and the remaining transport time update unit 85 and the remaining descent time update unit 86. Updates the remaining descent time X1 and the remaining conveyance time Y1 simultaneously when the set conveyance time Y and the remaining descent time X1 coincide, or when the remaining conveyance time Y1 and the set descent time X coincide. Yes.

  That is, in this embodiment, when the set transport time Y is longer than the set travel time X in step S12, the driving of the transport roller set 52 and the platen rollers 53 and 54 is started in step S13, and in step S14. The remaining transport time Y1 until the card 2 reaches the print / erase start position is updated, and when the remaining transport time Y1 becomes equal to the set drop time X in step S16, the print head 19 and the erase head 20 are updated. Has started to drive. When the set transport time Y is shorter than the set travel time X in step S12, the drive of the print head 19 and the erasing head 20 is started in step S20, and the print / erasable position is set in step S21. The remaining descent time X1 until the print head 19 and the erasing head 20 reach is updated, and when the remaining descent time X1 becomes equal to the set conveyance time Y in step S23, the conveyance roller set 52 and the platen roller 53, The drive of 54 is started.

  Therefore, based on the remaining transport time Y1 updated in step S14 and the remaining descent time X1 updated in step S21, the arrival time of the print head 19 and the erase head 20 to the printable / erasable position and the print The transport roller set 52 and the platen rollers 53 and 54, and the print head 19 and the erasing head 20 can be driven so that the arrival point of the card 2 at the erasing start position substantially coincides.

  In this embodiment, in order to set the set movement time X, the actual descent time of the print head 19 and the erasing head 20 from the standby position to the print / erasable position is measured. For this reason, the characteristics of the power supply 10, the print head moving motor 66, the erasing head moving motor 71, etc. fluctuate due to the influence of various external environments such as temperature and individual differences between apparatuses, and from the standby position to the print / erasable position. Even when the descent time of the print head 19 and the erasing head 20 varies, an appropriate set descent time X can be set. Therefore, the arrival time of the print head 19 and the erasing head 20 at the print / erase enable position and the arrival time of the card 2 at the print / erase start position can be made to coincide with each other with high accuracy. As a result, it is possible to perform printing within a predetermined printing range with high accuracy, and it is possible to erase printing within a predetermined range with high accuracy.

  In this embodiment, the actual descent time of the print head 19 and the erasing head 20 is measured during the initialization operation of the card printer 1 after the power is turned on. Therefore, it is possible to set the set fall time X that more appropriately reflects the influence of various external environments such as temperature and individual differences for each apparatus.

(Other embodiments)
The above-described embodiment is an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, when the set transport time Y is longer than the set drop time X in step S12, the process proceeds to step S13, and the set transport time Y is set to be longer than the set drop time X. If it is shorter, the process proceeds to step S20. In addition to this, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, when the set transport time Y is not longer than the set drop time X in step S12, whether or not the set drop time X is equal to the set transport time Y is also determined. May be determined by the comparison unit 87 (step S31).

  In this case, when the set descent time X and the set conveyance time Y are not equal in step S31 (that is, when the set conveyance time Y is shorter than the set descent time X), the process proceeds to step S20. In step S31, when the set descent time X and the set transport time Y are equal, the motor drive units 90 and 91 cause the second transport roller drive motor 62 and the first transport roller according to a control command from the motor control unit 92. The drive motor 42 is driven to start the conveyance of the card 2 from the conveyance start position, and the motor drive unit 88 or the motor drive unit 89 drives the print head moving motor 66 or the erasing head moving motor 71 to print the print head. 19 or the descent of the erasing head 20 is started (step S32). That is, in step S32, driving of the transport roller set 52 and platen rollers 53 and 54 and driving of the print head 19 or the erasing head 20 are started simultaneously. In step S32, the conveyance of the card 2 and the lowering of the print head 19 or the erasing head 20 are continued as they are. Furthermore, in step S32, the remaining conveyance time update unit 85 updates the remaining conveyance time Y1, and the remaining descent time update unit 86 updates the remaining descent time X1.

  Then, the motor control unit 92 determines whether or not the remaining transport time Y1 has become “0”, and determines whether or not the remaining descent time X1 has become “0” (step S33). If the remaining descent time X1 and the remaining transport time Y1 are not “0” in step S33, the process returns to step S32, and the remaining descent time X1 and the remaining transport time Y1 are “0” in step S33. If so, the process proceeds to step S19.

  As described above, when the print / erase processing flow includes steps S31 to S33, the print head 19 reaches the printable position even when the set movement time X and the set transport time Y are completely equal. The time when the card 2 arrives at the print start position substantially coincides, and the time when the erase head 20 reaches the erasable position and the time when the card 2 arrives at the erase start position substantially coincide. As described above, the conveyance roller set 52 and the platen rollers 53 and 54, and the print head 19 and the erasing head 20 can be driven. As a result, the conveyance of the card 2 is not stopped before the printing / erasing on the card 2 is executed.

  In the print / erase processing flow shown in FIG. 7, step S12 and step S31 are comparison steps for comparing the set movement time X and the set transport time Y. In step S32, when the set moving time X and the set transport time Y are equal, the driving of the transport roller set 52 and the platen rollers 53 and 54 and the driving of the print head 19 and the erasing head 20 are simultaneously started. This is a simultaneous driving start step. Moreover, in FIG. 7, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the step similar to the step shown in FIG.

  In the embodiment described above, the transport roller set 39 is driven by the first transport roller drive motor 42, and the transport roller set 52 and the platen rollers 53 and 54 are driven by the second transport roller drive motor 62. In addition, for example, all of the transport roller group 39, the transport roller group 52, and the platen rollers 53 and 54 may be driven by the first transport roller drive motor 42 or the second transport roller drive motor 62.

  In the above-described form, the initialization operation at power-on of the card print issuing device 3 causes the actual descent time from the standby position of the print head 19 to the printable position and the standby position of the erase head 20 to the erasable position. The first and second set fall times X are set by measuring the actual fall time. In addition, for example, the actual descent time of the print head 19 and the erasing head 20 may be measured by the initialization operation before the start of the business of the card print issuing device 3. In addition, the actual operation of the print head 19 and the erasing head 20 is performed every predetermined period without measuring the actual descent time of the print head 19 and the erasing head 20 every time the power is turned on or the initialization operation is started. The descent time may be measured. Further, instead of measuring the actual descent time of the print head 19 and the erasing head 20 and setting the first and second set descent times X, the descent distance of the print head 19 and the erasing head 20 and the print head moving motor 66, the descent time of the print head 19 and the erasing head 20 may be calculated in advance from the rotational speed of the erasing head moving motor 71, and the first and second set descent times X may be set.

  In the embodiment described above, the set transport time Y is calculated in advance from the distance from the transport start position to the print / erase start position and the transport speed of the transport roller sets 39 and 52 and the platen rollers 53 and 54, and the storage unit 84. In addition to this, for example, a sensor for detecting the end of the card 2 is provided at a predetermined position in the card printing apparatus 1, and the actual transport time of the card 2 from the transport start position to the print / erase start position is measured. The set transport time Y may be set. Moreover, the actual measurement of the card 2 conveyance time may be performed every time the initialization operation is performed after the power is turned on.

  In the embodiment described above, the conveyance start position of the card 2 where printing / erasing is performed is the second direction switching device 9. The transfer start position is not limited to the second direction switching device 9. For example, the transfer start position may be the first direction switching device 8. Further, a predetermined position in the card printing apparatus 1 may be set as the conveyance start position.

  In the form described above, the card printer 1 includes two heads, the print head 19 and the erasing head 20. In addition to this, for example, the card printer 1 may include only one of the print head 19 and the erasing head 20. Further, the card printing apparatus 1 may include a single thermal head that can perform printing on the card 2 and erasing printing on the card 2.

  In the embodiment described above, the print head moving motor 66 and the erasing head moving motor 71 are DC motors. In addition, for example, the print head moving motor 66 and the erasing head moving motor 71 may be stepping motors. In this case, since the printable position of the print head 19 and the erasable position of the erasing head 20 can be detected from the number of drive pulses of the print head moving motor 66 and the erasing head moving motor 71, the sensors 77 and 80 are used. May be omitted. Further, the driving source for driving the print head 19 and the erasing head 20 is not limited to a motor. For example, the printing head 19 and the erasing head 20 may be driven using a solenoid or the like as a driving source.

  In the embodiment described above, when the actual descent time of the print head 19 and the erasing head 20 is measured in step S3, the eccentric cams 68 and 73 are rotated once to move the print head 19 and the erasing head 20 from the standby position. It is moved to the print / erase enable position and from the print / erase enable position to the standby position. In addition to this, for example, when the actual descent time of the print head 19 and the erasing head 20 is measured, the eccentric cams 68 and 73 are rotated half a turn so that the print head 19 and the erasing head 20 are printed / erased from the standby position. It may be moved to a possible position.

  In the embodiment described above, the card printing device 1 is used for the card printing issuing device 3. The host device in which the card printing apparatus 1 is used is not limited to the card printing issuing apparatus 3 having a card issuing function, and the card printing apparatus 1 is used for other apparatuses that perform printing / erasing on the card 2. it can. The card printer 1 may be used independently as a so-called stand-alone device.

It is a figure for demonstrating schematic structure of the card printing issuing apparatus using the card printing apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating schematic structure of the card printing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a first position detection mechanism of a print head and a second position detection mechanism of an erasing head shown in FIG. 2. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the control part shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a measurement process of the fall time of the printing head and erasing head in the card printing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the printing / erasing process in the card printing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the printing / erasing process concerning other embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Card printer (medium printer)
2 cards (medium)
11 Control unit (control means)
19 Print head (printing / erasing means)
20 Erase head (printing / erasing means)
52 Conveying roller set 52 (part of medium conveying means)
53, 54 Platen roller (part of the medium transport means)
85 Remaining transport time update unit (first comparison means)
86 Remaining descent time update unit (second comparison means)
87 Comparison part (comparison means)
88-91 Motor drive part (a part of drive means)
92 Motor controller (part of drive means)
S3 Movement time measurement step S12, S31 Comparison step S13, S20 Part of the preceding driving step, preceding driving start step S14 Part of the preceding driving step, transport time update step S21 Part of the preceding driving step, movement time updating step S15, S17, S22, S24 Part of simultaneous drive step S16, S23 Part of simultaneous drive step, subsequent drive start step S32 Simultaneous drive start step X set travel time X1 remaining travel time (residual time, second remaining time)
Y set transport time Y1 remaining transport time (remaining time, first remaining time)

Claims (7)

In a control method of a medium printing apparatus comprising: a medium conveying unit that conveys a medium; and a printing / erasing unit that makes contact with the medium and performs printing on the medium and / or erasing printing on the medium.
The actual moving time of the printing / erasing means from a predetermined standby position where the printing / erasing means cannot contact the medium to a printing / erasable position where the printing / erasing means can contact the medium is measured. A travel time measurement step;
Setting the actual movement time as a set movement time of the printing / erasing means from the standby position to the printable / erasable position;
Start of printing / erasing in which printing on the medium and / or erasing of printing on the medium is started from the predetermined moving start time and a predetermined conveyance start position of the medium conveyed toward the printing / erasing means A comparison step for comparing a set transport time of the medium to a position;
Based on the comparison result in the comparison step, a preceding driving step for driving one of the medium conveying unit or the printing / erasing unit in advance,
Wherein the time arrival of the printing / erasing means to print / erasable position, so that the point reached in the medium to the print / erase start position coincides, after the preceding driving step, the medium conveying means and the And a simultaneous driving step for driving the printing / erasing means together. The preceding driving step is based on the preceding driving start step that starts driving the medium conveying means in advance when the set conveying time is longer than the set moving time in the comparing step, and the set conveying time. A transfer time update step for updating a remaining time until the medium reaches the print / erase start position,
2. The medium printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the simultaneous driving step includes a subsequent driving start step for starting driving of the printing / erasing means when the remaining time and the set moving time become equal. Control method. In the comparison step, when the set movement time is longer than the set conveyance time in the comparison step, a preceding drive start step that starts driving the printing / erasing means in advance, and the set movement time And a moving time updating step for updating the remaining time until the printing / erasing means reaches the printable / erasable position,
2. The medium printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the simultaneous driving step includes a subsequent driving start step of starting driving of the medium conveying unit when the remaining time and the set conveying time become equal. Control method.   The comparison step further includes a simultaneous driving start step for simultaneously starting the driving of the medium conveying unit and the driving of the printing / erasing unit when the set moving time is equal to the set conveying time. The method for controlling a medium printing apparatus according to claim 1. 5. The method of controlling a medium printing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the moving time measuring step is executed during an initialization operation of the medium printing apparatus. Medium conveying means for conveying a medium, printing / erasing means for contacting and erasing printing on the medium and / or printing on the medium, at least the medium conveying means and the printing / erasing means Control means for performing the control of,
The control unit is configured to perform an actual operation of the printing / erasing unit from a predetermined standby position where the printing / erasing unit cannot contact the medium to a printing / erasing position where the printing / erasing unit can contact the medium. The moving time is measured, and the actual moving time is set as the set moving time of the printing / erasing means from the standby position to the printable / erasable position, and the moving time is set toward the printing / erasing means. And a set transport time of the medium from a predetermined transport start position of the medium transported in this way to a print / erase start position at which printing on the medium and / or erasing of printing on the medium is started. based on the comparison result, so that the point reached in the printing / erasing means to said printing / erasing possible position, and when reaching the medium to the print / erase start position coincides, the medium conveying Start prior one of the driving stage and the printing / erasing means, then, the medium printing apparatus, characterized in that it comprises a driving means for starting the other of the driving of the medium conveying means or said printing / erasing means. The control means compares the set movement time with a set transport time of the medium from the transport start position to the print / erase start position , and an elapsed time after the medium starts transporting. A first updating unit that updates a first remaining time until the medium that has started transporting reaches the print / erase start position by subtracting from the set movement time; and the print / erase unit, By subtracting the elapsed time from the start of movement from the set movement time , the second remaining time until the printing / erasing means that has started moving reaches the printable / erasable position is updated. 2 update means,
The first update unit and the second update unit are configured to detect the first transfer time or the first remaining time when the set moving time or the second remaining time coincides with the first transfer time. The medium printing apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the remaining time and the second remaining time are updated simultaneously.

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