JPS5919031B2 - automatic printer - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an automatic printing device with a rate selection device having a built-in microcomputer. It can also be used as a stamp duty payment instrument.

Conventionally, in places where large quantities of stamps and printing are used, automatic rate selection devices have been installed in response to requests for convenience in purchasing and storing stamps and stamps similar to cash vouchers, operational efficiency during use, accuracy of administrative work, and labor savings. A printer was used.

On the other hand, the printing device is very convenient for post offices and the like in printing stamps and stamps, storing them, and collecting fees, so their use is gradually expanding.

However, since automatic printers print stamps and stamps similar to cash vouchers, various conditions have been imposed on them, which has caused delays in development.

The conditions are: (1) The property must have a stamp mechanism that can clearly display usage fees and a designated seal impression on the property.

(2) Must have an accumulative totalizer that can accurately record or store usage charges.

(3) A specified fee setting mechanism that stops operating after it has been used until a specified fee amount (an amount commensurate with the prepaid amount or the amount equivalent to the security) and resumes normal operation by giving a certain restoration operation instruction. to have

(4) The internal mechanism of the instrument cannot be opened from the outside except by unlocking a specific key or sealing device, and at the same time, the instrument must have an exterior that cannot be manipulated or malfunctioned.

etc.

There are automatic printers currently in use that meet the above conditions, but all of them are operated by a mechanical mechanism, so the printer itself is not only heavy but also complicated to operate. It has many drawbacks, such as the need for troublesome work when resetting it.

The present invention was created with the aim of meeting various required conditions and also eliminating the above-mentioned drawbacks of conventionally used automatic printers, and its gist is as follows: , has a reading device that reads the set amount of the set card and a line printer that prints the required information on the set card, and when the set card is inserted, the set card exit is closed by a shutter and the inserted set card is held inside. At the same time, the receiver of the set card has a setting section that emits a signal, an amount selection section with a set of ten keys for selecting the amount to be used, and a display that displays the selected amount, cumulative amount of usage fees, balance, and number of cards used by operating the amount selection section. a printing unit operated by a motor, and a pulse motor 1 or a rotating shaft connected via an electromagnetic clutch in order to match each digit ring of an amount drum provided in this printing unit with the amount selected by the selection unit. an amount selection transmission section formed by meshing a rack gear driven by each of the cams and the gears of each digit ring, and the set section, amount selection section, display section, printing section, and amount selection transmission section, respectively. Consists of a control section,
The control section enables the set card receiver of the set section to use the amount selection section, the display section, the printing section, and the amount selection transmission section by the signal, reads the set amount of the set card, and also reads the set amount of the set card in the amount setting section. The amount is memorized and displayed on the display section, and the balance obtained by using the set amount is compared with the selected amount, and only when the balance is larger, the amount selection transmission section and printing section are activated to print, and the selected amount is calculated from the above balance. If the remaining balance after using the set amount is compared with the selected amount, the required information can be printed on the set card without performing the above printing. The line printer is operated to eject the set card from the machine, and the amount selection section, the printing section, and the amount selection transmission section are each stopped, and the setting section is set in a state in which the set card can be reset. It depends on what you did.

The present invention will be explained below according to an embodiment shown in the drawings.

The present invention comprises a set section C that makes the entire set usable by inserting the set card 1, an amount selection section A that selects the amount to be used once using the numeric keypad 2, and an amount selection section A A display section B displays the amount selected in the step using a fluorescent display tube or a light emitting diode, and a display section B displays the amount selected in the motor 5.
A printing section E that operates at 0 to stamp a predetermined paper, an amount selection transmission section that transmits the selected amount to this printing section E, and a set section C1 amount selection section A1 display section B1 printing section E1 amount selection transmission section It consists of a 71-crore computer F that connects each section and operates them in relation to each other, and a completion control section.

Next, each part will be explained in detail.

The amount selection section A using the numeric keypad 2 uses an existing numeric keypad set input device, and is operated by a microcomputer.
It is connected to send an amount selection signal to F.

Further, the amount selection section A is provided with operation keys 5 such as clear, start, repeat, and preset in addition to numeric keys 4 for indicating the amount.

Display section B uses a fluorescent display tube, light emitting diode, etc.
Various signals from the microcomputer-F indicate the selected amount, the total amount of usage fees, the set balance, the number of used cards, etc.

Note that this display section B can also be a ready-made device, for example, a numerical display section of an electronic desktop calculator.

The set card 1 to be inserted into the set section C has a rectangular shape, and the tip end in the insertion direction has an optical reading device 6, such as a combination device of a light emitting diode and a phototransistor, to read the amount set on the set card 1. A punch hole 7 is punched at a proper position, and in addition to the amount punch hole 7, a shutter 9 that closes the set card insertion slot 8 when the Cera 1 card 1 is inserted at a certain position is optically read. A shutter release punch hole 10 actuated via the device 6 is also drilled.

In addition, the set card 1 has the aforementioned punch holes 7,100.
There is also a printing field 11 in which the machine number, usage amount, etc. are printed after the set amount has been used.

The set section C is provided with a set card insertion slot 8 and a set card ejection slot 12, each opening of which can be opened and closed by a shutter 9.

Next, the setting section C will be explained in accordance with the order of operation.

First, the set card 1 is inserted into the set part C through the set card insertion slot 8 with the amount punch hole 7 side at the tip, and then pulled into the set part C by the pull-in roller 13.

At this time, the amount punch hole 7 punched in the set card 1,
The optical reading device 6 provided in the setting section C reads the amount set on the set card 1 and stores it in the microcomputer-F.

This set card 1 is further inserted after reading the set amount with the optical reader 6, and the rear end is inserted into the retracting roller 13.
When the shutter release punch hole 10 is located near the optical reading device 6, the shutter 9 is moved by detecting the hole 10, and the set card insertion slot 8 is opened.
and closes the set card outlet 12.

In the illustrated example, the shutter 9 is always pulled in the closing direction by a spring 14, and is opened each day only when the solenoid 15 is activated, but the means for moving the shutter 9 is It is not limited to the illustrated example (,
The shutter 9 is activated by the solenoid 15 at 8 and 12 each day.
The spring 14 can also be formed to close the spring 14.
It is also possible to use two solenoids 15 to alternately pull from the left and right sides.

In addition, in the illustrated example, by moving the shutter 9, each day 8.1
2 is closed, the locking pawl 16 is locked in the locking opening 18 by the tension of the locking spring 17, and the shutter 9 is locked, so that the shutter 9 is not moved by external force.

When the automatic printer is used with the shutter 9 blocking the set card insertion slot 8 and the set card ejection port 12, and the cumulative usage amount reaches the set amount in the microcomputer-F memory, the shutter 9 moves and removes the set card. Exit 12 opens,
At the same time, the line printer 19 connected to the microcomputer-F operates and sequentially prints the total cumulative amount, the cumulative amount used using the set card 1, the number of sets, the machine number, etc. in the printing column of the set card 1. While doing so, the set card 1 is sent out from the set card outlet 12.

In addition, as the shutter 9 moves, the automatic printing device is activated.
t stop.

In the illustrated line printer 19, 20 is a printing drum, 21 is a solenoid that performs a pushing motion for printing operation, 22 is an operating rod that transmits the operation of the solenoid 21, and 23
is a ribbon for printing.

Although not shown, the optical reading device 6 and each punch hole 7
．． 10 can be used in the same manner as in the illustrated example, even if the set card 1 is coated with magnetic powder in place of the punch holes 70 in an appropriate arrangement so that the arrangement of the magnetic powder can be read by a magnetic reader.

The amount selection transmission section arranges the amounts selected by the amount selection section A on an amount drum 24 on the outer periphery of the drum-shaped printing section E and having an axis perpendicular to the axis of the printing section E.

Here, the amount selection transmission section when two pulse motors 25 and 26 are used will be explained.

Each ring 27 of each digit of the amount drum 24 rotates independently of the other rings 27.
A pinion gear 28 having an appropriate number of teeth is fixed to 7.

Furthermore, a rack gear 29 that can mesh with the pinion gear 28,
It is movably engaged with an output gear 30 fixed to the output shaft of the pulse motor 25.

- The rack gear 29 and the pulse motor 25 are supported or fixed on a movable base 31, and this movable base 31 is connected to a rack gear 32 provided on the rigging 31 and the rack gear 3.
The pinion gear 33 is movably engaged with the money drum 24 and is movable parallel to the axis of the money drum 24 by means of a pulse motor 26 fixed to its output shaft.

Next, to explain these operations, after the amount selected by the amount selection section A is stored in the microcomputer F,
The pulse motor is used to store the memory one digit at a time according to each digit of the amount.
25, and rotates the pinion gear 28 and ring 21 via the output gear 30 and rack gear 29 to match the numbers of the corresponding digits.

Next, the rack gear 29 and pinion gear 28 are disengaged, the rack gear 29 is returned to the position before movement, the pulse motor 26 is activated, the rack gear 29 is moved by one digit, and the microcomputer-F memory corresponding to that digit is Match the number on ring 27 with the number on ring 27.

By repeating the above operation, the amount selected by the amount selection section A and the number on the amount drum 24 are made to match.

In the figure, numeral 34 is a movement distance detection device for detecting that the ring 27 is correctly set.

Next, the amount selection transmission section when a pulse motor is not used will be explained.

The amount drum 24 itself is powered by the aforementioned pulse motor 25,
26, pinion gear 28 for each digit
A ring 27 is provided to which a ring 27 is fixed.

This pinion gear 28 includes independent rack gears 3
5 are engaged.

Further, one end of the rack gear 35 is movably connected to a front cam 38 which is fixed to a rotating shaft 36 via an electromagnetic clutch 37 with a brake.

Further, the rack gear 35 includes a number detection device 3 that detects the amount of movement thereof, in other words, the number displayed on the ring 27.
9 is the setting.

Then, a signal corresponding to the amount selected by the amount selection section A is given as an input to the microcomputer-F, and then the star in the activation key 5)-? When you press -40, it is first determined whether the numbers in each digit of the selected amount match the numbers detected by the number detection device 39, that is, the numbers used last time. , the electromagnetic clutch 37 corresponding to that digit is activated, the rotary shaft 36 rotates, and the front cam 38 rotates accordingly.

This rotation of the front cam 38 moves the rack gear 35 and rotates the ring 21 to an appropriate position.

Rack gear 3 stops ring 27 at the proper position.
This is done by detecting the position of the rack gear 35 with a number detection device 39 provided at 5 and releasing the electromagnetic clutch 37 when the rack gear 35 is in the proper position.

In addition, in these → operations, if the amount selected when the start key 40 is pressed matches the number used last time, the number detection device 39 detects the match and the electromagnetic clutch 37 does not operate. Therefore, the rotation of the rotary shaft 36 is not transmitted to the front cam 38, and therefore the rack gear 35 does not move.

Further, when the repeat key 41 in the actuator 5 is pressed, the above-mentioned detection and rotation of the rotating shaft 36 are not required.

The amount selection transmission section formed by using two pulse motors 25 and 26 can be manufactured at low cost since the electromagnetic clutch 37 is not required.

Further, the transmission section using the electromagnetic clutch 37 is efficient because the amount selection operation can be performed for all digits at the same time.

The printing unit E, which is linked to the motor 50, is formed into a drum shape with an axis perpendicular to the feeding direction of the printed matter, and the numbers of the monetary amount drum 24 protrude from a part of the outer periphery.

When used as a postage meter, it is necessary to make the date print protrude from the outer periphery of the printing part E, and if necessary, prints forming various sentences may be provided on the outer periphery.

In the figure, 42 is a self-contained ink roll, and 43 is a stand bar roller that applies appropriate pressure to printed matter during printing.

In FIG. 1, 44 is a replacement window for the ink roll 42, 45 is a keyhole for opening and closing the entire printed word, and 46 is a replacement window for the ink roll 42.
is a receiver for printed matter after printing, and is a journal printer that records the amount each time 47 bars are used.

Further, numeral 48 in FIG. 2 is a cassette-type label box in which a label 49 for a parcel is stored.

Next, the storage, input and output of microcomputer-F will be explained (see FIG. 3).

First, when the set card 1 is inserted into the set section C, the card receiver of the set section C emits a signal, reads the set amount of the set card 1, and sends the data to the microcomputer-F.

The microcomputer-F first adds 1 to the already stored number of sets, stores this value as a new number of sets, and also newly stores the set amount of the set card 1 as a balance.

Next, the amount selection section A, the display section B1 and the printing section E are turned on.

Thereafter, numerical data of the selected amount is sent to the amount selection section A, which is stored as the selected amount and sent to the display section B, where the selected amount is displayed.

Also, if you compare the balance and the selected amount and the selected amount is less, that is, if the value obtained by subtracting the selected amount from the balance is 0 or more, start! -40+7) Wait for an ON signal, and when this ON signal is received, send the selected 4 amounts to the amount selection transmission section as an output signal, and send the selected amount and amount drum 24.
After matching the displayed amount, the drum-shaped printing section E is rotated to perform printing.

In parallel with this printing or immediately after printing, the microcomputer-F prints the balance, the total amount used after setting,
Calculations such as the number of times the total cumulative amount has been set and the results are stored.

Also, if the selected amount is greater than the balance of Set Card 1,
In other words, if the value obtained by subtracting the selected amount from the balance is negative, an output signal is sent to the display section B indicating that the set is out or the balance is insufficient, such as END, and a predetermined item is sent to the set card 1 of the set section C. After printing, opening the shutter 9 and feeding out the set card 1 from the set card outlet 12, a signal is sent to enable resetting.

After being reset, the input/output described above is repeated.

The first advantage of the present invention is ease of operation.

That is, since the numeric keypad 2 is used in the amount selection section A, the operability is much improved compared to the mechanical lever used in the conventional device.

Further, since setting can be performed simply by inserting the set card 1 into the setting section C, the operability for setting is improved.

The next effect is improved workability due to faster operation.

In other words, this is due to the speed of amount selection by using the numeric keypad 2, the speed of operation of the amount selection transmission part, and the speed of printing by using the motor 50 to operate the printing part E. The time required for operation is shortened and work efficiency is improved.

Each digit ring 2 of the amount drum 24 provided in a part of the printing section E
7 to match the amount selected by the amount selection section A, the rack gears 29° 32.35 are driven by the pulse motors 25, 26 or a cam 38 disposed on the rotating shaft 36 via an electromagnetic clutch 37, respectively. Since the amount selection transmission section is constructed by meshing with the gear 28 of each digit ring 27, not only is control by the microcomputer F as a control section easy, but reliable operation can be obtained.

The set section C has a reading device 6 that reads the set amount of the set card 1 and a line printer 19 that prints necessary information on the set card 1, and when the set card 1 is inserted, the set card entrances 8 and 12 are opened by the shutter 9. Since the device is formed so as to hold the inserted set card 1 inside the device, the device cannot be operated without inserting the set card 1, thereby preventing unauthorized use.

Furthermore, the control section, that is, the microcomputer F, is connected to the set section C.
The set card reception signal enables the amount selection section A1 display section B1 printing section E1 amount selection transmission section and reads the selected amount of the set card 1, and also reads the amount selected in the amount selection section A. It is memorized and displayed on the display section B, and the balance obtained by using the set amount is compared with the selected amount, and only when the balance is larger, the amount selection transmission section and the printing section E are operated to print, and the selected amount is selected from the balance. The amount after deducting the amount will be stored as a new balance; Also,
Comparing the balance obtained by using the set amount with the selected amount, if the balance is small, the line printer 19 is operated to print the required information on the set card 1 without performing the printing, and the set card 1 is printed. Discharge outside the machine, and
Since the amount selection section A, the printing section E, and the amount selection transmission section are each stopped and the setting section C is configured to be in a state in which the set card 1 can be reset, it is possible to avoid the use of conventional mechanical means. Unlike automatic printing devices used as fare meters, it is easy to assemble and has a simple mechanical configuration.

In addition, if a central processing system for charge management using large computers is established in the future and it becomes possible to transmit input/output data from the computer to each automatic printer using telephone lines, etc., usage charges will be accumulated in advance. Alternatively, by setting up a program that automatically resets the set when it runs out, such as through post-payment, there is no need to set the set, and the printer can be used without a period of non-use between when the set runs out and when it is re-set. This has the advantage of making it easier to do so, and also making it easier to collect fees.

As described above, the present invention is easier to operate and operates faster than conventional machines, and can be easily adapted to future charge management central processing systems.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

The drawings show one embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 1 is a perspective view, Fig. 2 is a partially cutaway perspective view, Fig. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation, and Fig. 4 is a front view of a set card. , FIG. 5 is a front view of the setting section, FIGS. 6 and 7 are front views and plan views of the amount selection transmission section, and FIGS. 8 and 9 are other embodiments of the amount selection transmission section. A front view and a plan view, and FIG. 10 is a block diagram. A: Amount setting section, B: Display section, C
......Set part, D...Amount selection transmission part, E...Printing part, F...Microcomputer-11...Set card , 2...
...Numeric keypad, 4...Number keys, 5...
- Actuator-16... Optical reading device, 7...
...Amount punch hole, 8...Set card insertion slot, 9...Shutter, 10...Shutter release punch hole, 11...Print field, 12・・・
... Set card ejection port, 13 ... Retraction roller, 14 ... Spring, 15 ...
Tsurenoid, 16...Latching claw, 17...
・Latching spring, 18...Latching port, 19...
... Line printer, 20 ... Printing drum, 21 ... Solenoid, 22 ... Operating rod, 23 ... Ribbon, 24 ...・・Amount of money tram, 25, 26・・・・・Pulse motor-127
...Ring, 28...Pinion gear,
29... Rack gear, 30... Output gear, 31... Moving table, 32... Rack gear, 33... Pinion gear, 34... ...
・Traveling distance detection device, 35... Rack gear, 3
6...Rotating shaft, 37...Electromagnetic clutch, 38...Front cam, 39...Numeric detection device, 40...Star 1 -P-141...
... Repeat) + -142 ... Self-contained % type %

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1 It has a reading device that reads the set amount of the set card and a line printer that prints the necessary information on the set card, and when the set card is inserted, the printer closes the set card entrance and exit and holds the inserted set card inside. In addition, the receiver of the set card has a setting section that emits a signal, an amount selection section with a set of ten keys for selecting the amount to be used, and a display section that displays the selected amount, the cumulative amount of usage fees, the balance, and the number of cards used by the operation of the amount selection section. and a printing unit operated by a motor, and a pulse motor 1 or a rotating shaft connected via an electromagnetic clutch to match each digit ring of an amount drum provided in this printing unit with the amount selected by the selection unit. an amount selection transmission section formed by meshing a rack gear driven by a set of cams with the gears of each digit ring, and a set section, an amount selection section, a display section, a printing section, and an amount selection transmission section, respectively. and a control unit that controls the set card receiver of the set unit by a signal, the amount selection unit,
The display section, printing section, and amount selection transmission section are enabled for use, and the set amount on the set card is read, and the amount selected in the amount selection section is memorized and displayed on the display section, and the balance due to the use of the set amount is Compare the selected amount with Comparing the balance due to use and the selected amount, if the balance is small, operating the line printer to print the required information on the set card without performing the printing, and ejecting the set card from the machine; An automatic printer characterized in that the amount selection section, the printing section, and the amount selection transmission section are each stopped, and the setting section is set in a state in which the set card can be reset.