Media Printing Device

Abstract

The system accurately detects whether the medium inserted into the insertion slot has been transported to the back of the device or withdrawn from the insertion slot. [Solution] When the control unit 120 of the media printing device 100 detects a medium inserted into the insertion slot 105 with a first sensor (insertion detection sensor Sn1) near the insertion slot, it causes the medium to be transported downstream until a second sensor (upper transport sensor Sn2) on the printing unit (print head 108) side detects the medium (steps S105, S110). Next, when the second sensor detects the medium, the control unit transports the medium downstream until the second sensor no longer detects the medium, and once the second sensor no longer detects the medium, it transports the medium upstream by a predetermined amount (steps S115, S120). Next, the control unit determines that the medium is being transported normally if the second sensor detects the medium, and determines that there is an abnormality in the transport of the medium if the second sensor does not detect the medium (steps S125~S135).

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present invention relates to a medium printing apparatus. [[Background Art]]

[0002] As one type of medium printing apparatus, for example, there is a passbook-slip printer that can perform printing on passbooks and slips. In this passbook-slip printer, a user may pull out a medium that is being sucked into the apparatus, therefore pulling-out of the medium being sucked into the apparatus is detected using a detection sensor (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 describes a conventional passbook-slip printer (medium processing apparatus) in which a slip pull-out detection sensor is provided on the deep side of a medium insertion slot. When medium insertion is detected, a conveyance unit is driven to convey the medium a fixed distance toward the deep side, and if the slip pull-out detection sensor does not detect the medium at this time, it is determined that the medium has not reached the detection position and has been pulled out from the insertion slot. [[Prior Art Documents]] [[Patent Documents]]

[0003] [[Patent Document 1]] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-73626 [[Summary of the Invention]] [[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]]

[0004] The prior art described in Patent Document 1 can detect that a medium has been pulled out based on a change in output of the slip pull-out detection sensor when the medium is pulled out in a state where the medium is inserted into the insertion slot and a part of the medium is exposed from the insertion slot. However, the output of the slip pull-out detection sensor also changes similarly when the medium is conveyed toward the deep side of the apparatus. Therefore, when the medium is conveyed toward the deep side of the apparatus, the prior art cannot detect whether the medium has actually been conveyed toward the deep side of the apparatus or pulled out from the insertion slot.

[0005] The present invention was made to solve the aforementioned problems, and its main objective is to provide a media printing device that can reliably detect whether a medium inserted into the insertion slot has been transported to the back of the device or withdrawn from the insertion slot. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a media printing device comprising: a control unit for controlling the operation of the device; an insertion port into which a medium is inserted; a printing unit for printing on the medium; a transport path for transporting the medium inserted into the insertion port; a transport unit for transporting the medium; a first sensor provided in the transport path near the insertion port; and a second sensor provided in the transport path on the printing unit side of the first sensor. The control unit is configured such that when the first sensor detects the medium inserted into the insertion port, it transports the medium downstream until the second sensor detects the medium; when the second sensor detects the medium, it transports the medium downstream until the second sensor no longer detects the medium; when the second sensor no longer detects the medium, it transports the medium upstream by a predetermined amount; if the second sensor detects the medium, it determines that the medium is being transported normally; on the other hand, if the second sensor does not detect the medium, it determines that there is an abnormality in the transport of the medium. Other methods will be described later. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to reliably detect whether the medium inserted into the insertion port has been transported to the back of the device or withdrawn from the insertion port. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the media printing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a flowchart showing the operation of the media printing device in Example 1. [Figure 3A]This is an explanatory diagram (1) of the operation of Embodiment 1 of the media printing device. [Figure 3B] This is an explanatory diagram (2) of the operation of Embodiment 1 of the media printing device. [Figure 3C] This is an explanatory diagram (3) of the operation of Embodiment 1 of the media printing device. [Figure 3D] This is an explanatory diagram (4) of the operation of Embodiment 1 of the media printing device. [Figure 3E] This is an explanatory diagram (5) of the operation of Embodiment 1 of the media printing device. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart showing the operation of the media printing device in Example 2. [Figure 5A] This is an explanatory diagram (1) of the operation of Embodiment 2 of the media printing device. [Figure 5B] This is an explanatory diagram (2) of the operation of Embodiment 2 of the media printing device. [Figure 5C] This is an explanatory diagram (3) of the operation of Embodiment 2 of the media printing device. [Figure 5D] This is an explanatory diagram (4) of the operation of Embodiment 2 of the media printing device. [Figure 5E] This is an explanatory diagram (5) of the operation of the second embodiment of the media printing device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "this embodiment") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Each figure is merely a schematic representation to the extent that the present invention can be fully understood. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples. In addition, the dimensions of the components constituting the present invention in the reference drawings may be exaggerated or otherwise represented to clarify the explanation. In each figure, common or similar components are denoted by the same reference numeral, and their redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0010] <Configuration of the media printing device> Hereinafter, the configuration of the medium printing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of the medium printing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. In the description of the medium printing apparatus 100, the terms "up-down" and "front-rear" follow the arrows in FIG. 1. These directions are defined for convenience of description and do not limit the present invention.

[0011] The medium printing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is an apparatus that performs printing on a medium. Examples of the medium include passbooks, slips, certificates, cards, tickets, and the like. In the present embodiment, description will be given assuming a passbook slip printer as the medium printing apparatus 100. The passbook slip printer is an apparatus that prints on different types of media, namely passbooks, slips, and certificates. The passbook slip printer is installed, for example, at a counter of a financial institution, and is operated by a person (operator) in charge of counter operations of the financial institution.

[0012] The medium printing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 (in the present embodiment, a passbook slip printer is assumed) mainly includes an inserter unit 102, a printing unit 103, and an automatic page turning unit 104. These units are arranged in the front-rear direction within a housing 101. The medium printing apparatus 100 further includes a control unit 120 that controls operations of the apparatus (in particular, the inserter unit 102, the printing unit 103, and the automatic page turning unit 104). The control performed by the control unit 120 includes control related to medium conveyance in each unit, control related to printing operation in the printing unit 103, and control related to passbook page turning operation (automatic page turning) in the automatic page turning unit 104.

[0013] The inserter unit 102 is mounted on the front side of the medium printing apparatus 100. The inserter unit 102 has a function of receiving setting of media such as passbooks, certificates, and slips by an operator, taking in the set medium, and discharging the medium on which printing processing has been completed.

[0014] The inserter unit 102 comprises an upper inserter section 102a and a lower inserter section 102b. The upper inserter section 102a and the lower inserter section 102b are arranged side by side in the vertical direction.

[0015] The upper inserter section 102a is configured to receive slips, and comprises a slip stage (not shown) for setting slips, and a first insertion opening 105a for inserting slips into the apparatus and discharging slips out of the apparatus.

[0016] The lower inserter section 102b is configured to receive passbooks and certificates, and comprises a passbook stage (not shown) for setting passbooks and certificates, and a second insertion opening 105b for inserting passbooks and certificates into the apparatus and discharging them out of the apparatus. Hereinafter, when collectively referring to the first insertion opening 105a and the second insertion opening 105b, they are referred to as an "insertion opening 105".

[0017] A printing unit 103 is mounted behind the inserter unit 102. The printing unit 103 has a function of printing on media (slips and passbooks) and a function of detecting printed lines for printing. Specifically, the printing unit 103 comprises a reading section 107 and a print head 108 (printing section). The reading section 107 reads page marks and printed lines of a passbook as a medium, and also reads printed lines on a slip. The print head 108 performs printing on a medium such as a passbook or a slip.

[0018] An automatic page turning unit 104 is mounted behind the printing unit 103. The automatic page turning unit 104 has a page turning function for turning pages of a passbook. When it is determined that page turning is required, the passbook is conveyed from the printing unit 103 to the automatic page turning unit 104, and the automatic page turning unit 104 sends the passbook back to the printing unit 103 after executing page turning.

[0019] The media printing device 100 is provided with a transport path 109 through which the media is transported. The transport path 109 extends across the inserter unit 102, the printing unit 103, and the auto-turn-page unit 104, and the media can move between the units via the transport path 109. In this embodiment, the media printing device 100 includes a first transport path 109a, a second transport path 109b, and a common transport path 109c as the transport path 109. The first transport path 109a is a transport path located above the second transport path 109b, for example, between the first insertion slot 105a and the printing unit 103. In the first transport path 109a, mainly slips are transported. The second transport path 109b is a transport path located below the first transport path 109a, between the second insertion slot 105b and the printing unit 103. The second transport path 109b is mainly used to transport passbooks and certificates. The first transport path 109a is shorter than the second transport path 109b. The common transport path 109c is a transport path formed by the confluence of the first transport path 109a and the second transport path 109b, and is provided across the printing unit 103 and the auto-turn-page unit 104. The first transport path 109a and the second transport path 109b merge in front of (upstream of) the reading unit 107. Slips inserted from the first insertion slot 105a and passbooks and certificates inserted from the second insertion slot 105b are inserted at different locations, but they pass through the same common transport path 109c on the rear side (downstream side) of the device from the point where the transport paths merge.

[0020] Multiple transport units 110 for transporting the medium are installed in the transport path 109. In this embodiment, each transport unit 110 consists of a feed roller that sends out the medium and a pressure roller that presses the medium against the feed roller, with the feed roller positioned on the upper side and the pressure roller on the lower side. In the illustrated example, one first transport unit 110a is installed in the first transport path 109a at a position just before the point where the direction of travel changes toward the common transport path 109c, but two or more first transport units 110a may be installed. Also, in the illustrated example, two second transport units 110b are installed in the second transport path 109b, but three or more second transport units 110b may be installed. Also, in the illustrated example, three common transport units 110c are installed in the common transport path 109c, but four or more common transport units 110c may be installed.

[0021] Multiple sensors are installed in the transport path 109 to detect the presence of the medium. The sensors are, for example, photoelectric sensors that can detect the presence of the medium by changes in light intensity. The sensors detect the presence or absence of the medium based on, for example, the light / dark state. In this embodiment, the sensor is described as being in the OFF state when it does not detect the presence of the medium ("light state") and in the ON state when it detects the presence of the medium ("dark state"). The sensor transmits a signal corresponding to the ON / OFF state to the control unit 120.

[0022] In this embodiment, the media printing device 100 includes an insertion detection sensor Sn1 and an upper transport sensor Sn2, arranged in order from the first insertion opening 105a in the first transport path 109a. The insertion detection sensor Sn1 is a sensor that detects when a medium is inserted into the first insertion opening 105a. The upper transport sensor Sn2 is a sensor that detects when the medium is transported to the back of the device in the first transport path 109a. The insertion detection sensor Sn1 functions as the "first sensor" described later. The upper transport sensor Sn2 also functions as the "second sensor" described later.

[0023] Furthermore, the media printing device 100 is equipped with a length determination sensor Sn3a, an insertion detection sensor Sn1a, and a lower transport sensor Sn2a in the second transport path 109b, in order from closest to the second insertion port 105b. The length determination sensor Sn3a is a sensor that detects the length of the medium inserted into the second insertion port 105b. The insertion detection sensor Sn1a is a sensor that detects that a medium has been inserted into the second insertion port 105b. The lower transport sensor Sn2a is a sensor that detects that the medium has been transported to the back of the device in the second transport path 109b. The length determination sensor Sn3a functions as the "third sensor" described later. The insertion detection sensor Sn1a also functions as the "first sensor" described later. The upper transport sensor Sn2 functions as the "second sensor" described later.

[0024] The length determination of medium B using the length determination sensor Sn3a can be performed using various methods. For example, the transport unit may be configured using a pulse motor, and the front end position (the leading end position on the rear side of the device) and rear end position (the leading end position on the front side of the device) of medium B may be determined based on the timing at which the sensor switches between the OFF and ON states as medium B is transported, and the number of pulses when medium B is transported. The medium length of medium B may then be calculated based on the determined front end and rear end positions. The calculation may be, for example, "medium length = front end position - rear end position". Alternatively, for example, detection may be based on the duration of the dark state of the length detection sensor Sn3a. In this case, the duration may be measured by time, the number of pulses of a pulse motor, or a counter that measures the rotation speed of a motor (e.g., an encoder counter).

[0025] Furthermore, the media printing device 100 is equipped with a common transport sensor Sn3 on the common transport path 109c. The common transport sensor Sn3 is a sensor that detects when the media has been transported to the position of the print head 108 (printing unit) on the common transport path 109c. The common transport sensor Sn3 is installed on the common transport path 109c to the side of the print head 108, outside the range of movement of the print head 108. The common transport sensor Sn3 is an example of a fourth sensor.

[0026] <Operation of the media printing device> The media printing device 100 is designed to accurately detect whether the media inserted into the insertion slot 105 has been transported to the back of the device or withdrawn from the insertion slot 105. To this end, the media printing device 100 is configured to transport the media and detect the state of the first and second sensors, or the state of the first through third sensors.

[0027] The first sensor corresponds to insertion detection sensor Sn1 in the first transport path 109a and insertion detection sensor Sn1a in the second transport path 109b. The second sensor corresponds to upper transport sensor Sn2 in the first transport path 109a and lower transport sensor Sn2a in the second transport path 109b. The third sensor corresponds to length determination sensor Sn3a provided in the second transport path 109b. Below, first, the operation of the media printing device 100 in the first transport path 109a will be described as Embodiment 1, and then the operation of the media printing device 100 in the second transport path 109b will be described as Embodiment 2.

[0028] (Example 1) First, the operation of Embodiment 1 of the media printing device 100 will be described with reference to Figure 2 and Figures 3A to 3E. Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of Embodiment 1 of the media printing device 100. Figures 3A to 3E are explanatory diagrams of the operation of Embodiment 1 of the media printing device 100, respectively. Each process in the flowchart shown in Figure 2 is executed by the control unit 120.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 120 repeatedly determines whether or not a dark state has been detected until the insertion detection sensor Sn1 (first sensor) detects a dark state (step S105). The "dark state" of the insertion detection sensor Sn1 means the state in which the insertion detection sensor Sn1 has detected the medium B (also called the detection state).

[0030] If "Yes (dark state detected)" is determined in step S105, the control unit 120 drives the first transport unit 110a. The control unit 120 then transports the medium B downstream (towards the back of the device) until the leading edge of the medium B causes the upper transport sensor Sn2 (second sensor) to enter a dark state (detection state of medium B) (step S110). Here, "If 'Yes (dark state detected)' is determined in step S105" refers to the state shown in Figure 3A. The operation of "transporting the medium B downstream (towards the back of the device)" is the operation of transporting the medium B in the direction of arrow A11 shown in Figure 3B.

[0031] After step S110, the control unit 120 drives the first transport unit 110a and the common transport unit 110c. The control unit 120 then transports the medium B downstream (towards the back of the device) until the medium B causes the upper transport sensor Sn2 (second sensor) to turn on (medium B is not detected) (step S115). The operation of "transporting the medium B downstream (towards the back of the device)" at this time is the operation of transporting the medium B in the direction of arrow A11 shown in Figure 3C. At this time, as shown in Figure 3C, the medium B is located behind the upper transport sensor Sn2 (second sensor), and the upper transport sensor Sn2 (second sensor) changes to a bright state (medium B is not detected). Furthermore, even if medium B is withdrawn during transport in step S115 (see the state shown in Figure 3E), the upper transport sensor Sn2 changes from a dark state (medium B detected) to a bright state (medium B not detected), and the process in step S115 is completed. In other words, when medium B is withdrawn during transport in step S115, medium B is not present in the medium printing device 100, but the step is completed normally.

[0032] After step S115, steps S120 to S135 are executed to determine whether or not medium B was transported normally without being pulled out.

[0033] Specifically, after step S115, the control unit 120 drives the first transport unit 110a and the common transport unit 110c. The control unit 120 then transports the medium B upstream (towards the front of the device) by a predetermined fixed distance (step S120). The operation of "transporting the medium B upstream (towards the front of the device)" at this time is the operation of transporting the medium B in the direction of arrow A12 shown in Figure 3D. Note that even if the medium B has been withdrawn (the medium B is not present in the medium printing device 100), the control unit 120 completes the process of step S120 as if the medium B had been transported.

[0034] After step S120, the control unit 120 determines whether or not the upper transport sensor Sn2 has detected a dark state (step S125).

[0035] If "Yes (dark state detected)" is determined in step S125, the control unit 120 determines that medium B has been transported normally (medium B has been transported to the back of the device) (step S130).

[0036] On the other hand, if step S125 determines "No (bright state detected)", the control unit 120 determines that the medium B was transported abnormally (the medium B was withdrawn from the first insertion port 105a) (step S135). Here, "if step S125 determines "No (bright state detected)"" refers to the state shown in Figure 3E.

[0037] (Example 2) Next, the operation of Embodiment 2 of the media printing device 100 will be described with reference to Figure 4 and Figures 5A to 5E. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of Embodiment 2 of the media printing device 100. Figures 5A to 5E are explanatory diagrams of the operation of Embodiment 2 of the media printing device 100, respectively. Each process in the flowchart shown in Figure 4 is executed by the control unit 120.

[0038] As shown in Figure 4, the control unit 120 repeatedly determines whether or not a dark state has been detected until the insertion detection sensor Sn1a (first sensor) detects a dark state (step S605). The "dark state" of the insertion detection sensor Sn1a refers to the detection state of medium B.

[0039] If "Yes (dark state detected)" is determined in step S605, the control unit 120 drives the second transport unit 110b. The control unit 120 then transports the medium B downstream (towards the back of the device) until the leading edge of the medium B causes the lower transport sensor Sn2a (second sensor) to enter a dark state (detection state of medium B) (step S610). Here, "If 'Yes (dark state detected)' is determined in step S605" refers to the state shown in Figure 5A. The operation of "transporting the medium B downstream (towards the back of the device)" is the operation of transporting the medium B in the direction of arrow A11 shown in Figure 5B.

[0040] After step S610, the control unit 120 drives the second transport unit 110b and the common transport unit 110c. The control unit 120 then transports the medium B downstream (towards the back of the device) until the medium B causes the length determination sensor Sn3a (third sensor) to enter a bright state (medium B is not detected) (step S615). The operation of "transporting the medium B downstream (towards the back of the device)" at this time is the operation of transporting the medium B in the direction of arrow A11 shown in Figure 5C. At this time, as shown in Figure 5C, the medium B is located behind the length determination sensor Sn3a (third sensor), and the length determination sensor Sn3a (third sensor) changes to a bright state (medium B is not detected). Furthermore, even if medium B is withdrawn during transport in step S615 (see the state shown in Figure 5E), the length determination sensor Sn3a changes from a dark state (medium B detected) to a bright state (medium B not detected), and the process in step S615 is completed. In other words, when medium B is withdrawn during transport in step S615, medium B is not present in the medium printing device 100, but the step is completed normally.

[0041] After step S615, steps S620 to S635 are executed to determine whether or not medium B was transported normally without being pulled out.

[0042] Specifically, after step S615, the control unit 120 drives the second transport unit 110b and the common transport unit 110c. The control unit 120 then transports the medium B upstream (towards the front of the device) by a predetermined fixed distance (step S620). The operation of "transporting the medium B upstream (towards the front of the device)" at this time is the operation of transporting the medium B in the direction of arrow A12 shown in Figure 5D. Note that even if the medium B has been withdrawn (the medium B is not present in the medium printing device 100), the control unit 120 completes the process of step S620 as if the medium B had been transported.

[0043] After step S620, the control unit 120 determines whether or not the length determination sensor Sn3a (third sensor) has detected a dark state (step S625).

[0044] If "Yes (dark state detected)" is determined in step S625, the control unit 120 determines that medium B has been transported normally (medium B has been transported to the back of the device) (step S630).

[0045] On the other hand, if step S625 determines "No (bright state detected)", the control unit 120 determines that the medium B was transported abnormally (the medium B was withdrawn from the first insertion port 105a) (step S635). Here, "if step S625 determines "No (bright state detected)"" refers to the state shown in Figure 5E.

[0046] <Main features of the media printing device> The media printing device 100 according to this embodiment can be configured to have the following features.

[0047] (1) As shown in Figure 1, the media printing device 100 according to this embodiment comprises a control unit 120, an insertion slot 105, a printing unit (print head 108), a transport path 109, a transport unit 110, a first sensor, and a second sensor. The control unit 120 is a component that controls the operation of the media printing device 100. The insertion slot 105 is the part into which the media B is inserted. The printing unit (print head 108) is a component that prints on the media B. The transport path 109 is a component through which the media B inserted into the insertion slot 105 is transported. The transport unit 110 is a component that transports the media B. The first sensor is a sensor provided in the transport path 109 near the insertion slot 105. The second sensor is a sensor provided in the transport path 109 closer to the printing unit (print head 108) than the first sensor. The first sensor corresponds to insertion detection sensor Sn1 in the first transport path 109a and insertion detection sensor Sn1a in the second transport path 109b. The second sensor corresponds to upper transport sensor Sn2 in the first transport path 109a and lower transport sensor Sn2a in the second transport path 109b. Here, we will explain assuming that medium B is inserted into the first insertion port 105a of the first transport path 109a. Furthermore, we will explain assuming that the first sensor is insertion detection sensor Sn1 and the second sensor is upper transport sensor Sn2. As shown in Figure 2, let's assume that the first sensor (insertion detection sensor Sn1) detects medium B inserted into the first insertion port 105a. Then, the control unit 120 drives the transport unit 110 to transport medium B downstream until the second sensor (upper transport sensor Sn2) detects medium B (steps S105, S110). Suppose the second sensor (upper transport sensor Sn2) then detects medium B. Then the control unit 120 drives the transport unit 110 to transport medium B downstream until the second sensor (upper transport sensor Sn2) no longer detects medium B (step S115). Suppose the second sensor (upper transport sensor Sn2) then stops detecting medium B. Then the control unit 120 drives the transport unit 110 to transport medium B upstream by a predetermined amount (step S120). If the second sensor (upper transport sensor Sn2) then detects medium B, the control unit 120 determines that medium B is being transported normally (step S130).On the other hand, if the second sensor (upper transport sensor Sn2) does not detect medium B, the control unit 120 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the transport of medium B (step S135).

[0048] In this embodiment, when the first sensor (insertion detection sensor Sn1) located near the insertion slot 105 detects the medium B, the medium B is transported downstream (towards the back of the device). Then, when the second sensor (upper transport sensor Sn2) located farther from the insertion slot 105 detects the medium B, the medium B is transported upstream (towards the front of the device). After this, the medium printing device 100 determines whether the medium B has been transported normally based on the state of the second sensor (upper transport sensor Sn2). In this embodiment, the medium printing device 100 can reliably detect whether the medium inserted into the insertion slot 105 has been transported to the back of the device or withdrawn from the insertion slot 105.

[0049] (2) As shown in Figure 1, in the media printing device 100 of item (1) above, the transport path 109 includes a first transport path 109a, a second transport path 109b, and a common transport path 109c. The first transport path 109a is located on the upper side and is provided with a first insertion opening 105a as an insertion opening 105. The second transport path 109b is located on the lower side and is provided with a second insertion opening 105b as an insertion opening 105. The common transport path 109c is provided so that the first transport path 109a and the second transport path 109b merge and pass through the location of the printing unit (print head 108). The first sensor and the second sensor are located on the first transport path 109a. The first sensor is configured as an insertion detection sensor Sn1 that detects the insertion of a medium into the first insertion opening 105a of the first transport path 109a. The second sensor is configured as an upper transport sensor Sn2 that detects the transport of the medium in the first transport path 109a.

[0050] The media printing device 100 according to this embodiment can reliably detect whether the media inserted into the first insertion port 105a of the first transport path 109a has been transported to the back of the device or has been withdrawn from the insertion port 105.

[0051] (3) The media printing device 100 in item (3) detects the state of the medium according to the state of the third sensor (length determination sensor Sn3a) instead of the second sensor (upper transport sensor Sn2) from the middle of its operation. As shown in Figure 1, the media printing device 100 in item (1) above is equipped with a third sensor located on the transport path 109 closer to the insertion opening 105 than the first sensor. Here, we will explain assuming that the medium B is inserted into the second insertion opening 105b of the second transport path 109b. Furthermore, we will explain assuming that the first sensor is the insertion detection sensor Sn1a, the second sensor is the lower transport sensor Sn2a, and the third sensor is the length determination sensor Sn3a. As shown in Figure 4, assume that the first sensor (insertion detection sensor Sn1a) detects the medium B inserted into the second insertion opening 105b. Then, the control unit 120 drives the transport unit 110 to transport the medium B downstream until the second sensor (lower transport sensor Sn2a) detects the medium B (steps S605, S610). After this, assume that the second sensor (lower transport sensor Sn2a) has detected the medium B. Then, the control unit 120 drives the transport unit 110 to transport the medium B downstream until the third sensor (length determination sensor Sn3a) no longer detects the medium B (step S615). After this, assume that the second sensor (lower transport sensor Sn2a) no longer detects the medium B. Then, the control unit 120 drives the transport unit 110 to transport the medium B upstream by a predetermined amount (step S620). After this, if the third sensor (length determination sensor Sn3a) detects the medium B, the control unit 120 determines that the medium B is being transported normally (step S630). On the other hand, if the third sensor (length determination sensor Sn3a) does not detect medium B, the control unit 120 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the transport of medium B (step S635).

[0052] In this embodiment, when the first sensor (insertion detection sensor Sn1a) located near the insertion opening 105 detects the medium B, the medium B is transported downstream (towards the back of the device). Then, when the second sensor (lower transport sensor Sn2a) located farther from the insertion opening 105 detects the medium B, the medium B is transported upstream (towards the front of the device). After this, the medium printing device 100 determines whether the medium B has been transported normally based on the state of the third sensor (length determination sensor Sn3a). In this embodiment, the medium printing device 100 can reliably detect whether the medium inserted into the insertion opening 105 has been transported to the back of the device or withdrawn from the insertion opening 105.

[0053] (4) As shown in Figure 1, in the media printing device 100 of item (3) above, the transport path 109 includes a first transport path 109a, a second transport path 109b, and a common transport path 109c. The first transport path 109a is located on the upper side and is provided with a first insertion opening 105a as an insertion opening 105. The second transport path 109b is located on the lower side and is provided with a second insertion opening 105b as an insertion opening 105. The common transport path 109c is provided so that the first transport path 109a and the second transport path 109b merge and pass through the location of the printing unit (print head 108). The first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor are located on the second transport path 109b. The first sensor is configured as an insertion detection sensor Sn1a that detects the insertion of a medium into the second insertion opening 105b of the second transport path 109b. The second sensor is configured as a lower transport sensor Sn2a that detects the transport of the medium in the second transport path 109b. The third sensor is configured as a length determination sensor Sn3a that detects the length of the medium inserted into the second insertion port 105b of the second transport path 109b.

[0054] The media printing device 100 according to this embodiment can reliably detect whether the media inserted into the second insertion port 105b of the second transport path 109b has been transported to the back of the device or has been withdrawn from the insertion port 105.

[0055] As described above, the media printing device 100 according to this embodiment can reliably detect whether the media inserted into the insertion slot 105 has been transported to the back of the device or has been withdrawn from the insertion slot 105.

[0056] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0057] (Variation 1) As with the length determination sensor Sn3a in Example 2, the upper transport sensor Sn2 (second sensor) in Example 1 may also be used as a length determination sensor. In this case, in step S115 of the operation of Example 1 (Figure 2), the control unit 120 drives the first transport unit 110a and the common transport unit 110c to transport the medium B downstream (towards the back of the device) until the medium B causes the upper transport sensor Sn2 (second sensor) to show a bright state (undetected state of medium B). At this time, the length of the medium B may be determined by the various methods described above. In this way, similar to Example 2, it is possible to detect that the medium B has been transported normally to the back of the device and to determine the length of the medium B in Example 1 as well.

[0058] When determining the length of medium B, it is preferable to accurately obtain the switching between the OFF state (light state) and ON state (dark state) of the sensor in accordance with the length of medium B as medium B is transported. For this reason, in Embodiment 1, it is preferable to use the upper transport sensor Sn2 as a length determination sensor rather than the insertion detection sensor Sn1. This is because when medium B is inserted into the first insertion port 105a and the insertion detection sensor Sn1 detects it, the tip of medium B is located behind the position of the insertion detection sensor Sn1, and the transport of the medium begins from that state (S105 in Figure 2). In contrast, as shown in Figure 3A, the upper transport sensor Sn2 is in the OFF state when medium B is inserted into the first insertion port 105a and the insertion detection sensor Sn1 detects it, changes to the ON state as medium B is transported, and then changes from the ON state to the OFF state (Figures 3B and 3C). Thus, by using the upper transport sensor Sn2, the switching between the OFF and ON states of the sensor can be obtained more accurately according to the length of the medium B. Furthermore, by using the upper transport sensor Sn2 as a length determination sensor, the length of the medium B can be determined without adding any other sensors to determine the length of the medium B.

[0059] (Modification 2) In Examples 1 and 2, a common transport sensor Sn3 (fourth sensor) provided in the common transport path 109c may be used to detect and determine if the medium B is jammed. Taking the application to Example 1 as an example, when the control unit 120 of the medium printing device 100 determines in step S125 that "Yes (dark state detected)", it determines that the medium B has been transported normally (the medium B has been transported to the back of the device) (step S130), and transports the medium B toward the print head 108 toward the back of the device. At this time, the medium B being transported toward the print head 108 may jam in the common transport path 109c. In this case, the medium B does not reach the position of the common transport sensor Sn3, so the common transport sensor Sn3 does not change from a bright state to a dark state. Therefore, if the common transport sensor Sn3 does not change to a dark state after step 130, the control unit 120 determines that the medium B has jammed in the common transport path 109c. Alternatively, the control unit 120 may determine that the medium B has jammed in the common transport path 109c if the common transport sensor Sn3 does not change to a dark state even after a predetermined time has elapsed after step 130.

[0060] In this way, the media printing device 100 can detect abnormalities related to the transport of media B, such as when media B is withdrawn from the insertion slot, and can also detect when media B becomes jammed inside the device (common transport path 109c). The same applies when modification 2 is applied to embodiment 2.

[0061] In the media printing device 100, the withdrawal of media B from the insertion slot is sometimes considered a minor abnormality that allows for easy retrying and recovery of the media printing process, while the jamming of media B inside the device (common transport path 109c) is sometimes considered a severe abnormality that makes retrying and recovery of the media printing process difficult. In this case, it is preferable to control the media printing device 100 based on the determination that a severe abnormality, a jam of media B, has occurred, based on the common transport sensor Sn3 not changing from a bright state to a dark state.

[0062] As a comparative example, consider a media printing device (not shown) that does not have a configuration to detect the withdrawal of media B using a second sensor (upper transport sensor Sn2 or lower transport sensor Sn2a) as in Examples 1 and 2, but only has a configuration to detect a jam in media B using a common transport sensor Sn3. In this case, the media printing device as a comparative example cannot detect the withdrawal of media. Furthermore, the common transport sensor Sn3 should be used to detect a jam in media as a severe abnormality, and it is not suitable to use the common transport sensor Sn3 to detect the withdrawal of media as a minor abnormality. Therefore, the media printing device as a comparative example cannot be equipped with a function to detect the withdrawal of media. In contrast, according to Modification 2, the withdrawal of the media is detected by the second sensor (upper transport sensor Sn2 or lower transport sensor Sn2a), and the common transport sensor Sn3 detects and determines if the media is jammed. Therefore, the media printing device 100 can detect both a minor abnormality, such as the media being withdrawn from the insertion slot, and a serious abnormality, such as the media jamming inside the device (common transport path 109c).

[0063] (Note) Furthermore, the embodiments described above, for example, are explained in detail to make the gist of the present invention easier to understand. Therefore, the present invention is not necessarily limited to having all the components described. In addition, the present invention can be modified by adding other components to one component, or by changing some components to other components. In addition, the present invention can be modified by deleting some components.

[0064] Furthermore, for example, the present invention can also be used in media printing devices other than passbook and slip printers. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 100 Media printing device 101 cabinets 102 Inserter Unit 102a Upper inserter section 102b Lower inserter section 103 Printing Unit 104 Auto-Turn Page Unit 105 Insertion slot 105a First insertion port 105b Second insertion port 107 Reading Unit 108 Print head (printing part) 109 Conveyor path 109a First transport path 109b Second transport route 109c Common transport path 110 Conveying section 110a First Conveyor Unit 110b Second Conveyor Unit 110c Common Conveyor Unit 120 Control Unit Sn1 Insertion detection sensor (first sensor) Sn2 Upper transport sensor (second sensor) Sn3 Common transport sensor (4th sensor) Sn1a Insertion detection sensor (first sensor) Sn2a Lower transport sensor (second sensor) Sn3a Length Determination Sensor (Third Sensor) B Medium

Claims

1. A control unit that controls the operation of the device, An insertion slot into which the media is inserted, A printing unit that prints on the aforementioned medium, A transport path through which the medium inserted into the insertion port is transported, A transport unit for transporting the aforementioned medium, A first sensor is provided near the insertion opening in the transport path, The transport path includes a second sensor provided on the printing side of the first sensor, The control unit, When the first sensor detects the medium inserted into the insertion port, the second sensor transports the medium downstream until it detects the medium. When the second sensor detects the medium, the medium is transported downstream until the second sensor no longer detects the medium. When the second sensor stops detecting the medium, the medium is transported upstream by a predetermined amount. If the second sensor detects the medium, it is determined that the medium is being transported normally; on the other hand, if the second sensor does not detect the medium, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the transport of the medium. Media printer.

2. In the media printing device according to claim 1, The transport path comprises a first transport path provided with a first insertion opening as the insertion opening, a second transport path located below the first transport path and provided with a second insertion opening as the insertion opening, and a common transport path provided so that the first transport path and the second transport path merge and pass through the location where the printing unit is located. The first sensor and the second sensor are arranged in the first transport path. The first sensor is configured as an insertion detection sensor that detects the insertion of the medium into the insertion opening of the first transport path. The second sensor is configured as an upper transport sensor that detects the transport of the medium in the first transport path. Media printer.

3. In the media printing device according to claim 1, The transport path includes a third sensor located closer to the insertion opening than the first sensor, The control unit, When the first sensor detects the medium inserted into the insertion port, the second sensor transports the medium downstream until it detects the medium. When the second sensor detects the medium, the medium is transported downstream until the third sensor no longer detects the medium. When the third sensor stops detecting the medium, the medium is transported upstream by a predetermined amount. If the third sensor detects the medium, it is determined that the medium is being transported normally; on the other hand, if the third sensor does not detect the medium, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the transport of the medium. Media printer.

4. In the media printing device according to claim 3, The transport path comprises a first transport path provided with a first insertion opening as the insertion opening, a second transport path located below the first transport path and provided with a second insertion opening as the insertion opening, and a common transport path provided so that the first transport path and the second transport path merge and pass through the location where the printing unit is located. The first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor are arranged in the second transport path. The first sensor is configured as an insertion detection sensor that detects the insertion of the medium in the second transport path. The second sensor is configured as an upper transport sensor that detects the transport of the medium in the first transport path. The third sensor is configured as a length determination sensor that detects the length of the medium inserted into the insertion port of the second transport path. Media printer.

5. In the media printing apparatus according to claim 2, The second sensor is also used as a length determination sensor to detect the length of the medium inserted into the insertion opening of the first transport path. Media printer.

6. In the media printing apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 4, A fourth sensor is provided in the aforementioned common transport path. The control unit, After determining that the medium is being transported normally, the transport unit further transports the medium downstream toward the printing unit. If the fourth sensor detects the medium, it is determined that the medium is continuing to be transported normally. On the other hand, if the fourth sensor does not detect the medium, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the transport of the medium in the common transport path. Media printer.

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