Patent Publication Number: US-9413911-B2

Title: Media processing device having plural conveyance paths and path switching member

Description:
Priority is claimed under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Japanese Application No. 2011-196893 filed on Sep. 9, 2011, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety. 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Technical Field 
     The present invention relates to a media processing device such as a check processing device having an optical reading unit that reads an image of a medium conveyed through a curved conveyance path. The invention relates more specifically to a media processing device that can scan images of both first media such as checks that bend easily, and second media such as driver&#39;s licenses and other cards that do not bend easily. 
     2. Related Art 
     Checks are commonly used in bank operations for settling deposit and withdrawal processes. When a check is used to settle a transaction, the date and signature on the check are confirmed at the teller window, the necessary deposit or withdrawal process is completed, and the check used in the transaction is then endorsed on the back. A receipt for the check process is then given to the customer. A driver&#39;s license or other type of identification card is typically required to confirm the identity of the person presenting the check, and a copy of the identification card may be taken and stored as needed. These processes must be frequently performed in a short time at the teller window. 
     Check processing devices that can perform these processes electronically are also available. This type of check processing device reads magnetic information from a check using a magnetic ink character reader (MICR), scans checks and ID cards with an internal optical scanner, and prints an endorsement on each check using an internal printer. 
     Such a device is described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Appl. Pub. JP-A-2004-297761. The data reader described in JP-A-2004-297761 uses an image scanning sensor disposed in the straight part of a check conveyance path that curves in a U-shaped configuration to read driver licenses and other types of identification cards that do not bend easily. More specifically, checks that bend easily are conveyed through a U-shaped check conveyance path, hard-to-bend cards are conveyed through a straight card path, and the common path through which both checks and cards are conveyed is a straight part of the U-shaped check conveyance path. Flexible media such as checks bend as they travel through the curved path, and are conveyed to the straight common conveyance path where the scanner is located. Both check processes and identity verification processes required for processing checks can thus be done efficiently using the data reader described in JP-A-2004-297761. 
     While a stamper or similarly simple mechanism can be used as the check endorsement printing device, using an inkjet head enables printing various kinds of information. When an inkjet head is used, however, a head maintenance mechanism must also be provided in order to prevent the nozzles from clogging when the inkjet head is not being used. The head maintenance mechanism has a nozzle cap for capping the nozzle face of the inkjet head. In this case, a mechanism for keeping the inside of the nozzle cap wet in order to prevent the nozzle cap from drying is also desirable as described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Appl. Pub. JP-A-2001-18408 and Japanese Unexamined Patent Appl. Pub. JP-A-2009-226719. 
     When both checks and cards are imaged by the scanner on the straight common conveyance path as described in the data reader in JP-A-2004-297761, checks and cards can become jammed at the junction where the check path and the card path merge into the common path. Cards can jam at this junction particularly easily when cards travel bidirectionally through the junction between the common path and the card path in the card scanning operation. For example, when the leading end of a card is bent and the card passes from the common path through the junction into the card path, the leading end of the card can hit the part of the junction where the card path and the check path diverge, resulting in the card becoming jammed. 
     The length of the check path may also be short relative to the length of the check in order to make the check processing device more compact, and the check is therefore read with the scanner while still passing through the conveyance path junction. The length of the card path is also short relative to the card length, and cards are read with the scanner while passing through the junction. As a result, when the leading end of a card or check is bent or folded and the card or check is conveyed from the card path or the check path through the junction into the common path, card or check conveyance can become unstable, and conveying the card or check at a constant speed past the scanning position of the scanner disposed in the common path may not be possible. The scanned image captured by the scanner may therefore be distorted, and reading the image accurately may not be possible. 
     When an inkjet head is used as the printing device for printing check endorsements, a head maintenance mechanism (nozzle cap) is needed as described above to prevent the nozzles from clogging. Because a dry nozzle cap can result in clogged nozzles, a mechanism for keeping the inside of the nozzle cap desirably wet is needed, but providing such a mechanism is undesirable in terms of reducing device size. 
     SUMMARY 
     An object of at least one embodiment of the invention is to provide a media processing device that can convey media in a consistent conveyance state to the scanning position of the scanner when a common scanner is used to read images of media conveyed from different conveyance paths into a common path. 
     Another object of at least one embodiment of the invention is to provide a media processing device that has an inkjet head as a media printing device, and can feed media in a consistent conveyance state from different paths to a scanning position on a common path by means of a small, compact mechanism that uses the motion of the head maintenance mechanism of the inkjet head. 
     One aspect of at least one embodiment of the invention is a media processing device that has a first path that conveys a first medium; a second path that conveys a second medium; a common path that conveys both the first medium and second medium from a junction between the first path and second path; a scanner that images the first medium or second medium passing through the common path; an inkjet head that prints on the first medium passing through the first path; a nozzle cap that can move to a capping position in which the nozzle face of the inkjet head is covered to keep the nozzle face wet, and an uncapped position separated from the nozzle face; a shutter that can move to a closed position in which the open part of the nozzle cap is closed at the uncapped position to keep the inside of the nozzle cap wet, and an open position separated from the open part; and a path switching member that can switch at the junction between a first position connecting the first path to the common path, and a second position connecting the second path to the common path, the path switching member switching from the first position to the second position in conjunction with the shutter moving from the closed position to the open position, and switching from the second position to the first position in conjunction with the shutter moving from the open position to the closed position. 
     When the nozzle cap is in the uncapped position, the shutter is in the closed position, and the path switching member that moves with the shutter is therefore switched to the first position in the media processing device according to this aspect of the invention, the inkjet head prints on the first medium conveyed through the first path, and the printed first medium is conveyed from the first path to the common path. An image of the first medium conveyed through the common path is also captured by the scanner disposed to the common path. Because the path switching member connects the first path to the common path at the junction between the first path and second path, the first medium does not become jammed at the junction, and the first medium passes smoothly through the junction. Because the first medium is conveyed at a constant speed when passing the junction while the inkjet head prints on the first medium, printing is not disturbed. Because the first medium is also conveyed at a constant speed when the first medium is imaged by a scanner on the common path while passing the junction, distortion is not introduced to the scanned image. 
     When the first medium is not being conveyed, printed, or scanned, the nozzle cap is in the capping position, the shutter is in the open position, and the path switching member that moves with the shutter is therefore switched to the second position. Because a path connecting the second path to the common path is created by the path switching member at the junction between the first path and second path when the second medium is conveyed through the second path and common path and the second medium is imaged by the scanner, the second medium will not jam at the junction and the second medium can pass the junction smoothly. When the second medium is imaged by the scanner on the common path while passing the junction, the scanned image will not be distorted because the second medium is conveyed at a constant conveyance speed. 
     The path switching member in the media processing device of the invention moves in conjunction with the shutter. A separate mechanism is not therefore not needed to change the position of the path switching member. When the switching of the path switching member is controlled by a mechanism other than the shutter, that is, the head maintenance mechanism of the inkjet head, an operating error can result in which the path switching member remains at the second position for passing the second medium even though the shutter is in the closed position (in other words, the inkjet head is printing on the first medium being conveyed through the first path). Because the path switching member changes position in conjunction with shutter movement in the invention, such operating errors can be significantly reduced. 
     By covering the open part of the nozzle cap with the shutter when the nozzle face of the inkjet head is not capped, the media processing device according to at least one embodiment the invention prevents evaporation of moisture from inside the nozzle cap. The inside of the nozzle cap can therefore be kept desirably moist without using a separate moisture retaining means or cleaning means. Compared with a configuration having a moisture retaining means or cleaning means that also requires a tank for the moisturizing fluid or cleaning fluid, a supply mechanism for supplying the moisturizing fluid or cleaning fluid from the tank, and a mechanism for recovering the moisturizing fluid or cleaning fluid supplied to the nozzle cap. This aspect of the invention requires only a shutter and a mechanism for moving the shutter, and can therefore reduce the amount of space needed to provide an inkjet printing device. The invention can therefore be used to provide a media processing device meeting strict size and compactness requirements. 
     In a media processing device according to another aspect of at least one embodiment of the invention, the nozzle cap can move between the uncapped position opposite the nozzle face of the inkjet head with the first path therebetween, and the capping position advanced across the first path to the nozzle face side and capping the nozzle face; the shutter can move along the first path between the closed position covering the open part of the nozzle cap in the uncapped position and the open position; and the path switching member is disposed adjacent to the shutter in a direction along the first path. 
     Because the first path, which is the conveyance path of the first medium, is defined by a media guide panel and other members disposed along the first path, space for installing and moving the shutter can be easily achieved along the back side of the media guide panel. In addition, by disposing the path switching member along the first path beside the shutter, a linking mechanism that switches the path switching member to the first position and second position using movement of the shutter along the first path can be provided using a simple mechanism without requiring a lot of space. 
     A media processing device according to another aspect of at least one embodiment of the invention also has a media guide disposed opposite the inkjet head with the first path therebetween; and a media guide opening formed in the media guide for moving the nozzle cap to and away from the nozzle face of the inkjet head. The shutter covers the media guide opening when in the closed position, and the shutter surface on the side of the shutter facing the first path functions in the closed position as a media guide surface that guides the first medium; a first surface of the path switching member on the side facing the first path functions in the first position as a media guide surface connecting the shutter surface to the common path guide surface located on the same side of the common path as the shutter surface; and a second surface of the path switching member on the side facing the second path functions in the second position as a media guide surface connecting a second path guide surface of the second path on the same side as the second surface to a common path guide surface of the common path located on the same side as the second path guide surface. 
     When the nozzle cap is disposed opposite the nozzle face of the inkjet head with the first path therebetween, a media guide opening is formed in the media guide opposite the nozzle face of the inkjet head so that the nozzle cap can move to and away from the nozzle face of the inkjet head. When the first medium is conveyed with the media guide opening exposed to the first path, the edge of the first medium can catch on an edge of the media guide opening, and paper jams can easily occur at the printing position of the inkjet head. 
     This aspect of the invention can reliably prevent such problems by covering the media guide opening with the shutter and guiding the first medium with the shutter. Because the shutter functions as a cover that keeps the inside of the nozzle cap desirably wet, a cover that closes the media guide opening, and a media guide (platen) that guides media past the printing position, a simple mechanism can be used, little installation space is required, and increase in the manufacturing cost can be suppressed compared with a configuration using plural different members for the same functions. 
     In addition, because the gap between the shutter surface and the guide surface on the same side of the common path is spanned by the first surface of the path switching member disposed adjacent to the shutter, the first medium can be guided smoothly along these surfaces from the first path to the common path. Furthermore, because the second surface spans the gap between the guide surface on the same side of the second path and the guide surface on the same side of the common path when the path switching member is switched to the second position, the second medium can be guided smoothly along these surfaces from the second path to the common path. 
     In a media processing device according to another aspect of at least one embodiment of the invention, the nozzle cap can move reciprocally between a retracted position separated further from the first path than the uncapped position, and the capping position reached through the uncapped position; and the nozzle cap contacts the shutter and the open part of the nozzle cap is covered when the shutter is in the closed position and the nozzle cap moves from the retracted position to the uncapped position, the shutter is held in the open position when the nozzle cap is in the capping position and while the nozzle cap moves from the capping position to the retracted position, the shutter moves from the open position to the closed position when the nozzle cap returns to the retracted position, and the nozzle cap advances from the retracted position to the uncapped position and the open part of the nozzle cap is covered after the shutter moves to the closed position. 
     With this aspect of the invention the shutter can be simply slid in the media conveyance direction, and does not need to be moved toward and away from the nozzle cap in a direction different from the sliding direction. A simple mechanism can therefore be used as the mechanism for driving the shutter, and little installation space is needed therefor. 
     A cam mechanism can be used as the mechanism for moving the path switching member with the shutter. For example, the path switching member can be made to pivot on a predetermined pivot axis and switch to the first position and second position, and a cam mechanism is used to convert reciprocal linear movement of the shutter between the closed position and the open position to rotating movement of the path switching member between the first position and the second position. 
     The media processing device of the invention can be used in a check processing device having a card scanning function used for customer identify verification. In this case, a magnetic reading unit that reads magnetic information from the first medium is disposed in the first path, the first path is a check path for conveying checks, and the second path is a card path for conveying cards. 
     Other objects and attainments together with a fuller understanding of the invention will become apparent and appreciated by referring to the following description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an oblique view showing a check processing device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an oblique view of the check processing device shown in  FIG. 1  with the two top covers open. 
         FIG. 3  is an oblique view of the check processing device shown in  FIG. 1  when seen from above. 
         FIG. 4  shows the configuration of the check conveyance mechanism in the check processing device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a vertical section view showing the receipt printing mechanism of the check processing device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  shows the print unit of the check processing device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  shows the head maintenance mechanism when the shutter is in the open position. 
         FIG. 8  shows the head maintenance mechanism when the shutter is in the closed position. 
         FIG. 9  shows the print unit when capped. 
         FIG. 10  shows the nozzle cap in the retracted position. 
         FIG. 11  shows the nozzle cap when capped by the shutter. 
         FIG. 12  is a flowchart of the operation of the nozzle cap, shutter, and path switching member. 
         FIG. 13  shows the configuration of the capping drive mechanism and the shutter drive mechanism. 
         FIG. 14  shows the mechanism shown in  FIG. 13  from the back side. 
         FIG. 15  describes the cam profile of the cam groove of the cylindrical cam. 
         FIG. 16  is a cylindrical cam chart showing the movement of different parts in conjunction with rotation of the cylindrical cam. 
         FIG. 17  is a flow chart that shows the operation of parts accompanying rotation of the cylindrical cam after printing starts. 
         FIG. 18  shows when the cylindrical cam has rotated to the 50° position. 
         FIG. 19  shows when the cylindrical cam has rotated to the 160° position. 
         FIG. 20  shows when the cylindrical cam has rotated to the 297° position. 
         FIG. 21  shows an example of a linkage mechanism that causes the path switching member to follow the shutter. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     A preferred embodiment of a media processing device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying figures. The media processing device according to this embodiment of the invention is a check processing device that processes checks, which are a type of first media that bends easily. This check processing device has a card scanning mechanism for imaging driver licenses and similar documents, which are a type of second media that does not bend easily, for customer verification when processing checks, and a receipt printing mechanism for issuing receipts on which check processing information, for example, is printed. It will also be obvious that the invention can be similarly applied to media processing devices for processing first media that bend easily other than checks. The invention can also be applied to media processing devices that do not have a receipt printing mechanism. 
       FIG. 1  is an oblique view of a check processing device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention from diagonally above the front right side.  FIG. 2  is an oblique view of the check processing device from diagonally above the front left side with the front and back top covers open.  FIG. 3  is an oblique view of the check processing device from the top front side. 
     Referring to these figures, the case  1   a  of the check processing device  1  includes a rectangular bottom case part  2  of a specific thickness, and a top case part  3  disposed thereabove. An entry pocket  4  to which a check S 1  to be processed is inserted, a check path P 1  (first path) through which the check S 1  fed from the entry pocket  4  is conveyed, and an exit pocket  5  for recovering the check S 1  delivered from the check path P 1 , are formed in the top case part  3 . Reading magnetic ink character data from the check S 1 , printing an endorsement on the check S 1 , and imaging both sides of the check S 1 , are performed in this order while the check S 1  is conveyed through the check path P 1 . 
     Note that when the check processing device  1  is placed in the normal upright operating position on a flat level surface as shown in  FIG. 1 , the side of the check processing device  1  facing the user is referred to below as the front, the opposite side as the back, the direction between this front and back is the longitudinal axis Y, the direction parallel to the level surface and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Y is the transverse axis X, and the direction perpendicular to the level surface is the vertical axis Z. 
     The check conveyance path from the entry pocket  4  through the check path P 1  to the exit pocket  5  is a vertical channel of a specific width that is formed in the top case part  3  and open at the top on the vertical axis Z. As shown in  FIG. 1 , a check S 1  is inserted to the entry pocket  4  standing on edge with the long sides at top and bottom, and is conveyed through the check path P 1  and discharged into the exit pocket  5  in this same posture. The check conveyance path is a substantially U-shaped path that opens to the front when seen in plan view. 
     More specifically, as will be understood from  FIG. 3 , the entry pocket  4  extends from the front toward the back of the top case part  3  on the right side of the transverse axis X, and the upstream path P 11  portion of the check path P 1  extends straight toward the back of the device from the check insertion opening  4   a  formed at the back end of the entry pocket  4 . The downstream part of the upstream path portion P 11  curves to the inside on the transverse axis X and joins the back path P 12  portion of the check path P 1 . The back path P 12  extends substantially straight on the transverse axis X, and the downstream end part thereof curves toward the front of the device and joins the downstream path P 13  portion of the check path P 1 . The downstream path P 13  is a straight path that is slanted an acute angle θ to the longitudinal axis Y to the inside of the device width, and in this embodiment of the invention, continues at an angle of approximately 10 to 20 degrees. The downstream end of the downstream path P 13  connects through a check discharge opening  5   a  to the exit pocket  5 . The exit pocket  5  continues to the front of the device on the longitudinal axis Y. 
     The top case part  3  is divided by this U-shaped check conveyance path into a right case member  6 , rear case member  7 , left case member  8 , and an inside case member  9  located thereinside. A front cover  11 , a back cover  12 , a receipt exit  13  for the receipt printer described below, and an operating panel  14  are disposed on the top of the inside case member  9 . A card insertion path  15  for inserting a card C to be read by the card scanner described below is also provided. 
     As will be understood from  FIG. 2 , the front cover  11  can open to the front while pivoting on a position at the front of the device, and the back cover  12  can open to the back pivoting on a position at the back of the device. The receipt exit  13  is formed between the distal end of the front cover  11  and the distal end of the back cover  12 , and has a narrow rectangular shape extending widthwise to the device. The operating panel  14  is a substantially flat surface formed at the back side of the device on the left side of the back cover  12  at a slightly higher position, and has a plurality of operating switches  14   a  and a display unit  14   b  with a plurality of LEDs for indicating the operating status. 
     A roll paper compartment  16  is formed inside the inside case member  9  in the area covered by the back cover  12 . When the back cover  12  opens, the roll paper compartment  16  is open to the top and roll paper not shown can be loaded or replaced. An automatic cutter  17  for cutting widthwise across the continuous paper delivered from the paper roll stored in the roll paper compartment  16  is disposed inside the inside case member  9  in the area covered by the front cover  11 . Information corresponding to check information, for example, is printed on the continuous paper S 2  conveyed from the paper roll stored in the roll paper compartment  16 , and the trailing end of the printed portion is cut to issue a receipt of a specific length from the receipt exit  13 . An ink cartridge compartment  18  is located toward the front of the device from the automatic cutter  17 , and an ink cartridge  19 , which is the ink supply source for printing checks, is installed therein. When the front cover  11  opens, the drive unit  17   c  of the automatic cutter  17  is exposed and the ink cartridge compartment  18  is open to the top, thus enabling the inspection of the automatic cutter  17  and replacement of the ink cartridge easily from the top of the device. 
     As will be understood from  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 , the card insertion path  15  is formed in the flat top part  20  on the left side of the front cover  11  in the top of the inside case member  9 . This top part  20  is at a lower position than the operating panel  14  therebehind. The card insertion path  15  is a straight channel of a specific width and a specific depth that is open to the top in this top part  20 . The rear end of the card insertion path  15  at the back of the device is connected to the top of the downstream end entrance P 13   a  to the downstream path P 13  portion of the check path P 1 , and the front end of the card insertion path  15  at the front side of the device is located near the side of the front cover  11 . As will be understood from  FIG. 3 , the card insertion path  15  is a straight insertion path extending along an extension of the downstream path P 13 , which is a straight conveyance path, toward the device front. More specifically, the card insertion path  15  extends to the inside of the device in a direction slanted angle θ to the longitudinal axis Y. 
     A straight card path  100  that extends toward the back of the device from the downstream path P 13  is formed from the back end of the downstream path P 13 , and the back end of the card path  100  opens to the back. The end of the card path  100  to the front of the device merges into the downstream path P 13  at junction M at the downstream end in the check conveyance direction of the back path P 12  portion of the check path P 1 . A straight path for cards C is thus formed by the card insertion path  15 , downstream path P 13 , and card path  100 . The downstream path P 13  is a common path for conveying both checks S 1  and cards C. 
     To scan an image of a card C that does not bend easily, the card C is inserted to the card insertion path  15  from the device front and pushed to the back as indicated in  FIG. 2 . The length of the card C is detected while the card C pushed into the card insertion path  15  is fed from the card insertion path  15  through the downstream path P 13  and into the card path  100 . While the card C is then conveyed from the card path  100  through the downstream path P 13  to the card insertion path  15 , the card C is imaged by the optical reader  43  (see  FIG. 4 ) described below for scanning checks that is disposed to the downstream path P 13 . 
     A card slot  21  for reading magnetic information from cards C that do not bend easily is also formed in the check processing device  1  according to this embodiment of the invention. This card slot  21  is formed in the top part of the right case member  6  of the top case part  3 . A magnetic reader (not shown) is disposed inside this right case member  6 , and magnetic information stored on the card C is read by pulling the card C through the card slot  21 . 
     Internal Configuration 
       FIG. 4  shows the internal configuration of the check processing device  1  focusing on the check conveyance mechanism for conveying a check S 1  through the U-shaped check conveyance path. The internal configuration of the check processing device  1  described with reference to this figure focuses on the check conveyance mechanism. 
     A paper feed roller  30   a  is disposed to the side on the right case member  6  side of the entry pocket  4 , and a pressure member  30   b  is disposed to the side on the inside case member  9  side. The pressure member  30   b  pushes a check S 1  inserted to the entry pocket  4  to the paper feed roller  30   a  side. The check S 1  is fed into the upstream path P 11  of the check path P 1  by the paper feed roller  30   a , which is driven by an in-feed motor  22 . In this embodiment, the check S 1  is inserted standing on edge to the entry pocket  4  with the back of the check facing the inside of the device (the inside case member  9  side). 
     A feed roller  31   b  that feeds the check S 1  supplied from the entry pocket  4 , and a retard roller  31   a  that faces the feed roller  31   b  with the upstream path P 11  therebetween, are disposed in the upstream path P 11  portion of the check path P 1 . The feed roller  31   b  is driven by the in-feed motor  22 , and turns synchronously with the paper feed roller  30   a . The retard roller  31   a  is urged to the feed roller  31   b  side, and separates and feeds the checks S 1  one at a time downstream. 
     A plurality of conveyance roller pairs  32  to  36  are disposed in the conveyance path parts of the check path P 1  downstream from the feed roller  31   b . Conveyance roller pair  32  is disposed in the upstream path P 11 , conveyance roller pairs  33  and  34  are disposed in the back path P 12 , and the remaining conveyance roller pairs  35  and  36  are disposed to the downstream path P 13 . Each of the conveyance roller pairs  32  to  36  has a drive roller  32   a ,  33   a ,  34   a ,  35   a ,  36   a  on the inside case member  9  side, and a follower roller  32   b ,  33   b ,  34   b ,  35   b ,  36   b  on the outside right case member  6 , rear case member  7 , or left case member  8  side opposite the corresponding drive roller with the check path P 1  therebetween. The drive rollers  32   a ,  33   a ,  34   a ,  35   a ,  36   a  are synchronously driven rotationally by a drive motor  40  through an endless belt  37 . The follower rollers  32   b ,  33   b ,  34   b ,  35   b ,  36   b  are urged by an urging member not shown to the corresponding drive roller  32   a - 36   a  side. 
     A magnetic reading unit  41  is disposed in the upstream path P 11  of the check path P 1 . The magnetic reading unit  41  has a magnetic scanner  41   a  that can read magnetic information recorded in magnetic ink, for example, on the check S 1 , and the magnetic scanner  41   a  is disposed in the right case member  6  with the magnetic reading surface facing the upstream path P 11 . A pressure roller  41   b  is disposed opposite the magnetic reading surface of the magnetic scanner  41   a  with the upstream path P 11  therebetween. The conveyed check S 1  is pressed to the magnetic reading surface of the magnetic scanner  41   a  by the pressure roller  41   b , and the magnetic information is reliably read by the magnetic scanner  41   a.    
     A print unit  42  that prints an endorsement on the back of the check S 1  is disposed in the back path P 12 , which extends continuously from the downstream end of the upstream path P 11  widthwise to the device, in an area on the left corner side of the device. The print unit  42  includes an inkjet line head  42   a  extending vertically to the device with the nozzle surface of the inkjet head  42   a  facing the back path P 12 . A head maintenance mechanism  42   b  for the inkjet head  42   a  is disposed on the rear case member  7  facing the nozzle surface with the back path P 12  therebetween. As described with reference to  FIG. 2 , the ink supply source of the inkjet head  42   a  is the ink cartridge  19  loaded in the ink cartridge compartment  18 . Using a line head as in this embodiment is desirable because the print unit  42  can be made more compact than when a serial head is used. 
     A path switching member  200  that changes position in conjunction with the head maintenance mechanism  42   b  is disposed in the junction M of the back path P 12  of the check path P 1  and the card path  100 . As described in further detail below, the path switching member  200  can switch between a first position connecting the back path P 12  with the downstream path P 13  (common path), and a second position connecting the card path  100  with the downstream path P 13  (common path). Entry to the card path  100  is closed in the first position, and entry to the downstream end of the back path P 12  is closed in the second position in this embodiment. 
     The conveyance roller pairs  35  and  36  are disposed in the downstream path P 13  (common path), and the optical reader  43  for imaging both sides of the check S 1  is disposed in the portion of the conveyance path between these roller pairs. The optical reader  43  has an optical scanner  43   a  for imaging the back of the check S 1  and an optical scanner  43   b  for imaging the front disposed with the scanning surfaces thereof facing each other with the downstream path P 13  therebetween. 
     The downstream end of the downstream path P 13  is connected to the check discharge opening  5   a  that discharges the processed check S 1  after reading magnetic information, printing an endorsement, and imaging are completed into the exit pocket  5 . The exit pocket  5  is open at the top, and a check S 1  deposited into the exit pocket  5  can be removed from above. Because both the entry pocket  4  and exit pocket  5  are open at the top, the operator can always handle checks S 1  from above the front of the check processing device  1 . 
     Receipt Printing Mechanism 
       FIG. 5  is a vertical section view of the check processing device  1 . The receipt printing mechanism assembled in the inside case member  9  of the top case part  3  is described next primarily with reference to this figure. The receipt printing mechanism includes the roll paper compartment  16  that holds roll paper R as described above. The roll paper compartment  16  holds the roll paper R so that the roll can rotate freely about the transverse axis X. The continuous paper path P 2  that guides the continuous paper S 2  pulled from the roll paper R to the receipt exit  13  extends from the roll paper compartment  16  to the device front with the width of the paper path aligned with the device width. 
     The bottom of the roll paper compartment  16  is defined by a curved concave bottom panel  51 , and the top opening is covered by the back cover  12 . The back end of the back cover  12  is supported by a hinge  52  of which the center axis is the pivot axis extending transversely, and the back cover  12  opens and closes pivoting on this hinge  52 . 
     The continuous paper S 2  pulled from the roll paper R in the roll paper compartment  16  is guided to the front by a paper guide  53 , which is attached to the front edge part of the bottom panel  51 , to the continuous paper print unit  54 . A guide roller that rotates freely to reduce the rolling resistance to the roll paper R may be disposed in the bottom of the roll paper compartment  16 , and the roll paper R placed thereon. 
     The continuous paper print unit  54  includes a thermal line head  54   a  and a platen roller  54   b  that conveys while pressing the continuous paper S 2  to the printhead surface of the thermal head  54   a . In this embodiment the thermal line head  54   a  is disposed on the inside case member  9  side, and the platen roller  54   b  is mounted at a position on the distal end side of the back cover  12 . 
     The automatic cutter  17  is disposed above the continuous paper print unit  54 . The automatic cutter  17  includes a fixed knife  17   a , and a drive unit  17   c  including a movable knife  17   b . The fixed knife  17   a  is disposed on the back cover  12  side, and the movable knife  17   b  and drive unit  17   c  are disposed on the inside case member  9  side. The continuous paper S 2  passes the cutting position of the automatic cutter  17  after passing the printing position of the continuous paper print unit  54 , and is discharged to the top from the receipt exit  13  open above the automatic cutter  17 . 
     Card Scanner Mechanism 
     The check processing device  1  has a card scanner mechanism for imaging cards C inserted from the card insertion path  15 . Referring to  FIG. 4 , the card conveyance path of the card scanner mechanism includes the card insertion path  15 , the downstream path P 13  (common path), and the card path  100 . A card sensor  57  that detects insertion of a card C is disposed in the card insertion path  15 . The card sensor  57  could be a photocoupler or other optical sensor, or a mechanical switch, for example. 
     When insertion of a card C to the card insertion path  15  is detected by the card sensor  57 , the conveyance roller pairs  35 ,  36  of the check conveyance mechanism disposed in the downstream path P 13  turn, and a card in-feed operation that conveys the card C inserted from the card insertion path  15  from the downstream path P 13  to the card path  100 , and a card out-feed operation that conveys and returns the in-fed card C to the device front into the card insertion path  15 , are performed. A card scanning operation that images the card C conveyed from the card path  100  through the downstream path P 13  into the card insertion path  15  using the optical reader  43  used for check imaging is also performed. 
     Check Processing Device Control System and Operation 
     Operation of the check processing device  1  is controlled by a MPU or other control unit  61 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the control unit  61  is mounted on a circuit board  60  disposed on the top of the bottom case part  2 . Maintenance is improved by updating a driver, for example, by using a single control unit  61  to control the check conveyance mechanism, receipt printing mechanism, and card scanning mechanism of the check processing device  1 . Note that the control unit  61  may be provided as a control circuit board disposed on the back side of the circuit board  60  (the opposite side as the side on which the check path P 1  is formed) instead of on the top of the circuit board  60  as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     When a check S 1  is inserted from the device front to the entry pocket  4 , the control unit  61  controls driving the in-feed motor  22  of the check conveyance mechanism and feeds the check S 1  into the check path P 1  by means of the paper feed roller  30   a . Synchronized to this, the control unit  61  controls driving the drive motor  40  and conveys checks S 1  one by one through the upstream path P 11  by means of the retard roller  31   a  and feed roller  31   b.    
     As the check S 1  is conveyed through the upstream path P 11 , the control unit  61  first controls the magnetic reading unit  41  to read the magnetic information from the check S 1 , and captures the magnetic information that was read. Next, the control unit  61  prints an endorsement on the back of the check S 1  with the print unit  42 . The control unit  61  then controls the optical reader  43  to image both sides of the check S 1 , and captures the scanned image information. The imaged check S 1  is then discharged by the conveyance roller pair  36  into the exit pocket  5 . 
     The user&#39;s workload can be reduced because reading magnetic information, printing an endorsement, and imaging can be done in a single continuous process with the check conveyance mechanism of the check processing device  1 . 
     The control unit  61  also controls the in-feed motor  22  of the receipt printing mechanism to rotationally drive the platen roller  54   b  and convey the continuous paper S 2  from the roll paper R through the continuous paper path P 2 . While the continuous paper S 2  is conveyed between the thermal line head  54   a  and platen roller  54   b , necessary information is printed on the continuous paper S 2  as controlled by the control unit  61 . The printed continuous paper S 2  is then discharged to the outside from the receipt exit  13  by the platen roller  54   b . When the printed leading end of the continuous paper S 2  has been discharged and the trailing end of the printed portion reaches the cutting position of the automatic cutter  17 , continuous paper S 2  conveyance stops, the automatic cutter  17  is driven by the control unit  61  to cut widthwise, and the printed portion of the continuous paper S 2  is cut off. The printed sheet that is cut to a specific length is then issued as a receipt. 
     When the control unit  61  detects, based on output from the card sensor  57 , that a card C was inserted to the card insertion path  15 , it controls driving the drive motor  40  of the check conveyance mechanism and drives the conveyance roller pairs  35 ,  36  for check conveyance to perform the card in-feed operation that conveys the card C inserted to the card insertion path  15  into the downstream path P 13 . The length of the card C in the conveyance direction is detected during the card in-feed operation based on the output from the card sensor  57 . 
     The card in-feed operation stops when the trailing end in the in-feed direction of the card C has passed the reading position of the optical reader  43 . The conveyance roller pairs  35 ,  36  are then driven in reverse, and the card out-feed operation that discharges the card C starts. The optical reader  43  is driven during the card out-feed operation to perform the scanning operation that images the front and back sides of the card C passing the scanning position. The card out-feed operation stops after the card C is fed a specific distance after the trailing end in the out-feed direction of the card C is detected by the card sensor  57 . Images of the card C are thus captured. 
     During the check processing operation that conveys the check S 1  through the check path P 1 , the path switching member  200  disposed to the junction M of the card path  100  and the back path P 12  of the check path P 1  is set to the first position, thereby connecting the back path P 12  to the downstream path P 13  and closing the gap between the card path  100  and downstream path P 13 . When a card C is inserted in the card insertion path  15  and the card C is scanned, the path switching member  200  is set to the second position, thereby connecting the card path  100  to the downstream path P 13  and closing the gap between the back path P 12  and the downstream path P 13 . In this embodiment the path switching member  200  is switched in conjunction with movement of a shutter  65  in the head maintenance mechanism  42   b  as described below. The configuration and operation of the head maintenance mechanism  42   b  of the check print unit  42  and the path switching member  200  are described below. 
     Head Maintenance Mechanism and Path Switching Member 
       FIG. 6  shows the area around the inkjet head  42   a  and the head maintenance mechanism  42   b  of the check print unit  42 . The head maintenance mechanism  42   b  of the check print unit  42  includes a nozzle cap  62  that caps the nozzle face  42   c  of the check print unit  42 , a nozzle cap housing  63  that houses the nozzle cap  62 , and a shutter  65  that caps the opening of the nozzle cap  62 . 
     The nozzle cap  62  moves bidirectionally through an intervening uncapped position, by using a capping drive mechanism  64 , between a retracted position inside the nozzle cap housing  63  and a capping position where the nozzle face  42   c  of the inkjet head  42   a  is covered to keep the nozzle face wet. 
     The shutter  65  moves bidirectionally using a shutter drive mechanism  66  between a closed position where the shutter  65  covers the opening to the nozzle cap housing  63  (the closed position closing the nozzle cap  62  opening), and an open position separated from the opening (an open position separated from the nozzle cap  62  opening). Movement of the nozzle cap  62  and shutter  65  by the capping drive mechanism  64  and shutter drive mechanism  66  is controlled by the control unit  61 . 
       FIG. 7  shows the head maintenance mechanism  42   b  and path switching member  200  when the shutter  65  is in the open position  65 B, and  FIG. 8  shows the head maintenance mechanism  42   b  and path switching member  200  when the shutter  65  is in the closed position  65 A.  FIG. 9  shows when the nozzle face  42   c  of the inkjet head  42   a  is capped by the nozzle cap  62 , and the path switching member  200  is in the second position  200 B, and  FIG. 10  shows when the nozzle cap  62  is in the retracted position.  FIG. 11  shows when the nozzle cap  62  is closed and the path switching member  200  is switched to the first position  200 A by the shutter  65  moving to the closed position  65 A. 
     Described with reference to these figures, the inkjet head  42   a  is disposed with its nozzle face  42   c  facing the printing side of the check S 1  conveyed through the back path P 12  portion of the check path P 1 . The inkjet head  42   a  is an inkjet line head that prints on the printing surface of the check S 1  by ejecting ink droplets onto the printing surface from plural nozzles formed in the nozzle face  42   c  based on input print data. 
     The nozzle cap  62  is disposed inside the nozzle cap housing  63  with the open part  62 B thereof facing the nozzle face  42   c  of the inkjet head  42   a.    
     The nozzle cap housing  63  has an open part  63 A on the side toward the back path P 12 , and the nozzle cap  62  moves through this open part  63 A toward the nozzle face  42   c  to cap the nozzle face  42   c . More specifically, the nozzle cap  62  can move by the drive power of the capping drive mechanism  64  in the direction separating from the nozzle face  42   c  of the inkjet head  42   a  and the direction approaching the nozzle face  42   c . The part of the open part  63 A of the nozzle cap housing  63  opposite the nozzle face  42   c  of the inkjet head  42   a  at the back path P 12  for check conveyance is a guide opening  68 A, and the open part  63 A of the nozzle cap housing  63  is located here. A guide member  68  that defines one guide surface of the back path P 12  is positioned on the upstream side of the guide opening  68 A, and the shutter  65  and path switching member  200  are located on the downstream side. 
     The nozzle cap  62  is in the capping position shown in  FIG. 9  when the check processing device  1  power is off and until the printing operation of the print unit  42  starts after the power turns on. When in this position the nozzle face  42   c  of the inkjet head  42   a  is capped by the nozzle cap  62  and kept wet. 
     When the printing operation of the print unit  42  starts, the nozzle cap  62  retracts from the capping position to the retracted position shown in  FIG. 10 . The shutter  65  waiting in the open position  65 B then moves to the position closing the guide opening  68 A as shown in  FIG. 11 , that is, slides to the closed position  65 A closing the open part  63 A of the nozzle cap housing  63 . The nozzle cap  62  then advances to the uncapped position in contact with the back of the shutter  65 . As a result, the nozzle cap  62  is capped. 
     When the shutter  65  slides from the open position  65 B to the closed position  65 A, the path switching member  200  waiting at the second position  200 B shown in  FIG. 10  moves to the first position  200 A shown in  FIG. 11  in conjunction with this sliding action. As a result, the back path P 12  communicates with the downstream path P 13  and the check S 1  conveyance path is formed. The shutter surface  65   a  of the shutter  65  opposite the nozzle face  42   c  of the inkjet head  42   a  thus functions as a check S 1  platen surface (guide surface), the check guide surface  201  (first surface) of the path switching member  200  facing the back path P 12  communicates smoothly with the shutter surface  65   a  of the shutter  65 , and communicates smoothly with the guide surface  69   a  of the downstream path P 13  on the same side. 
     When a specific time passes in the standby mode waiting for the next check S 1  to be conveyed after the print unit  42  finishes printing one check S 1 , or when operation of the check processing device  1  stops because the power is turned off, the nozzle cap  62  moves to the capping position shown in  FIG. 9  again, and caps the nozzle face  42   c  of the inkjet head  42   a . The shutter  65  moves in this case from the closed position  65 A to the open position  65 B. When the shutter  65  moves, the path switching member  200  moves therewith from the first position  200 A to the second position  200 B, closing entry from the back path P 12  to the downstream path P 13  and opening the card path  100  to the downstream path P 13 , thus forming the card C scanning path and enabling scanning cards C. As will be understood from  FIG. 9 , the card guide surface  202  formed on the card path  100  side of the path switching member  200  communicates smoothly with the guide surface  69   b  on the same side of the downstream path P 13 . 
     Because the open part  62 B of the nozzle cap  62  is thus covered by the shutter  65  while printing a check S 1 , the inside of the nozzle cap  62  is closed to the outside by the shutter  65 . More specifically, the shutter  65  functions as a cap cover that closes the open part  62 B of the nozzle cap  62  and keeps the inside thereof wet. 
     In addition, when the check S 1  is being conveyed forward or reverse, the shutter  65  functions as a cover that when in the closed position  65 A covers the guide opening  68 A opposite the nozzle face  42   c  and covers the open part  63 A of the nozzle cap housing  63 . At the same time, the shutter surface  65   a  thereof also functions as a guide surface (platen surface) that determines the printing position of the check S 1 . Paper jams are therefore inhibited and smooth conveyance is possible. 
     Note that the shutter  65  can also move toward the nozzle cap  62 , contact the open edge  62 A of the nozzle cap  62 , and thereby cover the nozzle cap  62 . 
       FIG. 12  is a flow chart of the printing operation controlled by the control unit  61 , focusing particularly on the operation of the nozzle cap  62  and shutter  65  of the head maintenance mechanism  42   b , and the operation of the path switching member  200 . Parts are positioned as shown in  FIG. 9  before printing starts. When printing starts, the nozzle cap  62  is moved from the capping position shown in  FIG. 9  to the retracted position shown in  FIG. 10  by the capping drive mechanism (step ST 1 ). 
     The shutter drive mechanism  66  then slides the shutter  65  from the open position  65 B shown in  FIG. 10  to the closed position  65 A shown in  FIG. 11  (step ST 2 ). As the shutter  65  slides, the path switching member  200  also moves from the second position  200 B to the first position  200 A shown in  FIG. 11 . As a result, the back path P 12  communicates with the downstream path P 13 , and the check conveyance path is formed. The capping drive mechanism  64  then moves the nozzle cap  62  from the retracted position to the position in contact with the back of the shutter  65  (step ST 3 ). Printing a check S 1  then starts (step ST 4 ). 
     When printing a check S 1  ends (step ST 5 ), the control unit  61  starts counting the time from when printing ended (step ST 6 ). If printing starts again before the count reaches a preset time (step ST 7  returns Yes), the count is reset and printing a check S 1  starts again (step ST 4 ). 
     When the count reaches the preset time (step ST 7  returns No), the nozzle cap  62  is moved by the capping drive mechanism  64  from the position touching the back of the shutter  65  ( FIG. 11 ) to the retracted position ( FIG. 10 ) (step ST 8 ), and the shutter drive mechanism  66  slides the shutter  65  from the closed position  65 A ( FIG. 11 ) to the open position  65 B ( FIG. 10 ) (step ST 9 ). Following the shutter  65 , the path switching member  200  also switches from the first position  200 A ( FIG. 11 ) to the second position  200 B ( FIG. 10 ). As a result, the back path P 12  is isolated from the receipt exit  13 , the card path  100  is opened to the downstream path P 13 , and the card C conveyance path is formed. The nozzle face  42   c  is then capped by the nozzle cap  62  by the capping drive mechanism  64  advancing the nozzle cap  62  from the retracted position to the capping position (step ST 10 ). 
     Example of a Capping Drive Mechanism and a Shutter Drive Mechanism 
       FIG. 13  shows an example of a drive control mechanism that drives the nozzle cap  62  and shutter  65 , and shows the nozzle cap  62  in the capping position and the shutter  65  in the open position.  FIG. 14  shows the drive control mechanism shown in  FIG. 13  from the opposite side of the back path P 12 , which is the check conveyance path. The drive control mechanism  70  includes a capping drive mechanism  64 A and a shutter drive mechanism  66 A. 
     The capping drive mechanism  64 A includes a drive motor  71  (capping motor) and a cylindrical cam  72  that converts the output rotation of the drive motor  71  to the linear bidirectional motion of the nozzle cap  62  between the retracted position and capping position. 
     The shutter drive mechanism  66 A includes an intermittent gear  73  and a rack and pinion  74  that convert rotation of the cylindrical cam  72  to the linear bidirectional movement of the shutter  65  between the closed position and the open position. 
     As controlled by the control unit  61 , the drive control mechanism  70  performs the nozzle capping operation of the nozzle cap  62 , the operation whereby the shutter  65  covers the open part  63 A of the nozzle cap housing  63 , and the operation whereby the shutter  65  covers the nozzle cap. 
     First, the shutter  65  is held in the open position when the nozzle cap  62  is in the capping position, and when the nozzle cap  62  moves from the capping position to the retracted position. When the nozzle cap  62  returns to the retracted position, the shutter  65  moves from the open position to the closed position, and covers the open part  63 A of the nozzle cap housing  63 . When the shutter  65  is in the closed position, the nozzle cap  62  is advanced to the position touching the back of the shutter  65  so that the nozzle cap  62  is covered. 
     More specifically, the capping drive mechanism  64 A has a speed reducing gear train  75  that slows and transfers the output rotation of the drive motor  71  (capping motor) to the cylindrical cam  72 . The cylindrical cam  72  has a cylindrical part  77  that is disposed horizontally and has a cam groove  76  formed around the circumference thereof, a large intermittent gear  73   a  formed coaxially in unison with one end of the cylindrical part  77 , and a small intermittent gear  73   b  formed coaxially in unison the other end of the cylindrical part  77 . The intermittent gears  73   a ,  73   b  are gears having a toothless portion where external teeth are not formed in a specific angular range. 
     A vertical pin  78  is slidably inserted to the cam groove  76  of the cylindrical cam  72  as a cam follower that protrudes vertically from below. The vertical pin  78  is formed in unison with the top of the nozzle cap  62 , and the nozzle cap  62  is supported so that it can move in a reciprocating motion linearly to the center axis of the cylindrical cam  72  by the nozzle cap housing  63  not shown. When the cylindrical cam  72  turns, the vertical pin  78  inserted to the cam groove  76  moves in the direction of the center axis of the cylindrical cam  72 , and the nozzle cap  62  to which the vertical pin  78  is attached moves in the same direction. The cam groove  76  of the cylindrical cam  72  is formed so that the nozzle cap  62  moves between the retracted position inside the nozzle cap housing  63  and the capping position. 
     The shutter drive mechanism  66 A has a transfer gear train  80  that meshes with the small intermittent gear  73   b  of the cylindrical cam  72 . A drive-side bevel gear  82  is coaxially attached to the last gear  81  of the transfer gear train  80 , and a follower-side bevel gear  83  that rotates on a vertical axis meshes with the drive-side bevel gear  82 . The follower-side bevel gear  83  is attached to the top end of a vertical shaft  84 , which extends vertically along the back of the shutter  65 . A pair of pinions  74   a  are attached coaxially to positions at the top and bottom ends of the vertical shaft  84 . These pinions  74   a  mesh with a pair of racks  74   b  formed on the back of the shutter  65 . 
     When the cylindrical cam  72  turns and the nozzle cap  62  moves, the pinions  74   a  rotate in a specific direction synchronized thereto, the racks  74   b  meshed with the pinions  74   a  move in a reciprocal linear action in the direction of the back path P 12  of check conveyance, and the shutter  65  on which the racks  74   b  are formed moves linearly bidirectionally between the closed position covering the open part  63 A of the nozzle cap housing  63  and the open position. 
       FIG. 15  is an oblique view of the cam face  76 A of the cam groove  76  of the cylindrical cam  72 , and  FIG. 16  is a cylindrical cam chart showing the position of the nozzle cap  62  (capping position) relative to the rotational angle of the cylindrical cam  72 , and the position of the shutter  65  (shutter stroke). The positions of the nozzle cap  62  and shutter  65  are determined by the phase (rotational angle) of the cylindrical cam  72  in the drive control mechanism  70  according to this embodiment of the invention. Also in this embodiment, the position when the cylindrical cam  72  rotates 50° clockwise from the origin (0° rotational angle) is the standby position, and the position at 297° is the printing position. 
     In the standby position, the nozzle cap  62  is in the capping position covering the nozzle face  42   c  of the inkjet head  42   a , and the shutter  65  is in the open position. In the printing position, the shutter  65  is in the closed position, and the nozzle cap  62  is in the covered position against the back of the shutter  65 . Note that in  FIG. 16  the position of the nozzle cap  62  is shown as 0=OPEN in the retracted position and 9=CLOSED in the capping position. The position of the shutter  65  is also indicated by the stroke (mm) from the open position to the closed position, the open position is indicated as the shutter-open position with a stroke of 0, and the closed position is indicated as the shutter-closed position. 
       FIG. 17  is a flow chart showing the operation of parts after printing starts.  FIG. 18  shows the cylindrical cam  72  when at the 50° position,  FIG. 19  shows the cylindrical cam  72  at the 160° position, and FIG.  20  shows the cylindrical cam  72  at the 297° position. 
     The operation of the different parts is described next with reference to the flow chart in  FIG. 17 . In the standby state before printing starts, the cylindrical cam  72  is at the standby position at 50° shown in  FIG. 18 , the nozzle face  42   c  of the inkjet head  42   a  is capped by the nozzle cap  62  (closed cap position), and the shutter  65  is in the open position (open shutter position). 
     Operation  1  starts when a start command for the printing operation is received, such as when the control unit  61  ( FIG. 9  to  FIG. 11 ) receives a start printing command from the host computer. As will be understood from  FIG. 16 , in operation  1  the drive motor  71  is driven to rotate clockwise, the cylindrical cam  72  turns from 50° to 95°, and during this rotation the nozzle cap  62  retreats a specific distance from the capping position to the retracted position, and the shutter  65  is held in the open position (open shutter position). 
     Operation  2  starts when the cylindrical cam  72  rotates to the 95° position, and flushing occurs while the cylindrical cam  72  rotates to the 160° position. Flushing is an operation that ejects ink droplets from nozzles of the inkjet head  42   a  into the nozzle cap  62  in order to expel ink that has increased in viscosity inside the nozzles, and thereby restores nozzles that are not ejecting properly to normal operation. When the cylindrical cam  72  reaches the 160° position, the nozzle cap  62  is at the retracted position (the open cap position shown in  FIG. 19 ). 
     Operation  3  starts after the cylindrical cam  72  rotates to the 160° position. In operation  3 , the cylindrical cam  72  rotates from the 160° position to the 297° position. During operation  3 , the nozzle cap  62  is held in the retracted position, and the shutter  65  slides from the open position to the closed position, reaching the closed position completely closing the open part  63 A of the nozzle cap housing  63  when the cylindrical cam  72  rotates to 275°. In addition, starting from when the cylindrical cam  72  passes the 260° position, the nozzle cap  62  advances from the retracted position until the nozzle cap  62  is covered in contact with the back of the shutter  65  in the closed position (the cap contact position shown in  FIG. 20 ). 
     Operation  4  starts after the cylindrical cam  72  reaches the 297° position. More specifically, the printing operation is executed and an endorsement is printed by the inkjet head  42   a  on the back of the check S 1  passing the printing position. 
     Operation  5  starts after printing ends. In operation  5  the drive motor  71  (capping motor) turns counterclockwise (CCW) and the cylindrical cam  72  rotates back to the standby position at 50°. As a result, the nozzle cap  62  retracts toward the retracted position from the position contacting the back of the shutter  65 . Next, the shutter  65  starts sliding from the closed position to the open position. After the shutter  65  slides to the open position, the nozzle cap  62  advances from the retracted position past the open part  63 A of the nozzle cap housing  63  to the capping position, and returns to the position capping the nozzle face  42   c  of the inkjet head  42   a  shown in  FIG. 18 . 
     The drive control mechanism  70  according to this embodiment of the invention can thus rotate both the intermittent gear  73  and cylindrical cam  72 , and operate the nozzle cap  62  and shutter  65  synchronously, using a single drive motor  71  (capping motor). As a result, the capping drive mechanism  64  and shutter drive mechanism  66  can be constructed compactly. 
     Shutter  65  and Path Switching Member  200  Linking Mechanism 
       FIG. 21  shows an example of a linking mechanism that switches the path switching member  200  to the first position  200 A and second position  200 B in conjunction with the sliding action of the shutter  65 . Various configurations can be used as a linking mechanism that changes the position of the path switching member  200  linked to the movement of the shutter  65 , and the invention is not limited to the following. 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 21 , the path switching member  200  is plastic, pivots on a predetermined pivot axis  203 , and switches between the first position  200 A and second position  200 B. A cam pin  204  extending parallel to the pivot axis  203  is formed at a position on the path switching member  200  separated radially from the pivot axis  203 . 
     A pivot member  91  is disposed between the path switching member  200  and the shutter  65 . A pivot shaft  92  extending parallel to the pivot axis  203  is formed on the pivot member  91 , and the pivot member  91  can pivot on this pivot shaft  92 . A pivot arm  93  that protrudes radially is formed in unison with the pivot shaft  92 , and a cam groove  94  is formed in the surface of the pivot arm  93  facing the direction of the pivot axis  92   a  (the top as seen in the figure). The distal end of the cam pin  204  formed on the path switching member  200  side is inserted slidably in the cam groove  94 . 
     A torsion spring  95  is attached to the pivot shaft  92  of the pivot member  91 , and the spring force of this torsion spring  95  holds the side  93   a  of the pivot arm  93  of the pivot member  91  in constant contact with the shutter  65 . More specifically, the side  93   a  of the pivot arm  93  of the pivot member  91  is constantly pushed to the shutter  65  by a spring force pushing from the open position  65 B to the closed position  65 A. 
     When the shutter  65  slides from the closed position shown in  FIG. 21  to the open position indicated by arrow  96 , the distal end  65   b  in the sliding direction of the shutter  65  causes the pivot member  91  to rotate in the same direction against the spring force. When the pivot member  91  turns, the cam pin  204  is pushed by the cam face  94   a  formed on the inside surface of the cam groove  94 , and the cam pin  204  moves along the cam face  94   a . As a result, the path switching member  200  to which the cam pin  204  is formed in unison rotates on the pivot axis  203  from the first position  200 A shown in  FIG. 21  to the second position  200 B. When the shutter  65  moves to the open position  65 B, the path switching member  200  is set to the second position  200 B. 
     Next, the pivot member  91  is pushed to the shutter  65  by the spring force of the torsion spring  95 . The pivot member  91  is connected to the path switching member  200  through the cam mechanism including the cam pin  204  and cam groove  94 . Therefore, when the shutter  65  slides from the open position  65 B to the closed position shown in  FIG. 21 , the pivot member  91  follows and rotates in the sliding direction due to the spring force. As a result, the cam pin  204  of the path switching member  200  is pushed by the cam face  94   a  of the pivot member  91 , and the path switching member  200  rotates from the second position  200 B to the first position  200 A shown in  FIG. 21  and switches to the first position  200 A. 
     The invention being thus described, it will be apparent that it may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.