JP2022142104A - Printer and printer control method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a printer that can stop conveyance of a continuous paper, even if a sensor for detecting a printed label cannot detect a printed label.SOLUTION: A printer, which has a peeling/issuing mode in which printed labels are peeled off from a mount and from a continuous paper including a plurality of labels temporarily attached with a predetermined interval to the mount to issue the labels, comprises: a conveying mechanism that conveys the continuous paper; a printing part that performs printing on each of the plurality of labels; a peeling mechanism that peels off the printed label from the mount; a sensor arranged to oppose to the label peeled off from the mount; and a control part that when consecutively detecting absence of the labels on the basis of output of the sensor until printing on the labels is completed, makes the conveying mechanism stop conveying the continuous paper when the printing is completed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

The present invention relates to a printer for printing information on a print medium and a control method thereof.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a thermal printer (hereinafter simply referred to as a "printer") presses a print medium between a thermal head and a platen roller, selectively heats a heating element on the thermal head, and prints on the print medium by thermal transfer. It has been known.

Some printers are capable of both continuous printing and peel-off printing.

In continuous issuance, printing is collectively performed on a plurality of labels temporarily attached to a mount. Therefore, after printing a plurality of labels, it is suitable for affixing the labels to the label affixing destinations collectively.

On the other hand, in peeling printing, when the label at the top of the continuous paper is printed and the label is transported to the peeling position, the continuous paper is stopped and the user can remove the printed label. You can peel off one sheet at a time. Therefore, it is suitable for the user to print the labels one by one while going around the site and to attach the labels to the label attachment destinations.

Patent Literature 1 discloses a configuration of a printer that supports both continuous issuance and peeling issuance.

JP 2015-214048 A

In peeling issue, as described above, printing on the label at the head of the continuous paper is completed, and then, when the label is conveyed to the peeling position, the conveyance of the continuous paper is stopped. In order to make such a stop possible, it is necessary to detect such a label by a sensor when printing on the leading label of the continuous paper is completed. Then, when the sensor detects such a label, the transport of the backing paper to which such a label is temporarily attached is stopped. This allows the user to easily peel off the printed label from the backing paper.

However, the sensor may not be able to detect the label due to sensor failure or the environment in which the printer is placed. In such a case, since the transportation of the backing paper cannot be stopped, the user may not be able to peel off the printed label from the backing paper.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a printer capable of stopping continuous paper conveyance even when a sensor for detecting a printed label cannot detect the printed label. and

According to one aspect of the invention,
A printer having a peeling/issuing mode for peeling off and issuing a printed label from a continuous paper containing a mount and a plurality of labels temporarily attached to the mount at predetermined intervals,
a transport mechanism for transporting the continuous paper;
a printing unit that prints on each of the plurality of labels;
a peeling mechanism for peeling the printed label from the mount;
a sensor arranged to face the label peeled off from the backing;
a control unit for stopping transport of the continuous paper by the transport mechanism when printing is completed when the absence of a label is continuously detected based on the output of the sensor until printing on the label is completed;
A printer is provided.

According to one aspect of the present invention, even if the sensor for detecting the printed label cannot detect the printed label, it is possible to stop feeding the continuous paper.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing the front surface, left side surface, and upper surface when the cover of the printer according to the embodiment of the invention is closed, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the printer according to the embodiment of the invention with the cover open It is a perspective view showing the front side, the left side, and the upper side when folded. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the left side and upper side of the printer according to the embodiment of the present invention when the cover is opened; 1 is a side sectional view showing a thermal head, a platen roller and a peeling mechanism of a printer according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a peeling unit according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 1 is a diagram showing some functional blocks of a printer according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. FIG. 2 is a conceptual plan view showing the positions of the parts around the transport path of the printer according to the embodiment of the invention; FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing step by step the amount of continuous paper conveyed when the printer according to the embodiment of the present invention performs a normal peeling issue operation. FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing step by step the conveying amount of the continuous paper when the printer according to the embodiment of the present invention performs peeling issue operation and the peeling sensor continues to detect no label at that time. FIG. 9A is a timing chart showing print periods. FIG. 9B is a waveform diagram of the sensor output signal of the peeling sensor in the normal case. FIG. 9C is a timing diagram showing the detection period according to the first embodiment. 9D-9G are timing diagrams showing variations of the detection period.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[1. Schematic Configuration of Printer 1]
A printer 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is a label printer configured to be switchable between a continuous printing mode and a manual peeling mode. The printer 1 will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

In each figure, for example, as shown in the perspective views of FIGS. 1A and 1B, upper (UP), lower (DN), left (LH), right (RH), front (FR), and rear (RR) defines the direction. However, this directional definition is solely for the convenience of describing the drawings and is not intended to limit the orientation of the printer of the present invention during use.

In this definition of direction, the “printer front-back direction” means the front-back direction of the printer 1 . “Printer width direction” means the left-right direction of the printer 1 or the horizontal direction.

1A, 1B and 2 are perspective views of the printer 1 according to the embodiment. 1A shows the printer cover 3 in the closed state, and FIGS. 1B and 2 show the printer cover 3 in the open state. FIG. 1B shows the state in which the roll paper R is set, and FIG. 2 shows the state of the printer 1 before the roll paper R and the roll paper R are set.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the printer 1 has internal functional parts protected by a body case 2 and a printer cover 3 . A discharge section 20 for discharging labels is provided on the upper surface of the printer 1 .

It should be noted that the printer 1 can also be used in a state in which the discharge section 20 side faces upward (horizontal placement). Also, by hooking a belt hook (not shown) provided on the bottom surface of the printer 1 to the user's belt, or by wearing a shoulder belt (not shown) and putting it on the user's shoulder, the discharge section 20 can be It is also possible to use it with the side facing horizontally (vertical holding).

A display panel 15 (which is an example of the “display section” of the present invention) is provided in front of the discharge section 20 in the main body case 2 . The display panel 15 may include a touch panel input mechanism for receiving operation input by the user. The display panel 15 is connected to a circuit board inside the printer 1, and outputs an image showing, for example, the operating state of the printer 1 and a user interface related to the operation of the printer 1, based on display signals supplied from the circuit board. .

Although not shown, inside the printer 1 surrounded by the main body case 2 and the printer cover 3, an internal frame for supporting or holding various functional parts is arranged. The inner frame, body case 2 and printer cover 3 correspond to the printer body.

The printer cover 3 is configured to be swingable between an open position that opens the interior of the printer 1 and a closed position that closes the interior of the printer 1 .

When the cover opening button 51b provided on the body case 2 is operated, the printer cover 3 is opened as shown in FIG. 1B. By opening the printer cover 3, the roll paper storage chamber 9 is exposed. The roll paper storage chamber 9 is a space that stores roll paper R (an example of a roll body).

As shown in FIG. 2, the roll paper R is a belt-like continuous paper P wound into a roll. The continuous paper P has a strip-shaped mount PM and a plurality of labels PL temporarily attached to the mount PM at predetermined intervals. The label sticking surface of the mount PM is coated with a release agent such as silicone so that the label PL can be easily peeled off. Position detection marks M indicating the reference position of the label PL are formed at predetermined intervals on the reverse side of the label sticking surface of the mount PM.

The front side of the label PL is a printing surface on which information is printed, and is formed with a thermosensitive coloring layer that develops a specific color when a predetermined temperature range is reached. The back side of the printed surface is an adhesive surface coated with an adhesive, and the label PL is temporarily attached to the mount PM by attaching the adhesive surface to the label attachment surface of the mount PM.

A pair of roll paper guides 6 a are installed in the roll paper storage chamber 9 . The pair of roll paper guides 6a is a member that supports the roll paper R in a rotatable state while being in contact with both side surfaces of the roll paper R and guides the transport of the continuous paper pulled out from the roll paper R. As shown in FIG. Moreover, it is preferable that the pair of roll paper guides 6a be movable along the width direction of the roll paper R so that their positions can be changed according to the width of the roll paper R.

As shown in FIG. 2, the printer cover 3 is pivotally supported with respect to the main body case 2 by hinges 8 so that the printer cover 3 can swing with respect to the main body case 2 between the open position and the closed position. there is The hinge 8 has a hinge shaft 81, and the hinge shaft 81 is provided with a torsion spring (not shown) that biases the printer cover 3 from the closed position toward the open position.

As shown in FIG. 2, a platen roller 10 is pivotally supported at the tip of the printer cover 3 so as to be rotatable in forward and reverse directions. The platen roller 10 is conveying means for conveying the continuous paper P pulled out from the roll paper R, and is formed in a state extending along the width direction of the continuous paper P. As shown in FIG. A gear 10b is connected to one end of the platen shaft 10a of the platen roller 10. As shown in FIG. This gear 10b is engaged with a gear (not shown) arranged in the main body case 2 when the printer cover 3 is in the closed position, and is connected to a stepping motor (not shown) for driving rollers through the gear. It is designed to be mechanically connected. The transport mechanism includes at least a platen roller 10, a gear 10b, gears and a stepping motor.

As shown in FIG. 2, the printer cover 3 is provided with a peeling bar 12 (see FIG. 3) along the platen roller 10 near the platen roller 10. As shown in FIG. The peeling bar 12 is a peeling member for peeling the label PL from the mount PM, and both ends of the peeling bar 12 are fixed to both side walls of the printer cover 3 . Note that the peeling bar 12 may be fixed to both ends of the platen shaft 10a.

A platen holding bracket 27 for holding the platen shaft 10a of the platen roller 10 when the printer cover 3 is closed is provided in the body case 2. As shown in FIG. A thermal head 28 (see FIG. 3) is arranged in front of the platen holding bracket 27 .

The thermal head 28 is a printing unit that prints information such as characters, symbols, graphics, or barcodes on the label PL temporarily attached to the mount PM conveyed from the roll paper R, for example. The thermal head 28 is provided so as to face the platen roller 10 when the printer cover 3 is closed.

As will be described later, the thermal head 28 is detachably attached with a flexible cable for connection to a circuit board (not shown). The thermal head 28 has a plurality of heating elements (heating resistors) arranged along the width direction of the continuous paper P, and selectively energizes the plurality of heating elements based on signals transmitted from the circuit board. to print.

The printing section includes at least the thermal head 28 and the platen roller 10 .

As shown in FIG. 2, a coil spring (not shown) is arranged in front of the thermal head 28 . One rear end of the coil spring contacts the thermal head 28 and the other front end of the coil spring contacts the inner frame. The coil spring urges the thermal head 28 toward the platen roller 10 during printing, thereby pressing the thermal head 28 against the platen roller 10 with optimum pressure for printing.

The printer 1 has a peeling unit 4 (see FIG. 3), and by moving the peeling unit 4 between a continuous issue position corresponding to the continuous print mode and a peeling issue position corresponding to the manual peeling mode, continuous issue and Issue a detachment. As shown in FIG. 1B, when the printer cover 3 is in the open position, the peeling unit opening button 52b is exposed. The peeling unit 4 can be operated by operating the peeling unit opening button 52b. FIG. 2 shows the state of the peeling unit 4 when the peeling unit opening button 52b is operated.

The peeling unit opening button 52b is operated by the user when switching from continuous issuing to peeling issuing.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the peeling unit 4 has a peeling roller cover 41 and a peeling roller holder 42 that holds the peeling roller 45 . The peeling roller cover 41 is configured to cover the peeling roller holding portion 42 during continuous issuance. The peeling roller cover 41 is rotatably supported by the inner frame inside the main body case 2, and swings from the closed position to the open position (state shown in FIG. 2) in accordance with the operation of the peeling unit opening button 52b.

The peeling roller holding portion 42 is pivotally supported by the peeling roller cover 41 . At the time of continuous issuing, the peeling roller holding part 42 is folded and accommodated under the back surface of the peeling roller cover 41 .

A label position detection sensor 35 is provided on the printer cover 3 . When the printer cover 3 is closed, the label position detection sensor 35 is arranged in the paper feeding route until the continuous paper P pulled out from the roll paper R reaches the platen roller 10, and detects the reference position of the label PL. . It is preferable to control the transport amount of the continuous paper P based on the detection result of the label position detection sensor 35 .

Although not shown, it is preferable to provide a cutter for cutting the backing paper PM of the continuous paper P after continuous printing. When a cutter is provided, the cutter is installed in a state of extending along the width direction of the continuous paper P in the discharge section 20 . Also, the peeling bar 12 may function as a cutter.

[2. Continuous issuance and detachment issuance]
Next, continuous issuance and peeling issuance of the printer 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 .

The printer 1 is configured to be capable of switching between peeling issuing, in which the labels are issued by peeling them off from the mount of the continuous paper, and continuous issuing, in which the labels are issued without peeling off the labels from the mount.

In the case of continuous printing, it is possible to prepare a mount on which the required number of labels are pasted, and to peel off the label from the mount and paste it on site, so that the target object to be labeled can be placed away from the printer 1. suitable in some cases. For continuous issuance, the peeling unit 4 attached to the printer 1 is set at the continuous issuance position.

On the other hand, in the case of detachable issuance, the label is discharged one by one in a state where it is peeled off from the backing paper, so it is suitable when the object to which the label is to be affixed is near the user. At the time of peeling issue, the peeling unit 4 attached to the printer 1 is set at the peeling issue position. As a result, when the platen roller 10 is rotated and the continuous paper is conveyed for printing, the backing paper is conveyed in a state sandwiched between the peeling roller 45 and the platen roller 10, while the labels after printing are printed on the backing paper one by one. is peeled off from the printer 1 and ejected to the outside of the printer 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship of the peeling unit 4, the platen roller 10, the peeling bar 12, the thermal head 28, and the peeling sensor 47 at the time of continuous issuing and peeling issuing. In FIG. 3, the peeling roller cover 41 and the peeling roller holding portion 42 of the peeling unit 4 are represented only by outline lines. The contour line of the peeling roller cover 41 is indicated by a dotted line.

Further, since the position of the peeling roller holding portion 42 is different between continuous issuing and peeling issuing, only the peeling roller holding portion 42 is shaded.

The position of the exfoliation unit 4 at the time of continuous issue corresponds to the continuous issue position, and the position of the exfoliation unit 4 at the time of exfoliation issue corresponds to the exfoliation issue position.

As shown in FIG. 3, during continuous issuance, the peeling roller holding part 42 is housed under the peeling roller cover 41, whereby the peeling roller 45 is positioned away from the platen roller 10 and is continuously issued. Ejection of paper P is not hindered. The continuous paper P pulled out from the roll paper R is sandwiched between the platen roller 10 and the thermal head 28, and the label on the continuous paper P is printed.

When switching from continuous issuing to peeling issuing, the peeling roller holding portion 42 moves to a position where it swings around the shaft 42a by an operation of the user or the like. As shown in FIG. 3 , the peeling roller 45 is arranged at a position facing the platen roller 10 when the peeling is issued. In peeling issue, the continuous paper P pulled out from the roll paper R is sandwiched between the platen roller 10 and the thermal head 28, and the label on the continuous paper P is printed, which is the same as the continuous issue. In peeling issue, the backing paper PM of the continuous paper P pulled out from the roll paper R is sharply turned by the peeling bar 12, sandwiched between the platen roller 10 and the peeling roller 45, and discharged. The label PL is peeled off from the mount PM as the mount PM is sharply turned by the peel bar 12 .

As shown in FIG. 4 , a peeling sensor 47 is arranged on the surface of the peeling roller cover 41 . The peeling sensor 47 is a light reflective sensor for optically detecting the presence or absence of a detection target. Since the peeling sensor 47 is arranged to face the peeled label at the time of peeling issue, the output level usually changes depending on the presence or absence of the peeled label. The label PL peeled off by the peeling bar 12 in FIG. The peeled label PL stays on the peeling bar 12 due to its adhesive force, and the peeling sensor 47 detects the presence or absence of the label PL. When the user takes out the peeled label, the peeling sensor 47 detects that there is no label PL, and controls to issue the next label.

[3. control unit, etc.]
Referring to FIG. 5, the printer 1 includes a peeling sensor 47, a printing unit 703, a print control unit 705, a transport mechanism 707, a transport mechanism control unit 709, and a display panel 15 as functional blocks related to operations to be described later. The printer 1 further includes a display control section 711 and a control section 799 as functional blocks related to operations to be described later. The print control unit 705 , the transport mechanism control unit 709 , the display control unit 711 and the control unit 799 are interconnected by a bus 713 .

The printing unit 703 includes at least the thermal head 28 and the platen roller 10 .

The print control unit 705 controls the print unit 703 according to instructions from the control unit 799 .

The transport mechanism 707 includes at least the platen roller 10, the gear 10b, the gear and the stepping motor, as described above.

The transport mechanism controller 709 controls the transport mechanism 707 according to instructions from the controller 799 .

The display control section 711 controls the display panel 15 according to instructions from the control section 799 .

The control unit 799 detects the presence or absence of the peeled label based on the output of the peeling sensor 47 (sensor output signal). If the absence of a label continues to be detected based on the output of the peeling sensor 47 until printing by the printing unit 703 on the label PL is completed, the transport of the continuous paper by the transport mechanism 707 is stopped when printing is completed. Also, in such a case, the control unit 799 displays a warning icon on the status bar of the display panel 15 via the display control unit 711 . Here, the status bar is, for example, an area that covers the entire width of the display panel 15 at the upper end of the display panel 15, and various icons including warning icons can be displayed here. Details of the control unit 799 will be described later.

FIGS. 6 to 8 virtually represent the transport of the continuous paper P on a plane.

Referring to FIG. 6, the label position detection sensor 35, the thermal head 28, the peeling bar 12, and the peeling sensor 47 are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream in the conveying path of the continuous paper P. As shown in FIG. If the position of the thermal head 28 along the transport direction is P2, and the position of the peeling sensor 47 is P5, the linerless label cutting position P3 and the peeling position P4 are upstream between the positions P2 and P5. are arranged in this order from Accordingly, the positions P1 to P5 are arranged in this order along the transport direction.

Here, the linerless label cutting position P3 means that the latest printed linerless label is cut and separated from the continuous paper P by the user or the like from the continuous paper P on which the linerless labels are continuously configured. position.

In addition, the peeling position P4 is the latest printed labels temporarily attached to the peeling bar 12 immediately after being peeled from the continuous paper P including the mount PM and a plurality of labels PL temporarily attached to it at predetermined intervals. is the position where the label PL is peeled off from the mount PM by the user or the like.

[4. Detection of no label]
As described above, the peeling sensor 47 is usually arranged to face the peeled label at the time of peeling issue, so the output level usually changes depending on the presence or absence of the peeled label.

In the following description, as an example, when the light intensity of the reflected light reflected from the object is high, the light reflection type peeling sensor 47 outputs a high-level electrical signal (sensor output signal), and the light intensity of the reflected light is shall output a low-level electrical signal when is low. The control unit 799 compares the sensor output signal of the peel sensor 47 with a predetermined threshold to detect the presence or absence of the peeled label.
Here, "the sensor output signal is at a high level" means that the sensor output signal is at a level exceeding the threshold for detecting the presence or absence of a label of the control section 799. FIG. Conversely, "the sensor output signal is at a low level" means that the sensor output signal is at a level that does not exceed the threshold for label presence/absence detection of the controller 799. FIG.

Normally, the sensor output signal of the peeling sensor 47 is low level when there is a label within the detection range of the peeling sensor 47, and the sensor output signal of the peeling sensor 47 is high level when there is no label within the detection range of the peeling sensor 47. is.

However, even if there is a label within the detection range of the peeling sensor 47, the sensor output signal of the peeling sensor 47 may become high level. Specifically, even if the label after printing is conveyed and enters the detection range of the peeling sensor 47, the sensor output signal of the peeling sensor 47 may become high level due to, for example, strong external light.

[5] Description of operation [5.1 Kinds of operation]
Next, in the peeling issue mode, when the continuous paper P including the mount PM and a plurality of labels PL temporarily attached to it at predetermined intervals is the target for printing, from printing for each label PL to peeling of the label PL to explain how it works.

Below, the operation when the peeling sensor 47 outputs a low level when the label is conveyed to the detection range of the peeling sensor 47 (that is, normal operation) and the operation when the label is conveyed to the detection range of the peeling sensor 47 The operation when the peeling sensor 47 outputs a high level due to the influence of outside light will be described. First, referring to FIG. 7, the operation when the peeling sensor 47 outputs a low level when the label is conveyed to the detection range of the peeling sensor 47 will be described. A description will be given of the operation when the peeling sensor 47 outputs a high level due to the influence of external light even though the label is conveyed to the detection range of the sensor 47 .

[5.2 Operation When the Peeling Sensor Detects the Presence of a Label When the Label is Conveyed to the Detection Range of the Peeling Sensor]
Referring to FIG. 7, at time t11, the leading edge of the leading label PL reaches the thermal head 28, and printing on the leading label PL is started. In practice, the label PL requires a print margin (ensures a print prohibited area), and the position where printing is started is slightly upstream in the transport direction from the leading end of the label PL. Therefore, the print start position may not be the leading edge of the label PL, but may be slightly upstream in the transport direction from the leading edge of the label PL.

At time t12, printing continues, and printing of only the vicinity of the leading portion of the leading label PL is completed.

At time t13, the leading portion of the leading label PL reaches the peeling sensor position P5, and the sensor output signal output from the peeling sensor 47, which had indicated a high level until then, changes to indicate a low level.

At time t11 and time t12, the entire top label PL is temporarily attached to the mount PM, but peeling of the top label PL from the mount PM starts at a predetermined time between time t12 and time t13. ing. In FIG. 7, the mount PM does not extend above the position P4 at any time, and only the leading label PL protrudes above the position P4 after time t13. It shows that the top label PL has been peeled off. At time t13, the leading portion between position P4 and position P5 of leading label PL is peeled off from mount PM.

At time t14, the trailing portion of the leading label PL reaches the thermal head 28, and printing on the leading label PL ends.

At time t<b>14 , the leading label PL is still detected based on the sensor output signal of the peeling sensor 47 .

At time t15, the trailing portion of the leading label PL reaches the peeling position P4, and the continuous paper P stops being conveyed. At this time, the trailing portion of the leading label PL is temporarily attached to the peeling bar 12 so that the leading label PL can be easily peeled off from the peeling bar 12 by the user.

Note that the example of FIG. 7 shows the normal operation of the peeling sensor 47 as already described. In such a case, conveyance of the continuous paper P is stopped under the condition that the sensor output signal indicates a low level at time t14 when printing is completed (hereinafter referred to as "normal stop condition"). As the stop position, the position where the end of the leading label PL reaches the peeling position P4 is selected. It is not limited to location.

At time t16, when the leading label PL is peeled from the peeling bar 12 by the user or the like, the sensor output signal from the peeling sensor 47 changes to indicate a high level.

[5.3 Operation when the peeling sensor outputs a high level due to the influence of external light even if the label is conveyed to the detection range of the peeling sensor]
Next, with reference to FIG. 8, the operation in the case where the peeling sensor 47 outputs a high level sensor output signal even when the label is conveyed to the detection range of the peeling sensor will be described.

The operation in the case where the peel sensor 47 outputs a high level sensor output signal in spite of the presence of the peeled label will be described by comparing FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. In FIG. 7, during the period from time t13 to time t16, the peeling sensor 47 outputs a sensor output signal indicating a low level due to the presence of the peeled label PL. On the other hand, in FIG. 8, even during the period from time t13 to time t16, the peeling sensor 47 continues to output a high level sensor output signal even though there is a peeled label PL.

In chronological order, the leading portion of the leading label PL separated from the mount PM reaches the peeling sensor position P5 at time t13. However, even after time t13, the sensor output signal output by the peeling sensor 47 continues to indicate a high level.

At time t14, the trailing portion of the leading label PL reaches the thermal head position P2, and printing on the leading label PL is completed.

In the case of FIG. 8, the normal stop condition that the sensor output signal indicates a low level at time t14 when printing is completed is not satisfied. Therefore, if only the normal stop condition is set as the stop condition as in the conventional art, the continuous paper P will continue to be transported. If this is repeated, a plurality of printed labels PL will be continuously output from the printer.

In this embodiment, if the peeling sensor 47 continues to output a high level until time t14 when printing on the label is completed, the transport of the continuous paper P is stopped at time t14.

After that, transportation is started by an operation of the user or the like, and at time t15', the trailing portion of the leading label PL reaches the peeling position P4. Then, at time t<b>16 ′, the leading label PL is peeled off from the peeling bar 12 by the user or the like.

In the example of FIG. 7, since the peeled label can be detected based on the sensor output signal of the peeling sensor 47, the level of the error signal is continuously LOW.

In the example of FIG. 8, it is detected at time t14 at the end of printing that the peeling sensor 47 is outputting a sensor output signal indicating a high level due to the influence of external light even though the label has been conveyed to the detection range of the peeling sensor. ing. As a result, the error signal changes from LOW, which is the level of no error, to HIGH, which is the level of error, at time t14.

In the example of FIG. 8, when it is detected that the peeling sensor 47 is outputting a sensor output signal indicating a high level at time t14, the transport of the continuous paper P is immediately stopped. However, transportation of the continuous paper P may be stopped after time t14 if there is no significant delay.

Further, when it is detected that the peeling sensor 47 is outputting a sensor output signal indicating a high level at time t14, the printer is switched from online to offline. As a result, it is possible to avoid continuation of printing while online.

Here, the fact that the printer is online means that the printer is ready to print. Further, the fact that the printer is offline means that the printer is in a state where printing is stopped. When the printer is offline, printer settings, paper transport and printing can be canceled.

Further, when it is detected that the peeling sensor 47 outputs a high-level sensor output signal at time t14, information to that effect is output. For example, a warning icon is displayed on the status bar of the display panel 15 . The warning icon preferably indicates that the peeling sensor 47 is outputting a sensor output signal indicating a high level (for example, the message "the peeling sensor cannot detect the label"). For example, it may indicate that some kind of abnormality has occurred in the exfoliation issue mode. Moreover, you may invalidate exfoliation issue according to this or independently.

It is possible that the peeling sensor 47 temporarily or momentarily outputs a high-level sensor output signal before the completion of printing at time t14. A warning icon is displayed on the status bar of the display panel 15 . Therefore, it is possible to avoid annoying the user by displaying a warning icon on the status bar of the display panel 15 each time the peeling sensor 47 outputs a high-level sensor output signal temporarily or instantaneously.

[6. Enable/Disable Features]
We have already described the following three functions.
A function that terminates printing after the current printing is completed when it is detected that the peeling sensor 47 detects a high level due to the influence of external light even though the label has been transported to the detection range of the peeling sensor 47. (Function #1)
A function to switch the printer 1 from online to offline when it is detected that the peeling sensor 47 detects a high level due to the influence of external light even though the label has been transported to the detection range of the peeling sensor 47 (function #2 )
A function of outputting information to that effect when it is detected that the peeling sensor 47 detects a high level due to the influence of external light even though the label is transported to the detection range of the peeling sensor 47 (function #3).
Here, the function #1 may be always enabled, or the user may set whether the function #1 is enabled or disabled. Note that function #2 and function #3 may always be enabled.

[7. Another method for detecting that the peel sensor outputs a high-level sensor output signal even though there is a peeled label]
In the above embodiment, if the sensor output signal indicates a high level at the end of printing, the peeling sensor 47 outputs a high level sensor output signal in an unusual situation. I judge.
However, the method for determining whether the peeling sensor 47 is outputting a high-level sensor output signal in an unusual situation is not limited to this. For example, in the following cases, it may be determined that the peeling sensor 47 is outputting a high-level sensor output signal in an unusual situation.
(a) The peeling sensor 47 continues to output a high-level sensor output signal over the entire period during which the peeling sensor 47 should normally output a low-level sensor output signal (hereinafter referred to as a "detection period"). Case (b) When the exfoliation sensor 47 continuously or intermittently outputs a high-level sensor output signal for a period equal to or longer than a predetermined ratio of the entire detection period (c) Detection period (d) When the peeling sensor 47 outputs a high-level sensor output signal and the ratio of the total time to the detection period is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio (d) The peeling sensor 47 is a high-level sensor When it is found from the sensor output signals sampled temporally discretely during the detection period that the output signal continues to be output (for example, when the total number of high-level sensor output signal detections is greater than or equal to a predetermined number)
(e) A sensor sampled temporally discretely during the detection period that the exfoliation sensor 47 continues to output a high-level sensor output signal over a period equal to or longer than a predetermined ratio of the entire detection period. (f) The peeling sensor 47 may output a high-level sensor output signal during the detection period, and the ratio of the total period to the detection period is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio. When it is found by the sensor output signal sampled discretely (for example, when the detection frequency within a unit time of the high level sensor output signal is more than a predetermined number of times)

Figures 9A and 9B show the printing period and the level of the sensor output signal of the stripping sensor 47, and are shown for purposes of illustration with reference to Figures 9C to 9G below. A high level period in FIGS. 9C to 9G corresponds to the detection period.

As shown in FIG. 9C, for example, a period from time t13 to time t14 can be set as the detection period. Time t13 is the time when the leading edge of the peeling label at the leading edge of the continuous paper reaches the peeling sensor position P5. Time t14 is the time when printing on the peeling label at the leading edge of the continuous paper ends.

The time t13 can be obtained based on the relationship between the time and the transport amount. The relationship between the time and the transport amount can be calculated from the time when the label position detection sensor 35 detects the predetermined position of the continuous paper, the numerical values of the specifications of the printer, and the numerical values of the specifications of the continuous paper. Here, the predetermined position of the continuous paper is, for example, the edge of the label. The specifications of the printer are, for example, the distance from the position P1 of the label position detection sensor to each position P2 to P5, and the transport speed. The numerical values of the specifications of the continuous paper are label pitch, label size, and gap size. Therefore, the time t13 can be obtained even when the peeling sensor 47 outputs a high-level sensor output signal even though there is a peeled label.

Since the time t15 is the time when printing ends, it can be detected from the printer operation. For example, it can be detected from the print enable signal corresponding to the print period.

As shown in FIG. 9D, the detection period may be shortened by delaying the detection start time from time t13 (that is, bringing it closer to time t14). As shown in FIG. 9E, the detection period may be shortened by making the detection end time earlier than time t14 (that is, bringing it closer to time t13). Alternatively, the detection period may be shortened by changing both the detection start time and the detection end time. If the detection end time is earlier than time t14, it can be determined whether the peeling sensor 47 is outputting an unusual sensor output signal before printing is completed.

As shown in FIG. 9F, the print period may be used as the detection period. That is, if exfoliation issue mode is taken as an example, it is good also considering a period from time t11 to time t14 as a detection period. In that case, there is no need to calculate the time t13 as the detection start time. In that case, the sensor output signal of the peeling sensor 47 indicates a high level during the period from time t11 to time t13. However, from time t13 to time t14, when the peeling sensor 47 operates normally, the sensor output signal indicates a low level, and when the peeling sensor 47 operates differently than usual, the sensor output signal is Indicates high level. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not the peeling sensor 47 is outputting a high level sensor output signal that is different from normal by determining by summarizing the sensor output signals in the period from time t11 to time t14. For example, by adjusting the threshold value for determining the number of times or determining the frequency, it is possible to determine by totalizing the sensor output signals during the period from time t11 to time t14. Further, for example, if the sensor output signal indicates a low level once or for a short time during the period, it may be determined that the peeling sensor 47 is operating normally.

As shown in FIG. 9G, with the printing end time as a reference, a period of a predetermined length retroactively thereafter may be used as the pseudo detection period. In that case, the length of the pseudo detection period is adjusted so that the start time of the pseudo detection period is later than the start time t13 of the original detection period. In this way, even when the peeling sensor 47 is operating normally, the period during which the sensor output signal is high level can be prevented from being included in the pseudo detection period. In this case, by storing the data indicating whether the sensor output signal indicates a low level or a high level in a recording medium so that it can be checked retroactively, the above-mentioned (a) to (f) can be performed. You will be able to make decisions about

The invention can be embodied in various other forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, each embodiment mentioned above is only an illustration, and should not be interpreted restrictively. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims and is not restricted by the text of the specification. Furthermore, all modifications and changes within the equivalence range of claims are within the scope of the present invention.

1 Printer 2 Main body case 3 Printer cover 4 Peeling unit 6a Roll paper guide 8 Hinge 9 Roll paper storage chamber 10 Platen roller 10a Platen shaft 10b Gear 12 Peeling bar 15 Display panel 20 Ejection unit 27 Platen holding bracket 28 Thermal head 35 Label position detection Sensor 41 Peeling roller cover 42 Peeling roller holding part 42a Shaft 45 Peeling roller 47 Peeling sensor 51b Cover opening button 52b Peeling unit opening button 81 Hinge shaft 701 Label signal detection part 703 Printing part 705 Printing control part 707 Conveying mechanism 709 Conveying mechanism Control unit 711 Display control unit 799 Control unit

Claims (7)

A printer having a peeling/issuing mode for peeling off and issuing a printed label from a continuous paper containing a mount and a plurality of labels temporarily attached to the mount at predetermined intervals,
a transport mechanism for transporting the continuous paper;
a printing unit that prints on each of the plurality of labels;
a peeling mechanism for peeling the printed label from the mount;
a sensor arranged to face the label peeled off from the backing;
a control unit for stopping transport of the continuous paper by the transport mechanism when printing is completed when the absence of a label is continuously detected based on the output of the sensor until printing on the label is completed;
printer with If the control unit continues to detect the absence of a label based on the output of the sensor from the start of printing on the label to the completion of printing on the label at the earliest, the conveying unit at the completion of printing stopping transport of the continuous paper by a mechanism;
A printer according to claim 1. When the absence of a label is continuously detected for a predetermined time or longer based on the output of the sensor until printing on the label is completed, the control unit stops the transport of the continuous paper by the transport mechanism when printing is completed. ,
A printer according to claim 1. If the absence of a label is intermittently detected for a predetermined time or more based on the output of the sensor until printing on the label is completed, the control unit causes the continuous paper to be transported by the transport mechanism when printing is completed. to stop
A printer according to claim 1. If the number and/or frequency of indicating no label based on the output of the sensor exceeds a threshold before printing on the label is completed, the controller controls the continuous paper by the conveying mechanism when printing is completed. to stop the transport of
A printer according to any one of claims 1 to 4. further comprising a display,
The control unit displays a warning icon on the status bar of the display unit when the absence of a label continues to be detected based on the output of the sensor until printing on the label is completed.
A printer according to any one of claims 1 to 5. In a printer having a peeling/issuing mode in which a printed label is peeled off from a continuous paper containing a backing sheet and a plurality of labels temporarily attached to the backing sheet at predetermined intervals to be issued,
a step of starting label printing while conveying the continuous paper;
peeling off the printed label from the mount;
a step of detecting the presence or absence of the label based on the output of a sensor arranged to face the printed label peeled off from the mount;
stopping the conveyance of the continuous paper by the conveyance mechanism when printing is completed, if the absence of the label continues to be detected based on the output of the sensor until printing on the label is completed;
How to control the printer, including

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