JP2022144717A - Printer and control method of printer - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a printer which can reduce power consumption for rotationally driving a platen roller.SOLUTION: A printer includes: a print head; a platen roller; a motor which rotationally drives the platen roller by driving current limited with a maximum current value; and a control section which performs first control for controlling the maximum current value according to a section in a conveyance direction of continuous form paper pressed and held by the print head and the platen roller. The control section sets a first current value as the maximum current value in a first section to be a section in which a label is not stuck on a mount in the conveyance direction of the continuous form paper and a second section which is a part of a section in which a label is stuck on the label and is adjacent to the first section and sets a second current value smaller than the first current value as the maximum current value in a third section other than the second section in the section in which the label is stuck on the mount.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

The present invention relates to a printer that prints information on a print medium and a printer control method.

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.

As the print medium, continuous paper including a mount and a plurality of labels attached to the mount at predetermined intervals is often used.

JP 2007-145492 A

Such printers are often used by being permanently installed at the installation location, but in addition to this, for example, a belt hook provided on the bottom of the printer can be hooked on the user's belt, or a shoulder belt can be worn. It can also be used by hanging it on a person's shoulder.

Therefore, since printers are often operated by battery power, low power consumption is required.

Here, since the power consumption associated with the motor for rotating the platen roller accounts for a considerable portion of the power consumption of the entire printer, it is desired to reduce such power consumption.

As a method of reducing the power consumption related to the motor for rotating the platen roller, for example, it is conceivable to reduce the maximum current that can be applied to the motor. However, lowering the maximum current that can flow through the motor prevents the motor from producing high torque when needed.

Here, when the front edge or the rear edge of the label passes through the press-contact portion between the thermal head and the platen roller, a conveying load is generated, so that the motor requires higher torque than usual.

Therefore, if the maximum current that can be supplied to the motor is made low, the motor will not be able to generate the required torque, and there is a possibility that the motor will step out.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a printer and a method for setting a maximum current value that can reduce power consumption for rotating a platen roller.

According to one aspect of the invention,
a print head for printing on each label of continuous paper including a mount and a plurality of labels attached to the mount at predetermined intervals;
a platen roller that transports the continuous paper while pressing and nipping the continuous paper together with the print head;
a motor that rotationally drives the platen roller with a drive current limited by a maximum current value;
a control unit that performs first control for controlling the maximum current value according to a section in the conveying direction of the continuous paper pressed and held between the print head and the platen roller;
with
The control unit, in the first control,
A first section of the continuous paper in which the label is not affixed to the backing sheet in the conveying direction, and a part of the section where the label is affixed to the backing sheet and adjacent to the first section. In the second interval, the first current value is set as the maximum current value,
A second current value smaller than the first current value is set as the maximum current value in a third section excluding the second section in the section where the label is attached to the mount,
A printer is provided.

According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce power consumption for rotationally driving the platen roller.

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 rear surface, left side surface, and upper surface when the cover of the printer according to the embodiment of the present invention is opened; FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing each section set for the continuous paper to be printed by the printer according to the embodiment of the present invention; 4 is a conceptual diagram showing times and periods provided for setting the maximum current value of the motor with respect to the transport amount of the continuous paper transported within the printer according to the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing a current increase section and a current decrease section applied to continuous paper in a normal labeling cycle handled by the printer according to the embodiment of the invention; FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a coalescing current increase section given to continuous paper with a short labeling cycle handled by the printer according to the embodiment of the present invention; 4 is a flow chart showing the overall flow when executing online print processing of the printer according to the embodiment of the present invention; 6 is a graph showing temporal changes in the set maximum current value when constant-speed printing processing and other processing requiring a small maximum current value overlap in the printer according to the embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a graph showing temporal changes in the set maximum current value when constant-speed printing and other processing requiring a large maximum current value overlap in the printer according to the embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a graph showing temporal changes in the set maximum current value when constant-speed printing and other processing requiring a medium maximum current value overlap in the printer according to the embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flow chart showing initialization processing in the method of setting the maximum current value according to the embodiment of the present invention; 4 is a flow chart showing constant-speed printing processing in the method of setting the maximum current value according to the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing details of maximum current value setting shown in FIG. 12 ; FIG.

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 and sticking 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). On the other hand, a belt hook (not shown) provided on the bottom surface of the printer 1 can be hooked on the user's belt, or a shoulder belt (not shown) can be attached and put on the user's shoulder to operate the discharge section. It is also possible to use it with the 20 side facing horizontally (vertical holding).

A display panel 15 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 in which the roll paper R is stored.

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 engages with a gear 22b arranged in the main body case 2 when the printer cover 3 is in the closed position, and is mechanically connected to a roller driving stepping motor (not shown) or the like via the gear 22b. It is supposed to be connected.

As shown in FIG. 2, a peeling bar 12 is installed along the platen roller 10 in the vicinity of the platen roller 10 on the printer cover 3 . 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 is arranged in front of the platen holding bracket 27 .

The thermal head 28 (an example of a print head) 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. . The thermal head 28 is provided so as to face the platen roller 10 when the printer cover 3 is closed.

A flexible cable connected to a circuit board (not shown) is detachably attached to the thermal head 28 . 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.

As shown in FIG. 2, a coil spring 55 is arranged in front of the thermal head 28 . One rear end of the coil spring 55 contacts the thermal head 28, and the other front end of the coil spring 55 contacts the inner frame. The coil spring 55 urges the thermal head 28 toward the platen roller 10 during printing, thereby pressing the thermal head 28 against the platen roller 10 with an optimum pressure for printing. In the following description, the portion where the continuous paper P is pressed and nipped by the platen roller 10 and the thermal head 28 is simply referred to as a ``press-and-nip portion''.

The printer 1 has a peeling unit 4, and performs continuous issue and peeling issue by moving the peeling unit 4 between a continuous issue position corresponding to the continuous printing mode and a peeling issue position corresponding to the peeling manual pasting mode. . 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. 2 , 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 position of the label PL. In particular, the signal from the label position detection sensor 35 can detect the front edge and rear edge 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. Maximum current value setting method]
[2.1 Principle]
A stepping motor is used to drive the platen roller 10 . The current required to drive the stepping motor is determined by the motor controller (not shown). The necessary current is supplied from a drive circuit (not shown) for driving the motor. Here, the maximum current value that the drive circuit can supply to the motor can be set for the drive circuit.

Therefore, if the maximum current value that the drive circuit can supply to the stepping motor is increased, when the leading edge 713 (see FIG. 3) or the trailing edge 715 (see FIG. 3) of the label PL passes the pressure clamp, The required current can be supplied to the stepping motor. Therefore, it is possible to avoid stepping out of the stepping motor and print misalignment.

Therefore, it is conceivable to always set a high maximum current value that the drive circuit can supply to the stepping motor.

However, even if the current that actually flows through the stepping motor is the same, if the maximum current value that can be supplied to the stepping motor is set high, the power consumption will be greater than if the maximum current value is set low. turn into. In particular, if the maximum current value that can be supplied to the stepping motor is set large even though the current that actually needs to be supplied to the stepping motor is small, power will be wasted.

Therefore, when the current required by the stepping motor is small, the maximum current that the drive circuit can supply to the stepping motor is reduced. increases the maximum current value.

As a result, it is possible to reduce the average power consumption for rotating the platen roller 10 while preventing print misalignment.

[2.2 Various Sections in Conveyed Paper]
Referring to FIG. 3, the thermal head 28 contacts the surface of the label PL in the label section 703 where the label PL is temporarily attached to the mount PM, and in the gap section 701 where the label PL is not temporarily attached to the mount PM. , contact the surface of the mount PM. As already described, the coil spring 55 urges the thermal head 28 toward the platen roller 10 during printing, thereby pressing the thermal head 28 against the platen roller 10 with the optimum pressure for printing. Therefore, the platen roller 10 is always in contact with the back surface of the mount PM.

In the vicinity of the boundary between the label section 703 and the gap section 701 (the vicinity of the front edge 713 and the rear edge 715), the current value required by the stepping motor is high because the load of conveyance is particularly applied.

Therefore, a front margin section 705 near the front edge 713 and a rear margin section 707 near the rear edge 715 are provided for each label PL. For each gap section 701 , a current rising section 709 is provided by combining a rear margin section 707 preceding the gap section 701 and a front margin section 705 succeeding the gap section 701 .

A section sandwiched between the current rising sections 709 adjacent to each other is provided as a current decreasing section 711 .

For each label, the current reduction section 711 is a section obtained by excluding the front margin section and the rear margin section from the label section.

As shown in FIG. 3, the label pasting period is Lp, the length of the gap section 701 is the gap length Lg, the length of the label section 703 is the label pitch Lf, the length of the current rising section 709 is the rising section length L1, and the current decreasing length is L1. When the length of the section 711 is L2, the length of the front margin section 705 is the front margin length Ls, and the length of the rear margin section 707 is the rear margin length Le,
Lp = Lf + Lg
L1=Lg+Ls+Le
L2=Lf-(Ls+Le)
is.

Here, the front margin length Ls and the rear margin length Le may be the same, but this is not the only option.

Although details will be described later, as the maximum current value that can be supplied to the motor, a first maximum current value (an example of a "first current value") I1 is set in the current increase section 709, and in the current decrease section 711 A second maximum current value (an example of a “second current value”) I2 is set.

Since the central portion of the label PL is flat, there is no need to increase the current supplied to the stepping motor in order to avoid stepping out of the stepping motor or print misalignment when the label PL passes through the pressure clamping portion. Therefore, the maximum current required by the stepping motor when near the front edge 713 and rear edge 715 of the label PL passes through the pressure nip is compared to the maximum current required by the stepping motor when the near center portion of the label PL passes through the pressure nip. The maximum current required by the motor is relatively small. As a result, it is possible to prevent wasteful power consumption.

[2.3 Timing control in constant-speed printing process]
4A to 4E show how the continuous paper P conveyed from left to right as viewed in these figures passes through the label position detection sensor 35 and the press-contact nipping portion in this order.

FIG. 4A shows that the position of the rear edge 715 of the n-th label PL (indicated by “#n”) coincides with the position x1 of the label position detection sensor 35 at the rear edge detection time t1. there is

FIG. 4B shows that at the current rising period start time t2, the current rising section start position ahead of the rear edge 715 of the n-th label PL by the rear margin length coincides with the position x3 of the pressure clamp. ing.

FIG. 4C shows that the position of the rear edge 715 of the nth label PL coincides with the position x3 of the pressure clamp at the rear edge passage time t3.

FIG. 4D shows that the position of the front edge 713 of the (n+1)-th label PL (indicated by "#n+1") coincides with the position of the pressure clamp at the front edge passage time t4. .

FIG. 4E shows that at the current rising period end time t5, the end position of the current rising section behind the front edge 713 of the (n+1)th label PL by the front margin length coincides with the position of the pressure clamping portion. showing.
The standby period Ta is a period from the trailing edge detection time t1 to the current rising period start time t2.

The current rising period T1 is a period from the current rising period start time t2 to the current rising period end time t5.

The required time Td for movement between the sensor and the press-contact clamping portion is a period from the trailing edge detection time t1 to the trailing edge passing time t3.

The trailing margin period Te is a period from the current rising period start time t2 to the trailing edge passage time t3.

The gap period Tg is a period from the trailing edge passage time t3 to the front edge passage time t4.

The forward margin period Ts is a period from the forward edge passage time t4 to the current rising period end time t5.

The current rising period T1 starts at the current rising period start time t2 after the waiting period Ta has elapsed from the time t1 when the label position detection sensor 35 detects the trailing edge of the n-th label PL. Then, the current rising period T1 ends at the current rising period end time t5 after the time of the current rising period T1 has elapsed. The current rising period T1 corresponds to the current rising section 709 (see FIG. 3). The current rising period T1 here includes a gap section 701 (see FIG. 3) between the n-th label PL and the (n+1)-th label PL, a front margin section 705 and a rear margin section 707 before and after it. It corresponds to the current rising section 709 including .

Note that the gap section 701 between the n-th label PL and the (n+1)-th label PL after the rear edge 715 of the n-th label PL is detected by the label position detection sensor 35 and the gap section 701 before and after it. A period until the current rising period T1 corresponding to the current rising section 709 including the front margin section 705 and the rear margin section 707 starts is set as the waiting period Ta. However, although detailed description is omitted, the timing at which the standby period Ta starts is not limited to this.

As shown in FIG. 4, the current rising period T1 is a period corresponding to a section including a gap section 701 (see FIG. 3), a front margin section 705 and a rear margin section 707 sandwiching the gap section 701 from the front and back. be. This is a period including a gap period Tg, and a rear margin period Te and a front margin period Ts sandwiching the gap period Tg from before and after.

[2.4 Operation corresponding to continuous paper whose label pasting cycle is greater than or equal to the rising section length]
FIG. 5 explains the operation corresponding to the continuous paper of the normal label sticking cycle Lp. Start.

Then, the current rising section 709 ends at a position 719 that follows in the conveying direction from the front edge 713 of the label PL that follows the label PL from which it started by the front margin length Ls.

In the example shown in FIG. 5, between adjacent current rising sections 709 (for example, current rising section #n and current rising section #(n+1)), there is a current decreasing section 711 (for example, current decreasing section #n ) is provided.

The rising section length L1, which is the length of the current rising section 709, is adjusted according to the label pitch Lf and the gap length Lg in the continuous paper P serving as a reference. The rising section length L1 is a length obtained by adding the front margin length Ls and the rear margin length Le to the reference continuous paper gap length Lg. Normally, the rising section length L1 is adjusted so that the current decreasing section 711 also exists. That is, the front margin length Ls and the rear margin length Le are adjusted so that the total length of the front margin length Ls and the rear margin length Le is shorter than the label pitch Lf. The adjustment may be made at the time of shipment from the factory, or may be made by the user's operation.

[2.5 Operation corresponding to continuous paper whose label pasting cycle is shorter than the rising section length]
Various parameters adjusted to correspond to the reference continuous paper P are stored in the storage unit (not shown) of the printer 1 . These various parameters may be used not only when printing on the reference continuous paper P, but also when printing on continuous paper having other dimensions.
In particular, as shown in FIG. 6, even when printing on continuous paper whose length of the labeling period Lp′ is different from the labeling period Lp of the continuous paper on which the reference continuous paper P is used, It is also possible to operate with a correspondingly adjusted rise segment length L1 and a corresponding current rise duration T1.
As already explained, FIG. 5 shows an example in which the label application cycle Lp is longer than the rising section length L1.
On the other hand, FIG. 6 shows an example in which the label sticking cycle Lp' is shorter than the current rising section L1. The ascending section length L1 shown in FIG. 6 is not determined so as to correspond to the continuous paper shown in FIG. 6, but is determined so as to correspond to the continuous paper shown in FIG.
Since the labeling period Lp' is shorter than the rising section length L1, the adjacent current rising sections 709 overlap and form a combined current rising section 709C. Therefore, there is no current reduction section 711 .
Therefore, as the maximum current, the first maximum current value I1 set for the current rising section 709 is set.
In this case, when the leading edge 713 and trailing edge 715 of each label pass through the pressure clamp, the maximum current value is the first maximum current value I1, so the current required by the motor at these portions is will be supplied.

[2.6 Overall processing from start to end of printing]
As shown in FIG. 7, the online print process Q includes a print acceleration process Q1, a print constant speed process Q2 and a print deceleration process Q3 as sub-processes, which are executed in this order. The process of alternately repeating the current rising section 709 and the current decreasing section 711 as described above is performed in the constant speed printing process Q2.

[2.7 When Other Processing Duplicates]
Next, a description will be given of the operation when other processes involving motor driving overlap in terms of time.

Here, other processing includes, for example, processing for emergency stop of printing, error processing due to paper end detection, and print deceleration processing near the print end position in continuous mode.

FIGS. 8 to 10 show the situation when other processes overlap during the period of the constant-speed printing process Q2 in which the current rising period and the current decreasing period are alternately repeated. The current rising period is the period during which the current rising section 709 passes through the pressure clamping portion, and the current decreasing period is the period during which the current decreasing section 711 passes through the pressure clamping portion.

Between time t60 and time t66, the current decrease period and the current increase period are alternately repeated. Another processing period occurs from time t62 to time t64.

8 to 10, the maximum current value corresponding to the current rising period is represented as the first maximum current value I1. Also, the maximum current value corresponding to the current reduction period is represented as a second maximum current value I2. Furthermore, the maximum current value corresponding to another processing period is represented as a third maximum current value (an example of a "third current value") I3.

In addition, in FIGS. 8 to 10, the period during which each of the first maximum current value I1, the second maximum current value I2, and the third maximum current value I3 is required and the period during which they are not required are indicated by "necessary" and "unnecessary". represent.

One or more maximum current values are required for each time. Then, the maximum current value is set as the maximum current value among one or a plurality of maximum current values required at each time. This makes it possible to supply the motor with the current actually required for any process.

In FIGS. 8 to 10, the period from time t60 to time t61 is the current reduction period only. Therefore, the second maximum current value I2 is set as the maximum current value Imax (Imax=I2).

In addition, since the period from time t61 to time t62 is only the current rising period, the maximum current value required is only the first maximum current value I1. Therefore, the first maximum current value I1 is set as the maximum current value Imax (Imax=I1).

Furthermore, since the period from time t62 to time t63 is a period in which the current rising period overlaps with another processing period, the required maximum current values are the first maximum current value I1 and the third maximum current value I3. Therefore, for this period, the maximum value of the first maximum current value I1 and the third maximum current value I3 is set as the maximum current value Imax (Imax=max(I1, I3)).

Furthermore, since the period from time t63 to time t64 is a period in which the current reduction period overlaps with the other processing period, the required maximum current values are the second maximum current value I2 and the third maximum current value I3. Therefore, for this period, the maximum value of the second maximum current value I2 and the third maximum current value I3 is set as the maximum current value Imax (Imax=max(I2, I3)).

Furthermore, the period from time t64 to time t65 is only the current reduction period. Therefore, the second maximum current value I2 is set as the maximum current value Imax (Imax=I2).

Furthermore, since the period from time t65 to time t66 is only the current rising period, the maximum current value required is only the first maximum current value I1. Therefore, the first maximum current value I1 is set as the maximum current value Imax (Imax=I1).

FIG. 8 shows the maximum current actually set when the third maximum current value I3 corresponding to the other processing period is smaller than the second maximum current value I2 corresponding to the current reduction period (when I1>I2>I3). Value 909 and current 911 through the motor are shown. In this case, even if other processing periods overlap, the maximum current values I1 and I2 set for the current increase period and the current decrease period are not affected.

FIG. 9 shows a maximum current value 913 actually set when the third maximum current value I3 is greater than the first maximum current value I1 (when I3>I1>I2) and a current 915 flowing through the motor. . In this case, when other processing periods overlap, the maximum current values I1 and I2 set for the current increase period and the current decrease period are affected and changed to the third maximum current value I3.

FIG. 10 shows the maximum current value 917 actually set when the third maximum current value I3 is between the first maximum current value I1 and the second maximum current value I2 (when I1>I3>I2) and the motor current value 917. shows a current 919 flowing through. In this case, even if other processing periods overlap, the maximum current value I1 set for the current rising period is not affected. On the other hand, when other processing periods overlap, the maximum current value I2 set for the current reduction period is affected and changes to the third maximum current value I3.

[2.8 Print acceleration process and print deceleration process as other processes]
It has already been described with reference to FIG. 7 that in the online printing process Q, the printing acceleration process Q1, the constant-speed printing process Q2, and the printing deceleration process Q3 are executed in this order.

Here, the print acceleration process Q1 and the print deceleration process Q3 can be handled as other processes. In this case, the maximum current value required for the print acceleration process Q1 is treated as the third maximum current value. Also, the maximum current value required in the print deceleration process Q3 is treated as the third current value.

When the print acceleration process Q1 is treated as another process and the maximum current value required for the print acceleration process Q1 is set as the third maximum current value I3, the first maximum current value I1, the second maximum current value I2 and the third maximum current Among the values I3, there can be the following three magnitude relationships.
(C1) I3>I1>I2
(C2) I1>I3>I2
(C3) I1>I2>I3
In the case of (C1), the maximum current value required for the print acceleration process Q1 is set as the maximum current value during the current rising period. The maximum current value required for the print acceleration process Q1 is also set as the maximum current value during the current reduction period. Therefore, the print acceleration process Q1 can be executed without any trouble.
In the case of (C2), a first current value larger than the maximum current value required for the print acceleration process Q1 is set as the maximum current value during the current rising period. The maximum current value required for the print acceleration process Q1 is also set as the maximum current value during the current reduction period. Therefore, the print acceleration process Q1 can be executed without any trouble.
In the case of (C3), a first current value larger than the maximum current value required for the print acceleration process Q1 is set as the maximum current value during the current rising period. A second current value larger than the maximum current value required for the print acceleration process Q1 is also set as the maximum current value during the current reduction period. Therefore, the print acceleration process Q1 can be executed without any trouble.

The same applies when the print deceleration process Q3 is treated as another process and the maximum current value required for the print deceleration process Q3 is set as the third maximum current value I3.

[2.9 How to set the maximum current value of the motor]
[2.9.1 Basic]
Next, a method for setting the maximum current value of the motor will be described.

First, after the initialization process INIT shown in FIG. 11 is executed, the online printing process Q shown in FIG. 7 is executed.

Referring to FIG. 11, in the initialization process INIT, first, the length Ta of the waiting period measurement timer is set (step S601).
The length Ta of the standby period setting timer corresponds to the standby period Ta shown in FIG.

Next, the length T1 of the current rising period measurement timer is set (step S603). The length T1 of the current rising period measurement timer corresponds to the current rising period T1 shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 7, as already explained, in the online print process Q, the print acceleration process Q1, the print constant speed process Q2, and the print deceleration process Q3 are executed in this order.

Details of the constant speed printing process Q2 are as shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 12, in the constant speed printing process Q2, the processes between steps S613S and S613E are repeated.

At each iteration:
If the label position detection sensor 35 detects the trailing edge 715 of the label PL immediately before printing (YES in step S615), the standby period measurement timer is started from the length Ta (step S617). This corresponds to starting the waiting period measurement timer at the trailing edge detection time t1 when the n-th label PL is at the position shown in FIG. 4A.

Next, if the standby period measurement timer has timed out (YES in step S619), the current reduction period is terminated and the current increase period is started (step S621). (step S623). This corresponds to the end of the current decrease period and the start of the current increase period at the current increase period start time t2 when the n-th label PL is at the position shown in FIG. 4B.

Next, if the current rising period measurement timer times out (YES in step S625), the current rising period ends and the current decreasing period starts (step S627). This corresponds to the end of the current rise period and the start of the current decrease period at the end time t5 of the current rise period when the nth label PL and the (n+1)th label PL are at the positions shown in FIG. 4E. do.

Next, the maximum current value is set (step S637), and the operation in each iteration ends. Details of step S637 will be described later.

Although not shown in FIG. 12, when the standby period measurement timer is started, it counts down in a self-propelled manner until it times out, and then pauses until it is restarted.
Similarly, although not shown in FIG. 12, once activated, the current rising period measurement timer self-runs and counts down until it times out, and then pauses until it is reactivated.

[2.9.2 Operation corresponding to continuous paper with normal labeling cycle]
By the way, when using continuous paper P having a relatively long label pasting cycle such that the current reduction section 711 can be provided, the current rise period measurement timer times out in a certain repetition (YES in S625). The current rising period ends (step S627). Then, in the repetition at the time after the current reduction period has elapsed, the standby period timer times out (YES in step S619), the current increase period starts (step S621), and the current increase period measurement timer is started from the length T1. (step S623). Therefore, there is a period during which the current rise period measurement timer remains timed out. The period during which the current rise period measurement timer remains timed out is the current reduction period corresponding to the current reduction section 711 . This corresponds to the example shown in FIG. 5 in which the current decreasing and current increasing intervals are alternately repeated.

[2.9.3 Operation corresponding to continuous paper with a short labeling cycle]
On the other hand, if the continuous paper P' has a label pasting cycle that is so short that the current reduction section 711 cannot be provided, the standby period measurement timer times out during the initial operation (YES in step S619), and the current A rising period begins (step S621). Then, the current rising period measurement timer is started from the length T1 (step S623). Then, while the current rise period measurement timer does not time out (NO in step S625) and step S627 for ending the current rise period is not executed, the waiting period timer corresponding to the next label PL times out (step YES in S619). At this time, the current rising period starts again from the beginning (step S621), and the current rising period measurement timer is started from the length T1 (step S623). Here, one current rise period will start before the next current rise period ends. If this is repeated, the current rise period will be continuously extended substantially. In addition, since the current rising period measuring timer is restarted from the length T1 before the timer times out, the current rising period measuring timer maintains the measuring state. This corresponds to FIG. 6 where a coalescing current rise segment 709C is formed.

Next, details of step S637 for setting the maximum current value shown in FIG. 12 will be described with reference to FIG.

Referring to FIG. 13, first, if the current period belongs to the current rising period (YES in step S641), the first maximum current value I1 is set as the maximum current value Imax (step S643).

On the other hand, if the current period belongs to the current reduction period (NO in step S641), the second maximum current value I2 is set as the maximum current value Imax (step S645).

Next, if another process is being executed (YES in step S647), the maximum current value Imax is set to the maximum current value Imax at the time of entering step S649, or the third maximum current value I3 corresponding to the other process, whichever is greater. A current value with a value is set (step S649).

Therefore, looking at step S637 for setting the maximum current value Imax as a whole, if no other process is being executed, the first maximum current value I1 is set as the maximum current value Imax during the current rising period. Further, if no other process is being executed, the second maximum current value I2 is set as the maximum current value Imax in the current reduction period.

On the other hand, if another process is being executed, the current value having the larger value among the first maximum current value I1 and the third maximum current value I3 required for the other process is the maximum current value Imax in the current rising period. is set as Further, if another process is being executed, the current value having the larger value among the second maximum current value I2 and the third maximum current value I3 required for the other process is set as the maximum current value Imax in the current reduction period. set.

This content corresponds to the content described with reference to FIGS.

The maximum current value setting method performed by the printer described above can be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination thereof. Here, "implemented by software" means implemented by a computer reading and executing a program.

The program can be stored and delivered to the computer using various types of non-transitory computer-readable media. Non-transitory computer-readable media include various types of tangible storage media.

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 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 Eject Portion 22b Gear 27 Platen Holding Bracket 28 Thermal Head 35 Label Position detection sensor 41 Peeling roller cover 42 Peeling roller holder 45 Peeling roller 51b Cover opening button 52b Peeling unit opening button 55 Coil spring 81 Hinge shaft 901 Maximum current value 903 Drive current Imax Maximum current value M Position detection marks P, P ' Continuous paper PL Label PM Mounting paper R Roll paper

Claims (7)

a print head for printing on each label of continuous paper including a mount and a plurality of labels attached to the mount at predetermined intervals;
a platen roller that transports the continuous paper while pressing and nipping the continuous paper together with the print head;
a motor that rotationally drives the platen roller with a drive current limited by a maximum current value;
a control unit that performs first control for controlling the maximum current value according to a section in the conveying direction of the continuous paper pressed and held between the print head and the platen roller;
with
The control unit, in the first control,
A first section of the continuous paper in which the label is not affixed to the mount in the conveying direction, and a part of the section where the label is affixed to the mount and the first section. In the adjacent second section, a first current value is set as the maximum current value,
A second current value smaller than the first current value is set as the maximum current value in a third section excluding the second section in the section where the label is attached to the mount,
printer. The control unit
setting the second current value as the maximum current value in the third interval when the label pasting cycle is equal to or longer than a predetermined length;
setting the first current value as the maximum current value in the third section when the labeling period is less than the predetermined length;
A printer according to claim 1. a counter initialized when the continuous paper is conveyed to a position corresponding to the boundary between the third section of each label and the second section on the rear side in the conveying direction;
The control unit sets the first current value as the maximum current value in a period from when the counter is initialized until it stops,
setting the second current value as the maximum current value in a period from when the counter is stopped until it is reinitialized;
When the label pasting cycle is equal to or longer than the predetermined length, the period from the initialization of the counter to the stop thereof corresponds to the first section and the two second sections sandwiching the first section, and the counter is The period from stopping to re-initialization corresponds to the third section,
3. A printer according to claim 2. When the label application cycle is less than the predetermined length, the period from the initialization of the counter to the reinitialization of the counter is the first section, the two second sections sandwiching the first section, and the third section. corresponding to the interval,
A printer according to claim 3. The control unit performs a second control for controlling the maximum current value,
In the second control, when another process requiring a third current value as the maximum current value is occurring, the first current value set as the maximum current value by the first control and replacing either one of the second current value with the larger current value of either one of the first current value and the second current value and the third current value;
A printer according to any one of claims 1 to 4. the other processing includes at least one of print acceleration processing and print deceleration processing;
A printer according to claim 5. A printer control method comprising:
The printer is
a print head for printing on each label of continuous paper including a mount and a plurality of labels attached to the mount at predetermined intervals;
a platen roller that transports the continuous paper while pressing and nipping the continuous paper together with the print head;
a motor that rotationally drives the platen roller with a drive current limited by a maximum current value;
with
The control method is a method of controlling the maximum current value according to a section in the conveying direction of the continuous paper pressed and held between the print head and the platen roller,
A first section of the continuous paper in which the label is not affixed to the mount in the conveying direction, and a part of the section where the label is affixed to the mount and the first section. setting a first current value as the maximum current value in the adjacent second section;
setting a second current value that is smaller than the first current value as the maximum current value in a third section other than the second section in the section where the label is attached to the mount;
A method of controlling a printer, comprising:

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