JP7293983B2 - PRINTING DEVICE, CONTROL METHOD, AND PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a printing device, control method, and program.

In a printing apparatus having a printing unit that prints on a printing medium and a conveying unit that conveys the printing medium by the power of a motor, printing is performed with the printing unit in pressure contact with the conveying unit via the printing medium. Some print on media. For example, in a thermal printer, a thermal head as a printing unit is in pressure contact with a platen roller as a conveying unit through the medium to be printed. print to

Some printing apparatuses of this type have an openable and closable lid attached to the housing, and a dedicated sensor for detecting the opening and closing of the lid is provided near the lid of the housing ( For example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2012-096389 A

Some of the above-described printing apparatuses having a housing with an openable/closable lid may cause deterioration of print quality or failure of printing if printing is performed on a print medium while the lid is not completely closed. Therefore, in this type of printing apparatus, it is desirable to correctly detect the open/closed state of the cover when printing on the print medium.

On the other hand, in conventional printing apparatuses, it was necessary to use a dedicated sensor for detecting the open/closed state of the cover. Also, in order to detect other states of the printer, it is necessary to sense the state of the printer using a dedicated sensor other than the dedicated sensor for detecting the open/closed state of the lid.

In view of the circumstances as described above, it is an object of one aspect of the present invention to provide a technique capable of correctly detecting the state of a printing apparatus without using a dedicated sensor.

A printing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a transport unit that transports a print medium by power of a motor, and a print unit that prints on the print medium, and a printer between the print unit and the transport unit. When the cover attached to the apparatus housing is closed while the print medium is interposed, the position relative to the conveying section changes in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the cover, and the conveying section and the print medium change their positions relative to each other. The printer includes the printing unit that presses against the print medium, a speed detection unit that detects the rotation speed of the motor, and a control unit that determines the open/closed state of the lid based on the detected rotation speed of the motor.

A printing apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes a conveying section that conveys a print medium by power of a motor, and a printing section that prints on the print medium, wherein the printing section and the conveying section have: When the cover attached to the device housing is closed while the print medium is interposed in the state of Control for determining the state of the remaining amount of the print medium based on the printing unit that presses the print medium through, a speed detection unit that detects the rotation speed of the motor, and the detected rotation speed of the motor. and a part.

A control method according to an aspect of the present invention includes a printing unit that prints on a print medium, and a transport unit that transports the print medium by power of a motor, and when a lid of an apparatus housing is closed, the A control method for a printing apparatus in which a printing unit presses against the conveying unit via the print medium, the method comprising: detecting a rotational speed of the motor; and controlling the lid based on the detected rotational speed of the motor. and determining an open/closed state.

A program according to an aspect of the present invention includes a printing unit that prints on a print medium, and a transport unit that transports the print medium by the power of a motor, and when a lid of a device housing is closed, the printing is performed. detecting the rotational speed of the motor in the printing apparatus, the portion of which is pressed against the conveying portion via the medium to be printed, and determining the open/closed state of the lid based on the detected rotational speed of the motor; Let

According to the above aspect, it is possible to correctly detect the state of the printing apparatus without using a dedicated sensor.

1 is a plan view of a printing device 1 according to one embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a partial plan view showing an example of the internal configuration of a portion overlapping with a lid 4 in the printer 1 of FIG. 1; 7A and 7B are diagrams for explaining the operation of the thermal head 701 interlocked with the opening and closing operation of the lid 4; FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the printing device 1 according to one embodiment; FIG. 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining an example of speed information used to determine the state of the printing apparatus 1; FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining print processing according to an embodiment; FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of rotation speed adjustment processing in the flowchart of FIG. 6; FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining self-check processing performed by the printing apparatus 1 according to one embodiment;

An embodiment of a printing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a printing device 1 according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a partial plan view showing an example of the internal configuration of a portion overlapping the lid 4 in the printer 1 of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. The X and Y directions of FIG. 2 coincide with the X and Y directions of FIG. 2, some of the keys (buttons) of the input device 3 provided in the printing device 1 are omitted.

The printing apparatus 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a label printer provided with a thermal head 701 that prints on a long heat-sensitive tape 12 . The thermal tape 12 includes a thermal layer that develops or changes color when heated, an adhesive layer laminated on the thermal layer, and a separator (release paper) that protects the adhesive layer. The thermal tape 12 is an example of a print medium. The thermal tape 12 is supplied from a tape roll 11 in which the thermal tape 12 is wound around a cylindrical core material. The tape roll 11 is accommodated in the medium adapter 10 and supported by the medium adapter 10 in a rotatable state about the axial direction of the core material as the rotation axis. In the printing apparatus 1 of FIGS. 1 and 2, the direction orthogonal to the X direction and the Y direction is the axial direction of the core material of the tape roll 11 (that is, the rotation axis of the recording medium 11). The thermal tape 12 of the tape roll 11 is fed out of the medium adapter 10 from an outlet (not shown) provided in the medium adapter 10, and a character string or the like is printed on the fed portion. The underlined number "9" in FIGS. 1 and 2 indicates that the width of the thermal tape 12 is 9 mm.

Hereinafter, a thermal label printer that prints on the thermal tape 12 will be described as an example of the printing apparatus 1, but the printing method of the printing apparatus 1 is not particularly limited. For example, the printing apparatus 1 may be a thermal transfer label printer that uses an ink ribbon.

The printing device 1 includes a device housing 2 , an input device 3 , a lid 4 and a display device 5 .

The apparatus housing 2 accommodates a printed circuit board (not shown) containing part of a control circuit for controlling the operation of the printing apparatus 1, a media adapter 10, a platen roller 6, a printing unit 7, a cutter 8, and the like. Although not shown, the apparatus housing 2 is provided with a power cord connection terminal, an external device connection terminal, a recording medium insertion slot, and the like.

A lid 4 is attached to the apparatus housing 2 so as to be openable and closable. The lid 4 has a key-like protrusion 401 that engages with a locking member 1301 provided on the device housing 2 when in the closed state. The locking member 1301 and the key-like projecting portion 401 are engaged in a manner that restricts the movement of the lid 4 in the opening direction. The engagement between the locking member 1301 and the key-shaped projecting portion 401 is released by performing a predetermined operation on an open button 1302 provided on the apparatus housing 2 . An input device 3 is provided in a region of the device housing 2 that does not overlap the lid 4 in the XY plan view when the lid 4 is closed. The input device 3 is a keyboard device, and is used for inputting various information to the printing device 1, such as inputting characters and selecting setting items. Further, the cover 4 is provided with a display device 5 such as a liquid crystal display, and the display device 5 displays information input by the input device 3 and various information related to settings of the printing device 1 .

When the lid 4 is closed, the area of the device housing 2 that is below the lid 4 in the XY plan view (the area that overlaps with the lid 4) includes an adapter housing portion 2a, a platen roller 6, and a printer. A unit 7 and a cutter 8 are provided. The adapter accommodating portion 2a is a recessed portion defining a space capable of accommodating the medium adapter 10. As shown in FIG. The adapter accommodating portion 2a is not limited to the medium adapter 10 that accommodates the tape roll 11 having the width of the thermal tape 12 of 9 mm as shown in FIGS. ), the medium adapter 10 for accommodating the tape roll 11 of the heat-sensitive tape 12 is formed into a shape capable of accommodating the same.

The platen roller 6 is a roller that conveys the thermal tape 12 supplied from the medium adapter 10 . The platen roller 6 is connected to a conveying motor (for example, a DC (direct current) motor) not shown, and is rotated by power from the conveying motor. In the printing apparatus 1, the thermal tape 12 supplied from the medium adapter 10 is sandwiched between the platen roller 6 and the thermal head 701 of the printing unit 7, and the thermal tape 12 is rotated by rotating the platen roller 6. Convey in the desired conveying direction. The platen roller 6 is an example of a conveying section that conveys the print medium (for example, the thermal tape 12) by motor power.

The printing unit 7 prints on the thermal tape 12 and includes a thermal head (printing head) 701 . The thermal head 701 has a plurality of heat-generating elements arranged in the main scanning direction (that is, the direction parallel to the width direction of the heat-sensitive tape 12) orthogonal to the conveying direction of the heat-sensitive tape 12, and heats the heat-sensitive tape 12 with the heat-generating elements. By doing so, printing is performed line by line. The thermal head 701 is an example of a printing unit that prints on a medium to be printed (for example, the thermal tape 12). As will be described later, the thermal head 701 in the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment changes its position relative to the platen roller 6 in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the lid 4 .

The cutter 8 is a cutting device that cuts (cuts) the heat-sensitive tape 12, and is used, for example, to separate printed regions of the heat-sensitive tape 12 into individual labels.

3A and 3B are diagrams for explaining the operation of the thermal head 701 in conjunction with the opening/closing operation of the lid 4. FIG. FIG. 3A schematically shows the positional relationship between the platen roller 6 and the thermal head 701 when the lid 4 is open (lid open state). FIG. 3B schematically shows the positional relationship between the platen roller 6 and the thermal head 701 when the lid 4 is closed (lid closed state). Note that the lid open state in this specification means a state in which the key-like protruding portion 401 of the lid 4 and the locking member 1301 of the device housing 2 are not engaged to restrict the movement of the lid 4 in the opening direction. That is, the lid 4 can be opened/closed without operating the open button 1302 of the device housing 2 . Further, the lid closed state in this specification is a state in which the key-shaped protruding portion 401 of the lid 4 is engaged with the locking member 1301 of the device housing 2, and the movement of the lid 4 in the opening direction is restricted. and

The operation of opening the lid 4 is performed, for example, when housing the medium adapter 10 in the adapter housing portion 2 a of the apparatus housing 2 . At this time, the user of the printing apparatus 1 accommodates the medium adapter 10 so that the thermal tape 12 pulled out of the medium adapter 10 passes between the platen roller 6 and the thermal head 701 . Therefore, when the lid is open, the distance D0 between the thermal head 701 and the platen roller 6 is made longer than the thickness D1 of the thermal tape 12, as shown in FIG. This makes it easier to insert the thermal tape 12 between the platen roller 6 and the thermal head 701 . Further, when the thermal tape 12 is inserted, it contacts the platen roller 6 and the thermal head 701 and receives an external force, so that the thermal tape 12 may be bent, and the surface of the thermal tape 12 and the surface of the thermal head 701 may be damaged. prevent this from happening.

On the other hand, when printing on the thermal tape 12 with the printing apparatus 1, as shown in FIG. It is necessary to transport at the appropriate transport speed. Printing on the thermal tape 12 is generally performed with the lid closed. For this reason, the printer 1 is provided with a mechanism for changing the relative position of the thermal head 701 with respect to the platen roller 6 between the lid open state and the lid closed state. In this mechanism, the distance between the thermal head 701 and the platen roller 6 becomes longer than the thickness D1 of the thermal tape 12 when the lid is open, and the distance between the thermal head 701 and the platen roller 6 becomes longer than the thickness D1 of the thermal tape 12 when the lid is closed. It is configured to be shorter than the thickness D1. That is, the printing apparatus 1 is configured such that the thermal head 701 is pressed against the platen roller 6 via the thermal tape 12 when the lid is closed.

When the thermal tape 12 is interposed between the thermal head 701 and the platen roller 6 in this manner, the pressure load from the thermal head 701 is applied to the platen roller 6 via the thermal tape 12 in the printer 1 with the lid closed. receive F. Therefore, when the platen roller 6 is rotated by the power of a DC motor (not shown), the pressure load F received by the platen roller 6 acts as a load, and the rotation speed of the platen roller 6 (DC motor) changes the voltage applied to the DC motor. is smaller than the corresponding rotational speed. Therefore, in the printing apparatus 1, the rotation speed of the DC motor is detected by the speed detection unit 2603, and based on the detected rotation speed of the DC motor and the target value of the rotation speed according to the transport speed of the thermal tape 12, the DC It adjusts the voltage applied to the motor. A speed detection unit 2603 detects the rotation speed using an encoder. The target value of the rotation speed is set so that the thermal tape 12 is conveyed in synchronization with the printing control for one line by the thermal head 701 so that the printing control of the thermal head 701 for printing one line does not affect the printing for the following one line. speed and the corresponding rotational speed of the motor. In other words, the target value of the rotation speed is the rotation speed of the motor corresponding to the transport speed of the thermal tape 12 that transports the thermal tape 12 by one line while the thermal head 701 prints one line. The target number of revolutions is set based on, for example, the temperature change of the heating element of the thermal head 701 during printing, the magnitude of the pressing load F received from the thermal head 701 via the thermal tape 12, etc.

However, in the printing apparatus 1, for example, the lid closed state may change to the lid open state during printing. When the lid is opened during printing, the thermal head 701 moves away from the platen roller 6, so that the transport speed of the thermal tape 12 and the contact between the thermal head 701 and the thermal tape 12 become unstable. Cannot print correctly. Likewise, when printing is started in the printing apparatus 1 whose cover is apparently closed but is actually open, the thermal tape 12 cannot be printed correctly. For this reason, the conventional printing apparatus 1 is provided with a dedicated sensor for detecting the open/closed state of the lid 4, and when it is determined that the lid is open based on the output of the sensor, control such as stopping printing is performed. I have something to do. However, providing such a dedicated sensor for detecting only the open/closed state of the lid 4 leads to an increase in product cost of the printing apparatus 1 .

The printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment utilizes the fact that the load applied to the platen roller 6 (DC motor) differs between the lid closed state and the lid open state, and the rotation speed of the DC motor detected by the speed detection unit 2603 is Based on this, the open/closed state of the lid 4 is detected.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the printing device 1 according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of speed information used to determine the state of the printing apparatus 1. As shown in FIG.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 21, an input unit 22, a display unit 23, a storage unit 24, and a tape type detection unit 25 in terms of functional configuration. , a transport processing unit 26 , a print processing unit 27 , and a cutting processing unit 28 .

The control unit 21 controls various processes that can be executed in the printing apparatus 1, including printing processes that will be described later. The processing controlled by the control unit 21 may include self-check processing, which will be described later. In the printing apparatus 1, for example, a hardware processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) provided in the printing apparatus 1 functions as a control section 21 by executing various programs.

The input unit 22 receives input of characters, graphics, etc. to be printed on the thermal tape 12, input of setting values and execution commands related to various processes, and the like. The input unit 22 is, for example, one of the functions of the input device 3 shown in FIG. The display unit 23 displays characters and figures corresponding to the input from the input unit 22, selection menus for various settings, messages regarding various processes, and the like. The display unit 23 is, for example, one of the functions of the display device 5 shown in FIG.

The storage unit 24 stores programs and information necessary for executing various processes in the printing apparatus 1 . In the printing apparatus 1 , a storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory) provided in the printing apparatus 1 functions as a storage section 24 . Information to be stored in the storage unit 24 in the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes speed information 30 as illustrated in FIG. The speed information 30 includes a speed range for normal printing and a speed range for when the tape runs out for each type of tape that can be printed by the printer 1 . The tape type is the type of the thermal tape 12 supplied from the media adapter 10 and includes, for example, the type based on the width of the thermal tape 12 . The speed range during normal printing is the rotational speed range of the DC motor 2601 when printing is being performed while the lid is closed and the thermal tape 12 is conveyed at an appropriate conveying speed. The speed range during normal printing includes the target value of the rotation speed described above. The speed range when the tape runs out is the state in which the lid is closed and the thermal tape 12 on the tape roll 11 is used up (in other words, the state in which the thermal tape 12 is not interposed between the thermal head 701 and the platen roller 6). ) is the rotation speed range of the DC motor 2601 .

The tape type detection unit 25 detects the type of the thermal tape 12 supplied from the medium adapter 10 . The tape type detection unit 25 detects the width of the thermal tape 12, for example. The tape type detection unit 25 detects whether or not the medium adapter 10 is accommodated in the adapter accommodation unit 2a, and detects which tape width of the tape roll 11 the medium adapter 10 is suitable for accommodating. you can go

The transport processing unit 26 performs processing for transporting the thermal tape 12 in a predetermined transport direction by a predetermined transport amount (transport length). The transport processing unit 26 is one of the functions of the transport mechanism including the DC motor and the platen roller 6 . The transport processing section 26 includes a drive section 2602 that drives a DC motor 2601 and a speed detection section 2603 . The drive unit 2602 determines the rotation speed target value set based on the transport direction of the thermal tape 12 and the appropriate transport speed of the thermal tape 12, and the rotation speed of the DC motor 2601 detected by the speed detection unit 2603. to adjust the voltage applied to the DC motor 2601 . A speed detector 2603 detects the rotational speed of the DC motor 2601 from the cycle of the encoder.

The print processing unit 27 applies thermal energy to the thermal tape 12 to print characters and figures on the thermal tape 12 . The print processing section 27 is one of the functions of the print unit 7 including the thermal head 701 . The cutting processing unit 28 performs processing for cutting (cutting) the thermal tape 12 . The cutting processing section 28 is one of the functions of the cutting mechanism including the cutter 8 .

In the printing device 1 of this embodiment, print data can be created in the same procedure as in known printing devices. The print data includes information indicating the position and size of characters and graphics to be printed on the thermal tape 12, the number of times of printing (the number of labels to be produced), and information indicating the cutting position. When the print data is created and the control unit 21 receives information instructing execution of printing from the input unit 23, the printing apparatus 1 executes print processing based on the print data. The printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment performs, for example, a process according to the flowchart of FIG. 6 as print processing. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating print processing according to one embodiment.

When the printing process is started, the printer 1 starts rotating the DC motor (step S1) and waits for the rotation of the DC motor to stabilize (step S2). The processes of steps S1 and S2 are performed by the transport processing section 26 under the control of the control section 21 . After the drive unit 2602 drives the DC motor 2601 based on the target value of the rotation speed, the transport processing unit 26 waits for the rotation speed of the DC motor 2601 to stabilize. Whether or not the rotation speed of the DC motor 2601 has stabilized is determined by, for example, whether the rotation speed detected by the speed detection unit 2603 has stabilized. Whether or not the rotation speed of the DC motor 2601 has stabilized may be determined, for example, based on the elapsed time after starting rotation.

When the rotation of the DC motor is stabilized, the printer 1 performs a rotation speed adjustment process (step S3). The rotational speed adjustment processing is processing for adjusting the rotational speed of the DC motor 2601 based on the rotational speed of the DC motor 2601 detected by the speed detection unit 2603 and the target value of the rotational speed. As described above, the target value of the rotation speed is the rotation speed of the motor corresponding to the transport speed of the thermal tape 12 that transports the thermal tape 12 by one line while the thermal head 701 is printing one line. be. Note that the rotation speed adjustment processing performed by the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment includes processing for detecting the lid open state and tape break based on the detected rotation speed of the DC motor 2601 and the speed information 30 . A specific example of the rotational speed adjustment process according to this embodiment will be described later.

After completing the rotational speed adjustment process, the printing apparatus 1 determines whether the state of the apparatus itself is the lid open state or the tape out state (step S4). The determination in step S4 is performed by the control unit 21, for example. If it is detected in the rotational speed adjustment process that the lid is open or the tape is out (step S4; YES), the control unit 21 stops printing (step S8).

If the state of the device itself is neither the lid open state nor the tape out state (step S4; NO), the printing device 1 prints one line (step S5). The processing of step S5 is performed by the transport processing unit 26 and the print processing unit 27 under the control of the control unit 21 . In step S5, the printing device 1 prints one line in the same procedure as a known printing device. Note that the process of step S5 may include, for example, a process of cutting the thermal tape 12 while one line of printing is being performed, or before or after that.

When printing for one line is completed, the printer 1 determines whether or not there is next print data (step S6). The determination in step S6 is performed by the control unit 21. FIG. The control unit 21 determines whether or not the printing in step S5 has been performed for all the lines on the thermal tape 12 designated as the target of printing based on the created print data. If there is a line that has not been printed in step S5, the printer 1 determines that there is next print data. If there is the next print data (step S5; YES), the printing device 1 performs the processes after step S3.

If there is no next print data (step S5; NO), the printer 1 ejects the printed portion of the thermal tape 12 and stops the DC motor 2601 (step S7). The processing of step S7 is performed by the transport processing unit 26 and the cutting processing unit 28 under the control of the control unit 21 . In step S7, the transport processing unit 26 allows the cutting processing unit 28 to cut the boundary between the printed portion of the thermal tape 12 and the portion to be used for printing in the next and subsequent printing processes (the leading end portion that becomes the margin). It is conveyed to the position and the DC motor 2601 is stopped. The cutting unit 28 cuts the thermal tape 12 when the boundary of the thermal tape 12 reaches a cuttable position.

Now, let us return to the description of the process when the lid open state or the tape out state is detected. When the lid is open or the tape is out, the printer 1 cannot print on the thermal tape 12 correctly. Therefore, the printer 1 stops printing as described above (step S8). When printing is canceled, the printer 1 ejects the printed portion of the thermal tape 12 and stops the DC motor 2601 (step S7). If printing is stopped before the process of step S5 has been performed even once, there is no printed portion on the thermal tape 12, so the printing apparatus 1 stops the DC motor 2601 in step S7. only. On the other hand, if printing is canceled after the process of step S5 has been performed one or more times, the printing apparatus 1 considers, for example, the line to be printed at the time printing is canceled as a printed portion. Cut and drain.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an example of rotational speed adjustment processing in the flowchart of FIG.

In the rotational speed adjustment process (step S3), the printing apparatus 1 first detects the rotational speed of the DC motor 2601 (step S301). The rotational speed of DC motor 2601 is detected by speed detector 2603 . A speed detector 2603 detects the rotational speed of the DC motor 2601 based on the cycle of the encoder.

Next, the printer 1 determines whether or not the detected rotation speed is within the speed range when the tape runs out (step S302). The determination in step S302 is performed by the control unit 21, for example. The control unit 21 refers to the speed information 30 stored in the storage unit 24, and determines whether the rotation speed Vr detected by the speed detection unit 2603 is within the speed range (V1≤Vr≤V2) when the tape runs out. judge. If the detected rotation speed Vr is within the speed range when the tape runs out (step S302; YES), the printing device 1 recognizes that the current state of the device itself is the state where the tape runs out (step S309), and rotates. End the speed adjustment process. In this case, it is detected that the tape has run out during the rotational speed adjustment process. Therefore, after completing the rotational speed adjustment process, the printer 1 stops printing (step S8).

If the detected rotational speed is not within the speed range when the tape runs out (step S302; NO), the printer 1 next determines whether the detected rotational speed is greater than the above-described target value (step S303). If the detected rotational speed is equal to or less than the target value (step S303; NO), the printing apparatus 1 accelerates the DC motor 2601 (step S304). In step S304, the printing apparatus 1 increases the voltage applied to the DC motor 2601 based on the detected difference between the rotation speed and the target value and the relationship between the voltage applied to the DC motor 2601 and the rotation speed. Note that if the detected rotation speed is equal to the target value, in step S304, the printing apparatus 1 maintains the current voltage applied to the DC motor 2601 (accelerates at zero acceleration).

On the other hand, if the detected rotation speed is greater than the target value (step S303; YES), the printer 1 next determines whether the detected rotation speed is within the speed range for normal printing (step S305). The determination in step S305 is performed by the control unit 21, for example. The control unit 21 refers to the speed information 30 stored in the storage unit 24, and determines whether or not the detected rotation speed is within the normal printing speed range for the thermal tape 12 currently being printed. . For example, if the tape type of the thermal tape 12 currently being printed is the tape type A in the speed information 30 of FIG. determine whether If the detected rotation speed is within the speed range for normal printing (step S305; YES), the printing apparatus 1 decelerates the DC motor 2601 (step S306). In step S306, the printing apparatus 1 lowers the voltage applied to the DC motor 2601 based on the detected difference between the rotation speed and the target value and the relationship between the voltage applied to the DC motor 2601 and the rotation speed.

If either step S304 or step S306 is performed, the printing apparatus 1 recognizes that the current state of the apparatus is not the lid open state (step S307), and terminates the rotational speed adjustment process. In this case, neither the lid open state nor the tape out state is detected in the rotational speed adjustment process. Therefore, after the rotation speed adjustment process is completed, the printer 1 prints one line (step S5).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the detected rotation speed is outside the speed range for normal printing (step S305; NO), the printing device 1 recognizes that the current state of the device is the lid open state. (Step S308), the rotational speed adjustment process is terminated. In this case, it is detected that the lid is open in the rotational speed adjustment process. Therefore, after the rotation speed adjustment process is completed, the printer 1 stops printing (step S8).

As described above, in the printing process performed by the printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, in the process of adjusting the rotation speed of the DC motor 2601 based on the detected rotation speed and the target value, is the cover open state or the tape out state. That is, in the printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, based on the detection result of the speed detection unit 2603 used to detect the rotation speed of the DC motor 2601, whether the state of the apparatus itself is the lid open state or the tape out state is determined. It is possible to determine whether Therefore, in the printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to correctly detect whether the state of the apparatus is the lid open state without using a dedicated sensor for detecting the open/closed state of the lid 4 . Similarly, the printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment does not use a dedicated sensor for detecting the remaining amount of the print medium (for example, the thermal tape 12), and detects whether the apparatus is out of tape. can be detected correctly. Therefore, according to the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the state of the printing apparatus 1 can be detected correctly without using a dedicated sensor. Moreover, since the state of the printing apparatus 1 can be detected correctly without using a dedicated sensor, it is possible to suppress an increase in product cost of the printing apparatus 1 .

Further, in the printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, printing can be promptly stopped when it is detected that the lid is open during print processing. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of the thermal tape 12 that is wasted due to printing failure due to the cover being open during the printing process. Further, in the printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to quickly stop printing when it is detected that the tape has run out during print processing. For this reason, for example, it is possible to prevent the thermal head 701 that heats the heating element based on the print data from being in contact with the rotating platen roller 6, thereby preventing the surfaces of the two from being damaged.

It should be noted that the process of detecting whether the state of the apparatus is the cover open state or the tape out state is not limited to the above-described print process, and may be performed as a separate process from the print process. For example, the process of detecting whether or not the device is in the lid open state is executed by the hardware processor of the printing device 1 as one of the self-check items when the power is turned on, or as preprocessing for the printing process. may be incorporated into a program that

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating self-check processing performed by the printing apparatus 1 according to one embodiment.

When performing processing for detecting whether or not the state of the device itself is in the lid open state as one of the self-check items, the printing device 1 first determines whether or not the tape type has been detected (step S11). The determination in step S11 is performed by the control unit 21, for example. The control unit 21 acquires the detection result of the tape type by the tape type detection unit 25, and determines whether or not the tape type has been detected. For example, when the media adapter 10 is not housed in the adapter housing portion 2a of the device housing 2, when the tape roll 11 is not housed in the media adapter 10, or when the tape is out of tape, the tape type is Not detected. If the tape type is not detected (step S11; NO), the printer 1 uses, for example, the display unit 23 (display device 5) to notify the user that the thermal tape 12 is not set. (step S17), and the self-check process ends.

If the tape type has been detected (step S11; YES), the printer 1 starts rotating the DC motor (step S12) and waits for the rotation to stabilize (step S13). Steps S12 and S13 respectively correspond to steps S1 and S2 in the flowchart of FIG.

After the rotation of the DC motor 2601 stabilizes, the printer 1 detects the rotation speed of the DC motor (step S14), and determines whether the detected rotation speed is within the speed range for normal printing (step S15). Steps S14 and S15 respectively correspond to steps S301 and S305 in the flowchart of FIG. If the detected rotation speed is within the speed range for normal printing (step S15; YES), the printer 1 recognizes that the printer is in the lid closed state, and terminates the self-check process.

On the other hand, if the detected rotation speed is outside the speed range for normal printing (step S16; NO), the printing device 1 instructs the user, for example, using the display unit 23 (display device 5) is open (the lid is open) (step S16), and the self-check process ends.

In this way, by executing the process of detecting whether or not the lid is open before starting the printing process, it is possible to prevent printing from failing due to the lid being open during the printing process. Therefore, the amount of wasted thermal tape 12 can be reduced.

The above-described embodiments are specific examples for easy understanding of the invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The printing apparatus, control method, and program can be modified and changed in various ways without departing from the scope of the claims. For example, the printing apparatus 1 may be capable of wireless or wired communication with a communication device such as a smart phone or a tablet computer, and the communication device may be used as an input device and a display device. In this type of printing device 1, the input device 3 and the display device 5 can be omitted.

In the above-described embodiment, the normal speed is set based on the detected rotational speed of the DC motor 2601 and the target value of the rotational speed of the DC motor 2601 when printing is performed on the thermal tape 12 with the lid 4 closed. The open/closed state of the lid 4 is determined based on the speed range (threshold value) during printing. However, the open/closed state of the lid 4 is determined by, for example, comparing the detected rotation speed of the DC motor 2601 with the rotation speed of the DC motor 2601 when printing is performed on the thermal tape 12 with the lid 4 closed. You may judge based on a comparison result. Similarly, regarding whether or not the tape is out, for example, the detected rotation speed of the DC motor 2601 and the rotation speed of the DC motor 2601 when printing on the thermal tape 12 with the lid 4 closed You may determine based on the comparison result with. When determining by comparing the rotational speeds, even if the speed range during normal printing changes due to the environment in which the printing device 1 is placed or the history of use of the printing device 1, the state of the printing device 1 is determined. can be judged correctly. When judging the open/closed state of the lid 4 based on the comparison result of the rotation speed of the motor 2601, the printing apparatus 1 may include a comparison unit for comparing the rotation speed in addition to the functional blocks illustrated in FIG. . Also, a comparison unit that compares the rotation speeds may be incorporated in the control unit 21 or the transport processing unit 26 .

Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example of detecting a state in which the rotation speed detected by the DC motor 2601 is higher than the target value, such as the lid open state or the tape running out state, is described. , a state in which the detected rotation speed of the DC motor 2601 becomes significantly smaller than the target value may be detected. For example, if foreign matter adheres to the surface of the thermal tape 12, if the foreign matter is caught between the thermal head 701 and the thermal tape 12, or between the platen roller 6 and the thermal tape 12, the platen roller 6 will be affected. As the load increases, the rotation speed of the DC motor 2601 may decrease. For this reason, for example, when the detected rotation speed is lower than the target value and the absolute value of the difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, it is determined that the state of the device is that the transport speed is reduced due to foreign matter. The user of the printing apparatus 1 may be notified of this by recognizing it, canceling the printing, and so on. With such a printing apparatus 1, it is possible to reduce the amount of the print medium (for example, the thermal tape 12) that is wasted due to printing failures caused by foreign matter adhering to the surface of the print medium (eg, the thermal tape 12). Moreover, since the presence or absence of foreign matter can be detected without using a dedicated sensor, it is possible to suppress an increase in product cost.

When determining the state of the printing apparatus 1 based on the rotation speed detected by the DC motor, the determination may be made based on the amount of change in the detected rotation speed over time, for example. For example, the rotation speed of the DC motor 2601 detected in step S301 in the flowchart of FIG. 7 is compared with the rotation speed detected in the previous rotation speed adjustment process. Alternatively, it may be determined whether or not the tape has run out.

The invention described in the scope of claims at the time of filing of the present application will be additionally described below.
[Appendix 1]
a transport unit that transports the print medium by the power of the motor;
A printing unit that prints on the printing medium, and when the cover attached to the apparatus housing is closed while the printing medium is interposed between the printing unit and the transport unit, a printing unit whose position relative to the conveying unit changes in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the lid, and which is in pressure contact with the conveying unit via the print medium;
a speed detection unit that detects the rotation speed of the motor;
and a control unit that determines whether the cover is opened or closed based on the detected rotation speed of the motor.
[Appendix 2]
The controller controls the lid based on the detected rotation speed of the motor and a threshold value set based on the rotation speed of the motor when printing is performed on the print medium with the lid closed. The printing apparatus according to appendix 1, wherein the open/closed state of the is determined.
[Appendix 3]
further comprising a comparison unit that compares the rotational speeds of the motors;
The comparison unit compares the detected rotation speed of the motor with the rotation speed of the motor when printing is performed on the print medium with the lid closed, and
The printing apparatus according to appendix 1, wherein the control unit determines whether the cover is opened or closed based on the comparison result.
[Appendix 4]
Further, the control unit adjusts the rotation speed of the motor based on a difference between the detected rotation speed of the motor and a target value of the rotation speed of the motor when printing is performed on the print medium. The printing apparatus according to appendix 1, characterized by:
[Appendix 5]
The target value of the rotation speed of the motor is a transport speed of the print medium at which the print medium is transported by the one line during a period in which one line of printing is performed on the print medium by the printing unit. 5. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the rotation speed of the motor corresponds to .
[Appendix 6]
The control unit determines whether the lid is open or closed during the printing process for printing on the print medium, and stops the printing process when determining that the lid is open. The printing apparatus according to appendix 1, characterized by:
[Appendix 7]
a transport unit that transports the print medium by the power of the motor;
A printing unit that prints on the printing medium, and when the cover attached to the apparatus housing is closed while the printing medium is interposed between the printing unit and the transport unit, a printing unit whose position relative to the conveying unit changes in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the lid, and which is in pressure contact with the conveying unit via the print medium;
a speed detection unit that detects the rotation speed of the motor;
A printing apparatus, comprising: a control unit that determines a remaining amount of the print medium based on the detected rotation speed of the motor.
[Appendix 8]
8. The printing apparatus according to Supplementary note 7, wherein the control unit further determines the presence or absence of foreign matter on the surface of the print medium based on the detected rotation speed of the motor.
[Appendix 9]
a printing unit that prints on a printing medium; and a conveying unit that conveys the printing medium by power of a motor, wherein the printing unit moves between the conveying unit and the printing medium when a lid of an apparatus housing is closed. A control method for a printing device that presses through
detecting the rotation speed of the motor;
determining whether the lid is opened or closed based on the detected rotation speed of the motor.
[Appendix 10]
a printing unit that prints on a printing medium; and a conveying unit that conveys the printing medium by power of a motor, wherein the printing unit moves between the conveying unit and the printing medium when a lid of an apparatus housing is closed. to the printing device that presses through
detecting the rotation speed of the motor;
A program for executing processing for determining whether the lid is opened or closed based on the detected rotational speed of the motor.

1 printing device 2 device housing 2a adapter accommodating portion 3 input device 4 lid 401 key-like protrusion 5 display device 6 platen roller 7 printing unit 701 thermal head 8 cutter 10 medium adapter 11 tape roll 12 thermal tape 1301 locking member 1302 open button 21 control unit 22 input unit 23 display unit 24 storage unit 25 tape type detection unit 26 transport processing unit 2601 DC motor 2602 drive unit 2603 speed detection unit 27 print processing unit 28 cutting processing unit 30 speed information

Claims (10)

a transport unit that transports the print medium by the power of the motor;
A printing unit that prints on the printing medium, and when the cover attached to the apparatus housing is closed while the printing medium is interposed between the printing unit and the transport unit, a printing unit whose position relative to the conveying unit changes in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the lid, and which is in pressure contact with the conveying unit via the print medium;
a speed detection unit that detects the rotation speed of the motor;
and a control unit that determines whether the cover is opened or closed based on the detected rotation speed of the motor. The controller controls the lid based on the detected rotation speed of the motor and a threshold value set based on the rotation speed of the motor when printing is performed on the print medium with the lid closed. 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the open/close state of the is determined. further comprising a comparison unit that compares the rotational speeds of the motors;
The comparison unit compares the detected rotation speed of the motor with the rotation speed of the motor when printing is performed on the print medium with the lid closed, and
2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines whether the cover is opened or closed based on the comparison result. Further, the control unit adjusts the rotation speed of the motor based on a difference between the detected rotation speed of the motor and a target value of the rotation speed of the motor when printing is performed on the print medium. 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by: The target value of the rotation speed of the motor is a transport speed of the print medium at which the print medium is transported by the one line during a period in which one line of printing is performed on the print medium by the printing unit. 5. The printing apparatus of claim 4, wherein the rotational speed of the motor corresponds to . The control unit determines whether the lid is open or closed during the printing process for printing on the print medium, and stops the printing process when determining that the lid is open. 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by: a transport unit that transports the print medium by the power of the motor;
A printing unit that prints on the printing medium, and when the cover attached to the apparatus housing is closed while the printing medium is interposed between the printing unit and the transport unit, a printing unit whose position relative to the conveying unit changes in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the lid, and which is in pressure contact with the conveying unit via the print medium;
a speed detection unit that detects the rotation speed of the motor;
A printing apparatus, comprising: a control unit that determines a remaining amount of the print medium based on the detected rotation speed of the motor. 8. The printing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the control unit further determines the presence or absence of foreign matter on the surface of the printing medium based on the detected rotation speed of the motor. a printing unit that prints on a printing medium; and a conveying unit that conveys the printing medium by power of a motor, wherein the printing unit moves between the conveying unit and the printing medium when a lid of an apparatus housing is closed. A control method for a printing device that presses through
detecting the rotation speed of the motor;
determining whether the lid is opened or closed based on the detected rotation speed of the motor. a printing unit that prints on a printing medium; and a conveying unit that conveys the printing medium by power of a motor, wherein the printing unit moves between the conveying unit and the printing medium when a lid of an apparatus housing is closed. to the printing device that presses through
detecting the rotation speed of the motor;
A program for executing processing for determining whether the lid is opened or closed based on the detected rotation speed of the motor.

Images