Printing device and method for controlling printing device

Abstract

To solve the problem that a recording paper medium is wasted every time a printing device is started.SOLUTION: A printing device includes: a conveyance roller that conveys recording paper in a conveyance direction; a head that prints on the recording paper; a cutter that is placed downstream of the head in the conveyance direction and that can cut the recording paper; a first sensor that is placed downstream of the cutter in the conveyance direction and that can detect the recording paper; a communication unit that can receive print data; and a control unit. The control unit detects the recording paper by the first sensor at least at the startup and conveys the recording paper by the conveyance roller and cuts the recording paper by the cutter when the recording paper is detected, and does not convey the recording paper by the conveyance roller and does not cut the recording paper by the cutter when the recording paper is not detected, and the head prints on the recording paper when the print data is received by the communication unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing device and a method for controlling a printing device. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, as shown in Patent Document 1, a device is known that, when activated, conveys a recording paper medium, and tears off and discards the first boarding pass either manually or with a cutter. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-22733 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The above-mentioned device wastes recording paper every time it is started. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The printing device comprises a transport roller that transports recording paper in a transport direction, a head that prints on the recording paper, a cutter that is positioned downstream of the head in the transport direction and is capable of cutting the recording paper, a first sensor that is positioned downstream of the cutter in the transport direction and is capable of detecting the recording paper, a communication unit that is capable of receiving print data, and a control unit, wherein the control unit, at least at startup, detects the recording paper using the first sensor, and if the recording paper is detected, transports the recording paper using the transport roller and cuts the recording paper with the cutter, and if the recording paper is not detected, the control unit does not transport the recording paper using the transport roller or cut the recording paper with the cutter, and when the control unit receives the print data via the communication unit, prints on the recording paper using the head.

[0006] A control method for a printing device having a transport roller that transports recording paper in a transport direction, a head that prints on the recording paper, a cutter that is arranged downstream of the head in the transport direction and is capable of cutting the recording paper, a first sensor that is arranged downstream of the cutter in the transport direction and is capable of detecting the recording paper, and a communication unit that is capable of receiving print data, wherein at least when the printing device is started up, the first sensor detects the recording paper, and if the recording paper is detected, the transport roller transports the recording paper and the cutter cuts the recording paper, and if the recording paper is not detected, the transport roller does not transport the recording paper and the cutter does not cut the recording paper, and when the print data is received by the communication unit, the head prints on the recording paper. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printing apparatus. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a printing apparatus. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between recording paper and each component. [Figure 4] 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams showing the positional relationship between the recording paper and each component part after the position has been changed; [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing a control method of a printing apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] 1. First embodiment 1-1. Printer configuration A printing device 1 according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. Directions in FIG. 2 will be described using a three-dimensional coordinate system. For ease of explanation, the positive direction of the Z axis will be referred to as the upward direction or simply "up," and the negative direction will be referred to as the downward direction or simply "down," the positive direction of the X axis will be referred to as the rightward direction or simply "right," and the negative direction will be referred to as the leftward direction or simply "left," and the positive direction of the Y axis will be referred to as the backward direction or simply "backward," and the negative direction will be referred to as the forward direction or simply "front."

[0009] The printing device 1 according to the embodiment is used, for example, in a POS (Point of Sale) system. POS systems are used in retail businesses such as shopping centers, department stores, convenience stores, and in-train sales, as well as food and beverage businesses such as restaurants, coffee shops, and izakayas. POS systems have functions such as printing receipts, coupons, tickets, labels, and the like according to products and services. Hereinafter, receipts, coupons, tickets, labels, and the like will be referred to as printed materials. The user operates the POS system, sends print data from the computer to the printer 1, and prints the printed matter using the printer 1, which then hands it over to the customer or affixes it to a product. The printed matter is printed in a standard size.

[0010] As shown in Figure 1, the printing device 1 according to the first embodiment includes a control unit 10, a memory unit 11, a head 12, a transport roller 13, a cutter 14, a first sensor 15, a second sensor 16, a third sensor 17, a cover sensor 18, and a communication unit 19.

[0011] The control unit 10 is configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls all parts of the printing device 1, a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) that manages input and output, and logic circuits such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and a PLD (Programmable Logic Device). The CPU is also called a processor. When a power switch (not shown) is turned on and power is supplied to the printing device 1, the control unit 10 starts up. More specifically, the CPU of the control unit 10 starts up. Hereinafter, the start-up of the control unit 10 is also referred to as the start-up of the printing device 1.

[0012] The storage unit 11 includes a flash ROM (Read Only Memory) and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), which are rewritable nonvolatile memories, and a RAM (Random Access Memory), which is a volatile memory. The CPU of the control unit 10 reads out programs such as firmware and setting information stored in the nonvolatile memory of the storage unit 11, and executes them using the RAM of the storage unit 11 as a working area.

[0013] The communication unit 19 includes a circuit that can communicate with external devices such as computers and mobile terminals wirelessly or via a wired connection. The communication unit 19 receives print data and commands from the external device. The communication unit 19 also transmits error information to the external device if an error occurs. The control unit 10 prints the print data received by the communication unit 19 using the head 12.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2, the recording paper 2 is, for example, a long strip of thermal paper. A thermal material is applied to the front surface 2a, which is the first surface. A plurality of black rectangular marks, so-called black marks, are provided on the back surface 2b, which is the second surface, by printing or the like. Hereinafter, the black marks will be referred to as marks BM. Note that when the marks BM are detected by an optical sensor, as described below, they may be any color other than black as long as they are a color that can absorb the detection light of the optical sensor.

[0015] The recording paper 2 may also be a so-called die-cut label, in which a plurality of standard labels are attached to a mount on the front surface 2a of the recording paper 2. In this case, a mark BM is attached to the mount on the back surface 2b. The recording paper 2 may also be a continuous, long label without a backing, known as a linerless label. In this case, the mark BM is applied to the back surface 2b, which is coated with glue. In the case of a linerless label, the surface of the transport roller 13 is treated with a non-adhesive coating such as silicone resin to prevent glue from adhering to it.

[0016] As shown in Figure 2, roll paper R around which recording paper 2 is wound can be stored in a holder 23 located downward inside case 20. A hinge 22 is provided at a position downward and forward in case 20. Cover 21 is mounted so as to be rotatable around hinge 22. The cover 21 can open and close the holder 23. When the user opens the cover 21 toward the front, the user can access the holder 23 and store the roll paper R in the holder 23. A cover sensor 18 capable of detecting the opening and closing of the cover 21 is disposed in the front direction inside the case 20. The cover sensor 18 is, for example, a mechanical switch or a transmission or reflection type optical sensor.

[0017] The cover 21 is equipped with components such as the transport roller 13, the second sensor 16, and the second blade 14b (described later) that constitutes the cutter 14. On the other hand, the case 20 is equipped with components such as the holder 23, the first sensor 15, the head 12, and the first blade 14a (described later) that constitutes the cutter 14. When the user opens the cover 21 , the components mounted on the cover 21 move away from the components mounted on the case 20 . As a result, a large opening is formed between the components mounted on the cover 21 and the components mounted on the case 20. This opening allows the user to access the holder 23.

[0018] The user can set the recording paper 2 in the printing device 1 by opening the cover 21, storing the roll paper R in the holder 23, pulling out the recording paper 2 from the roll paper R, and closing the cover 21. 2, when the user closes the cover 21, the transport roller 13 mounted on the cover 21 is positioned opposite the head 12 mounted on the case 20, with the recording paper 2 sandwiched between them. As a result, the transport roller 13 is able to transport the recording paper 2, and the head 12 is able to print on the recording paper 2. In addition, the second blade 14b of the cutter 14 mounted on the cover 21 is positioned opposite the first blade 14a mounted on the case 20, with the recording paper 2 in between, and is able to cut the recording paper 2. Furthermore, when the user closes the cover 21, an outlet 24, which is a rectangular opening, is formed at the boundary between the cover 21 and the case 20.

[0019] The head 12 is a line-type thermal head with multiple heating elements lined up on the left and right. The multiple heating elements of the head 12 are selected based on the print data to generate heat and print an image on the recording paper 2, which is thermal paper. The transport roller 13 is rotated clockwise by a transport motor (not shown) and transports the recording paper 2 in the transport direction indicated by the arrow from the head 12 to the cutter . The transport roller 13, which is positioned opposite the head 12 across the recording paper 2, is also called a platen roller.

[0020] The printing device 1 may be provided with a pressing mechanism that presses the head 12 against the transport roller 13. The recording paper 2 is pressed with a predetermined pressure by the pressing mechanism between the head 12 and the transport roller 13. In this state, as the transport roller 13 rotates, a predetermined frictional force is generated between the recording paper 2 and the recording paper 2, causing it to be transported.

[0021] The cutter 14 is disposed downstream in the conveying direction relative to the head 12 and the conveying roller 13. The cutter 14 has a first blade 14a and a second blade 14b. The conveying roller 13 conveys the recording paper 2 so that it passes between the first blade 14a and the second blade 14b. The first blade 14a can be moved toward the second blade 14b by a cutting motor (not shown) to cut the recording paper 2 between the first blade 14a and the second blade 14b.

[0022] 2, the first sensor 15 is disposed downstream in the conveyance direction from the cutter 14. The first sensor 15 detects the presence or absence of the recording paper 2 between the cutter 14 and the discharge port 24. If the recording paper 2 is present, the first sensor 15 indicates detection. The first sensor 15 is, for example, a transmission type or a reflection type optical sensor. In Fig. 2, the first sensor 15 is mounted on the case 20, but it may be mounted on the cover 21. The first sensor 15 is also called a Taken sensor because it has the function of detecting whether the user has removed the printed and cut recording paper 2.

[0023] When the cover 21 is opened, the head 12 and the transport roller 13, which hold the recording paper 2 between them, separate. The recording paper 2 is no longer held between the head 12 and the transport roller 13, so its position changes. A user might open the cover 21 when they want to replace the roll of paper R with another one, for example. In this way, when the cover 21 is opened, the position of the recording paper 2 changes. When the cover 21 is then closed, the recording paper 2 is sandwiched between the head 12 and the transport roller 13 in the changed position.

[0024] At this time, the recording paper 2 is between the cutter 14 and the discharge port 24 , and the first sensor 15 detects the recording paper 2 . When setting the recording paper 2, the user holds the recording paper 2 with their fingers and pulls it out from the roll paper R, and then closes the cover 21. As a result, the recording paper 2 protrudes from the paper outlet 24.

[0025] On the other hand, when the recording paper 2 is at the cue position described below, there is no recording paper 2 between the cutter 14 and the discharge port 24, so the first sensor 15 does not detect the recording paper 2. Furthermore, the recording paper 2 is printed by the head 12 based on the print data, cut by the cutter 14, and discharged from the discharge outlet 24. At this time, too, there is no recording paper 2 between the cutter 14 and the discharge outlet 24, so the first sensor 15 does not detect the recording paper 2. In these cases, the position of the recording paper 2 does not change.

[0026] When the control unit 10 detects the recording paper 2 by the first sensor 15 at startup, it can determine that the cover 21 was opened and closed while the power switch was off, and that the position of the recording paper 2 changed. Furthermore, after startup, if the cover sensor 18 detects that the cover 21 has been opened or closed, the control unit 10 can determine that the position of the recording paper 2 has changed. Note that the control unit 10 may also determine that the position of the recording paper 2 has changed if the first sensor 15 detects the recording paper 2 after the cover sensor 18 detects that the cover 21 has been opened or closed.

[0027] The second sensor 16 detects the mark BM on the back surface 2b of the recording paper 2 between the holder 23 and the head 12 and transport roller 13. If the mark BM is present, the second sensor 16 indicates detection. The second sensor 16 is, for example, a reflective optical sensor that can receive and emit detection light such as infrared light absorbed by the mark BM, and is mounted on the cover 21. The second sensor 16 is also called a mark sensor because it detects the mark BM affixed to the recording paper 2.

[0028] The control unit 10 can detect the mark BM affixed to the recording paper 2 with the second sensor 16 and determine the position of the recording paper 2. While the control unit 10 detects the mark BM on the recording paper 2 with the second sensor 16, it can transport the recording paper 2 with the transport roller 13 and transport the recording paper 2 to a target position.

[0029] The third sensor 17 detects whether or not the recording paper 2 is present between the holder 23 and the head 12 and the transport roller 13. When the recording paper 2 is present, the third sensor 17 indicates "detected." The third sensor 17 is, for example, a mechanical switch or a transmission or reflection type optical sensor. In Fig. 2, the third sensor 17 is mounted on the case 20, but it may be mounted on the cover 21. The third sensor 17 is also called a paper sensor because it detects whether or not the recording paper 2 is present.

[0030] When the third sensor 17 detects the recording paper 2, the control unit 10 can determine that the roll paper R is stored in the holder 23 and that the recording paper 2 is sandwiched between the head 12 and the transport roller 13. In other words, the control unit 10 can determine that the recording paper 2 can be printed on by the head 12, transported by the transport roller 13, and cut by the cutter 14. On the other hand, if the third sensor 17 does not detect the recording paper 2, the control unit 10 can determine that an error has occurred, indicating that there is no recording paper 2 in the printing device 1.

[0031] Here, the positional relationship of each component of the printing device 1 along the transport direction of the recording paper 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0032] The third sensor 17 is disposed at a position E that is downstream of the holder 23 in the transport direction and upstream of the head 12 and transport roller 13, and detects whether the recording paper 2 is present or not. The second sensor 16 is disposed at a position D downstream of the holder 23 in the transport direction and upstream of the head 12 and transport roller 13, and detects the mark BM on the back surface 2b of the recording paper 2. In FIG. 2, the second sensor 16 is located downstream of the third sensor 17 in the transport direction, but it may be located upstream of the third sensor 17.

[0033] The head 12 and the transport roller 13 are disposed at position C, which is downstream of the second sensor 16 and the third sensor 17 in the transport direction and upstream of the cutter 14, and print on and transport the recording paper 2. As described above, when the cover 21 is closed, the head 12 and the transport roller 13 are positioned opposite each other.

[0034] The cutter 14 is located at position B, which is downstream of the head 12 in the transport direction and upstream of the first sensor 15, and moves the first blade 14a to the second blade 14b to cut the recording paper 2. As described above, when the cover 21 is closed, the first blade 14a and the second blade 14b are positioned opposite each other.

[0035] The first sensor 15 is disposed at position A, which is downstream of the cutter 14 in the conveying direction and upstream of the discharge outlet 24, and detects the presence or absence of the recording paper 2. The first sensor 15 may also be mounted on the outside of the discharge outlet 24, such as on the surface of the case 20 or cover 21.

[0036] 3 shows the relative positions of the recording paper 2 and each component when the recording paper 2 is in the cue position described below. The recording paper 2 has been cut by a cutter 14. The arrow in the figure indicates the conveyance direction. As shown in Figure 3, the components are arranged, from downstream to upstream in the conveying direction, as follows: position E of the third sensor 17 that detects the presence or absence of recording paper 2; position D of the second sensor 16 that detects the mark BM on the back surface 2b of the recording paper 2; position C of the head 12 that prints on the front surface 2a of the recording paper 2; position B of the cutter 14 that cuts the recording paper 2; and position A of the first sensor 15 that detects the presence or absence of recording paper.

[0037] 3 is an area on the surface 2a of the recording paper 2 where the head 12 prints a printout of a standard size. The printing area P is assumed to be divided into printing area P1 and printing area P2, positioned from downstream to upstream in the transport direction. In the following description, the downstream end of the printing area P in the transport direction will be referred to as the leading end of the printing area P.

[0038] The head 12 is at position C, which is a margin M from the leading edge of the printing area P1, and is in a position where it can start printing in the printing area P1. The position that the control unit 10 targets on the recording paper 2, such as the position where the head 12 starts printing in the printing area P1, is called the cue position. The operation by the control unit 10 of transporting the recording paper 2 to the cue position using the transport roller 13 is called the cue operation.

[0039] Since there is no recording paper 2 at position A of the first sensor 15, the first sensor 15 does not detect the recording paper 2. It is also possible to provide no margin M in the printing area P1. In this case, the leading edge of the printing area P1 is the position where the head 12 starts printing. Because the first sensor 15 does not detect the recording paper 2, the control unit 10 can determine that the position of the recording paper 2 has not changed. Then, unlike the case in FIG. 4 described below, the control unit 10 does not transport the recording paper 2 using the transport roller 13. Furthermore, the control unit 10 does not cut the recording paper 2 using the cutter 14.

[0040] Since the third sensor 17 can detect the recording paper 2 at position E, the control unit 10 does not detect an error due to the absence of the recording paper 2 in the printing device 1, but instead carries out processing for the recording paper 2. The role of the third sensor 17 will be explained in detail below. When the mark BM is located at the position of the second sensor 16, the detection light of the second sensor 16 is absorbed by the mark BM and is not reflected. This state is the same as when there is no recording paper 2 at the position of the second sensor 16 and the detection light is not reflected. Therefore, it may not be possible to determine by the second sensor 16 alone whether or not there is recording paper 2 inside the printer 1. Therefore, the third sensor 17 detects the recording paper 2, and the control unit 10 can determine whether or not there is recording paper 2 inside the printer 1.

[0041] Marks BM are provided on the back surface 2b of the recording paper 2 between each printing area P. In Figure 3, the marks BM are positioned as marks BM1 and BM2 from downstream to upstream in the transport direction. Hereinafter, the downstream end of mark BM in the transport direction will be referred to as the leading end of mark BM. 3, the second sensor 16 is located at a position half the length in the transport direction of the mark BM2 on the recording paper 2. The second sensor 16 detects the mark BM2 at position D.

[0042] The head 12 prints in the order of printing area P1 and printing area P2, each of which forms one printed sheet. The cutter 14 cuts between the printing area P1 and the printing area P2. A mark BM2 is located between the printing area P1 and the printing area P2. When the communication unit 19 receives the print data, the control unit 10 causes the head 12 to print the print data in the print area P1 of the recording paper 2, and the cutter 14 to cut the recording paper 2 at the position of the mark BM2, and issues a printed matter printed in the print area P1.

[0043] 4 shows the positional relationship between the recording paper 2 and each component after the user opens and closes the cover to store the roll paper R in the holder 23. The arrow in the figure indicates the transport direction. The printing area P is assumed to be located, from downstream to upstream in the transport direction, as printing area P0, printing area P1, and printing area P2. The marks BM are assumed to be located, from downstream to upstream in the transport direction, as mark BM0 and mark BM1.

[0044] 4, the leading edge of the downstream printing area P0 in the transport direction is already beyond the position C of the head 12. Therefore, the head 12 cannot print the desired standard size in the printing area P0.

[0045] As described above, the control unit 10 can determine that the position of the recording paper 2 has changed when the first sensor 15 detects the recording paper 2 at startup, or when the cover sensor 18 detects the opening or closing of the cover 21. The control unit 10 can determine that the position of the recording paper 2 has changed and therefore printing in the desired standard size cannot be performed in the print area P0. As in the case of FIG. 3, the third sensor 17 detects the recording paper 2 at position E, so the control unit 10 does not regard it as an error and carries out processing on the recording paper 2.

[0046] The control unit 10 controls the transport roller 13 to transport the recording paper 2 so that the head 12 starts printing from the leading edge of the printing area P1 next to the printing area P0. At this time, the control unit 10 controls the transport roller 13 to transport the recording paper 2 while detecting the mark BM on the recording paper 2 with the second sensor 16. Mark BM0 has already reached a position beyond position D of the second sensor 16. Therefore, the second sensor 16 moves on to detect the next mark BM1.

[0047] In addition, in order to print in the printing area P0, which is already beyond the position C of the head 12, the control unit 10 can also transport the recording paper 2 in the opposite direction to the transport direction using the transport roller 13. However, the control unit 10 does not know the position of the leading edge of the recording paper 2 when the position of the recording paper 2 changes. Therefore, the control unit 10 may return the recording paper 2 too far in the opposite direction, causing the recording paper 2 to come out of the state where it is sandwiched between the head 12 and the transport roller 13. If the recording paper 2 comes out of the head 12 and the transport roller 13, the transport roller 13 will no longer be able to transport the recording paper 2. Therefore, when the recording paper 2 is in the position shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 10 causes the transport roller 13 to transport the recording paper 2 in the transport direction.

[0048] As the recording paper 2 is transported by the transport roller 13, the second sensor 16 detects the leading edge of the mark BM1. When the second sensor 16 detects the leading edge of the mark BM1, the control unit 10 causes the transport roller 13 to transport the recording paper 2 an additional transport distance that is half the length of the mark BM1 in the transport direction. Then, the control unit 10 stops the transport roller 13.

[0049] As a result, the recording paper 2 is in the position shown in Figure 3. The control unit 10 cuts the recording paper 2 at position B using the cutter 14. The cut recording paper 2 is discharged from the discharge port 24. Therefore, there is no recording paper 2 at position A of the first sensor 15, and the first sensor 15 does not detect the recording paper 2. The head 12 is at position C, which is a margin M from the leading edge of the printing area P1, and is in a position where it can start printing in the printing area P1.

[0050] Here, the control performed by the control unit 10 to transport the recording paper 2 by the transport roller 13 and move it to the position shown in FIG. 4 to FIG. 3 will be specifically described. The memory unit 11 stores position information of the components, which is information about the positional relationships between the position E of the third sensor 17, the position D of the second sensor 16, the position C of the head 12, the position B of the cutter 14, and the position A of the first sensor 15 along the transport direction. The memory unit 11 also stores position information of the recording paper 2, which is information about the positional relationships between the mark BM, the printing area P, and the margin M.

[0051] The control unit 10 transports the recording paper 2 using the transport roller 13, and detects the leading edge of the mark BM using the second sensor 16. The control unit 10 reads out the position information of the components and the position information of the recording paper 2 from the memory unit 11, and can determine or calculate the respective positions based on the detected leading edge position of the mark BM on the recording paper 2. The control unit 10 transports the recording paper 2 using the transport roller 13 based on the detected position of the leading edge of the mark BM on the recording paper 2, and can transport the recording paper 2 to the target position for the construction unit.

[0052] For example, the control unit 10 transports the recording paper 2 using the transport roller 13 from the state shown in Figure 4. When the control unit 10 detects the position of the leading edge of mark BM1 on the recording paper 2 using the second sensor 16, it uses that position as a reference and transports the recording paper 2 so that a position separated by a margin M from the leading edge of the printing area P1 reaches position C of the head 12. The head 12 can start printing from the position separated by the margin M from the leading edge of the printing area P1 on the recording paper 2. 4, the control unit 10 uses the detected position of the leading edge of mark BM1 on the recording paper 2 as a reference and transports the recording paper 2 using the transport roller 13, and can make the position of mark BM1 reach position B of the cutter 14, as shown in Fig. 3. The cutter 14 can cut the recording paper 2 at the position of mark BM1, which is between print areas P0 and P1, as shown in Fig. 3.

[0053] The length of the printing area P and the spacing between the marks BM can be set arbitrarily in the transport direction of the recording paper 2. In the example shown in Figure 3, when the position where the margin M is provided from the leading edge of the printing area P1 is at position C of the head 12, the position of mark BM1 is at position B of the cutter 14, and the position of mark BM2 is at position D of the second sensor 16. However, marks BM1 and BM2 do not have to be in the positions shown in Fig. 3, and printing area P1 does not have to be in the range shown in Fig. 3. Using the detected position of the leading edge of mark BM on recording paper 2 as a reference, control unit 10 can determine the position of printing area P to be printed by head 12 and the position on recording paper 2 to be cut by cutter 14, so printing and cutting can be performed at the target positions on recording paper 2.

[0054] As explained above using Figure 4, when the control unit 10 detects the recording paper 2 using the first sensor 15 at startup, or when the cover sensor 18 detects the opening or closing of the cover 21, it can determine that the position of the recording paper 2 has changed, as shown in Figure 4. At this time, the control unit 10 performs a cueing operation on the recording paper 2, and the conveying roller 13 conveys the recording paper 2 to the cueing position shown in FIG.

[0055] Thereafter, the control unit 10 waits until the communication unit 19 receives the print data. This state is called a standby state. When the communication unit 19 receives the print data, the control unit 10 starts printing the print data from the beginning position of the recording paper 2 using the head 12. As a result, the printing device 1 can print a standard-sized print in the printing area P1 of the recording paper 2.

[0056] On the other hand, as explained above with reference to Figure 3, if the first sensor 15 does not detect the recording paper 2, the control unit 10 can determine that the position of the recording paper 2 has not changed. Unlike the case of Figure 4 above, the control unit 10 does not transport the recording paper 2 with the transport roller 13. In this case, the control unit 10 does not waste the recording paper 2.

[0057] 1-2. Printing device control method When the power switch is turned on and power is supplied to the printing device 1, the printing device 1 starts up and the control unit 10 of the printing device 1 starts control. As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 10 determines whether the cover sensor 18 detects something (S100). When the control unit 10 determines that the cover sensor 18 has detected something (S100: YES) and that the cover 21 is closed, it determines whether the third sensor 17 has detected something (S101).

[0058] On the other hand, if the control unit 10 determines that the cover sensor 18 has not detected anything (S100: NO) and that the cover 21 is open, it determines that an error has occurred (S109). At this time, the control unit 10 transmits error information indicating that the cover 21 is open to an external device via the communication unit 19. The control unit 10 may notify the external device of the error information indicating that the cover 21 is open using an alarm device such as a display device or speaker (not shown). Then, the control unit 10 ends the process.

[0059] When the control unit 10 determines that the third sensor 17 has detected something (S101: YES) and that the recording paper 2 is present at the position E of the third sensor 17 in the printing device 1, it then determines whether the first sensor 15 has detected something (S102).

[0060] If the control unit 10 determines that the third sensor 17 has not detected anything (S101: NO) and that there is no recording paper 2 at the position E of the third sensor 17 in the printing device 1, it will result in an error (S109). At this time, the control unit 10 transmits error information to the external device via the communication unit 19, indicating that there is no recording paper 2 in the printing device 1. The control unit 10 may also notify the external device of this error information via the notification device. Then, the control unit 10 ends the process.

[0061] If the control unit 10 determines that the first sensor 15 has not detected anything (S102: NO) and that there is no recording paper 2 at position A of the first sensor 15, it puts the communication unit 19 into a standby state to wait for reception of print data (S107).Then, the control unit 10 ends the process. When the control unit 10 determines that the recording paper 2 is not present at position A of the first sensor 15, it can determine that the position of the recording paper 2 has not changed and is in the position shown in Figure 3. In other words, the control unit 10 can determine that the head 12 is at position C, which is a margin M from the leading edge of the printing area P1, and is in a position where printing can begin in the printing area P1. In other words, the control unit 10 can determine that the recording paper 2 is in the cue position. The control unit 10 does not cause the transport roller 13 to transport the recording paper 2, nor does the cutter 14 cut the recording paper 2. When the control unit 10 is in standby mode and receives print data via the communication unit 19, it prints on the recording paper 2.

[0062] On the other hand, if the control unit 10 determines that the first sensor 15 has detected something (S102: YES) and that the recording paper 2 is at position A of the first sensor 15, it causes the transport roller 13 to transport the recording paper 2 in the transport direction (S103). When the control unit 10 determines that the recording paper 2 is at position A of the first sensor 15, it can determine that the position of the recording paper 2 has changed, as shown in Figure 4. In other words, the control unit 10 can determine that the recording paper 2 is not at the cue position. Therefore, the control unit 10 performs a cueing operation on the recording paper 2, and the conveying roller 13 conveys the recording paper 2 to the cueing position shown in FIG.

[0063] To perform the cueing operation, the control unit 10 transports the recording paper 2 by the transport roller 13 (S103) while determining whether the second sensor 16 has detected anything (S104). When the control unit 10 determines that the second sensor 16 has detected something (S104: YES) and that the leading edge of the mark BM on the recording paper 2 has reached the position D of the second sensor 16, it causes the conveying roller 13 to convey the recording paper 2 a second conveying amount (S105). The second transport amount is the amount by which the recording paper 2 is transported to the cue position after the leading edge of the mark BM on the recording paper 2 reaches position D of the second sensor 16. For example, in the case of FIG. 4 described above, the second transport amount is half the length of the mark BM1 in the transport direction. Thereafter, the control unit 10 stops the transport roller 13.

[0064] As a result, the recording paper 2 reaches the cue position, as shown in Figure 3. The control unit 10 cuts the recording paper 2 at position B using the cutter 14 (S106). The cut recording paper 2 is discharged from the discharge port 24. At this time, there is no recording paper 2 at position A of the first sensor 15, and the first sensor 15 does not detect the recording paper 2. The head 12 is at position C, which is a margin M from the leading edge of the printing area P1, and is in a position where it can start printing in the printing area P1. The control unit 10 enters a standby state (S107) and ends the process. Note that when the control unit 10 is in a standby state, if it receives print data via the communication unit 19, it prints on the recording paper 2.

[0065] When the recording paper 2 is being transported by the transport roller 13 (S103) and the second sensor 16 does not detect anything (S104: NO), the control unit 10 determines whether the recording paper 2 has been transported by more than the first transport amount (S108). When the control unit 10 determines that the recording paper 2 has not been conveyed by the first conveyance amount or more (S108: NO), the control unit 10 continues conveying the recording paper 2 by the conveyance roller 13 (S103). That is, while transporting the recording paper 2 with the transport roller 13, when the control unit 10 detects the mark BM1 with the second sensor 16 within a transport amount range less than the first transport amount (S104: YES), as described above, the control unit 10 transports the recording paper 2 by the second transport amount with the transport roller 13 (S105) and brings the recording paper 2 to the cue position.

[0066] On the other hand, if the control unit 10 determines that the mark has been conveyed by the first conveying amount or more (S108: YES), it determines that an error has occurred (S109). The first conveying amount is, for example, an amount that exceeds the length from mark BM0 to mark BM1 in the conveying direction. Since the distance from mark BM0 to mark BM1 is shorter than the first transport distance, the second sensor 16 should be able to detect mark BM1 before the transport roller 13 transports the recording paper 2 the first transport distance.

[0067] If the second sensor 16 cannot detect the mark BM1 even though the recording paper 2 has been transported by at least the first transport amount, the control unit 10 can determine that an abnormality has occurred with the recording paper 2. For example, this may be because a recording paper 2 without a mark BM such as mark BM1 has been set, or because the recording paper 2 has become clogged with the transport roller 13 or the like and is no longer able to be transported, i.e., a so-called paper jam has occurred. Therefore, the control unit 10 determines that an abnormality has occurred with the recording paper 2 and reports it as an error (S109). The control unit 10 stops the transport roller 13. Then, the control unit 10 sends error information to an external device via the communication unit 19, such as that the wrong recording paper 2 has been set in the printing device 1 or that a paper jam has occurred. The control unit 10 may notify the external device of this error information via an alarm device. The control unit 10 then ends the process.

[0068] When the setting information is stored in the storage unit 11, the control unit 10 may execute the control shown in FIG. Specifically, the control unit 10 refers to the memory unit 11, and if the setting information is stored in the memory unit 11, the control starts with the first control, which is the control to determine whether the cover sensor 18 has detected something (S100). If the setting information is stored in the memory unit 11, the control unit 10 can detect the recording paper 2 by the first sensor 15 when the cover sensor 18 detects that the cover 21 has been closed. If the setting information is stored in the memory unit 11, the control unit 10 can execute the cueing operation including these. On the other hand, if the setting information is not stored in the storage unit 11, the control unit 10 does not execute the series of controls starting from determining whether the cover sensor 18 has detected something (S100).

[0069] The control unit 10 can store the setting information in the storage unit 11 based on a command received from the communication unit 19. Alternatively, the setting information may be stored in the storage unit 11 by an input device such as a touch panel (not shown) provided in the printing device 1. In this way, the user can select whether or not to store the setting information in the storage unit 11, and the control unit 10 can select whether or not to execute the cueing operation based on the setting information.

[0070] 3 even after startup. For example, the control unit 10 may terminate the process as an error (S109), and then return to the beginning and continue from the control (S100) of determining whether the cover sensor 18 has been detected. This is because the user who has learned the error information may have resolved the cause of the error.

[0071] For example, when the printing device 1 is started up, the user may become aware of error information indicating that the cover 21 is open and close the cover 21. Even if the control unit 10 initially detects an error (S109) at startup, it then goes on to determine whether the cover sensor 18 has detected something (S100), and if it determines that the cover 21 is closed, it can continue from the control to determine whether the next third sensor 17 has detected something (S101). Then, when the control unit 10 determines that the error has been resolved, it may use the communication unit 19 to send normal information to an external device indicating that the printing device 1 has resolved the error and is back in a normal state, or it may use an alarm device to report the normal information.

[0072] According to the printing device 1 of the above-described embodiment, the first sensor 15 is disposed downstream of the cutter 14 in the transport direction. If the first sensor 15 does not detect the recording paper 2, the control unit 10 determines that the position of the recording paper 2 has not changed and does not transport the recording paper 2 with the transport roller 13. In other words, the control unit 10 does not perform a cueing operation. As a result, the printing device 1 can prevent the recording paper 2 from being wasted each time it is started.

[0073] These embodiments have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, but the specific configurations are not limited to these embodiments, and may be changed, replaced, deleted, etc., as long as they do not deviate from the gist of the present invention.

[0074] Although the head 12 has been described as a thermal head, any printing method can be used. For example, the head 12 may be an inkjet head. In this case, since the inkjet head cannot come into contact with the transport roller 13 to sandwich the recording paper 2, a driven roller that faces the transport roller 13 and sandwiches the recording paper 2 can be mounted in the case 20.

[0075] Although the second sensor 16 has been described as a reflective optical sensor, it may also be a transmissive optical sensor. In the case of a transmissive optical sensor, the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit can be mounted separately in the cover 21 and the case 20, respectively. A transmissive optical sensor can detect die-cut labels by transmitting detection light through the backing paper between the labels, and can be used in place of the mark BM. In the case of die-cut labels, a peeling mechanism for peeling the label from the backing may be provided at the discharge port 24 instead of the cutter 14. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1...printing device, 2...recording paper, 10...control unit, 11...memory unit, 12...head, 13...conveyor roller, 14...cutter, 15...first sensor, 16...second sensor, 17...third sensor, 18...cover sensor, 19...communication unit, 20...case, 21...cover, BM...mark, P...printing area, R...roll paper.

Claims

1. a transport roller that transports the recording paper in a transport direction; a head for printing on the recording paper; a cutter that is disposed downstream of the head in the transport direction and that is capable of cutting the recording paper; and, a first sensor that is disposed downstream of the cutter in the conveying direction and that is capable of detecting the recording paper; and a communication unit capable of receiving print data; a control unit, The control unit At least at the time of startup, the first sensor detects the recording paper; When the recording paper is detected, the recording paper is transported by the transport roller. The recording paper is cut by a cutter. If the recording paper is not detected, it is determined that the position of the recording paper has not changed. The recording paper is conveyed by the conveying roller, and the recording paper is cut by the cutter. Only, When the communication unit receives the print data, the head prints the data on the recording paper. A printing device.

2. a holder capable of storing roll paper around which the recording paper is wound; a cover that can open and close the holder; a cover sensor capable of detecting whether the cover is open or closed, The control unit At least at the time of startup, the cover sensor detects that the cover is closed.

2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first sensor detects the recording paper when the recording paper is in the printing position.

3. a storage unit capable of storing setting information, The control unit If the setting information is stored in the storage unit at least at the time of startup, the cover server When the first sensor detects that the cover is closed, the second sensor detects that the recording paper The printing device according to claim 2 , wherein the detection is performed.

4. a second sensor capable of detecting a plurality of marks provided on the recording paper; , and The control unit At least at the time of startup, when the first sensor detects the recording paper, the conveying roller The second sensor detects the mark while the recording paper is being conveyed by the roller. stomach, When the second sensor detects the mark within a range of less than the first transport distance, the transport roller 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the recording paper is conveyed by a second conveyance distance by a roller. The printing device described herein.

5. a third sensor that is disposed upstream of the head in the transport direction and is capable of detecting the recording paper; and, The control unit At least at the time of startup, if the third sensor does not detect the recording paper, an error occurs.

5. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein:

6. a transport roller for transporting the recording paper in a transport direction; a head for printing on the recording paper; a cutter disposed downstream of the head in the conveying direction and capable of cutting the recording paper; a first sensor that is disposed downstream of the cutter in the conveying direction and that is capable of detecting the recording paper; and a communication unit capable of receiving print data, At least when the printing device is started, the first sensor detects the recording paper; When the recording paper is detected, the recording paper is transported by the transport roller. The recording paper is cut by a cutter. If the recording paper is not detected, it is determined that the position of the recording paper has not changed. The recording paper is conveyed by the conveying roller, and the recording paper is cut by the cutter. Only, When the communication unit receives the print data, the head prints the data on the recording paper. A method for controlling a printing device.

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