Printer

Abstract

A printer capable of detecting a residual amount of a roll paper with a simple structure includes a holder that supports a roll paper having labels attached at regular intervals in a manner that the roll paper is rotatable, a printing section that prints the labels of the roll paper that is sequentially discharged from the holder, a sensor that outputs a detection signal when a radial outer circumferential surface of the roll paper supported in a rotatable manner on the holder becomes a predetermined position, a near-end state detection section that detects a near-end state in a one-label discharge operation based on the output of the sensor, and a residual amount determination section that determines that a residual amount of the roll paper is a predetermined amount or less when the near-end state detection section continuously detects a near-end state for a predetermined number of labels or more.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese application No. JP2022-176302, filed on November 2, 2022, and incorporates the contents of the aforementioned application in their entirety. Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a printer. Background Technology

[0003] Printers that print on rolls of paper wound into a tube shape are known in the past. For example, a printer that prints labels on rolls of paper with labels attached at predetermined intervals is known. In such printers, a reduction in the amount of paper remaining on the roll is detected (hereinafter also referred to as "residual amount detection") and the user is informed.

[0004] The residual amount of paper in the roll is detected using a sensor positioned opposite the side of the roll. Specifically, the sensor detects when the radial outer circumference of the roll reaches a predetermined position. Thus, the printer detects a decrease in the amount of paper wound, i.e., a decrease in the residual amount of paper in the roll.

[0005] A proposed printer accurately detects the residual amount of paper rolls by pressing them down during the printing process in a manner that prevents the roll from moving radially. However, this printer requires a structure that presses down on the rotating paper roll, thus complicating the printer's structure. Therefore, a technology is desired that can detect the residual amount of paper rolls with a simpler structure. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a printer capable of detecting the residual amount of roll paper with a simple structure.

[0007] To address the aforementioned problems, the printer in this embodiment includes: a retainer that supports a roll of paper with labels attached at predetermined intervals in a manner that allows it to rotate; a printing unit that prints labels onto the rolls of paper that are successively dispensed from the retainer; a sensor that outputs a detection signal when the radial outer circumferential surface of the roll of paper, which is rotatably supported on the retainer, reaches a predetermined position; a near-end state detection unit that detects the near-end state during a label dispensing operation based on the output of the sensor; and a residual amount determination unit that, when the near-end state detection unit continuously detects the near-end state for a predetermined number or more of labels, determines that the residual amount of the roll of paper is less than or equal to a predetermined amount.

[0008] Based on the printer described above, the residual amount of paper rolls can be detected with a simple structure without the need for a pressing and rotating paper roll structure.

[0009] In the printer described above, the near-end status detection unit determines that a label dispensing operation is in progress based on the drive signal of the conveyor motor that conveys the roll of paper.

[0010] Based on the printer described above, it can be easily determined that a label dispensing operation is in progress.

[0011] The printer described above also includes a label spacing detection unit, which detects the interval between one end of the label's conveying direction and one end of the next label's conveying direction, wherein the residual amount determination unit sets the predetermined number of times based on the interval detected by the label spacing detection unit.

[0012] The printer described above can change the number of sheets based on the label spacing.

[0013] In the printers described above, the specified number of labels is smaller when the label spacing is larger.

[0014] The printer described above can prevent the time required for residual quantity detection from being spent when using roll paper with long label spacing.

[0015] In the printer described above, the printer has a continuous printing mode, a cut-off printing mode, and a peel-off printing mode. The continuous printing mode is a mode that prints a set number of labels continuously. The cut-off printing mode is a mode that cuts the printed labels one by one. The peel-off printing mode is a mode that peels the printed labels off the backing paper. The near-end status detection unit detects the near-end status when the conveyor motor, which is capable of both forward and reverse rotation, is rotating forward.

[0016] According to the printer described above, even printers using a conveyor motor capable of both forward and reverse rotation can detect the near-end status during forward rotation.

[0017] The printer described above also includes a notification unit that, based on the determination result of the residual amount determination unit, informs the user that the residual amount of the roll paper has fallen below a predetermined amount.

[0018] Based on the printer described above, the user can be informed that the remaining amount of paper on the roll has fallen below the specified amount.

[0019] Another aspect of the printer of the present invention includes: a retainer that supports a roll of paper wound into a rotatable shape; a printing unit that prints on the roll of paper discharged from the retainer; a sensor that outputs a detection signal when the radially outer peripheral surface of the roll of paper supported on the retainer in a rotatable manner reaches a predetermined position; a transport motor that transports the roll of paper in a transport direction by rotating forward and in a direction opposite to the transport direction by rotating in reverse; a near-end state detection unit that detects a near-end state based on the output of the sensor; and a residual amount determination unit that, when the near-end state detection unit detects a near-end state while the transport motor is not rotating forward, determines that the residual amount of the roll of paper is less than a predetermined amount.

[0020] Based on the printer described above, without the need for a special structure to press the paper roll, false detections of residual paper volume caused by tension applied to the paper roll can be prevented.

[0021] In the printer described above, the roll of paper is affixed with labels at predetermined intervals. The printer has a continuous dispensing mode, a cut-out dispensing mode, and a peel-out dispensing mode. The continuous dispensing mode is a mode that continuously prints a set number of labels. The cut-out dispensing mode is a mode that cuts the printed labels one by one. The peel-out dispensing mode is a mode that peels the printed labels off the backing paper. The residual amount determination unit is executed in the cut-out dispensing mode and the peel-out dispensing mode.

[0022] According to the printer described above, a printer having a continuous feed mode, a cut-off feed mode, and a peel-off feed mode can prevent false detection of residual paper in the roll caused by tension during the cut-off feed mode and the peel-off feed mode.

[0023] In the printer described above, when the residual quantity determination unit reverses the conveyor motor and the near-end state detection unit detects a near-end state, after the label is conveyed in reverse to the printing start position, it further conveys a predetermined amount in reverse and determines whether the near-end state detection unit has detected a near-end state.

[0024] The printer described above can prevent false detections of residual amount due to the tension of the labeled roll paper.

[0025] The printer described above also includes a notification unit that, based on the determination result of the residual amount determination unit, informs the user that the residual amount of the roll paper has fallen below a predetermined amount.

[0026] Based on the printer described above, the user can be informed that the remaining amount of paper on the roll has fallen below the specified amount. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the general configuration of the label printer involved in the embodiment.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing a portion of the roll of paper involved in the embodiment.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the movement of the roll of paper during the label dispensing operation in the label printer described in the embodiment.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a timing diagram illustrating an example of the output of a near-end sensor in a label printer according to an embodiment.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the label printer involved in the embodiment.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the data structure of the predetermined number of times management table stored in the storage unit of the label printer involved in the embodiment.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the data structure of the step count management table stored in the storage unit of the label printer involved in the embodiment.

[0034] Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the control unit of the label printer according to the embodiment.

[0035] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of residual quantity detection performed by the control unit of the label printer involved in the embodiment.

[0036] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of residual quantity detection in a modified example performed using the control unit of the label printer involved in the embodiment.

[0037] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0038] 1 Label printer (printer) 13 Thermal head (printing unit) 30 Holding element 40 Conveyor motor 41 Proximity sensor (sensor) 43 Display unit (information unit) 1005 Label spacing detection unit 1006 Proximity status detection unit 1007 Residual amount determination unit. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Hereinafter, the printer of the embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. For example, in this embodiment, an example of a label printer that prints labels in any operating mode will be described, but it is not limited thereto. As in the variations described later, in a printer in which the feed motor that feeds the roll of paper reverses its operation, the printer may also be a printer that prints on rolls of paper without labels attached.

[0040] First, let me explain the general structure of a label printer. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the general configuration of the label printer involved in the embodiment.

[0041] The label printer 1 houses a roll of paper RP inside the housing 2, which winds label paper LP into a roll shape. The roll of paper RP is rotatably supported by a retainer 30 (described later). Figure 3 The roll paper RP has a roll support RS and label paper LP wound on the roll support RS. The label printer 1 prints on a label while pulling the label paper LP out of the roll support RS.

[0042] The label paper LP pulled from the roll support RS passes through the damping roller 50 along... Figure 3 The arrows indicate sequential conveying. The damping roller 50 and the support shaft 31 of the retainer 30 (see reference) Figure 3 Similarly, it is mounted on housing 2 via a cantilever support structure with one end mounted axially on housing 2. The damping roller 50 mitigates the impact applied to the roll paper RP at the moment the label paper LP slacks out during the printing operation by attaching it to the label paper LP pulled from the roll paper RP. Specifically, when the transport motor 40 is driven to transport the label paper LP in the positive direction while the label paper LP is slack, the damping roller 50 mitigates the impact applied to the roll paper RP at the moment the slack of the label paper LP disappears.

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, the label paper LP has a base paper M and multiple labels L pasted on the base paper M at predetermined intervals. The multiple labels L are pasted at equal intervals with a predetermined label spacing P. Here, the label spacing P is the distance between the leading edge of label L in the conveying direction and the leading edge of the label L adjacent to that label L in the conveying direction. It should be noted that the arrows in the figure indicate the conveying direction of the label paper LP, which is the conveyor motor 40 described later (see reference). Figure 5 The direction of transport when rotating forward.

[0044] The label printer 1 has a conveyor roller 11, a pressure roller 12, a thermal head 13, a label sensor 14, a peel guide 15, a take-up roller 16, a peel sensor 17, and a damping roller 50 inside the housing 2. Additionally, the label printer 1 has a ribbon holding shaft 21, a ribbon take-up shaft 22, and a guide shaft 23 inside the housing 2.

[0045] The conveyor roller 11 has a drive roller 111 and two auxiliary rollers 112. Label paper LP pulled from the roll support RS is inserted between the drive roller 111 and the auxiliary rollers 112. The pressure roller 12 is positioned opposite the thermal head 13. Label paper LP is inserted between the pressure roller 12 and the thermal head 13.

[0046] The drive roller 111 and the pressure roller 12 are driven to rotate by the conveyor motor 40. The conveyor motor 40 is, for example, a stepper motor capable of rotating in both directions. When the conveyor motor 40 rotates forward, it causes the drive roller 111 and the pressure roller 12 to rotate counterclockwise as shown in the figure, conveying the label paper LP towards the discharge port 3. Conversely, when the conveyor motor 40 rotates in reverse, it causes the drive roller 111 and the pressure roller 12 to rotate clockwise as shown in the figure, conveying the label paper LP in the opposite direction. In the following description, conveying the label paper LP towards the discharge port 3 is sometimes referred to as "conveying in the forward direction," and conveying the label paper LP in the opposite direction is sometimes referred to as "conveying in the reverse direction."

[0047] Label printer 1 has a continuous dispensing mode, a cut-off dispensing mode, and a peel-off dispensing mode. The continuous dispensing mode is an operation mode that continuously prints a set number of labels L and discharges the label paper LP from the discharge port 3. The label paper LP discharged from the discharge port 3 maintains the state where multiple printed labels L are adhered to the base paper M. In the continuous dispensing mode, the conveyor motor 40 rotates forward, conveying the label paper LP only in the positive direction.

[0048] The cutting and dispensing mode is an operation mode in which the printed labels L are cut one by one. Specifically, the cutting and dispensing mode is a mode in which the label paper LP with the printed labels L attached is discharged from the discharge port 3, and the backing paper M located between the labels L is cut using a cutter (not shown). As a result, the printed labels L are discharged one by one while still attached to the backing paper M. After the cutter cuts the backing paper M, the conveyor motor 40 rotates in the opposite direction to convey the label paper LP in the opposite direction, and conveys the label L to be printed next to the printing start position.

[0049] The peel-off mode is the operation mode in which the printed label L is peeled off from the backing paper M. Specifically, the peel-off mode is the mode in which most of the printed label L is peeled off from the backing paper M and discharged from the outlet 3. When the user removes a portion of the label L that is still attached to the backing paper M, the label printer 1 begins printing the next label L. When the user removes the peeled label L, the conveyor motor 40 rotates in the reverse direction, conveying the label paper LP in the reverse direction, and transporting the next label L to be printed to the printing start position. Because both the cut-off mode and the peel-off mode convey the label paper LP in the reverse direction, they are sometimes collectively referred to as the "reverse conveyor mode".

[0050] The thermal head 13 is an example of a printing unit that prints labels L on rolls of paper RP that are successively released from the holding member 30. Specifically, the thermal head 13 prints labels L on labels LP pulled from the roll support RS. The thermal head 13 can also print on rolls of paper RP without labels L attached. The thermal head 13 has a structure that neatly arranges multiple heating elements. The thermal head 13 prints labels L on rolls of paper RP held between the pressure roller 12 and the thermal head 13 by heating the heating element corresponding to the printing pattern.

[0051] Specifically, an ink ribbon IR is inserted between the pressure roller 12 and the thermal head 13. The ink coated on the ink ribbon IR is transferred to the label L of the roll paper RP through the heated thermal head 13.

[0052] The ink ribbon IR is suspended between the ribbon holding shaft 21 and the ribbon take-up shaft 22. The ribbon holding shaft 21 winds the unused ink ribbon IR into a roll. The ribbon take-up shaft 22 is the shaft that winds the ink ribbon IR. Additionally, the guide shaft 23 is a guide component used to guide the ink ribbon IR suspended between the ribbon holding shaft 21 and the ribbon take-up shaft 22 to a predetermined position. When printing label paper LP, the ribbon take-up shaft 22 is driven by a first drive motor (not shown) to rotate clockwise in the figure, winding the ink ribbon IR.

[0053] It should be noted that the thermal head 13 moves up and down via a moving mechanism (not shown) such as a solenoid. Therefore, in the label printer 1, it is possible to switch between a state where the thermal head 13 is pressed against the pressure roller 12 via the ink ribbon IR and the roll of paper RP, and a state where the thermal head 13 is not pressed against the pressure roller 12. When printing on the roll of paper RP, the thermal head 13 is pressed against the pressure roller 12 via the ink ribbon IR. Furthermore, during printing, the ribbon take-up shaft 22 winds the ink ribbon IR at a speed corresponding to the transport speed of the label paper LP; when the thermal head 13 is in the aforementioned non-pressed state, winding stops.

[0054] Label sensor 14 is disposed on the transport path of label paper LP between transport roller 11 and pressure roller 12. Label sensor 14 detects the leading end of label L in the transport direction (hereinafter also referred to as "leading end of label L") from label paper LP. Thus, label sensor 14 can detect label spacing P (refer to...). Figure 2 For example, the label sensor 14 can be implemented as a transmissive sensor consisting of a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element. The label sensor 14 detects the front end of the label L based on the light level of the light-receiving element during the feeding of the label paper LP.

[0055] The label printer 1 infers the position of the label L from the position of the front end of the label L detected by the label sensor 14, and in each operating mode, transports the label L to the printing start position of the thermal head 13.

[0056] The peeling guide 15 peels the label L, printed in peel-out mode, from the backing paper M. The peeling guide 15 is formed in a V-shape with two surfaces intersecting each other at an acute angle. The peeling guide 15 bends the label paper LP fed to the discharge port 3, peeling the backing paper M and the label L apart. The backing paper M, with the label L peeled off, is wound by the take-up roller 16, while the label L peeled off from the backing paper M is discharged (dispensed) from the discharge port 3 provided in the housing 2.

[0057] In peel-off dispensing mode, take-up roller 16 holds one end of the roll paper RP and winds the backing paper M with the label L peeled off. Take-up roller 16 is driven to rotate by a second drive motor (not shown). For example, when printing label paper LP, the second drive motor causes take-up roller 16 to rotate counterclockwise as shown in the figure, winding the backing paper M with the label peeled off onto take-up roller 16. Take-up roller 16 is not used in continuous dispensing mode and cut-off dispensing mode because it does not hold the roll paper RP.

[0058] The peel sensor 17 is positioned near the outlet 3 to detect whether the label L has been mostly peeled off from the backing paper M during the peel-off dispensing mode. The peel sensor 17 can be implemented, for example, as a transmissive sensor composed of a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element.

[0059] When the peel sensor 17 detects label L, the label printer 1 pauses the feeding and printing of label paper LP. Then, when the user removes label L from the outlet 3, the peel sensor 17 detects the absence of label L. When the peel sensor 17 detects the absence of label L, the label printer 1 resumes the feeding and printing of label paper LP.

[0060] Specifically, when label printer 1 restarts printing, in order to return the next label, after the peeled label, to the printing start position of the thermal head 13, it feeds the label paper LP in the reverse direction by a predetermined amount. Then, after the reverse feeding is completed, label printer 1 prints the next label and dispenses the printed label from the discharge port 3.

[0061] Next, the residual amount detection of RP in roll paper will be explained. Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the movement of the paper roll during the label dispensing process. Figure 3 In this embodiment, the retainer 30, which rotatably supports the paper roll RP, has a support shaft 31. The support shaft 31 is mounted on the housing 2 via a cantilever support structure with one end axially mounted on the housing 2. The support shaft 31 inserts through the roll support body RS of the paper roll RP, rotatably supporting the paper roll RP. It should be noted that, although not shown, a guide is provided at the other end of the support shaft 31 to restrict the axial movement of the paper roll RP.

[0062] A proximity sensor 41 is provided on the label printer 1. The proximity sensor 41 is positioned opposite the side of the roll paper RP and detects a proximity state where the radial outer circumference of the roll paper RP is at a predetermined position. In other words, the proximity sensor 41 detects a proximity state where the diameter of the roll paper RP is considered to be below a predetermined amount due to pulling out the label paper LP. The proximity sensor 41 can be implemented, for example, as a reflective sensor composed of a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element.

[0063] In the aforementioned support structure of the roll paper RP, when the label paper LP is pulled out from the roll support RS and passes through the damping roller 50, it becomes a track offset relative to the imaginary line LPL. Specifically, the label paper LP has winding inertia, and due to the difference in the strength of the winding inertia between the portion with the label L and the portion without the label L, it becomes the track shown by the dashed line in the figure. More specifically, it becomes a state in which the two ends of the label L are concave inward.

[0064] Therefore, at point A in the figure, the roll paper RP supported on the support shaft 31 is pressed by the label paper LP (the portion located at the end of the label L) pulled out from the roll support RS. This pressing of the roll paper RP by the label paper LP pulled out from the roll support RS occurs during each label dispensing operation. Because the roll paper RP is pressed by the label paper LP pulled out from the roll support RS, a movement (hereinafter also referred to as "rotation") occurs from its normal position. In this situation, the proximal sensor 41 detects the proximal state even when the winding amount of the roll paper RP is not below a predetermined amount.

[0065] The pressure exerted by the label paper LP pulled from the roll support RS on the roll paper RP depends on factors such as the degree of winding inertia of the label L, and is not constant. Therefore, when the roll paper RP has a residual amount of more than a specified amount and a large mass, it may sometimes not rotate even when pressed by the pulled label paper LP.

[0066] Figure 4 This is a timing diagram representing an example of the output of the near-end sensor 41 in continuous firing mode. Figure 4 In the example shown, when the residual amount of the roll paper RP is above a specified amount, the pressing force applied to the roll paper RP during the first label dispensing action is small, and the roll paper RP does not rotate. Therefore, the proximity sensor 41 does not detect the proximity state and does not output a detection signal (a high-level signal).

[0067] It should be noted that, in Figure 4 In this context, the action of dispensing a label L (a label dispensing action) is, for example, the action of the label printer 1 from the moment a label L arrives at the printing start position until the next label L is conveyed to the printing start position. In other words, the action of dispensing a label L refers to the action of the thermal head 13 or the conveyor motor 40, etc., being conveyed in continuous dispensing mode for a period equivalent to the label spacing P. In the following description, the period in the action of dispensing a label L will also be referred to as "a label dispensing period".

[0068] exist Figure 4 In the example shown, when the residual amount of the roll paper RP is above a specified amount, the pressing force applied to the roll paper RP during the dispensing of the second label is large, causing the roll paper RP to rotate. Therefore, the proximity sensor 41 detects the proximity state and outputs a detection signal when the roll paper RP rotates due to being pressed by the label paper LP. Additionally, during the dispensing of the second label, after the roll paper RP is pressed by the label paper LP at point A, the roll paper RP returns to its normal position, and therefore the proximity sensor 41 returns to a state where it does not output a detection signal.

[0069] In this example, the proximity sensor 41 detects the proximity state only during the dispensing of the second label out of N consecutively dispensed labels L. In other words, even though the roll paper RP is above a specified quantity, the proximity sensor 41 detects the proximity state during the dispensing of the second label.

[0070] When the residual amount of the roll paper RP is below a specified amount, the proximity sensor 41 detects the proximity state and continues to output a detection signal when the roll paper RP is in the normal position. Even in continuous dispensing mode, when the roll paper RP is rotated by the label paper LP, the proximity sensor 41 still detects the proximity state and outputs a detection signal. Therefore, in continuous dispensing mode, the label printer 1 of this embodiment determines that the residual amount of the roll paper has decreased when the proximity sensor 41 continuously detects the proximity state for more than a specified number of labels L. In addition, in other operating modes, it is also possible to prevent false detection of the residual amount of the roll paper RP caused by the roll paper RP being pressed by the label paper LP.

[0071] Figure 5 This is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of label printer 1. Label printer 1 includes a control unit 100, a storage unit 200, a thermal head 13, a label sensor 14, a peel sensor 17, a conveyor motor 40, a proximity sensor 41, a cutter motor 42, a display unit 43, an operation unit 44, and a communication unit 45. The control unit 100, storage unit 200, thermal head 13, label sensor 14, peel sensor 17, conveyor motor 40, proximity sensor 41, cutter motor 42, display unit 43, operation unit 44, and communication unit 45 are interconnected via a bus 46, etc.

[0072] The control unit 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read-Only Memory) 102, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103. The CPU 101, ROM 102, and RAM 103 are interconnected via a bus 46.

[0073] CPU 101 controls the overall operation of label printer 1. CPU 101 is an example of a processor. ROM 102 stores various programs and data, such as programs for driving CPU 101. RAM 103 is used as the working area of ​​CPU 101 and expands various programs and data stored in ROM 102 and storage unit 200. CPU 101 operates according to the control programs stored in ROM 102, storage unit 200, and expanded in RAM 103, thereby executing various control processes of label printer 1.

[0074] RAM 103 also includes a print data unit 1031. The print data unit 1031 stores data from PC 60 (see reference 1031). Figure 8 The system receives print data and print count instructions from external devices such as the label L. The print data includes text and image data printed on the label L. The print count instruction indicates the number of labels L containing the print data to be printed.

[0075] The storage unit 200 is composed of storage media such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and flash memory, and maintains the stored content even when the power is cut off. The storage unit 200 includes a storage control program 201, a tag spacing unit 202, a specified number of times management table 203, and a step count management table 204.

[0076] Control program 201 is a program used to perform the following functions: acquiring print data from external devices such as PC 60; driving the thermal head 13 and the conveyor motor 40 to print the aforementioned print data onto a medium (label L, roll paper RP, etc.); detecting the label spacing P based on the output of label sensor 14; detecting residual amount based on the output of proximity sensor 41; and so on. Control program 201 includes various other control programs that enable the label printer 1 to operate.

[0077] The label spacing section 202 stores the label spacing of the used roll paper RP. The label spacing section 202 also stores the label spacing detected by the label sensor 14. For example, when the label printer 1 feeds a predetermined amount of label paper LP after the roll paper RP is newly supported on the holder 30, the label sensor 14 detects the label spacing of the roll paper RP and stores it in the label spacing section 202. The label spacing section 202 may also store the label spacing input by the user through the operation section 44.

[0078] The Prescribed Count Management Table 203 is a table storing the consecutive counts (prescribed counts) of the near-end states used in residual quantity detection based on the tag spacing. The Prescribed Count Management Table 203 can be arbitrarily set by the user. Figure 6 This is a diagram representing the data structure of the specified frequency management table 203. The specified frequency management table 203 stores the label spacing range and the specified frequency in association.

[0079] The label spacing range refers to the range of label spacing on the RP roll paper used. In this embodiment, the label spacing range is set to three ranges: less than 50mm, greater than 50mm and less than 100mm, and greater than 100mm.

[0080] The specified number of times (specified number of sheets) is the consecutive number of times the near-end state is detected in the residual amount detection. In other words, if the label printer 1 detects the near-end state consecutively a specified number of times during a label dispensing period, it determines that a residual amount detection has been performed, i.e., the residual amount of the roll paper RP is detected to be below the specified amount. By varying the specified number of times according to the range of label spacing, it is possible to prevent situations where the time required for residual amount detection exceeds the time required when using roll paper RP with a long label spacing P. The larger the label spacing range, the smaller the specified number of times (specified number of sheets).

[0081] Step management table 204 is a table that sets the number of steps required for the conveyor motor 40 during a tag distribution period based on the spacing between each tag. Figure 7 This is a diagram representing the data structure of the step count management table 204. The step count management table 204 stores the label spacing and the required number of steps per label in association.

[0082] The label spacing is the label spacing of the roll paper RP used. The label spacing registered in the step count management table 204 can be pre-registered when the label printer 1 leaves the factory, or it can be registered from the data stored in the label spacing section 202. Alternatively, the label spacing registered in the step count management table 204 can also be entered by the user from the operation section 44 when using the roll paper RP.

[0083] The number of steps required per label is the number of steps that drive the conveyor motor 40 during a label dispensing period. The number of steps required per label, registered in the step management table 204, can be pre-registered at the factory when the label printer 1 leaves the factory, or it can be calculated by the control unit 100 when the label spacing is registered. In this case, since the conveying distance of one step of the conveyor motor 40 is fixed, the control unit 100 can calculate the number of steps required per label corresponding to the label spacing.

[0084] return Figure 5 This section describes the hardware configuration of label printer 1. The thermal head 13, label sensor 14, peel sensor 17, conveyor motor 40, and proximity sensor 41 are described above.

[0085] The cutter motor 42 drives a cutter (not shown) that cuts the label paper LP discharged from the outlet 3. Specifically, in the cutting and dispensing mode, the cutter motor 42 drives the cutter while the label paper LP with the printed label L attached is being discharged from the outlet 3. Thus, the printed labels L are discharged one by one while attached to the backing paper M.

[0086] The display unit 43, for example, is composed of a liquid crystal panel and is disposed on the outer surface of the housing 2. The display unit 43 displays various information. For example, in each operating mode, the display unit 43 displays the number of pages printed and the number of pages printed that have been completed for the label L stored in the print data unit 1031. In addition, when performing residual amount detection in each operating mode, the display unit 43 displays information indicating that the residual amount of the roll paper RP is below a specified amount. The display unit 43 is an example of an information unit that informs the user that the residual amount of the roll paper RP is below a specified amount. Alternatively, the information unit may also be composed of a speaker or the like that outputs sound.

[0087] The operation unit 44 may be, for example, a touch panel provided on the surface of the display unit 43. The operation unit 44 is operated by the user of the label printer 1 to input various information to the control unit 100. For example, the operation unit 44 inputs information such as instructions to start printing and information to set the operation mode to the control unit 100.

[0088] The communication unit 45 is an interface for communicating with external devices such as the PC 60. The control unit 100 connects to the external device through the communication unit 45, thereby enabling it to send and receive information (data) with the external device.

[0089] Next, the functional structure of label printer 1 will be explained. Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating the main functional configuration of the label printer 1. The control unit 100 operates via the CPU 101 according to a control program stored in the ROM 102 or the storage unit 200, thereby functioning as an acquisition unit 1001, an input unit 1002, a mode setting unit 1003, a print control unit 1004, a label spacing detection unit 1005, a near-end status detection unit 1006, a residual amount determination unit 1007, and a display control unit 1008. Alternatively, these functions can also be implemented using dedicated circuitry or other hardware.

[0090] The acquisition unit 1001 acquires print data. Specifically, the acquisition unit 1001 receives print data such as text data and image data printed on the label L from the PC 60. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 1001 receives the number of print instructions associated with the print data from the PC 60. The acquisition unit 1001 stores the acquired print data and the number of print instructions in the print data unit 1031.

[0091] Various information is input to the input unit 1002 from the label sensor 14, peel sensor 17, proximal sensor 41, and operation unit 44. For example, in each operation mode, the position information of the conveyed label L is input from the label sensor 14 to the input unit 1002. The position information of the label L includes information indicating the position of the front and rear ends of the label L in the conveying direction. The control unit 100 performs printing control in each operation mode based on the position information of the label L input to the input unit 1002. In addition, when a new roll of paper RP is installed on the holder 30, the control unit 100 detects the label spacing of the roll of paper RP based on the position information of the label L input to the input unit 1002.

[0092] In peel-off dispensing mode, peel-off information indicating whether the printed label L is located at the discharge port 3 is input from peel-off sensor 17 to input unit 1002. Control unit 1002 controls thermal head 13 and conveyor motor 40 based on the peel-off information input to input unit 1002 to perform printing control in peel-off dispensing mode.

[0093] In each operating mode, detection information indicating whether roll paper RP is detected is input from the proximity sensor 41 to the input unit 1002. Additionally, various types of information are input from the operation unit 44 to the input unit 1002. For example, setting information for setting the operating mode is input from the operation unit 44 to the input unit 1002.

[0094] The mode setting unit 1003 sets the operating mode of the label printer 1. Specifically, the mode setting unit 1003 sets any one of the operating modes such as continuous dispensing mode, cut-off dispensing mode, and peel-off dispensing mode as the operating mode of the label printer 1 based on the setting information input to the input unit 1002.

[0095] The printing control unit 1004 controls the thermal head 13, the conveyor motor 40, the cutter motor 42, etc., to print on the roll paper RP according to the operation mode set by the mode setting unit 1003.

[0096] Specifically, in continuous dispensing mode, the printing control unit 1004 controls the thermal head 13 and the conveyor motor 40 to continuously print labels L and discharge label paper LP from the discharge port 3. In cut dispensing mode, the printing control unit 1004 controls the thermal head 13, the conveyor motor 40, and the cutter motor 42 to cut and dispense the printed labels L one by one. Furthermore, in peel dispensing mode, the printing control unit 1004 controls the thermal head 13 and the conveyor motor 40 to peel the printed labels L from the backing paper M and dispense them.

[0097] The label spacing detection unit 1005 detects the label spacing P of the roll paper RP. Specifically, the label spacing detection unit 1005 detects the gap between the end of the label L attached to the backing paper M in the transport direction and the end of the next label in the transport direction, based on the position information of the label L input to the input unit 1002. The label spacing detection unit 1005 stores the detected label spacing in the label spacing unit 202.

[0098] The near-end state detection unit 1006 detects the near-end state based on the output of the near-end sensor 41. Specifically, when detection information indicating that the near-end sensor 41 has not detected the roll of paper RP is input to the input unit 1002, in other words, when a high-level detection signal is input, the near-end state detection unit 1006 detects that the roll of paper RP is in a near-end state. It should be noted that the detection of the near-end state can be performed continuously or in conjunction with the rotation direction of the conveyor motor 40. That is, the detection can be performed only when the conveyor motor 40 rotates forward or only when the conveyor motor 40 rotates in reverse.

[0099] When the near-end state detection unit 1006 continuously detects a near-end state for a predetermined number or more labels L in any operating mode, the residual amount determination unit 1007 determines that the residual amount of the roll paper RP is less than or equal to a predetermined amount. In each operating mode, if a near-end state is detected a predetermined number of times consecutively during a label distribution period, the residual amount determination unit 1007 determines that the residual amount of the roll paper RP is less than or equal to a predetermined amount. For example, if the label spacing P of the roll paper RP is less than or equal to 50 mm, if... Figure 4 If the output of the near-end sensor 41 shown is continuously high until the first sheet is dispensed, the residual amount determination unit 1007 determines that the residual amount of the roll paper RP is below a specified amount.

[0100] The display control unit 1008 displays various information on the display unit 43. For example, if the residual amount determination unit 1007 determines that the residual amount of the roll paper RP is below a specified amount, the display control unit 1008 causes the display unit 43 to display information indicating this.

[0101] Next, the residual quantity detection process of the first embodiment executed by the control unit 100 of the label printer 1 will be described. Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of residual quantity detection performed by the control unit 100 of the label printer 1. It should be noted that it is assumed that the label spacing P of the roll paper RP is stored in the label spacing unit 202 before the residual quantity detection process is performed. Furthermore, the residual quantity detection process is performed during the dispensing operation in any operating mode. However, the residual quantity detection process is performed when the conveyor motor 40 rotates forward. When the conveyor motor 40 rotates in reverse (reverse rotation), the value of the cumulative counter remains unchanged. That is, it operates in continuous dispensing mode, cut-off dispensing mode, and peel-off dispensing mode, but in cut-off dispensing mode and peel-off dispensing mode, the identification of the initial step (S3) to the final step (S7) is performed when the conveyor motor 40 rotates forward. Afterward, the value of the cumulative counter is maintained, and the near-end state is determined based on the value of the cumulative counter. Then, the conveyor motor is reversed, and the label L to be printed next is conveyed to the printing start position. During this period, the near-end state is not detected. The value of the cumulative counter is maintained. If the printing of the set number of sheets is not completed, the process is repeated again starting from the identification of the initial step (S3). Therefore, regardless of the mode, the same process can be used to determine that the residual amount of the roll paper RP has fallen below a specified amount while the conveyor motor 40 is rotating forward. The near-end condition detection unit detects the near-end condition when the conveyor motor 40 is rotating forward. When the conveyor motor 40 is rotating in the reverse direction, the near-end condition is not detected.

[0102] The control unit 100 reads the label spacing of the roll paper RP from the label spacing unit 202 (step S1). Next, the control unit 100 refers to the predetermined number of times the read label spacing is managed as the cumulative count value N (step S2). For example, if the label spacing read from the label spacing unit 202 is 50mm or less, the cumulative count value N is set to 6. Similarly, if the read label spacing is greater than 50mm but less than 100mm, the cumulative count value N is set to 4; if it is greater than 100mm, the cumulative count value is set to 2.

[0103] Next, the print control unit 1004 identifies the start step of the drive signal of the conveyor motor 40 during a label dispensing period (step S3). The residual amount determination unit 1007 determines whether the near-end state detection unit 1006 has detected a near-end state (step S4). In other words, the residual amount determination unit 1007 determines whether detection information indicating that no roll paper RP has been detected has been input from the near-end sensor 41 to the input unit 1002.

[0104] When the proximal state detection unit 1006 detects a proximal state ("Yes" in step S4), the control unit 100 sets the detection counter to "1" (step S5). If the proximal state detection unit 1006 does not detect a proximal state ("No" in step S4), the control unit 100 sets the detection counter to "0" (step S6). For example, the control unit 100 stores the set detection count value in RAM 103.

[0105] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether a drive signal for the final step of a tag issuance period has been output (step S7). If no drive signal for the final step of a tag issuance period has been output ("No" in step S7), the control unit 100 returns to the processing of step S4. Thus, the near-end state detection unit 1006 is able to detect when a certain timing during a tag issuance period becomes a near-end state.

[0106] Upon outputting the drive signal for the final step of a tag distribution period ("Yes" in step S7), the control unit 100 determines whether the detection count value is "1" (step S8). In other words, the control unit 100 determines whether a near-end state is detected during a tag distribution period. If the detection count value is "1", the control unit 100 increments the value of the cumulative counter by "1" (step S9). The value of the cumulative counter is stored, for example, in RAM 103.

[0107] Next, the residual amount determination unit 1007 determines whether the value of the accumulator counter is the set value "N" (step S10). If the value of the accumulator counter is "N" ("Yes" in step S10), the residual amount determination unit 1007 determines that the residual amount of the roll paper RP is less than or equal to a predetermined amount. Then, the display control unit 1008 causes the display unit 43 to display information indicating that the residual amount of the roll paper RP is less than or equal to a predetermined amount (step S11). The display unit 43 may, for example, display a prompt to replace the roll paper RP with a new one.

[0108] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether the distribution of the label L indicating the number of print instructions contained in the print data acquired by the acquisition unit 1001 has been completed (step S12). In other words, the control unit 100 determines whether a label distribution operation has been performed a number of times corresponding to the number of print instructions. When the distribution of the label L indicating the number of print instructions is completed ("Yes" in step S12), the control unit 100 ends the residual quantity detection process. If the distribution of the label L indicating the number of print instructions is not completed ("No" in step S12), the control unit 100 returns to the process in step S3 and continues the residual quantity detection process until the distribution of the label L indicating the number of print instructions is completed.

[0109] It should be noted that in step S8, if the value of the detection counter is not "1" (No in step S8), the control unit 100 sets the value of the accumulation counter to "0" (step S13) and transitions to step S12. Furthermore, if the value of the accumulation counter is not "No" in step S10 (No in step S10), the control unit 100 skips step S11 and transitions to step S12.

[0110] Through the above residual amount detection process, the label printer 1 can prevent false detection of residual amount of the roll paper RP caused by the roll paper RP being pressed by the label paper LP without setting up a structure to press the roll paper RP.

[0111] Next, a modified example of the residual quantity detection process (Second Embodiment) will be described. This modified example prevents false detections of residual quantity in the roll paper RP caused by tension applied to the label paper LP during the label dispensing operation. For example, tension is applied to the label paper LP during feeding or when it is cut with a cutter, causing the roll paper RP to rotate. In this modified example, residual quantity detection is performed with minimal tension applied to the label paper LP, thereby suppressing false detections of residual quantity.

[0112] Figure 10This is a flowchart illustrating a modified example of the residual quantity detection processing of the control unit 100 of the label printer 1. The residual quantity detection processing in this modified example is performed in reverse conveying modes such as cut-off dispensing mode and peel-off dispensing mode, but not in continuous dispensing mode.

[0113] The control unit 100 determines whether the conveyor motor 40 is rotating in the forward direction (step S21). The control unit 100 performs the determination in step S21 based on whether the printing control unit 1004 causes the conveyor motor 40 to rotate in the forward direction. If the conveyor motor 40 is not rotating in the forward direction ("No" in step S21), the control unit 100 returns to the processing of step S21.

[0114] When the conveyor motor 40 is rotating in the forward direction (Yes in step S21), the control unit 100 determines whether the conveyor motor 40 is rotating in the reverse direction (step S22). In other words, the control unit 100 determines whether the conveyor motor 40 is rotating in the reverse direction. Based on whether the printing control unit 1004 reverses the conveyor motor 40, the near-end state detection unit 1006 detects the near-end state and performs the determination in step S22.

[0115] If the conveyor motor 40 does not reverse (No in step S22), the control unit 100 returns to the processing of step S22. If the conveyor motor 40 reverses (Yes in step S22), the residual amount determination unit 1007 determines whether the near-end state detection unit 1006 has detected a near-end state (step S23). In other words, the residual amount determination unit 1007 determines whether detection information indicating that the roll paper RP has not been detected has been input from the near-end sensor 41 to the input unit 1002. The residual amount determination unit 1007 determines whether it is a near-end state when the conveyor motor 40 rotates in the opposite direction and the label paper LP is relaxed, in other words, when the label paper LP is not stretched and supported on the roll paper RP on the holder 30.

[0116] If the near-end state detection unit 1006 detects a near-end state ("Yes" in step S23), the display control unit 1008 causes the display unit 43 to display information indicating that the residual amount of the roll paper RP is less than a specified amount (step S24).

[0117] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether the distribution of the label L indicating the number of prints contained in the print data acquired by the acquisition unit 1001 has been completed (step S25). When the distribution of the label L indicating the number of prints is completed ("Yes" in step S25), the control unit 100 ends the residual quantity detection process. If the distribution of the label L indicating the number of prints is not completed ("No" in step S25), the control unit 100 returns to the process in step S21 and continues the residual quantity detection process until the distribution of the label L indicating the number of prints is completed.

[0118] It should be noted that in the process of step S23, if the proximal state detection unit 1006 does not detect the proximal state (No in step S23), the control unit 100 skips the process of step S24 and transitions to the process of step S25.

[0119] By employing the aforementioned residual amount detection process, the label printer 1 can prevent false detections of residual amount of the roll paper RP caused by tension applied to the label paper LP during reverse transport mode, without requiring a structure that presses the roll paper RP. It should be noted that the state where the transport motor 40 is not rotating forward, i.e., the state where the transport motor 40 is rotating in reverse, is the state in which the label L to be printed is transported to the printing start position. The near-end state detection unit 1006 detects the near-end state during the process of transporting the label L to the printing start position, or at the position where the label L is transported to the printing start position. However, it is conceivable that the state in which the label L is transported to the printing position cannot be a state in which no tension is applied to the label paper LP. Especially when the label spacing is large, it is conceivable that even when the label L is transported to the printing start position, the label paper LP is under tension. Therefore, in order to reliably prevent false detections of residual amount of the roll paper RP caused by tension applied to the label paper LP, the following is described. When the residual amount determination unit 1007 reverses the conveyor motor and the near-end state detection unit 1006 detects a near-end state, it further reverses the conveyor roller 40 after conveying the label L in the reverse direction to the printing start position. Conversely, a predetermined amount of label paper LP (e.g., the amount of the next label L) is conveyed, and the near-end state detection unit 1006 determines whether a near-end state has been detected. The process thereafter is the same as in S23. Thus, the residual amount of the roll paper RP can be reliably detected when the label paper LP is not under tension. Then, the conveyor motor 40 is turned forward to convey the label L to the printing start position.

[0120] Alternatively, a control unit can be provided to control the execution of the first embodiment in continuous dispensing mode, and the execution of the second embodiment in cut-off dispensing mode and peel-off dispensing mode. This allows for the detection and processing of the proximal state corresponding to the rotation direction of the conveyor motor 40 based on the mode switching.

[0121] As described above, the label printer 1 of this embodiment includes: a retainer 30 that supports a roll of paper RP in a manner that allows it to rotate, the roll of paper RP being constructed by winding backing paper M with labels L pasted on at predetermined intervals; a thermal print head 13 that prints labels L on the roll of paper RP that are successively released from the retainer 30; a proximity sensor 41 that outputs a detection signal when the radial outer circumferential surface of the roll of paper RP, which is rotatably supported on the retainer 30, reaches a predetermined position; a proximity state detection unit 1006 that detects the proximity state during a label dispensing operation based on the output of the proximity sensor 41; and a residual amount determination unit 1007 that determines that the residual amount of the roll of paper RP is less than or equal to a predetermined amount when the proximity state detection unit 1006 continuously detects the proximity state for a predetermined number or more of labels.

[0122] Therefore, the label printer 1 can prevent false detection of residual amount of the roll paper RP caused by the roll paper RP being pressed by the label paper LP without the need for special settings such as the structure for pressing the roll paper RP.

[0123] In addition, in the label printer 1 of this embodiment, the near-end status detection unit 1006 determines that a label dispensing operation is in progress based on the drive signal of the conveyor motor 40 that conveys the paper roll.

[0124] Therefore, the label printer 1 can easily determine that it is in the process of dispensing a label. Thus, the design is simple and can be used to prevent false detections of residual amount in roll paper RP.

[0125] Furthermore, the label printer 1 of this embodiment also includes a label spacing detection unit 1005, which detects the gap between one end of the label L attached to the base paper M in the conveying direction and one end of the next label in the conveying direction. The residual amount determination unit 1007 sets the predetermined number of times based on the gap detected by the label spacing detection unit 1005.

[0126] Thus, label printer 1 can prevent the time required for residual amount detection from being spent when using roll paper RP with a label spacing P.

[0127] Furthermore, the label printer 1 of this embodiment includes: a retainer 30 that supports a roll of paper RP wound into a roll shape in a manner that allows it to rotate; a thermal printhead 13 that prints on the roll of paper RP that is successively released from the retainer 30; a proximal sensor 41 that outputs a detection signal when the radial outer circumferential surface of the roll of paper RP, which is rotatably supported on the retainer 30, reaches a predetermined position; a transport motor 40 that transports the roll of paper RP in a transport direction by rotating forward and in a direction opposite to the transport direction by rotating in reverse; a proximal state detection unit 1006 that detects the proximal state based on the output of the proximal sensor 41; and a residual amount determination unit 1007 that, when the proximal state detection unit 1006 detects the proximal state while the transport motor 40 is not rotating forward, determines that the residual amount of the roll of paper RP is less than a predetermined amount.

[0128] Therefore, the label printer 1 can prevent false detection of residual amount of the roll paper RP caused by tension applied to the label paper LP in reverse conveying mode without the need for special settings such as a structure for pressing the roll paper RP.

[0129] In addition, the label printer 1 of this embodiment also has a display unit 43, which informs the user of the situation that the residual amount of the roll paper RP has fallen below a predetermined amount based on the determination result of the residual amount determination unit 1007.

[0130] Thus, label printer 1 can inform the user that the remaining amount of roll paper RP is below a specified amount.

[0131] It should be noted that, in the above embodiments, the control program executed by the label printer 1 can be provided by recording it on a computer-readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM. Alternatively, it can be provided by storing the control program executed by the label printer 1 in the above embodiments on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet, and then downloading it via the network. Furthermore, it can be provided via a network such as the Internet.

[0132] The above describes several embodiments of the present invention, but these embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The new embodiments described above can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A printer, characterized in that, include: A retainer that supports the roll of paper, to which labels are affixed at specified intervals, in a manner that allows it to rotate; The printing unit prints labels on the rolls of paper that are successively discharged from the holding member; The sensor outputs a detection signal when the radial outer circumferential surface of the roll of paper, which is rotatably supported on the holder, is in a predetermined position; The near-end state detection unit detects the near-end state during a tag delivery operation based on the output of the sensor. as well as The residual amount determination unit determines that the residual amount of the roll of paper is less than or equal to a predetermined amount when the near-end state detection unit continuously detects a near-end state for a predetermined number or more labels. The near-end status detection unit determines that a label dispensing operation is in progress based on the drive signal of the conveyor motor that conveys the roll of paper.

2. The printer according to claim 1, wherein, Also includes: The label spacing detection unit detects the interval between one end of the label being conveyed in the conveying direction and the other end of the next label being conveyed in the conveying direction. The residual quantity determination unit sets the specified number of labels based on the interval detected by the label spacing detection unit.

3. The printer according to claim 2, wherein, The specified number of labels is smaller when the label spacing is larger.

4. The printer according to claim 1, wherein, The printer has a continuous printing mode, a cut-off printing mode, and a peel-off printing mode. The continuous printing mode prints a set number of labels continuously. The cut-off printing mode cuts the printed labels one by one. The peel-off printing mode peels the printed labels off the backing paper. The proximal state detection unit detects the proximal state when the conveyor motor, which is capable of both forward and reverse rotation, is rotating forward.

5. The printer according to claim 1, wherein, Also includes: The notification department, based on the determination result of the residual amount determination department, informs the recipient that the residual amount of the paper roll has fallen below a specified amount.

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