Printing apparatus

Abstract

The invention provides a printing apparatus capable of preventing cut paper from falling off from a paper discharge port. A printing apparatus (1) according to an embodiment includes a cutter (23), a support member (21), and a biasing member (25). The cutter (23) cuts the paper conveyed by the conveying mechanism. The support member (21) is provided at a sheet discharge port (11) through which the cut sheet is discharged, and supports the sheet discharged from the sheet discharge port (11) from the back side. The biasing member (25) is provided between the cutter (23) and the support member (21) in the conveyance direction (215) of the sheet, and biases the sheet from the front surface side of the sheet. The support member (21) and the biasing member (25) have portions overlapping each other when viewed from a conveyance direction (215) of the sheet. The paper cut by the cutter (23) is held between the support member (21) and the biasing member (25).

Description

[0001] This application claims priority from Japanese patent application No. JP2024-045860, filed on Mar. 22, 2024, and cites the contents of the aforementioned application, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a printing device. Background Art

[0003] Currently, there are two types of automatic cutting in printing devices: full-cut and partial-cut. Partial-cutting allows a portion of the paper to remain on the paper roll, preventing it from falling out after cutting. However, full-cutting can cause the cut paper to fall out of the paper outlet. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a printing device that can prevent cut paper from falling out of a paper discharge port.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned problem, the printing device of the embodiment includes a cutter, a support member, and a force-applying member. The cutter cuts the paper conveyed by the conveying mechanism. The support member is provided at the paper outlet from which the cut paper is discharged and supports the paper discharged from the paper outlet from the back side. The force-applying member is provided in the conveying direction of the paper and between the cutter and the support member and applies force to the paper from the surface side of the paper. When viewed in the conveying direction of the paper, the support member and the force-applying member have overlapping portions. The paper cut by the cutter is held between the support member and the force-applying member.

[0006] According to the above-mentioned printing device, a printing device can be provided that can retain the paper cut by the cutter in a full-cut manner by friction between the supporting member, the biasing member and the paper, thereby preventing the cut paper from falling out of the paper discharge port.

[0007] The above-mentioned printing device further includes: a sensor for detecting the movement of the urging member; and a control unit for stopping the conveyance of the paper when the movement of the urging member is detected by the sensor.

[0008] According to the above-described printing apparatus, serious jamming such as paper being caught in a gap can be prevented.

[0009] In the above-mentioned printing apparatus, after the urging member is actuated, the control unit executes conveyance of the paper when the urging member moves to the position urged by the spring within a predetermined time and detection by the sensor is released.

[0010] According to the above-described printing apparatus, when the jam is naturally cleared within a predetermined time, printing can be quickly resumed.

[0011] In the above-mentioned printing device, when the movement of the force-applying member is detected by the sensor, and the detection of the sensor is not released within a specified time and the cover on which the support member is installed is opened and closed, the control unit confirms whether the movement of the force-applying member is detected by the sensor.

[0012] According to the above-described printing apparatus, it is possible to confirm whether or not the jam has not been sufficiently cleared by the user.

[0013] In the above-mentioned printing device, the relative position relationship between the supporting component and the force applying component is that the front end portion of the supporting component overlaps with the force applying component when viewed from the conveying direction of the paper, and the protruding portion on the supporting component is arranged at an angle relative to the conveying direction at the paper discharge port.

[0014] According to the above-described printing apparatus, the paper can be held by the friction between the front end portion of the supporting member, the urging member, and the paper.

[0015] In the above-mentioned printing device, the supporting member is detachably provided at the paper discharge outlet, or is integrally provided with the paper discharge outlet.

[0016] According to the above-described printing apparatus, a compact printing apparatus can be provided by attaching and detaching the support member or replacing the cover.

[0017] In the above-mentioned printing device, when the paper discharge port of the printing device is set in a horizontal direction, the length of the part of the support member protruding from the cover is set to a length that allows paper replacement when the front end of the support member is in contact with the horizontal surface as the cover is opened.

[0018] According to the above-described printing apparatus, the front end of the support member is brought into contact with the horizontal surface, thereby facilitating paper replacement.

[0019] In the above-mentioned printing device, when the paper discharge port of the printing device is arranged horizontally, the front end of the supporting member is positioned higher than the bottom surface of the paper discharge port and higher than the lower end of the urging member.

[0020] According to the above-described printing apparatus, the paper can be held by the front end of the supporting member and the lower end of the urging member.

[0021] In the above-mentioned printing device, the cutter has a movable blade and a fixed blade. The printing device also includes: a controller that causes the movable blade to reciprocate between a standby position and a cutting position, and controls the movable blade not to stop between the standby position and the cutting position when cutting paper.

[0022] According to the above-described printing apparatus, the movable blade does not stop between the standby position and the cutting position when cutting the paper, thereby preventing the cut paper from falling out of the paper discharge port.

[0023] In the above-mentioned printing device, it is used as a receipt printer for printing receipts and coupons.

[0024] According to the above-described printing device, it is possible to provide a printing device for issuing receipts and coupons that can prevent cut paper from falling out of a paper discharge port. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printing device according to an embodiment.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the printing apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0027] Figure 3 This figure shows an example of the appearance of a printing device in the embodiment in which a paper discharge port for discharging paper cut by a cutter is oriented horizontally.

[0028] Figure 4 The embodiment is shown Figure 3 The diagram shows an example of a state in which the cover of the printing apparatus is open.

[0029] Figure 5 This figure shows an example of the appearance of a printing device in the embodiment when the paper discharge port is oriented vertically.

[0030] Figure 6 The embodiment is shown Figure 5 The diagram shows an example of a state in which the cover of the printing apparatus is open.

[0031] Figure 7 Involving embodiments, Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the printing device taken along arrow AA.

[0032] Figure 8 Involving an embodiment, showing Figure 7 The cover in the middle is open.

[0033] Figure 9 Involving the embodiment, is to Figure 5 The cross-sectional view shown is an enlarged view of the arrow AA.

[0034] Figure 10 This embodiment is a diagram showing an example of a situation in which the urging member 5 rotates to the side opposite to the urging side around the rotation axis due to clogging.

[0035] Figure 11 This figure shows an example of a stretched state of paper in the embodiment.

[0036] Figure 12 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation executed by the printing apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0037] Description of Reference Numerals

[0038] 1 Printing device

[0039] 11 Paper exit

[0040] 13 Lid

[0041] 17 Platen Roller

[0042] 19 print head

[0043] 20 hosts

[0044] 21 Support components

[0045] 23 Cutter

[0046] 25 Force-applying components

[0047] 30 horizontal plane

[0048] 100 Control Department

[0049] 101CPU

[0050] 102ROM

[0051] 103RAM

[0052] 104 Storage Department

[0053] 105 controller

[0054] 106 first drive motor

[0055] 108 Ministry of Communications

[0056] 111 Obstacles

[0057] 171 gap

[0058] 191 print head parts

[0059] 193 spring

[0060] 231 movable blade

[0061] 233 fixed blade

[0062] 215 conveying direction

[0063] 217 overlapping part

[0064] 251 Rotating Axis

[0065] 253 Shutter

[0066] 255 sensor

[0067] 257 optical paths

[0068] 1041 Control Procedure DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the embodiments described below do not limit the present invention.

[0070] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the schematic structure of the printing device 1 involved in the embodiment. Figure 1 The printing device 1 is briefly described below. The printing device 1 corresponds to a thermal printer. The printing device 1 is used, for example, as a receipt printer for printing receipts. Recent known receipt printers have the following application: for a transaction, the details of the purchased items are printed on receipt paper (LP), which serves as printing paper. The LP is cut to issue a receipt. Thereafter, a coupon is printed on the LP, and the coupon is issued after the LP is cut.

[0071] The printer device 1 houses a roll paper LR, which is a roll of paper LP, an example of printing paper. The printer device 1 prints on the paper LP while pulling it out of the roll paper LR. The printer device 1 includes a paper discharge port 11, a platen roller 17, a print head 19, and a cutter 23. The paper discharge port 11 discharges the paper LP cut by the cutter 23.

[0072] The print head 19 is an example of a printing unit. In this embodiment, the print head 19 is a thermal print head with a structure comprising multiple heating elements arranged in a row. The print head 19 prints on the paper LP held between the platen roller 17 and the print head 19 by heating the heating elements according to the print pattern. The print head 19 applies a force to the platen roller 17 via a force applying mechanism (not shown). Consequently, in the printing device 1, the print head 19 abuts against the platen roller 17.

[0073] The cutter 23 cuts the paper LP transported by the transport mechanism such as the platen roller 17. Specifically, the cutter 23 includes a movable blade and a fixed blade. The movable blade is a blade that can move in the thickness direction of the paper. The movable blade is moved by a moving mechanism that moves the blade, thereby controlling the control unit 100 (see FIG. 1 ) installed in the printing device 1. Figure 2 ) is controlled by the controller 105 and moves up and down (hereinafter, sometimes it is simply described as being controlled by the control unit 100). The fixed blade is set at a position opposite to the movable blade. When printing on the paper LP is completed, the movable blade moves from the back side of the paper to the front side of the paper, and the paper LP is clamped between the moving movable blade and the fixed blade, thereby cutting the paper LP. The front side of the paper corresponds to, for example, the printing surface of the paper. In addition, the back side of the paper corresponds to the side opposite to the printing surface of the paper (non-printing surface).

[0074] The cutter 23 is not limited to cutting (full cutting) the paper LP. For example, the cutter 23 can also perform a partial cut, severing a portion of the paper LP. The user pre-sets whether to perform a full cut or a partial cut by using an operation unit (not shown). Based on this setting, either a full cut or a partial cut is performed.

[0075] Next, we will refer to Figure 2 The hardware structure of the printing apparatus 1 will be described. Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the printing device 1 .

[0076] like Figure 2 As shown, the printing apparatus 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101 , a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102 , and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103 .

[0077] The CPU 101 is an example of a processor and serves as the main controller of the printing device 1. The ROM 102 stores various programs. The RAM 103 loads programs and various data. The CPU 101, ROM 102, and RAM 103 are connected via a bus or the like. The CPU 101, ROM 102, and RAM 103 constitute the control unit 100. Specifically, the control unit 100 executes control processing related to the operation of the printing device 1 by operating the CPU 101 according to a control program 1041 stored in the ROM 102 or the storage unit 104 (described later) and loaded into the RAM 103.

[0078] The storage unit 104 is comprised of a nonvolatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or flash memory, which retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The storage unit 104 stores a control program 1041 for controlling the operation of the printer 1. Furthermore, the storage unit 104 stores various settings related to the operation of the printer 1.

[0079] Furthermore, the control unit 100 is connected to a controller 105 that controls input and output of data via a bus etc. The controller 105 is connected to the aforementioned print head 19 , the first drive motor 106 , the second drive motor 107 and the like.

[0080] The first drive motor 106 is the driving source for the platen roller 17. The first drive motor 106 is an example of a first drive unit. The first drive motor 106 is implemented, for example, by a stepping motor. Together with the platen roller 17, the first drive motor 106 functions as an example of a transport unit that transports the paper LP in a feed direction (forward direction).

[0081] The second drive motor 107 is a drive source for the cutter 23. The second drive motor 107 is provided in a moving mechanism that moves the movable blade of the cutter 23. The second drive motor 107 is an example of a second drive unit. The second drive motor 107 is implemented by, for example, a DC motor.

[0082] The controller 105 receives instructions from the control unit 100 and controls the operation of each part of the printing device 1. For example, the controller 105 feeds the paper LP at a specified conveying speed by controlling the operation of the first drive motor 106. In addition, the movable blade 231 of the cutter 23 is moved by controlling the operation of the second drive motor 107. The movable blade 231 has a standby position and a cutting position. The controller 105 controls the second drive motor 107 to reciprocate the movable blade 231 between the standby position and the cutting position (full cutting position or partial cutting position). When cutting the paper LP, the controller 105 prevents the movable blade 231 from stopping between the standby position and the cutting position. Accordingly, the control of the action of the movable blade 231 cutting the paper LP can be simplified, and malfunction of the movable blade 231 can be prevented.

[0083] Furthermore, the control unit 100 is connected to a communication unit 108 via a bus or the like. The communication unit 108 communicates with an external device such as an information processing device via a communication line (not shown). For example, the communication unit 108 obtains print data to be printed on paper LP or obtains printing instructions from the external device. The communication line can be either a wired communication line or a wireless communication line.

[0084] In addition, the hardware structure of the printing device 1 is not limited to Figure 2For example, the printing apparatus 1 may include an operation unit for accepting an operation from a user, a display unit for displaying various information, and the like.

[0085] Next, we will refer to Figure 3 The appearance, structure, etc. of the printing device 1 will be described. Figure 3 1 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the printing device 1 when the paper discharge port 11 for discharging paper cut by the cutter 23 is in a horizontal direction. Figure 3 In the embodiment, the printed paper LP is discharged horizontally from the printing device 1 .

[0086] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 The cover 13 of the printing device 1 is shown in the figure as an example of an open state. Figure 4 As shown, the printing device 1 stores a roll of paper LP formed by winding paper. In addition, a platen roller 17 is mounted on the cover 13. In this case, the print head 19 is arranged on the main body 20 side of the printing device 1. In addition, the positional relationship between the platen roller 17 and the print head 19 is not limited to Figure 4 As shown in the positional relationship, the print head 19 can also be installed on the cover 13, and the platen roller 17 can be arranged in the main body 20 of the printing device 1. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In that case, the front side can be expressed as the upper side, and the back side can be expressed as the lower side.

[0087] In addition, for example, the printing device 1 may be arranged in a manner such that the paper discharge port 11 faces upward in the vertical direction, without being limited to the above. Figure 1 shown. Figure 5 FIG. 1 shows an example of the appearance of the printing device 1 when the paper discharge port 11 is in a vertical direction. Figure 5 In the embodiment, the printed paper LR is discharged from the printing device 1 in the vertically upward direction. Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The cover 13 of the printer 1 is shown in the open state. For the sake of specific description, the following description will be made with the paper outlet 11 of the printer 1 being arranged in a horizontal direction.

[0088] like Figures 3 to 6 As shown, the paper outlet 11 of the cover 13 of the printing device 1 is provided with a support member 21. The support member 21 supports the back side of the paper discharged from the paper outlet 11. The support member 21 is detachably mounted relative to the paper outlet 11 or integrally formed with the paper outlet 11. In other words, the support member 21 is detachably mounted relative to the cover 13 or integrally formed with the cover 13. The support member 21, which supports the back side of the paper, is also called a work table.

[0089] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of the printing device 1 along the arrow AA is shown in FIG. Figure 8 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the printing device 1 taken along arrow AA. Figure 8 Shown Figure 7 The cover 13 is in the open state. Figure 8 As shown, the length 211 of the portion of the support member 21 protruding from the cover 13 (hereinafter referred to as the protrusion length) and the inclination of the protrusion length 211 relative to the paper LP discharge direction are set so that, for example, the paper roll LR can be inserted into the main body 20 when the cover 13 is opened to the horizontal plane 30, that is, when the front end of the support member 21 contacts the horizontal plane 30 as the cover 13 is opened. In other words, the protrusion length 211 and the inclination of the protrusion length 211 are pre-set to allow replacement of the paper roll LR. Furthermore, in the case of a receipt printing device, since coupons are issued, the protrusion length 211 can be set based on the length of the coupons to be issued. In other words, the length of the receipt varies depending on the number of items purchased, while the length of the coupons is fixed. To prevent the coupons from falling after the clerk hands the issued receipt to the customer, the protrusion length 211 of the support member 21 can be set to a length that cooperates with the biasing member 25 (described later) to prevent the coupons from falling. For example, it can be set to 1 / 4 the length of the coupons to be issued. The protruding length 211 can be appropriately set according to the actual length of the coupon.

[0090] Figure 9 It is magnified Figure 5 An enlarged view of the cross-sectional view of arrow AA shown. Figure 9 As shown, a print head 19 is positioned opposite the platen roller 17. The print head 19 is biased from the front side of the paper toward the back side by the elastic force of a spring 193 via a print head assembly 191 that supports the print head 19. When the cover 13 is opened to replace the roll paper LR, the leading end of the paper roll LR pulled out by the user is sandwiched between the platen roller 17 and the print head 19, and then the cover 13 is closed. This holds the leading end of the paper roll LR between the platen roller 17 and the print head 19. The platen roller 17 serves as the transport mechanism for transporting the paper LP.

[0091] Figure 9The cutter 23 shown cuts the paper LP conveyed by the conveying mechanism. Specifically, the cutter 23 includes a movable blade 231 and a fixed blade 233. The movable blade 231 is a blade that can move in the thickness direction of the paper LP and is mounted on the cover 13. The movable blade 231 moves up and down under the control of the control unit 100 installed in the printing device 1 by a moving mechanism that moves the blade. The fixed blade 233 is fixed to the main body 20 of the printing device 1. When printing on the paper LP is completed, the movable blade 231 moves from the standby position, from the back side of the paper LP to the front side, and moves to the cutting position. The paper LP is clamped between the movable blade 231 and the fixed blade 233, thereby cutting the paper LP. The movable blade 231, having moved to the cutting position, returns to the standby position. The movable blade 231 returns to the standby position without stopping midway.

[0092] Figure 9 The force-applying member 25 shown is provided in the conveying direction 215 of the paper LP and between the cutter 23 and the support member 21. The force-applying member 25 applies force from the surface side to the back side of the paper LP by a spring. In addition, the force-applying member 25 is provided on the main body 20 in a manner capable of rotating around a rotation axis 251. Thus, the force-applying member 25 applies force to the paper LP from the surface side of the paper LP. When a force (hereinafter referred to as an upward thrust) greater than the force applied to the surface side of the paper LP by the spring (hereinafter referred to as the force) acts from the back side to the surface side of the paper LP, the force-applying member 25 rotates around the rotation axis 251. That is, the force-applying member 25 rotates around the rotation axis 251 to the side opposite to the force applied by the upward thrust from the back side of the paper LP. The force-applying member 25 can be called a baffle.

[0093] like Figure 9 As shown in FIG. 2 , the support member 21 and the force applying member 25 have an overlapping portion 217 (hereinafter referred to as the overlap) when viewed from the conveying direction 215 of the paper LP. The length of the overlap 217 is predetermined based on the material (hardness, smoothness), thickness, and weight of the paper LP. Figure 9 As shown in FIG. 2 , the upper end of the support member 21 is located on the surface side of the lower end of the force applying member 25. That is, the relative positional relationship between the support member 21 and the force applying member 25 is such that the front end portion of the support member 21 overlaps with the force applying member 25 when viewed from the conveying direction 215 of the paper LP. Figure 9 As shown in FIG. 2 , the protruding portion of the support member 21 is arranged at the paper discharge port 11 in a manner inclined at an acute angle relative to the conveying direction 215. Figure 9As shown, the paper LP cut by the cutter 23 is held between the support member 21 and the biasing member 25. Specifically, the paper LP is held by friction between the upper end of the support member 21 and the paper LP and by friction between the lower end of the biasing member 25 and the paper LP.

[0094] When the paper outlet 11 of the printing device 1 is arranged horizontally, the front end of the support member 21 is positioned higher than the bottom surface of the paper outlet 11. The front end of the support member 21 is also positioned higher than the lower end of the biasing member 25.

[0095] For the sake of specificity, the force-applying member 25 will be described below as a member having a mechanism related to preventing jams in the printed paper. For example, if a serious jam (paper jam) occurs, such as when paper LP becomes entangled in the gap 171 around the platen roller 17, it can require numerous steps to remove components associated with the platen roller 17 to resolve the jam. To prevent this problem, the printing device 1 of this embodiment is equipped with an anti-jam mechanism. This anti-jam mechanism includes, for example, a shutter 253 provided on the force-applying member 25 downstream of the platen roller 17 and cutter 23, and a sensor 255 provided on the cover 13.

[0096] In addition, when the anti-clogging mechanism is not installed in the printing apparatus 1 , the urging member 25 is not limited to being urged by a spring, and for example, may be fixed to the main body 20 so as to maintain the urging force.

[0097] Sensor 255 detects the movement of force-applying member 25. Sensor 255 is implemented, for example, as a photodetector. Below, for more specific explanation, sensor 255 is described as a photodetector. Photodetector 255 includes a light-emitting portion that emits light and a light-receiving portion that receives the light. A space (hereinafter referred to as an optical path space) is provided between the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion, in which shutter 253 can be located. Photodetector 255 is implemented, for example, as a U-shaped photointerrupter.

[0098] As the biasing member 25 rotates, the movable shutter 253 moves into the optical path space corresponding to the U-shaped gap, blocking light in the optical path 257 connecting the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit. When the light is blocked, blocking light from reaching the light receiving unit, the photodetector 255 detects the change in light intensity and outputs a current corresponding to this detection (hereinafter referred to as the detection current) to the control unit 100 in the printing device 1.

[0099] In response to the input of the detection current, the control unit 100 stops the rotation of the platen roller 17 and printing on the paper LP. Specifically, when the sensor 255 detects the movement of the biasing member 25, the control unit 100 stops conveying the paper LP. Furthermore, the control unit 100 stops printing on the paper LP.

[0100] Figure 10 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a situation in which the urging member 25 rotates around the rotation axis 251 in the opposite direction to the urging side due to a blockage. Figure 10 As shown in FIG. 1 , when a jam occurs, for example, an obstacle 111 that prevents the paper LP from being ejected is located at the paper ejection port 11. The obstacle 111 is, for example, a user's finger or an object heavier than the paper LP. Figure 10 As shown, the printed and conveyed paper LP bends due to an obstacle 111, causing a paper jam. When the upward force generated by the bent paper LP exceeds the negative pressure, the force-applying member 25 rotates about the rotation axis 251 in the direction opposite to the force-applying side. At this point, the shutter 253 provided on the force-applying member 25 blocks light, halting the conveyance and printing of the paper LP.

[0101] The anti-jamming mechanism is not limited to the combination of a shutter 253 provided on the biasing member 25 and a light detector 255 that can be shielded from light by the shutter 253. For example, the anti-jamming mechanism can be composed of an actuator connected to the biasing member 25 and a detector that detects the movement of the actuator. In this case, the actuator presses the switch of the detector corresponding to the sensor 255 in response to the movement of the biasing member 25. In response to the pressing of the detector switch, the control unit 100 stops the rotation of the platen roller 17 and stops printing on the paper LP.

[0102] The use of the jam prevention mechanism is not limited to stopping the conveyance and printing of paper LP upon detection of a jam. For example, the jam prevention mechanism also functions when a user, for example, pulls the paper LP toward the front surface of the paper LP before the cutter 23 cuts the paper LP (hereinafter referred to as a paper pulling state).

[0103] Figure 11 FIG is a diagram showing an example of a stretched state of paper. Figure 11 As shown. When the paper LP is stretched toward the surface side of the paper LP, the paper LP pushes the force-applying member 25 toward the side opposite to the force-applying direction. As a result, the force-applying member 25 rotates around the rotation axis 251. When the shutter 253, which moves with the rotation of the force-applying member 25, moves to the optical path space corresponding to the U-shaped gap portion, the shutter 253 blocks the light in the optical path 257 connecting the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion. At this time, the light detector 255 outputs a detection current to the control unit 100. The control unit 100 stops the rotation of the platen roller 17 and printing on the paper LP based on the detected current.

[0104] Next, we will refer to Figure 12 An example of the operation of the printing apparatus 1 will be described. Figure 12 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation performed by the printing device 1.

[0105] First, the control unit 100 drives the print head 19. Next, the control unit 100 prints on the paper LP at the print start position (step S1). Next, the control unit 100 drives the first drive motor 106 associated with the platen roller 17. In response, the paper LP is conveyed toward the paper outlet 11.

[0106] It is determined whether a blockage is detected by the sensor (photodetector) 255 (step S2). The detection of a blockage corresponds to the detection of the movement of the force applying member 25 by the sensor 255. Specifically, Figure 10 As shown, jam detection occurs when the upward force of paper LP exceeds the negative pressure, causing the force-applying member 25 to rotate about the rotation axis 251 in the direction opposite to the force-applying side, thereby positioning the shutter 253 within the optical path. In other words, whether jam detection occurs depends on whether the control unit 100 receives a detection current output from the light detector 255.

[0107] If a blockage is detected by the sensor (photodetector) 255 ("YES" in step S2), the process of step S3 is executed. When a blockage is detected, the control unit 100 starts counting from the moment the blockage is detected, that is, the moment the detection current is received. The counted time is stored in, for example, RAM 103. This counted time corresponds to the duration of the blockage detection (hereinafter referred to as the blockage duration).

[0108] If the sensor (photodetector) 255 does not detect clogging (No in step S2 ), the process of step S9 is performed.

[0109] If a jam is detected ("YES" in step S2), the control unit 100 stops driving the first drive motor 106 and the print head 19. In response, the control unit 100 stops conveying the paper LP and printing on the paper LP (step S3). Specifically, when the sensor 255 detects the movement of the biasing member 25, the control unit 100 stops conveying the paper LP.

[0110] The control unit 100 compares the congestion duration with a predetermined time. The predetermined time is preset and stored in ROM 102 or RAM 103. If the detected congestion is temporary and does not develop into a serious congestion, the predetermined time corresponds to the time it takes for the detected congestion to naturally resolve. The control unit 100 determines whether the congestion duration exceeds the predetermined time read from ROM 102 or RAM 103 (step S4). The predetermined time can be appropriately set via an operating unit (not shown).

[0111] If the congestion duration does not exceed the prescribed time ("No" in step S4), the process of step S5 is executed. If the congestion duration exceeds the prescribed time ("Yes" in step S4), the process of step S6 is executed.

[0112] If the detected jam has not been cleared ("No" in step S5), the process of step S4 is executed again. If the detected jam has been cleared ("Yes" in step S5), the process of step S9 is executed again. After the urging member 25 is actuated, if the urging member 25 moves to the spring-biased position within a specified time and the jam is cleared based on detection by the sensor 255, the control unit 100 continues conveying and printing on the paper LP, provided that printing has not yet been completed ("No" in step S9).

[0113] If the congestion duration exceeds a predetermined time ("YES" in step S4), the control unit 100 outputs a predetermined warning. For example, the control unit 100 causes a speaker (not shown) to output a sound indicating the occurrence of congestion and a sound indicating the congestion is cleared. Furthermore, the output of the predetermined warning is not limited to sound. For example, a monitor (not shown) may display a warning indicating the occurrence of congestion and a warning indicating the congestion is cleared.

[0114] The jam-clearing process is executed (step S7). For example, the user opens cover 13 and removes the paper causing the jam. Specifically, the user opens cover 13 and removes the paper causing the jam. Next, the user clamps the leading edge of the paper LP pulled from roll paper LR between platen roller 17 and print head 19. The user then closes cover 13.

[0115] When the sensor (not shown) for detecting the closing of the cover 13 detects the closing of the cover 13, it is determined whether the sensor (photodetector) 255 has detected a jam (step S8). Specifically, if the sensor 255 does not release detection within a predetermined time after the urging member 25 is actuated, the control unit 100 confirms that the sensor 255 has detected the actuation of the urging member 25 (in other words, a jam has been detected) after the cover 13 is opened and closed and the jam of the paper LP is released.

[0116] If clogging is detected by the sensor (photodetector) 255 ("Yes" in step S8), the process of step S4 is executed. If clogging is not detected by the sensor (photodetector) 255 ("No" in step S8), the process of step S9 is executed.

[0117] When printing on paper LP is complete ("YES" in step S9), the operation of the printing device 1 ends. At this point, the control unit 100 moves the movable blade 231 of the cutter 23 upward to cut the paper LP. If printing on paper LP is not complete ("NO" in step S9), the process from step S1 onward is repeated.

[0118] As described above, the printing device 1 involved in this embodiment includes: a cutter 23, which cuts the paper LP conveyed by the conveying mechanism; a support component 21, which is arranged at the paper discharge port 11 from which the cut paper LP is discharged, and supports the paper LP on the back side of the paper LP discharged from the paper discharge port 11; a force component 25, which is arranged in the conveying direction 215 of the paper LP and between the cutter 23 and the support component 21, and applies force to the paper LP from the surface side, wherein the support component 21 and the force component 25 have overlapping portions when viewed from the paper conveying direction 215, and the paper LP cut by the cutter 23 is held between the support component 21 and the force component 25.

[0119] Thus, according to the printing device 1 of this embodiment, when paper LP is ejected horizontally, the paper LP, which has been completely cut by the cutter 23, can be held by friction between the upper end of the biasing member 25, the lower end of the biasing member 25, and the paper LP. Therefore, according to this embodiment, a printing device 1 can be provided that can prevent the cut paper LP from falling out of the paper ejection port 11.

[0120] Furthermore, the printing device 1 of this embodiment detects the movement of the force-applying member 25, and stops the conveyance of the paper LP when the sensor 255 detects the movement of the force-applying member 25. Accordingly, the printing device 1 of this embodiment can prevent the occurrence of a serious blockage (paper jam) such as the paper LP being caught in the gap 171 around the platen roller 17. Furthermore, the printing device 1 of this embodiment detects the stretched state of the paper through the sensor 255, and stops the conveyance of the paper LP and the printing on the paper LP. Accordingly, the printing device 1 of this embodiment can reduce printing errors caused by the user or the like pulling the paper LP toward the surface side. Furthermore, according to the printing device 1 of this embodiment, since the cut paper LP is returned to the upstream side, the occurrence of repeated cutting of the paper LP or serious jams caused by the paper LP can be reduced.

[0121] Furthermore, the printing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment resumes conveyance of paper LP if, after the biasing member 25 is actuated, the biasing member 25 moves to the spring-biased position (initial position) within a predetermined time, and detection by the sensor 255 (jam detection) is resolved. Consequently, the printing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment can quickly resume printing if a jam is naturally resolved within the predetermined time, eliminating the need for unblocking procedures such as opening the cover 13.

[0122] Furthermore, in the printer 1 according to this embodiment, when the sensor 255 detects the movement of the biasing member 25 and the sensor 255 detection is not released within a predetermined time, when the cover 13 to which the support member 21 is attached is opened and closed to clear a paper jam (jam) of the paper LP, the printer 1 confirms whether the movement of the biasing member 25 was detected based on the sensor 255. Thus, the printer 1 according to this embodiment can prevent the occurrence of serious jams (jams) such as the paper LP being caught in the gap 171 around the platen roller 17 if the user does not fully clear the jam.

[0123] Furthermore, in the printing device 1 according to the present embodiment, the support member 21 is configured to be removable relative to the paper discharge port 11 or to be integral with the paper discharge port 11. According to the printing device 1 according to the present embodiment, the support member 21 can be mounted or removed or the cover 13 can be replaced according to the orientation of the paper discharge port 11 of the printing device 1 and / or the type of paper cutting, thereby providing a more compact (small) printing device 1. For example, when the paper discharge port 11 is oriented horizontally and the paper LP needs to be cut in a full-cut manner, the support member 21 is provided at the paper discharge port 11. Furthermore, when the paper discharge port 11 is oriented horizontally, the support member 21 can be removed in the case where the paper LP is cut in a partial-cut manner. Furthermore, if the paper discharge port 11 is oriented vertically upward, the support member 21 can be removed regardless of the cutting method of the paper LP.

[0124] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments may be implemented in various other forms and may be omitted, replaced, or modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are intended to be within the scope and spirit of the invention and to be included within the invention as set forth in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A printing device, characterized in that: include: A cutter cuts the paper conveyed by the conveying mechanism; a supporting member provided at a paper discharge port from which the cut paper is discharged, and supporting the paper discharged from the paper discharge port from a rear side; as well as A biasing member is provided in the conveying direction of the paper and between the cutter and the supporting member, and biases the paper from the surface side of the paper, wherein The supporting member and the urging member have overlapping portions when viewed in the conveying direction of the paper. The paper cut by the cutter is held between the supporting member and the urging member.

2. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein Also includes: a sensor for detecting the movement of the force-applying component; as well as The control unit stops conveyance of the paper when the sensor detects the movement of the urging member.

3. The printing device according to claim 2, wherein: After the urging member is actuated, the control unit executes conveyance of the paper when the urging member moves to the position urged by the spring within a predetermined time and detection by the sensor is released.

4. The printing device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: When the sensor detects the movement of the urging member and the sensor detection is not canceled within a predetermined time and the cover to which the support member is attached is opened or closed, the control unit checks whether the sensor detects the movement of the urging member.

5. The printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The relative positional relationship between the supporting member and the urging member is such that the front end of the supporting member overlaps with the urging member when viewed from the conveying direction of the paper. The protruding portion of the supporting member is provided at the paper discharge port so as to be inclined relative to the conveying direction.

6. The printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The supporting component is detachably arranged at the paper discharge outlet, or is integrally provided with the paper discharge outlet.

7. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein When the paper discharge port of the printing device is arranged horizontally, the length of the portion of the support member protruding from the cover is set to a length that allows paper replacement when the front end of the support member is in contact with the horizontal surface as the cover is opened.

8. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein When the paper discharge port of the printing device is arranged horizontally, the front end of the supporting member is positioned higher than the bottom surface of the paper discharge port and higher than the lower end of the biasing member.

9. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein: The cutter has a movable blade and a fixed blade. The printing device further includes: The controller reciprocates the movable blade between a standby position and a cutting position, and controls the movable blade not to stop between the standby position and the cutting position when cutting paper.

10. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein Used as a receipt printer to print receipts and coupons.

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