Printer and control method, control device therefor

Abstract

The application provides a printer and a control method and device thereof. The printer comprises a rubber roller printing assembly, a carbon tape assembly, a paper head positioning assembly and a cutting assembly. The rubber roller printing assembly, the paper head positioning assembly and the cutting assembly are sequentially arranged along the paper outlet direction of the printer. The paper head positioning assembly is used for detecting the position of label paper and positioning the paper head of the label paper between the rubber roller printing assembly and the cutting assembly according to the detection result. The carbon tape assembly is used for providing transfer materials required for printing operation. The rubber roller printing assembly is used for driving the carbon tape assembly and the label paper to synchronously perform paper outlet operation or paper return operation, so as to position the label paper to a preset printing position for printing operation. The cutting assembly is used for cutting the label paper after completing the printing operation. In this way, the calibration of the label paper head position is realized by the paper head positioning assembly, the label paper is accurately positioned, the waste of consumables such as carbon tape is reduced, and the problem of secondary utilization of waste carbon tape is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of printing technology, and in particular to a printer and its control method and control device. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, when installing label rolls, users typically pull the end of the label paper to the outside of the output slot. This results in unprinted label paper and the corresponding ribbon being discarded, leading to waste of consumables. If, to reduce waste, the label paper extending from the output slot is rolled back into the printing area, the discarded and expired ribbon will re-enter the printing area, causing ghosting, blurring, and other problems in subsequent printing, thus affecting print quality. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a printer and its control method and device, which aim to solve the problem of waste of consumables or poor printing quality caused by improper position of the label paper tip.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a printer, the printer including a rubber roller printing assembly, a ribbon assembly, a paper head positioning assembly, and a cutting assembly; the rubber roller printing assembly, the paper head positioning assembly, and the cutting assembly are arranged sequentially along the paper output direction of the printer; The paper head positioning component is used to detect the position of the label paper and position the paper head between the rubber roller printing component and the cutting component according to the detection result; The ribbon assembly is used to provide the transfer material required for the printing operation; The rubber roller printing assembly is used to drive the ribbon assembly and the label paper to perform paper feeding or paper return operations simultaneously, so as to position the label paper to a preset printing position for printing. The cutting component is used to cut the label paper after the printing operation is completed.

[0005] In some embodiments, the ribbon assembly includes a ribbon for providing transfer material, the ribbon being synchronized with the label paper for paper output or return.

[0006] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide a printer control method, which is applied to the printer described above; The control method includes: Obtain preparation instructions for the printer; Based on the preparation command, the paper head positioning component is controlled to detect the label paper and obtain a detection result; wherein, the detection result is used to determine whether the paper head of the label paper is located between the rubber roller printing component and the cutting component; Based on the detection results, the paper head positioning component is controlled to position the paper head of the label paper between the rubber roller printing component and the cutting component; The printing roller assembly is controlled to perform a paper feeding or paper return operation so that the label paper is positioned at the preset printing position.

[0007] In some embodiments, the paper head positioning assembly includes a first sensor and a second sensor, with the first sensor located downstream of the second sensor along the paper output direction; The process of controlling the paper head positioning component to detect the label paper and obtain the detection result includes: The second sensor is controlled to perform detection to obtain a first detection result; the first detection result includes the presence or absence of a label.

[0008] In some embodiments, controlling the second sensor to perform detection to obtain a first detection result includes: If the first detection result indicates the presence of a label, then the first sensor is controlled to perform a second detection result; the second detection result includes the presence of a label and the absence of a label. If the first detection result indicates that no label paper exists, the paper head positioning component is controlled to position the paper head between the rubber roller printing component and the cutting component.

[0009] In some of these embodiments, it also includes: If the first detection result indicates that no label paper exists, a prompt message is sent to the user.

[0010] In some embodiments, controlling the paper head positioning assembly to position the paper head of the label paper between the roller printing assembly and the cutting assembly includes: Get the first preset length; Control the printing roller assembly to perform the paper output operation; During the process of the rubber roller printing assembly extending the paper to the first preset length and when the paper is extended to the first preset length by the rubber roller printing assembly, the second sensor is controlled to detect and obtain a third detection result. If the third detection result indicates the presence of label paper, then the rubber roller printing assembly is controlled to perform a paper output or return operation so that the label paper is positioned at a preset printing position. The first preset length is the distance between the rubber roller printing assembly and the second sensor.

[0011] In some of these embodiments, it also includes: When the paper is fed from the rubber roller printing assembly to the first preset length, if the third detection result indicates that there is no label paper, the rubber roller printing assembly is controlled to perform the operation of returning the paper to the first preset length and a prompt message is sent to the user.

[0012] In some embodiments, controlling the first sensor to perform detection to obtain a second detection result includes: If the second detection result indicates the presence of a label, then obtain the second preset length; Control the printing roller assembly to perform a paper return operation; During the process of the rubber roller printing assembly returning the paper to the second preset length and when the rubber roller printing assembly returns the paper to the second preset length, the first sensor is controlled to detect and obtain a fourth detection result. If the fourth detection result is that there is no label paper, then the rubber roller printing assembly is controlled to perform a paper feeding operation or a paper return operation so that the label paper is in the preset printing position; Wherein, the second preset length is the distance between the first sensor and the cutting component.

[0013] In some of these embodiments, it also includes: When the rubber roller printing assembly returns the paper to the second preset length, if the fourth detection result indicates the presence of label paper, the rubber roller printing assembly is controlled to perform the operation of outputting the paper to the second preset length, and a prompt message is sent to the user.

[0014] In some embodiments, controlling the first sensor to perform detection to obtain a second detection result further includes: If the second detection result indicates that no label paper exists, the printing roller assembly is controlled to perform a paper feeding or paper return operation so that the label paper is positioned at a preset printing position.

[0015] In some embodiments, controlling the printing roller assembly to perform a paper feed or return operation to position the label paper at a preset printing position includes: The system controls the printing roller assembly to perform a paper feeding operation. When the first sensor detects the edge of the label paper, the system controls the printing roller assembly to stop performing the paper feeding operation. Get the third preset length; The printing roller assembly is controlled to perform the operation of returning the paper to the third preset length, so that the label paper is positioned at the preset printing position; The third preset length is the difference between the distance between the printing roller assembly and the first sensor and the distance between the preset cutting position of two adjacent labels in the label paper and the distance of the previous label.

[0016] In some embodiments, controlling the printing roller assembly to perform a paper feed or return operation to position the label paper at a preset printing position includes: The system controls the printing roller assembly to perform a paper return operation. When the second sensor detects the edge of the label paper, the system controls the printing roller assembly to stop performing the paper return operation. Get the fourth preset length; The printing roller assembly is controlled to perform the fourth preset length paper return operation so that the label paper is positioned at the preset printing position. The fourth preset length is the difference between the distance between the printing roller assembly and the second sensor and the distance between the preset cutting position of two adjacent labels in the label paper and the distance of the previous label.

[0017] In some of these embodiments, the paper positioning assembly includes a third sensor; The process of controlling the paper head positioning component to detect the label paper and obtain the detection result includes: The third sensor is controlled to perform detection to obtain a fifth detection result; the fifth detection result includes the presence of a label and the absence of a label.

[0018] In some embodiments, controlling the third sensor to detect and obtain a fifth detection result includes: If the fifth detection result indicates the presence of a label, the step of controlling the paper head positioning component to position the paper head between the rubber roller printing component and the cutting component includes: Get the fifth preset length; Control the printing roller assembly to perform a paper return operation; During the process of the rubber roller printing assembly returning the paper to the fifth preset length and when the rubber roller printing assembly returns the paper to the fifth preset length, the third sensor is controlled to detect and obtain a sixth detection result; the sixth detection result includes the presence of label paper and the absence of label paper; The fifth preset length is the distance between the third sensor and the cutting component.

[0019] In some embodiments, controlling the third sensor to detect and obtain a sixth detection result includes: If the sixth detection result is that there is no label paper, then the rubber roller printing assembly is controlled to perform a paper output operation or a paper return operation so that the label paper is located in the preset printing position; When the rubber roller printing assembly returns the paper to the fifth preset length, if the sixth detection result indicates the presence of label paper, the rubber roller printing assembly is controlled to perform the operation of outputting the paper to the fifth preset length, and a prompt message is sent to the user.

[0020] In some embodiments, controlling the printing roller assembly to perform a paper feed or return operation to position the label paper at a preset printing position includes: Get the sixth preset length; The printing roller assembly is controlled to perform the sixth preset length paper return operation so that the label paper is positioned at the preset printing position. The sixth preset length is the difference between the distance between the printing roller assembly and the third sensor and the distance between the preset cutting position of two adjacent labels in the label paper and the distance of the previous label.

[0021] In some embodiments, controlling the third sensor to detect and obtain a fifth detection result further includes: If the fifth detection result is that no label paper exists, the step of controlling the paper head positioning component to position the paper head between the rubber roller printing component and the cutting component includes: Get the seventh preset length; Control the printing roller assembly to perform the paper output operation; During the process of the rubber roller printing assembly extending the paper to the seventh preset length, and when the rubber roller printing assembly extends the paper to the seventh preset length, the third sensor is controlled to detect and obtain a seventh detection result; the seventh detection result includes the presence of label paper and the absence of label paper; The seventh preset length is the distance between the rubber roller printing assembly and the third sensor.

[0022] In some embodiments, controlling the third sensor to detect and obtain a seventh detection result includes: If the seventh detection result indicates the presence of label paper, then the rubber roller printing assembly is controlled to perform a paper output or return operation so that the label paper is positioned at a preset printing position. When the paper is fed from the rubber roller printing assembly to the seventh preset length, if the seventh detection result indicates that there is no label paper, the rubber roller printing assembly is controlled to perform the operation of returning the paper to the seventh preset length and a prompt message is sent to the user.

[0023] In some embodiments, controlling the printing roller assembly to perform a paper feed or return operation to position the label paper at a preset printing position includes: Get the eighth preset length; The printing roller assembly is controlled to perform the eighth preset length paper return operation so that the label paper is positioned at the preset printing position. The eighth preset length is the difference between the distance between the printing roller assembly and the third sensor and the distance between the preset cutting position of two adjacent labels in the label paper and the distance of the previous label.

[0024] Thirdly, embodiments of this application also provide a control device for a printer, the printer including a ribbon assembly and a rubber roller printing assembly, a paper head positioning assembly, and a cutting assembly arranged sequentially along the paper output direction; the control device includes: The judgment module is used to determine the position of the label paper head based on the detection result of the paper head positioning component; The control module is used to control the rubber roller printing component to perform paper feeding or paper return operations based on the detection results of the paper head positioning component. A storage module is used to store the size data of the printer; and The prompting module is used to issue prompting information based on the detection results of the paper head positioning component.

[0025] Based on the above embodiments, the printer of this application is provided with a paper head positioning component between the rubber roller printing component and the cutting component. The paper head positioning component can detect the position of the label paper and position the paper head between the rubber roller printing component and the cutting component according to the detection result. It also drives the label paper and the ribbon component to perform paper feeding or paper feeding operations synchronously through the rubber roller printing component, so that the label paper is in the preset printing position, which is convenient for subsequent printing operations. In this way, the paper head positioning component realizes the calibration of the label paper head position, which facilitates the accurate positioning of the label paper. This can not only avoid the waste of unprinted label paper and ribbon due to excessive label paper pulling, thus reducing the waste of consumables, but also avoid printing blur, ghosting and other problems that affect the printing quality due to the rewinding of waste ribbon, thus effectively improving the printing quality. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating the printer control method in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the printer in the first embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a possible control method in the first embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the printer in the second embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a possible control method in the second embodiment of this application; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the control device for the printer in an embodiment of this application.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 100. Printer; 10. Glue roller printing assembly; 20. Paper head positioning assembly; 21. First sensor; 22. Second sensor; 23. Third sensor; 30. Cutting assembly; 40. Label paper; 41. Preset cutting position; 50. Judgment module; 60. Control module; 70. Storage module; 80. Prompt module. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0030] In this embodiment, a thermal label printer 100 is used as an example for explanation. A thermal label printer 100 is a device that uses heat to transfer material onto label paper 40 to form an image. It is used to print various labels such as barcodes, QR codes, and RFID tags, and is widely used in retail, warehousing, logistics, manufacturing, and medical fields. It is mainly used to mark goods, items, documents, etc., for easy management, tracking, and identification.

[0031] It is understood that printer 100 includes the printer body and the cover. The printer body, or main structure of printer 100, provides the mounting base and space for the internal and auxiliary components of printer 100. Printer 100 has a paper tray for holding label paper rolls 40. These rolls are gradually released during printing to provide the necessary label paper for printing. When it is necessary to add or replace label paper rolls, the user can open the paper tray to insert or remove the rolls. Printer 100 also has a paper output port, which is the exit point for the printed label paper 40 after printing is complete, used to output the printed label paper 40.

[0032] The cover is movably connected to the printer body 100 and is used to open or close the paper tray opening, thereby opening or closing the paper tray. The specific form of the movable connection between the cover and the printer body 100 is not fixed; for example, the cover can be rotatably connected to the printer body 100, or the cover can be slidably connected to the printer body 100. With this configuration, when it is necessary to place or replace the 40 rolls of label paper into the paper tray, the user only needs to open the cover to conveniently place or remove the 40 rolls of label paper into the paper tray, making operation easy. When closing the cover, the user closes the paper tray after the operation is completed. This convenient operation effectively protects the 40 rolls of label paper inside the paper tray. The sealed paper tray effectively prevents dust and other debris from entering, ensuring the cleanliness of the 40 rolls of label paper and the paper tray itself, ensuring subsequent printing quality, and helping to extend the service life of the printer 100.

[0033] In related technologies, to ensure the label paper 40 is smoothly fed to the printing area, users typically pull the end of the label paper 40 outside the paper output tray of the printer 100 when installing the roll. This results in the unprinted label paper 40 and its corresponding ribbon being discarded, leading to waste of consumables. If, to reduce waste, the label paper 40 extending from the paper output tray is rolled back to the printing area, the discarded and expired ribbon will re-enter the printing area, causing ghosting, blurring, and other problems in subsequent printing, thus affecting print quality.

[0034] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a printer 100, which includes a roller printing assembly 10, a ribbon assembly, a paper head positioning assembly 20, and a cutting assembly 30. Furthermore, the roller printing assembly 10, the paper head positioning assembly 20, and the cutting assembly 30 are sequentially arranged along the paper output direction of the printer 100; wherein, the paper output direction is the direction in which the label paper 40 moves towards the paper output port.

[0035] The rubber roller printing assembly 10 is used to drive the ribbon assembly and label paper 40 to synchronously perform paper feeding or paper return operations, thereby positioning the label paper 40 to a preset printing position for printing. The rubber roller printing assembly 10 includes a rubber roller and a thermal printhead. Specifically, the rubber roller is used to transport the label paper 40; that is, the rotation of the rubber roller drives the movement of the label paper 40 to achieve the effect of transporting the label paper 40. The rubber roller is typically made of a material with good elasticity and wear resistance, such as rubber. This design allows the rubber roller to provide appropriate friction when in contact with the label paper 40, ensuring stable movement of the label paper 40 and preventing slippage or misalignment, thus helping to ensure printing accuracy. At the same time, this material also has a certain cushioning effect, reducing damage to the label paper 40 from the rubber roller and ensuring the quality of the label paper 40. Understandably, when the rotation direction of the rubber roller changes, the transport direction of the label paper 40 also changes accordingly. For example, when the rubber roller rotates forward, the label paper 40 can move towards the paper outlet following the forward rotation of the rubber roller to perform the paper output operation; while when the rubber roller rotates in reverse, the label paper 40 can move away from the paper outlet following the reverse rotation of the rubber roller to perform the paper return operation.

[0036] The thermal printhead is used to print the required text, patterns, and other information on the label paper 40. Specifically, the thermal printhead utilizes the principle of thermal printing. When an electric current passes through the heating element of the thermal printhead, the heating element generates heat, causing a chemical reaction in the thermal coating on the label paper 40, thereby displaying the desired text or pattern. The thermal printhead offers advantages such as high printing speed, low noise, and high print quality, ensuring the clarity and accuracy of the label content.

[0037] More specifically, the rubber roller is disposed in one of the main body or cover of the printer 100, and the thermal printhead is disposed in the other of the main body or cover of the printer 100. For example, the rubber roller is disposed on the main body of the printer 100, the thermal printhead is disposed on the cover, and the label paper 40 passes between the rubber roller and the thermal printhead. Through the coordinated action of the rubber roller and the thermal printhead (i.e., the rubber roller is responsible for conveying the label paper 40, and the thermal printhead is responsible for printing text, patterns, and other information onto the label paper 40), accurate printing of the label paper 40 is achieved.

[0038] The ribbon assembly is mounted on the printer body 100 and provides the transfer material required for printing. The ribbon assembly includes a ribbon, a ribbon cartridge, a ribbon release reel, and a ribbon recovery reel. Specifically, the ribbon is the core component providing the transfer material; the ribbon cartridge holds the ribbon and provides protection and positioning; the ribbon release reel is located inside the ribbon cartridge and upstream of the roller printing assembly 10, with unused ribbon wound on it for release; the ribbon recovery reel is located inside the ribbon cartridge and downstream of the roller printing assembly 10, with used waste ribbon wound on it for recycling after printing. In practical applications, the ribbon is located between the roller and the thermal printhead, and is released or recovered by the rotation of the roller. The transfer side of the ribbon faces the thermal printhead. When the thermal printhead heats the ribbon, the transfer material on the ribbon is transferred onto the label paper 40 to form the desired text or pattern. During this process, the ribbon release reel rotates to release unused ribbon, providing the necessary transfer material for the printing operation. Meanwhile, the ribbon recovery reel rotates to recover used waste ribbon, ensuring that the ribbon is fed synchronously with the label paper 40, avoiding problems such as ribbon slack or stretching misalignment, and ensuring a stable printing process.

[0039] The cutting component 30 is disposed on the main body of the printer 100 and located at the paper output port, and is used to cut the label paper 40 after the printing operation is completed. Understandably, after the label paper 40 is output from the paper output port, it can be cut by the cutting component 30 to cut the label paper 40 into suitable specifications to fit different products. In this embodiment, the specific structure of the cutting component 30 is not specifically limited; for example, the cutting component 30 can be a paper cutter, etc.

[0040] The paper head positioning component 20 is mounted on the main body of the printer 100, located between the roller printing component 10 and the cutting component 30. The paper head positioning component 20 detects the position of the label paper 40 and, based on the detection result, positions the paper head of the label paper 40 between the roller printing component 10 and the cutting component 30. The paper head of the label paper 40 refers to the foremost starting edge of the label paper 40 in the paper output direction. Understandably, the paper head positioning component 20 can detect the position of the label paper 40, generate a corresponding detection result, and adjust the paper head of the label paper 40 between the roller printing component 10 and the cutting component 30 based on the detection result. This calibrates the position of the paper head of the label paper 40, providing a positional basis for subsequent positioning operations and facilitating subsequent printing operations.

[0041] Based on the above structural configuration, the printer 100 of this embodiment has a paper head positioning component 20 between the roller printing assembly 10 and the cutting assembly 30. The paper head positioning component 20 can detect the position of the label paper 40 and position the paper head of the label paper 40 between the roller printing assembly 10 and the cutting assembly 30 according to the detection result. It also drives the label paper 40 and the ribbon assembly to perform paper feeding or paper feeding operations synchronously through the roller printing assembly 10, so that the label paper 40 is in a preset printing position, which is convenient for subsequent printing operations. In this way, the paper head positioning component 20 realizes the calibration of the position of the label paper 40, which is convenient for accurate positioning of the label paper 40. It can not only avoid the waste of unprinted label paper 40 and ribbon due to the label paper 40 being pulled out too long, thus reducing the waste of consumables, but also avoid printing blur, ghosting and other problems that affect the printing quality due to the rewinding of waste ribbon, effectively improving the printing quality and enhancing the user experience of the printer 100.

[0042] In this embodiment, the ribbon and label paper 40 are fed out synchronously. Specifically, when the printing roller assembly 10 drives the label paper 40 to feed out, the ribbon follows the label paper 40 and feeds out synchronously to ensure that the ribbon and label paper 40 are always in synchronized position, avoiding ribbon misalignment and ensuring that the transfer material can be accurately transferred to the corresponding position. In practical applications, the printing roller rotates forward to drive the label paper 40 to feed out. During this process, the ribbon is also fed out under the drive of the printing roller. The ribbon release reel rotates to release the ribbon, and the ribbon recovery reel rotates to recover the ribbon, ensuring that the ribbon and label paper 40 are fed out synchronously.

[0043] Alternatively, the ribbon and label paper 40 can be retracted synchronously. Specifically, when the printing roller assembly 10 drives the label paper 40 to retract, the ribbon also retracts synchronously with the label paper 40, ensuring that the ribbon and label paper 40 always maintain a corresponding position. This not only avoids ribbon misalignment but also allows for the synchronous rewinding of unused ribbon outside the paper output when rewinding label paper 40 outside the output, reducing material waste. In practical applications, the printing roller reverses to drive the label paper 40 to retract. During this process, the ribbon also retracts under the drive of the printing roller, and the ribbon release reel rotates to rewind the ribbon, while the ribbon recovery reel rotates to release the ribbon, ensuring that the ribbon and label paper 40 retract synchronously.

[0044] Please see Figure 2 This application also proposes a printer control method, which is applied to the printer described above and may include at least the following steps S101-S104: S101, Obtain preparation instructions for the printer.

[0045] Specifically, a preparation command is a command triggered by the printer to perform pre-printing position calibration and positioning before the printer begins printing, after the printer has completed preliminary preparation actions (such as installing the label roll and checking consumables). In some examples, the printer's preparation command may be triggered after the user replaces or installs a new label roll, just before the printer is about to print on the new roll. In other examples, the printer's preparation command may be triggered before the printer prints the next label from the same label roll. This setting facilitates the calibration and adjustment of the label paper's position before printing, ensuring the label paper is in the accurate printing position and avoiding problems such as printing offset or misalignment.

[0046] S102, based on the preparation command, the paper head positioning component is controlled to detect the label paper and obtain the detection result. The detection result is used to determine whether the label paper head is located between the rubber roller printing component and the cutting component.

[0047] Specifically, after receiving the printer's preparation instruction, the printer controls the paper head positioning component to start detection to obtain the corresponding detection results, and determines whether the paper head of the label is located between the rubber roller printing component and the cutting component based on the obtained detection results.

[0048] S103, based on the detection results, controls the paper head positioning component to position the paper head of the label paper between the rubber roller printing component and the cutting component.

[0049] Specifically, the detection results of the paper head positioning component fall into two categories: First, if the label paper head is already positioned between the printing roller assembly and the cutting assembly, the paper head positioning component does not need to adjust its position. Second, if the label paper head is not positioned between these two components, the paper head positioning component needs to adjust its position to ensure it is between them. This setup adapts to different adjustment methods for different detection results, ensuring the label paper head is positioned between them and achieving pre-calibration of the label paper head position, facilitating accurate subsequent label paper positioning.

[0050] S104 controls the rubber roller printing assembly to perform paper feeding or paper return operations so that the label paper is in the preset printing position.

[0051] Specifically, with the label paper head positioned between the printing roller assembly and the cutting assembly, the roller is rotated to perform paper feeding or paper return operations, driving the label paper to feed or return to the preset printing position for subsequent printing operations.

[0052] Based on the above configuration, the control method of this embodiment detects the position of the label paper using a paper head positioning component and positions the label paper head between the roller printing component and the cutting component according to the detection result. Furthermore, it can control the roller printing component to perform paper feeding or paper return operations to position the label paper at a preset printing position. Thus, the pre-calibration of the label paper head position by the paper head positioning component facilitates accurate label paper positioning. The roller printing component then moves the label paper to the accurate preset printing position, further improving the accuracy of the label paper position and avoiding problems such as printing position offset or misalignment, thereby improving print quality and printing effect.

[0053] Below, in conjunction with reference Figures 2 to 5 Two exemplary embodiments of the printer control method in this application will be described.

[0054] Please refer to Figure 2 In a first embodiment, the paper head positioning assembly includes a first sensor and a second sensor, with the first sensor located downstream of the second sensor along the paper output direction. Specifically, the first sensor is positioned at the paper output outlet, and the second sensor is located near and downstream of the rubber roller printing assembly; that is, the second sensor is situated between the rubber roller printing assembly and the first sensor. This application does not specifically limit the types of the first and second sensors; for example, both the first and second sensors can be photoelectric sensors.

[0055] Please see Figure 3 In this embodiment, the process of controlling the paper head positioning component to detect the label paper and obtain the detection result in S102 may include: S201, control the second sensor to perform detection and obtain a first detection result. The first detection result includes whether a label is present or not.

[0056] Specifically, based on the printer's preparation command, the second sensor is controlled to detect the label paper and obtain a first detection result to determine the label paper's position information. The first detection result includes whether the label paper is present or not. For example, if the first detection result indicates the presence of the label paper (meaning the label paper can be detected at the second sensor), it means that the beginning of the label paper is downstream of the second sensor along the paper output direction. If the first detection result indicates the absence of the label paper (meaning the label paper cannot be detected at the second sensor), it means that the beginning of the label paper is upstream of the second sensor along the paper output direction.

[0057] Further, taking a photoelectric sensor as an example, the following explanation is provided. Along the paper output direction, when the end of the label paper is downstream of the second sensor, the label paper can block the light path of the second sensor, and the second sensor cannot be triggered. The first detection result obtained is that a label paper is present. However, when the end of the label paper is upstream of the second sensor, the label paper cannot block the light path of the second sensor, and the second sensor is triggered. The first detection result obtained is that a label paper is not present.

[0058] Please see Figure 3 In some embodiments, the process of controlling the second sensor to perform detection to obtain the first detection result in S201 above may include: S202, if the first detection result indicates the presence of a label, then the first sensor is controlled to perform a second detection result. The second detection result includes whether or not a label is present.

[0059] Specifically, when the first detection result indicates the presence of a label, it means that the end of the label is downstream of the second sensor along the paper output direction, i.e., the end of the label is downstream of the printing roller assembly. However, at this point, it is impossible to determine the relative position of the end of the label with respect to the cutting assembly, nor is it possible to determine whether the end of the label is located between the printing roller assembly and the cutting assembly. Therefore, it is necessary to further detect the relative position of the end of the label with respect to the first sensor to obtain more accurate label position information. In this example, if the first detection result indicates the presence of a label, the first sensor is controlled to perform a second detection result to determine the label position information. The second detection result includes whether the label is present or not. For example, if the second detection result indicates the presence of a label, meaning the label can be detected at the first sensor, it means that the end of the label is downstream of the first sensor along the paper output direction; if the second detection result indicates the absence of a label, meaning the label cannot be detected at the first sensor, it means that the end of the label is upstream of the first sensor along the paper output direction.

[0060] Further, taking a photoelectric sensor as the first sensor as an example, along the paper output direction, when the end of the label paper is downstream of the first sensor, the label paper can block the light path of the first sensor, and the first sensor cannot be triggered. The second detection result obtained is that the label paper exists. However, when the end of the label paper is upstream of the first sensor, the label paper cannot block the light path of the first sensor, and the first sensor is triggered. The second detection result obtained is that the label paper does not exist.

[0061] S203, if the first detection result is that there is no label paper, the paper head positioning component is controlled to position the paper head of the label paper between the rubber roller printing component and the cutting component.

[0062] Specifically, when the first detection result indicates that no label paper is present, it means that the end of the label paper is upstream of the second sensor along the paper output direction. However, there are two possibilities: either the end of the label paper may be located between the printing roller assembly and the second sensor, or the end of the label paper may be upstream of the printing roller assembly. In this example, the relative position of the end of the label paper to the printing roller assembly cannot be determined, nor can it be determined whether the end of the label paper is located between the printing roller assembly and the cutting assembly. Therefore, it is necessary to control the end-of-paper positioning assembly to position the end of the label paper between the printing roller assembly and the cutting assembly.

[0063] In an alternative embodiment, the above-described S102 process of controlling the second sensor to perform detection and obtain the first detection result may further include: S204. If the first detection result is that the label paper does not exist, a prompt message is sent to the user.

[0064] Specifically, when the first detection result indicates that no label paper is present, it means that the label paper tip is upstream of the second sensor along the paper output direction. However, there are two possibilities: either the label paper tip may be located between the printing roller assembly and the second sensor, or the label paper tip may be upstream of the printing roller assembly. In this case, the relative position of the label paper tip and the printing roller assembly cannot be determined. If the label paper tip is upstream of the printing roller assembly, the roller cannot drive the label paper to move when it rotates, indicating that the label paper tip is incorrectly positioned. In this example, when the first detection result indicates that no label paper is present, the printer directly sends a prompt message to the user to remind them that the label paper roll is incorrectly installed, allowing the user to reinstall the label paper roll after receiving the prompt. This setting promptly informs the user of potential label paper roll installation errors, preventing the printer from continuing to perform position adjustment operations under incorrect installation conditions, which could lead to positioning failures. It also facilitates quick troubleshooting and resolution of installation errors, improving the printer's debugging efficiency. In this application embodiment, the type of prompting information is not specifically limited, and the prompting information includes, but is not limited to, the beeping sound, voice prompt or light prompt emitted by the printer.

[0065] Please see Figure 3 In some embodiments, the process of controlling the paper head positioning component to position the paper head of the label paper between the roller printing component and the cutting component in step S203 above may include: S205, Obtain the first preset length. The first preset length is the distance between the rubber roller printing assembly and the second sensor.

[0066] Specifically, when the first detection result indicates that no label paper is present, it means that the end of the label paper is located upstream of the second sensor along the paper output direction. To further determine the position information of the label paper end, the distance between the roller printing assembly and the second sensor is obtained as the first preset length, wherein, as... Figure 1 As shown, the distance between the printing roller assembly and the second sensor is L1, that is, the first preset length is L1. In some embodiments, the distance L1 between the printing roller assembly and the second sensor satisfies the relationship: L1≤5mm; this setting avoids erroneous detection results due to excessive distance, and also reduces the occurrence of the label paper tip being located between the printing roller assembly and the second sensor, thus helping to improve detection accuracy. The embodiments of this application do not impose specific limitations on the method of obtaining the first preset length. For example, it can be obtained by direct measurement using a distance sensor, or the value of the first preset length can be pre-stored in the printer's storage module and read from the storage module when needed.

[0067] S206 controls the rubber roller printing assembly to perform paper output operation.

[0068] Specifically, after obtaining the first preset length, the rubber roller is controlled to rotate forward to perform the paper feeding operation, and the maximum length of the label paper fed is the first preset length. By using the distance L1 between the rubber roller printing assembly and the second sensor as the first preset length, even if the end of the label paper is exactly located at the rubber roller printing assembly, the second sensor can still detect the label paper after the first preset length feeding operation. This setting ensures that when the end of the label paper is located between the rubber roller printing assembly and the second sensor, the second sensor will definitely be able to detect the label paper after the rubber roller printing assembly performs the first preset length feeding operation, improving the accuracy of position detection, avoiding misjudgment, and ensuring the accuracy of paper end positioning. Conversely, if the end of the label paper is located upstream of the rubber roller printing assembly, the second sensor still cannot detect the label paper after the rubber roller printing assembly performs the first preset length feeding operation.

[0069] S207, during the process of the rubber roller printing assembly extending the paper to the first preset length and when the rubber roller printing assembly extends the paper to the first preset length, control the second sensor to detect and obtain the third detection result.

[0070] Specifically, the second sensor is controlled to continuously detect during the process of the rubber roller printing assembly extending the paper to the first preset length and after the paper has been extended to the first preset length, to obtain a third detection result, which is used to determine the relative position of the label paper and the second sensor again. The third detection result includes whether the label paper is present or not. For example, if the third detection result indicates that the label paper is present, meaning that the second sensor can detect the label paper after the rubber roller printing assembly extends the paper to the first preset length, it means that the end of the label paper is downstream of the second sensor along the paper extension direction. If the third detection result indicates that the label paper is not present, meaning that the second sensor still cannot detect the label paper after the rubber roller printing assembly extends the paper to the first preset length, it means that the end of the label paper is upstream of the second sensor and upstream of the rubber roller printing assembly along the paper extension direction, and the label paper cannot be driven by the rotation of the rubber roller, indicating that the end of the label paper is incorrectly positioned.

[0071] S208, if the third detection result indicates the presence of label paper, then control the rubber roller printing assembly to perform a paper feeding or paper return operation so that the label paper is positioned at the preset printing position.

[0072] Specifically, when the third detection result indicates the presence of label paper, it means that after the roller printing assembly performs the first preset paper feeding length operation, the end of the label paper is downstream of the second sensor along the paper feeding direction. In this example, since the label paper is only detected by the second sensor after the roller printing assembly has completed the first preset paper feeding length operation, and because the cutting assembly is downstream of the second sensor, the distance between the second sensor and the cutting assembly must be greater than the first preset length. Therefore, after the label paper has fed the first preset length, the end of the label paper is still upstream of the cutting assembly. Thus, this example shows that the end of the label paper is already between the roller printing assembly and the cutting assembly, meeting the calibration requirements for the end of the paper position. At this point, the roller printing assembly can be controlled to perform a paper feeding operation or a paper return operation to adjust the label paper to the preset printing position for easy printing.

[0073] Please see Figure 3 In some embodiments, the printer control method further includes step S209: S209, when the paper is fed out by the rubber roller printing assembly to the first preset length, if the third detection result is that there is no label paper, the rubber roller printing assembly is controlled to perform the operation of returning the paper to the first preset length and a prompt message is sent to the user.

[0074] Specifically, after the printing roller assembly extends the paper to the first preset length, if the third detection result obtained by the second sensor indicates that no label paper exists, it means that after extending the label paper to the first preset length, the end of the label paper is still upstream of the second sensor along the paper extension direction. This also indicates that the end of the label paper is upstream of the printing roller assembly, and the label paper cannot be driven to move (perform the paper extension operation) by the rotation of the printing roller, meaning the end of the label paper is incorrectly positioned. In this example, when the printing roller assembly extends the paper to the first preset length and the third detection result indicates that no label paper exists, the printing roller assembly is first controlled to perform a paper return operation to the first preset length. Then, the printer sends a prompt message to the user to remind them that the label paper roll is incorrectly installed, so that the user can reinstall the label paper roll after receiving the prompt message. This embodiment does not specifically limit the type of prompt message, which includes, but is not limited to, beeping sounds, voice prompts, or light prompts emitted by the printer.

[0075] Understandably, when the roller printing assembly drives the label paper out, the ribbon will also exit synchronously. In this example, when the roller printing assembly drives the label paper out a first preset length, the ribbon also exits synchronously for the first preset length. That is, unused ribbon on the ribbon release reel will be wound onto the ribbon take-up reel, and the length of this unused ribbon is the first preset length. To avoid unnecessary waste of unused ribbon, upon detecting an incorrect label paper placement, the roller printing assembly is first controlled to perform a return operation for the first preset length to rewind the already exited unused ribbon (i.e., return the unused ribbon wound on the ribbon take-up reel to the ribbon release reel), thereby effectively reducing ribbon waste, lowering consumable waste and usage costs, and contributing to an improved printer user experience. However, if the roller printing assembly does not perform the return operation for the first preset length, the unused ribbon cannot be recycled after exiting, resulting in unnecessary ribbon waste.

[0076] Based on the above settings, the control method in this embodiment of the application obtains more accurate label paper position information by further detecting the label paper position through the second sensor. While ensuring that the label paper head position is calibrated, it can more accurately determine whether there is an error in the label paper head placement position. It can also promptly remind the user when the label paper head is placed incorrectly, and avoid unnecessary waste of ribbon, reduce consumable waste and usage costs, improve the automation level and reliability of the printer, and help improve the user experience of the printer.

[0077] Please see Figure 3In some embodiments, the process of controlling the first sensor to perform detection to obtain a second detection result when the first detection result indicates the presence of a label in step S202 may include: S210, if the second detection result indicates the presence of a label, then obtain the second preset length. The second preset length is the distance between the first sensor and the cutting component.

[0078] Specifically, when the second detection result indicates the presence of a label, it means that the end of the label is downstream of the first sensor along the paper output direction. To further determine the position information of the label end, the distance between the first sensor and the cutting component is obtained as the second preset length, where, for example... Figure 1 As shown, the distance between the first sensor and the cutting component is L2, which means the second preset length is L2. This embodiment does not impose specific limitations on the method of obtaining the second preset length. For example, it can be obtained by direct measurement using a distance sensor, or the value of the second preset length can be pre-stored in the printer's storage module and read from the storage module when needed.

[0079] S211 controls the rubber roller printing assembly to perform a paper return operation.

[0080] Specifically, after obtaining the second preset length, the rubber roller is reversed to perform a paper return operation, and the maximum length of the label paper return is the second preset length. By using the distance L2 between the first sensor and the cutting component as the second preset length, even if the end of the label paper is exactly located at the cutting component, the first sensor will not detect the label paper after the second preset length return operation. This setting ensures that when the end of the label paper is located between the first sensor and the cutting component, the first sensor will definitely not be able to detect the label paper after the rubber roller printing component performs the second preset length return operation, improving the accuracy of position detection, avoiding misjudgment, and ensuring the accuracy of paper end positioning. Conversely, if the end of the label paper is downstream of the cutting component, the first sensor can still detect the label paper after the rubber roller printing component performs the second preset length return operation.

[0081] S212, during the process of the rubber roller printing assembly returning the paper to the second preset length and when the rubber roller printing assembly returns the paper to the second preset length, the first sensor is controlled to detect and obtain the fourth detection result.

[0082] Specifically, the first sensor is controlled to continuously detect during the process of the rubber roller printing assembly returning the paper to the second preset length and after the rubber roller printing assembly has returned the paper to the second preset length, to obtain a fourth detection result, so as to determine the relative position of the label paper and the first sensor again. The fourth detection result includes the presence or absence of the label paper; for example, if the fourth detection result is that the label paper is present, that is, after the rubber roller printing assembly performs the second preset length return operation, the first sensor can still detect the label paper, indicating that along the paper output direction, the end of the label paper is downstream of the first sensor and downstream of the paper outlet (i.e., outside the paper outlet), which means that the length of the label paper extending outside the paper outlet is too long, and the end of the label paper is incorrectly positioned; if the third detection result is that the label paper is absent, that is, after the rubber roller printing assembly performs the second preset length return operation, the first sensor cannot detect the label paper, indicating that along the paper output direction, the end of the label paper is upstream of the first sensor.

[0083] S213, if the fourth detection result is that there is no label paper, then control the rubber roller printing assembly to perform a paper feeding operation or a paper return operation so that the label paper is in the preset printing position.

[0084] Specifically, when the fourth detection result indicates that no label paper exists, it means that after the roller printing assembly performs the second preset length paper return operation, the end of the label paper is located upstream of the first sensor along the paper output direction. In this example, since the label paper cannot be detected by the first sensor only after the roller printing assembly has completed the second preset length paper return operation, and because the roller printing assembly is located upstream of the first sensor, the end of the label paper is still located downstream of the roller printing assembly after the second preset length paper return. Therefore, this example indicates that the end of the label paper is already between the roller printing assembly and the cutting assembly, meeting the calibration requirements for the end paper position. At this point, the roller printing assembly can be controlled to perform a paper output or return operation to adjust the label paper to the preset printing position for easy printing.

[0085] Please see Figure 3 In some embodiments, the printer control method further includes step S214: S214, when the rubber roller printing assembly returns the paper to the second preset length, if the fourth detection result indicates that there is a label paper, the rubber roller printing assembly is controlled to perform the operation of outputting the paper to the second preset length, and a prompt message is sent to the user.

[0086] Specifically, after the rubber roller printing assembly performs the second preset length paper return operation, if the fourth detection result obtained by the first sensor indicates the presence of label paper, it means that after the label paper returns to the second preset length, along the paper output direction, the end of the label paper is still downstream of the first sensor. This also means that the end of the label paper is still downstream of the paper output outlet (i.e., outside the paper output outlet), indicating that the length of the label paper extending outside the paper output outlet is too long, and the end of the label paper is incorrectly positioned. In this example, when the rubber roller printing assembly returns the paper to the second preset length and the fourth detection result indicates the presence of label paper, the rubber roller printing assembly is first controlled to perform the second preset length paper output operation. Then, the printer sends a prompt message to the user to remind them that the label paper roll is incorrectly installed, so that the user can reinstall the label paper roll after receiving the prompt message. This application embodiment does not specifically limit the type of prompt message; the prompt message includes, but is not limited to, beeping sounds, voice prompts, or light prompts emitted by the printer.

[0087] Understandably, when the roller printing assembly drives the label paper to return to its original position, the ribbon will also return synchronously. In this example, when the roller printing assembly drives the label paper to return to its original position for the second preset length, the ribbon also returns to its original position for the second preset length simultaneously. That is, the used waste ribbon on the ribbon recovery reel will be wound onto the ribbon release reel, and the length of this used waste ribbon is the second preset length. To avoid the problem of blurry printing and ghosting caused by the reuse of used waste ribbon, after detecting an incorrect label paper placement, the roller printing assembly is first controlled to perform the second preset length paper output operation to reset the returned waste ribbon (i.e., reset the used waste ribbon wound on the ribbon release reel to the ribbon recovery reel). This avoids the problem of blurry printing and ghosting caused by the reuse of waste ribbon due to its rewinding, thus helping to improve print quality and print effect. However, if the printing roller assembly does not execute the second preset paper output length operation, the used waste carbon ribbon will re-enter the printing area and be reused, causing problems such as blurry printing and ghosting, thus affecting the printing quality.

[0088] Based on the above settings, the control method in this embodiment of the application obtains more accurate label paper position information by further detecting the label paper position through the first sensor. While ensuring that the label paper head position is calibrated, it can more accurately determine whether there is an error in the label paper head placement position. It can also promptly remind the user when the label paper head is placed incorrectly, and avoid problems such as blurry printing and ghosting caused by the secondary use of waste ribbons. This improves the automation level and reliability of the printer and helps to enhance the user experience of the printer.

[0089] Please see Figure 3In some embodiments, the above-described S201 process of controlling the first sensor to perform detection and obtain the second detection result may further include: S215, if the second detection result is that there is no label paper, then control the rubber roller printing assembly to perform a paper feeding operation or a paper return operation so that the label paper is in the preset printing position.

[0090] Specifically, when the second detection result indicates that no label paper exists, it means that the end of the label paper is upstream of the first sensor along the paper output direction. In this example, since the first sensor is located upstream of the cutting assembly, the end of the label paper is also upstream of the cutting assembly. Furthermore, based on the first detection result indicating the presence of label paper (meaning the end of the label paper is downstream of the roller printing assembly along the paper output direction), the end of the label paper is already positioned between the roller printing assembly and the cutting assembly, satisfying the paper end position calibration requirements. At this point, the roller printing assembly can be controlled to perform a paper output or return operation, adjusting the label paper to the preset printing position for easy printing.

[0091] Please see Figure 3 In some embodiments, the process of controlling the rubber roller printing assembly to perform paper feeding or paper return operations in S208, S213, and S215 to position the label paper at a preset printing position may include: S216, control the rubber roller printing assembly to perform paper output operation. When the first sensor detects the edge of the paper with a label, control the rubber roller printing assembly to stop performing paper output operation.

[0092] Specifically, with the label paper tip positioned between the printing roller assembly and the cutting assembly, the printing roller is controlled to rotate forward to perform the paper output operation. During this forward rotation (the printing roller assembly performs the paper output operation), the first sensor continuously detects the label paper tip. When the first sensor detects the edge of the label paper tip, the forward rotation of the printing roller is stopped (the printing roller assembly stops performing the paper output operation), ensuring that the edge of the label paper tip aligns with the first sensor in the paper output direction. Specifically, when the first sensor switches from not detecting the label paper to detecting it, it indicates that the first sensor has detected the edge of the label paper tip, and the paper output operation is immediately stopped to ensure that the edge of the label paper tip aligns with the first sensor in the paper output direction.

[0093] The above settings provide an accurate positional reference for adjusting the label paper to the preset printing position, thereby improving the positioning accuracy and effectively avoiding problems such as misaligned printed content caused by positioning deviations. This helps to improve print quality and print effect.

[0094] S217, Obtain the third preset length. The third preset length is the difference between the distance between the roller printing assembly and the first sensor, and the distance between the preset cutting position of two adjacent labels on the label paper and the distance of the previous label.

[0095] Specifically, when the first sensor detects the edge of the label paper and stops the paper feeding operation, it indicates that the edge of the label paper is aligned with the first sensor in the paper feeding direction, and the third preset length is obtained. It should be understood that the preset cutting position is the position of the label paper after the cutting component has completed the printing operation; after the printing operation is completed, the label paper is fed out to align the preset cutting position with the cutting component, facilitating the cutting of the label paper. More specifically, there is a preset cutting position between two adjacent labels in the label paper. The cutting component cuts the printed label paper at the preset cutting position to produce labels of suitable size.

[0096] like Figure 1 As shown, in some examples, the label paper is a gap-type label paper (non-continuous label paper), meaning that there is a label-free area between two adjacent labels, forming a gap between them. Understandably, a preset cut position is located within this gap to avoid damaging the labels during cutting, ensuring the integrity of the cut labels. In a preferred embodiment, the preset cut position is located in the middle of the gap between two adjacent labels, minimizing the possibility of damage to the labels during cutting, improving cutting safety, and enhancing the printer's user experience.

[0097] Alternatively, in other examples, the label paper is continuous, meaning multiple labels form a single sheet without gaps between adjacent labels. Understandably, the preset cut position can be located anywhere on the label paper, allowing it to be cut to the preset size after printing to create labels of the appropriate dimensions, thus improving the label paper's applicability and flexibility.

[0098] Furthermore, in this example, we will take the case where the preset cutting position is located in the middle of the gap as an example. Figure 1 As shown, the distance between the printing roller assembly and the first sensor is L3, and the distance between two adjacent labels in the label paper is m. Since the preset cutting position is located in the middle of the gap, the distance between the preset cutting position and the previous label is m / 2. Based on the above, in this example, the formula for calculating the third preset length is L3-m / 2; where L3 is the distance between the printing roller assembly and the first sensor, and m is the distance between two adjacent labels in the label paper (when the label paper is continuous, there is no gap between two adjacent labels, then m=0).

[0099] S218, control the rubber roller printing assembly to perform the operation of returning the paper to the third preset length so that the label paper is in the preset printing position.

[0100] Specifically, after obtaining the third preset length, the rubber roller is controlled to reverse to perform the paper return operation, and the length of the label paper returned is the third preset length, thereby positioning the label paper to the preset printing position for subsequent printing operations.

[0101] Based on the above settings, this embodiment cleverly sets the value of the third preset length. When the edge of the label paper is aligned with the first sensor, the operation of returning the paper to the third preset length is performed. This can be regarded as first returning the label paper to the length L3 (the distance between the roller printing assembly and the first sensor), and then returning the label paper to the length m / 2 (the distance between the preset cutting position between two adjacent labels and the previous label). This ensures that the label paper is accurately positioned in the preset printing position, avoiding printing misalignment, further improving printing quality and effect, and helping to enhance the user experience of the printer.

[0102] Please see Figure 3 In some embodiments, the process of controlling the rubber roller printing assembly to perform paper feeding or paper return operations in steps S208, S213, and S215 to position the label paper at a preset printing position may further include: S219, control the rubber roller printing assembly to perform paper return operation. When the second sensor detects the edge of the label paper, control the rubber roller printing assembly to stop performing paper return operation.

[0103] Specifically, with the label paper tip positioned between the printing roller assembly and the cutting assembly, the printing roller is reversed to perform a paper return operation. During this reversal (the printing roller assembly performing the paper return operation), a second sensor continuously monitors the label paper. When the second sensor detects the edge of the label paper tip, the reversal of the printing roller is stopped (the paper return operation is stopped), ensuring that the edge of the label paper tip aligns with the second sensor in the paper output direction. Specifically, when the second sensor switches from detecting the label paper to not detecting it, it indicates that the second sensor has detected the edge of the label paper tip; at this point, the paper return operation is immediately stopped, ensuring that the edge of the label paper tip aligns with the second sensor in the paper output direction.

[0104] The above settings provide an accurate positional reference for adjusting the label paper to the preset printing position, thereby improving the positioning accuracy and effectively avoiding problems such as misaligned printed content caused by positioning deviations. This helps to improve print quality and print effect.

[0105] S220, Obtain the fourth preset length. The fourth preset length is the difference between the distance between the roller printing assembly and the second sensor, and the distance between the preset cutting position of two adjacent labels on the label paper and the distance of the previous label.

[0106] Specifically, when the second sensor detects the edge of the label paper and stops the paper feeding operation, it indicates that the edge of the label paper is aligned with the second sensor in the paper feeding direction, and the fourth preset length is obtained. It should be understood that the preset cutting position is the position of the label paper after the cutting component has completed the printing operation; after the printing operation is completed, the label paper is fed out to align the preset cutting position with the cutting component, facilitating the cutting of the label paper. More specifically, there is a preset cutting position between two adjacent labels in the label paper. The cutting component cuts the printed label paper at the preset cutting position to produce labels of suitable size.

[0107] like Figure 4 As shown, in some examples, the label paper is a gap-type label paper (non-continuous label paper), meaning that there is a label-free area between two adjacent labels, forming a gap between them. Understandably, a preset cut position is located within this gap to avoid damaging the labels during cutting, ensuring the integrity of the cut labels. In a preferred embodiment, the preset cut position is located in the middle of the gap between two adjacent labels, minimizing the possibility of damage to the labels during cutting, improving cutting safety, and enhancing the printer's user experience.

[0108] Alternatively, in other examples, the label paper is continuous, meaning multiple labels form a single sheet without gaps between adjacent labels. Understandably, the preset cut position can be located anywhere on the label paper, allowing it to be cut to the preset size after printing to create labels of the appropriate dimensions, thus improving the label paper's applicability and flexibility.

[0109] Furthermore, in this example, we will take the case where the preset cutting position is located in the middle of the gap as an example. Figure 1 As shown, the distance between the printing roller assembly and the second sensor is L1, and the distance between two adjacent labels in the label paper is m. Since the preset cutting position is located in the middle of the gap, the distance between the preset cutting position and the previous label is m / 2. Based on the above, in this example, the formula for calculating the fourth preset length is L1-m / 2; where L1 is the distance between the printing roller assembly and the second sensor, and m is the distance between two adjacent labels in the label paper (when the label paper is continuous, there is no gap between two adjacent labels, then m=0).

[0110] S221, control the rubber roller printing assembly to perform the operation of returning the paper to the fourth preset length so that the label paper is in the preset printing position.

[0111] Specifically, after obtaining the fourth preset length, the rubber roller is controlled to reverse to perform the paper return operation, and the length of the label paper returned is the fourth preset length, thereby positioning the label paper to the preset printing position for subsequent printing operations.

[0112] Based on the above settings, this embodiment cleverly sets the value of the fourth preset length. When the edge of the label paper is aligned with the second sensor, the operation of returning the paper by the fourth preset length is performed. This can be regarded as first returning the label paper by the length L1 (the distance between the roller printing assembly and the second sensor), and then returning the label paper by the length m / 2 (the distance between the preset cutting position between two adjacent labels and the previous label). This ensures that the label paper is accurately positioned in the preset printing position, avoiding printing misalignment, further improving printing quality and effect, and helping to enhance the user experience of the printer.

[0113] Please refer to Figure 4 In the second embodiment, the paper head positioning component includes a third sensor, which is disposed between the rubber roller printing component and the cutting component, i.e., along the paper output direction, the rubber roller printing component, the third sensor, and the cutting component are arranged sequentially. This application embodiment does not impose specific limitations on the specific placement of the third sensor; the third sensor can be placed at any position between the rubber roller printing component and the cutting component. Furthermore, this application embodiment does not impose specific limitations on the type of the third sensor; for example, the third sensor can be a photoelectric sensor.

[0114] Please see Figure 5 In this embodiment, the process of controlling the paper head positioning component to detect the label paper and obtain the detection result in S102 may include: S301, control the third sensor to perform detection and obtain the fifth detection result. The fifth detection result includes whether the label is present or not.

[0115] Specifically, based on the printer's preparation instructions, the third sensor is controlled to detect the label paper, obtaining a fifth detection result to determine the label paper's position information. This fifth detection result includes whether the label paper is present or not. For example, if the fifth detection result indicates the presence of the label paper (meaning it is detected at the third sensor), it means that the beginning of the label paper is downstream of the third sensor along the paper output direction. If the fifth detection result indicates the absence of the label paper (meaning it is not detected at the third sensor), it means that the beginning of the label paper is upstream of the third sensor along the paper output direction.

[0116] Further, let's take a photoelectric sensor as an example to illustrate the process. Along the paper output direction, when the end of the label is downstream of the third sensor, the label can block the light path of the third sensor, and the third sensor cannot be triggered. The fifth detection result is that a label exists. However, when the end of the label is upstream of the third sensor, the label cannot block the light path of the third sensor, and the third sensor is triggered. The fifth detection result is that no label exists.

[0117] Please see Figure 5 In some embodiments, the process of controlling the third sensor to perform detection to obtain the fifth detection result in S301 above may include: S302, if the fifth detection result indicates the presence of a label, the paper head positioning component is controlled to position the paper head between the rubber roller printing component and the cutting component.

[0118] Specifically, when the fifth detection result indicates the presence of a label, it means that the end of the label is downstream of the third sensor along the paper output direction, i.e., downstream of the printing roller assembly. However, two possibilities exist: either the end of the label may be located between the third sensor and the cutting assembly, or it may be downstream of the cutting assembly. In this example, the relative position of the end of the label to the cutting assembly cannot be determined, nor can it be determined whether the end of the label is located between the printing roller assembly and the cutting assembly; therefore, the label end positioning assembly needs to be controlled to position the end of the label between the printing roller assembly and the cutting assembly.

[0119] In some embodiments, the process of controlling the paper head positioning component to position the paper head of the label paper between the roller printing component and the cutting component in S302 above may include: S303, Obtain the fifth preset length. The fifth preset length is the distance between the third sensor and the cutting component.

[0120] Specifically, when the fifth detection result indicates the presence of a label, it means that the end of the label is downstream of the third sensor along the paper output direction. To further determine the position information of the label end, the distance between the third sensor and the cutting component is obtained as the fifth preset length, where, for example... Figure 4 As shown, the distance between the third sensor and the cutting component is L4, which means the fifth preset length is L4. This embodiment does not impose specific limitations on the method of obtaining the fifth preset length. For example, it can be obtained by direct measurement using a distance sensor, or the value of the fifth preset length can be pre-stored in the printer's storage module and read from the storage module when needed.

[0121] S304 controls the rubber roller printing assembly to perform a paper return operation.

[0122] Specifically, after obtaining the fifth preset length, the rubber roller is reversed to perform a paper return operation, and the maximum length of the label paper return is the fifth preset length. By using the distance L4 between the third sensor and the cutting component as the fifth preset length, even if the end of the label paper is exactly at the cutting component, the third sensor will not detect the label paper after the paper return operation of the fifth preset length. This setting ensures that when the end of the label paper is between the third sensor and the cutting component, the third sensor will definitely not be able to detect the label paper after the rubber roller printing component performs the paper return operation of the fifth preset length, improving the accuracy of position detection, avoiding misjudgment, and ensuring the accuracy of paper end positioning. Conversely, if the end of the label paper is downstream of the cutting component, the third sensor will still be able to detect the label paper after the rubber roller printing component performs the paper return operation of the fifth preset length.

[0123] S305, during the process of the rubber roller printing assembly returning the paper to the fifth preset length and when the rubber roller printing assembly returns the paper to the fifth preset length, the third sensor is controlled to detect and obtain a sixth detection result. The sixth detection result includes whether a label is present or not.

[0124] Specifically, the third sensor is controlled to continuously detect during the process of the rubber roller printing assembly returning the paper to the fifth preset length and after the paper has returned to the fifth preset length, to obtain a sixth detection result, which is used to determine the relative position of the label paper and the third sensor again. The sixth detection result includes whether the label paper is present or not. For example, if the sixth detection result indicates that the label paper is present, meaning that the label paper is still detected at the third sensor after the rubber roller printing assembly returns the paper to the fifth preset length, it means that the end of the label paper is downstream of the third sensor and downstream of the paper outlet (i.e., outside the paper outlet) along the paper output direction. This indicates that the length of the label paper extending outside the paper outlet is too long, and the end of the label paper is downstream of the cutting assembly, indicating an incorrect placement of the end of the label paper. If the sixth detection result indicates that the label paper is not present, meaning that the label paper is not detected at the third sensor after the rubber roller printing assembly returns the paper to the fifth preset length, it means that the end of the label paper is upstream of the third sensor along the paper output direction, meaning that the end of the label paper is between the third sensor and the cutting assembly.

[0125] In some embodiments, the process of controlling the third sensor to perform detection to obtain the sixth detection result in S305 above may include: S306, if the sixth detection result is that there is no label paper, then control the rubber roller printing assembly to perform a paper feeding operation or a paper return operation so that the label paper is in the preset printing position.

[0126] Specifically, when the sixth detection result indicates that no label paper exists, it means that after the roller printing assembly performs the fifth preset length paper return operation, the end of the label paper is upstream of the third sensor along the paper output direction. In this example, since the label paper cannot be detected by the third sensor only after the roller printing assembly completes the fifth preset length paper return operation, and because the roller printing assembly is upstream of the third sensor, the end of the label paper is still downstream of the roller printing assembly after the fifth preset length paper return. Therefore, this example indicates that the end of the label paper is already between the roller printing assembly and the cutting assembly, meeting the paper end position calibration requirements. At this point, the roller printing assembly can be controlled to perform a paper output or return operation to adjust the label paper to the preset printing position for easy printing.

[0127] S307, when the rubber roller printing assembly returns the paper to the fifth preset length, if the sixth detection result indicates the presence of label paper, the rubber roller printing assembly is controlled to perform the operation of outputting the paper to the fifth preset length, and a prompt message is sent to the user.

[0128] Specifically, after the printing roller assembly performs the fifth preset length of paper return, if the sixth detection result obtained by the third sensor indicates the presence of label paper, it means that after the label paper returns to the fifth preset length, the end of the label paper is still downstream of the third sensor along the paper output direction. This also means that the end of the label paper is still downstream of the paper output outlet (i.e., outside the paper output outlet), indicating that the length of the label paper extending outside the paper output outlet is too long, and the end of the label paper is incorrectly positioned. In this example, when the printing roller assembly returns the paper to the fifth preset length and the sixth detection result indicates the presence of label paper, the printing roller assembly is first controlled to perform the fifth preset length of paper output. Then, the printer sends a prompt message to the user to remind them that the label paper roll is incorrectly installed, so that the user can reinstall the label paper roll after receiving the prompt message. This embodiment does not specifically limit the type of prompt message, which includes, but is not limited to, printer beeps, voice prompts, or light prompts.

[0129] Understandably, when the roller printing assembly drives the label paper to return to its original position, the ribbon will also return synchronously. In this example, when the roller printing assembly drives the label paper to return to its original position for the fifth preset length, the ribbon also returns to its original position for the fifth preset length simultaneously. That is, the used waste ribbon on the ribbon recovery reel will be wound onto the ribbon release reel, and the length of this used waste ribbon is the fifth preset length. To avoid the problem of blurry printing and ghosting caused by the reuse of used waste ribbon, after detecting an incorrect label paper placement, the roller printing assembly is first controlled to perform the fifth preset length paper output operation to reset the returned waste ribbon (i.e., to reset the used waste ribbon wound on the ribbon release reel to the ribbon recovery reel). This avoids the problem of blurry printing and ghosting caused by the reuse of waste ribbon due to its rewinding, thus helping to improve print quality and print effect. However, if the printing roller assembly does not execute the fifth preset paper output length operation, the used waste carbon ribbon will re-enter the printing area and be reused, causing problems such as blurry printing and ghosting, thus affecting the printing quality.

[0130] Based on the above settings, the control method in this embodiment of the application obtains more accurate label paper position information by further detecting the label paper position through a third sensor. While ensuring that the label paper head position is calibrated, it can more accurately determine whether there is an error in the label paper head placement position. It can also promptly remind the user when the label paper head is placed incorrectly, and avoid problems such as blurry printing and ghosting caused by the secondary use of waste ribbons. This improves the automation level and reliability of the printer and helps to enhance the user experience of the printer.

[0131] In some embodiments, the process of controlling the rubber roller printing assembly to perform a paper feeding or paper return operation in step S306 above, so that the label paper is positioned at a preset printing position, may include: S308, Obtain the sixth preset length. The sixth preset length is the difference between the distance between the printing roller assembly and the third sensor, and the distance between the preset cutting position of two adjacent labels on the label paper and the distance of the previous label.

[0132] Specifically, after the printing roller assembly performs the fifth preset length of paper return, and the sixth detection result obtained by the third sensor indicates that no label paper exists, it means that after the fifth preset length of paper return, the end of the label paper is already between the printing roller assembly and the cutting assembly along the paper output direction, and the sixth preset length is obtained. It should be understood that the preset cutting position is the position of the label paper after the cutting assembly has completed the printing operation; after the printing operation is completed, the label paper is output to align the preset cutting position with the cutting assembly, facilitating the cutting of the label paper. More specifically, there is a preset cutting position between two adjacent labels in the label paper. The cutting assembly cuts the printed label paper at the preset cutting position to produce labels of suitable size.

[0133] like Figure 4 As shown, in some examples, the label paper is a gap-type label paper (non-continuous label paper), meaning that there is a label-free area between two adjacent labels, forming a gap between them. Understandably, a preset cut position is located within this gap to avoid damaging the labels during cutting, ensuring the integrity of the cut labels. In a preferred embodiment, the preset cut position is located in the middle of the gap between two adjacent labels, minimizing the possibility of damage to the labels during cutting, improving cutting safety, and enhancing the printer's user experience.

[0134] Alternatively, in other examples, the label paper is continuous, meaning multiple labels form a single sheet without gaps between adjacent labels. Understandably, the preset cut position can be located anywhere on the label paper, allowing it to be cut to the preset size after printing to create labels of the appropriate dimensions, thus improving the label paper's applicability and flexibility.

[0135] Furthermore, in this example, we will take the case where the preset cutting position is located in the middle of the gap as an example. Figure 4 As shown, the distance between the printing roller assembly and the third sensor is L5, and the distance between two adjacent labels in the label paper is m. Since the preset cutting position is located in the middle of the gap, the distance between the preset cutting position and the previous label is m / 2. Based on the above, in this example, the formula for calculating the sixth preset length is L5-m / 2; where L5 is the distance between the printing roller assembly and the third sensor, and m is the distance between two adjacent labels in the label paper (when the label paper is continuous, there is no gap between two adjacent labels, then m=0).

[0136] S309, control the rubber roller printing assembly to perform the operation of returning the paper to the sixth preset length so that the label paper is in the preset printing position.

[0137] Specifically, after obtaining the sixth preset length, the rubber roller is controlled to reverse to perform the paper return operation, and the length of the label paper returned is the sixth preset length, thereby positioning the label paper to the preset printing position for subsequent printing operations.

[0138] Based on the above settings, this embodiment cleverly sets the value of the sixth preset length. When the paper tip of the label is determined to be between the printing roller assembly and the cutting assembly, the operation of returning the paper to the sixth preset length is performed. This can be regarded as first returning the label paper to the length L5 (the distance between the printing roller assembly and the third sensor), and then returning the label paper to the length m / 2 (the distance between the preset cutting position between two adjacent labels and the previous label). This ensures that the label paper is accurately positioned in the preset printing position, avoiding printing misalignment problems, further improving printing quality and printing effect, and helping to improve the user experience of the printer.

[0139] In some embodiments, the process of controlling the third sensor to perform detection to obtain the fifth detection result in S301 above may further include: S310, if the fifth detection result is that there is no label paper, the paper head positioning component is controlled to position the paper head of the label paper between the rubber roller printing component and the cutting component.

[0140] Specifically, when the fifth detection result indicates that no label paper is present, it means that the end of the label paper is upstream of the third sensor along the paper output direction. However, there are two possibilities: either the end of the label paper may be located between the printing roller assembly and the third sensor, or the end of the label paper may be upstream of the printing roller assembly. In this example, the relative position of the end of the label paper to the printing roller assembly cannot be determined, nor can it be determined whether the end of the label paper is located between the printing roller assembly and the cutting assembly. Therefore, it is necessary to control the end-of-paper positioning assembly to position the end of the label paper between the printing roller assembly and the cutting assembly.

[0141] In some embodiments, the process of controlling the paper head positioning component to position the paper head of the label paper between the roller printing component and the cutting component in S310 above may include: S311, Obtain the seventh preset length. The seventh preset length is the distance between the rubber roller printing assembly and the third sensor.

[0142] Specifically, when the fifth detection result indicates that no label paper is found, it means that the end of the label paper is located upstream of the third sensor along the paper output direction. To further determine the position information of the label paper end, the distance between the roller printing assembly and the third sensor is obtained as the seventh preset length, where, for example... Figure 4As shown, the distance between the roller printing assembly and the third sensor is L5, which means the seventh preset length is L5. This embodiment does not impose specific limitations on the method of obtaining the seventh preset length. For example, it can be obtained by direct measurement using a distance sensor, or the value of the seventh preset length can be pre-stored in the printer's storage module and read from the storage module when needed.

[0143] S312 controls the rubber roller printing assembly to perform the paper output operation.

[0144] Specifically, after obtaining the seventh preset length, the rubber roller is controlled to rotate forward to perform the paper feeding operation, and the maximum length of the label paper fed is the seventh preset length. By using the distance L5 between the rubber roller printing assembly and the third sensor as the seventh preset length, even if the end of the label paper is exactly located at the rubber roller printing assembly, the third sensor can still detect the label paper after the seventh preset length feeding operation. This setting ensures that when the end of the label paper is between the rubber roller printing assembly and the third sensor, the third sensor will definitely be able to detect the label paper after the rubber roller printing assembly performs the seventh preset length feeding operation, improving the accuracy of position detection, avoiding misjudgment, and ensuring the accuracy of paper end positioning. Conversely, if the end of the label paper is upstream of the rubber roller printing assembly, the third sensor still cannot detect the label paper after the rubber roller printing assembly performs the seventh preset length feeding operation.

[0145] S313, during the process of the rubber roller printing assembly extending the paper to the seventh preset length, and when the rubber roller printing assembly extends the paper to the seventh preset length, the third sensor is controlled to detect and obtain a seventh detection result. The seventh detection result includes whether a label is present or not.

[0146] Specifically, the third sensor is controlled to continuously detect during the process of the rubber roller printing assembly extending the paper to the seventh preset length and after the paper has been extended to the seventh preset length, obtaining a seventh detection result to further determine the relative position of the label paper and the third sensor. The seventh detection result includes whether the label paper is present or not. For example, if the seventh detection result indicates the presence of the label paper, meaning the label paper is detected by the third sensor after the rubber roller printing assembly extends the paper to the seventh preset length, it indicates that the end of the label paper is downstream of the third sensor along the paper extension direction. If the seventh detection result indicates the absence of the label paper, meaning the label paper is still not detected by the third sensor after the rubber roller printing assembly extends the paper to the seventh preset length, it indicates that the end of the label paper is upstream of the third sensor and upstream of the rubber roller printing assembly along the paper extension direction, and the label paper cannot be driven by the rotation of the rubber roller, indicating that the end of the label paper is incorrectly positioned.

[0147] In some embodiments, the process of controlling the third sensor to perform detection to obtain the seventh detection result in S313 above may include: S314, if the seventh detection result indicates the presence of label paper, then control the rubber roller printing assembly to perform a paper feeding or paper return operation so that the label paper is positioned at the preset printing position.

[0148] Specifically, when the seventh detection result indicates the presence of label paper, it means that after the roller printing assembly performs the seventh preset paper feeding operation, the end of the label paper is downstream of the third sensor along the paper feeding direction. In this example, since the label paper is only detected by the third sensor after the roller printing assembly has completed the seventh preset paper feeding operation, and because the cutting assembly is downstream of the third sensor, the end of the label paper is still upstream of the cutting assembly after the seventh preset paper feeding. Therefore, this example indicates that the end of the label paper is already between the roller printing assembly and the cutting assembly, meeting the calibration requirements for the end of the paper position. At this point, the roller printing assembly can be controlled to perform a paper feeding or paper return operation to adjust the label paper to the preset printing position for easy printing.

[0149] S315, when the paper is fed out by the rubber roller printing assembly to the seventh preset length, if the seventh detection result is that there is no label paper, the rubber roller printing assembly is controlled to perform the operation of returning the paper to the seventh preset length and a prompt message is sent to the user.

[0150] Specifically, after the printing roller assembly extends the paper to the seventh preset length, if the seventh detection result obtained by the third sensor indicates that no label paper exists, it means that after extending the label paper to the seventh preset length, the end of the label paper is still upstream of the third sensor along the paper output direction. This also indicates that the end of the label paper is upstream of the printing roller assembly, and the label paper cannot be driven to move (perform the paper output operation) by the rotation of the printing roller, meaning the end of the label paper is incorrectly positioned. In this example, when the printing roller assembly extends the paper to the seventh preset length and the seventh detection result indicates that no label paper exists, the printing roller assembly is first controlled to perform a paper return operation to the seventh preset length. Then, the printer sends a prompt message to the user to remind them that the label paper roll is incorrectly installed, so that the user can reinstall the label paper roll after receiving the prompt message. This embodiment does not specifically limit the type of prompt message, which includes, but is not limited to, printer beeps, voice prompts, or light prompts.

[0151] Understandably, when the roller printing assembly drives the label paper out, the ribbon will also exit synchronously. In this example, when the roller printing assembly drives the label paper out to the seventh preset length, the ribbon also exits synchronously to the seventh preset length. That is, unused ribbon on the ribbon release reel will be wound onto the ribbon take-up reel, and the length of this unused ribbon is the seventh preset length. To avoid unnecessary waste of unused ribbon, after detecting an incorrect label paper placement, the roller printing assembly is first controlled to perform a return operation to the seventh preset length to rewind the already exited unused ribbon (i.e., return the unused ribbon wound on the ribbon take-up reel to the ribbon release reel), thereby effectively reducing ribbon waste, lowering consumable waste and usage costs, and helping to improve the printer's user experience. However, if the roller printing assembly does not perform the return operation to the seventh preset length, the unused ribbon cannot be recycled and reused after exiting, resulting in unnecessary ribbon waste.

[0152] Based on the above settings, the control method in this embodiment of the application obtains more accurate label paper position information by further detecting the label paper position through a third sensor. While ensuring that the label paper head position is calibrated, it can more accurately determine whether there is an error in the label paper head placement position. It can also promptly remind the user when the label paper head is placed incorrectly, and avoid unnecessary waste of ribbon, reduce consumable waste and usage costs, improve the automation level and reliability of the printer, and help improve the user experience of the printer.

[0153] In some embodiments, the process of controlling the rubber roller printing assembly to perform a paper feeding or paper return operation in S314 above, so that the label paper is in a preset printing position, may include: S316, Obtain the eighth preset length. The eighth preset length is the difference between the distance between the printing roller assembly and the third sensor, and the distance between the preset cutting position of two adjacent labels on the label paper and the distance of the previous label.

[0154] Specifically, after the printing roller assembly performs the seventh preset paper feeding operation, and the seventh detection result obtained by the third sensor indicates the presence of label paper, it means that after the seventh preset paper feeding, the end of the label paper is already between the printing roller assembly and the cutting assembly along the paper feeding direction, and the eighth preset length is then obtained. It should be understood that the preset cutting position is the position of the label paper after the cutting assembly has completed the printing operation; after the printing operation is completed, the label paper is fed out to align the preset cutting position with the cutting assembly, facilitating the cutting of the label paper. More specifically, there is a preset cutting position between two adjacent labels in the label paper. The cutting assembly cuts the printed label paper at the preset cutting position to produce labels of suitable size.

[0155] like Figure 4 As shown, in some examples, the label paper is a gap-type label paper (non-continuous label paper), meaning that there is a label-free area between two adjacent labels, forming a gap between them. Understandably, a preset cut position is located within this gap to avoid damaging the labels during cutting, ensuring the integrity of the cut labels. In a preferred embodiment, the preset cut position is located in the middle of the gap between two adjacent labels, minimizing the possibility of damage to the labels during cutting, improving cutting safety, and enhancing the printer's user experience.

[0156] Alternatively, in other examples, the label paper is continuous, meaning multiple labels form a single sheet without gaps between adjacent labels. Understandably, the preset cut position can be located anywhere on the label paper, allowing it to be cut to the preset size after printing to create labels of the appropriate dimensions, thus improving the label paper's applicability and flexibility.

[0157] Furthermore, in this example, we will take the case where the preset cutting position is located in the middle of the gap as an example. Figure 4 As shown, the distance between the printing roller assembly and the third sensor is L5, and the distance between two adjacent labels in the label paper is m. Since the preset cutting position is located in the middle of the gap, the distance between the preset cutting position and the previous label is m / 2. Based on the above, in this example, the formula for calculating the sixth preset length is L5-m / 2; where L5 is the distance between the printing roller assembly and the third sensor, and m is the distance between two adjacent labels in the label paper (when the label paper is continuous, there is no gap between two adjacent labels, then m=0).

[0158] S317, control the rubber roller printing assembly to perform the paper return operation of the eighth preset length so that the label paper is in the preset printing position.

[0159] Specifically, after obtaining the eighth preset length, the rubber roller is controlled to reverse to perform the paper return operation, and the length of the label paper returned is the eighth preset length, thereby positioning the label paper to the preset printing position for subsequent printing operations.

[0160] Based on the above settings, this embodiment cleverly sets the value of the eighth preset length. When the end of the label paper is determined to be between the printing roller assembly and the cutting assembly, the operation of returning the paper to the eighth preset length is performed. This can be regarded as first returning the label paper to the length L5 (the distance between the printing roller assembly and the third sensor), and then returning the label paper to the length m / 2 (the distance between the preset cutting position between two adjacent labels and the previous label). This ensures that the label paper is accurately positioned in the preset printing position, avoiding printing misalignment problems, further improving printing quality and printing effect, and helping to improve the user experience of the printer.

[0161] On the other hand, please see Figure 6 This application also proposes a control device for a printer 100, which includes a judgment module 50, a control module 60, a storage module 70, and a prompting module 80.

[0162] The judgment module 50 is used to determine the position of the label paper 40's head based on the detection results of the paper head positioning component 20. Specifically, after the paper head positioning component 20 detects the label paper 40 and outputs the detection results, the judgment module 50 can obtain the detection results and determine the position information of the label paper 40's head based on the detection results, providing a basis for subsequent positioning operations.

[0163] The control module 60 is used to control the rubber roller printing assembly 10 to perform paper feeding or paper return operations based on the detection results of the paper head positioning assembly 20. Specifically, according to the detection results obtained by the judgment module 50, the control module 60 can control the rubber roller printing assembly 10 to perform the corresponding paper feeding or paper return operations to adjust the label paper 40 to the preset printing position.

[0164] The storage module 70 is used to store the dimensional data of the printer 100. Specifically, the storage module 70 can pre-store the spacing values ​​between the components of the printer 100 and the relevant parameters of different types of label paper 40 (such as the spacing between two adjacent labels). When the corresponding data is needed, the control module 60 can directly read and call it from the storage module 70 without additional detection and acquisition, which effectively improves the efficiency of label paper 40 positioning.

[0165] The prompting module 80 is used to issue prompting information based on the detection results of the paper head positioning component 20. Specifically, when an incorrect placement of the label paper 40 is detected, the prompting module 80 can issue a prompting message to the user according to a preset method to remind the user to reinstall the label paper 40 roll in time, so as to prevent the printer 100 from continuing to perform invalid operations when the label paper 40 is installed incorrectly. It also allows the user to quickly troubleshoot and resolve the fault, improving the ease of use of the printer 100.

[0166] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," and "rear" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, they are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the terms used to describe positional relationships in the accompanying drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting this patent. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0167] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as implying or suggesting relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0168] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0169] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0170] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A printer, characterized in that, The printer includes a rubber roller printing assembly, a ribbon assembly, a paper head positioning assembly, and a cutting assembly; the rubber roller printing assembly, the paper head positioning assembly, and the cutting assembly are arranged sequentially along the paper output direction of the printer; The paper head positioning component is used to detect the position of the label paper and position the paper head between the rubber roller printing component and the cutting component according to the detection result; The ribbon assembly is used to provide the transfer material required for the printing operation; The rubber roller printing assembly is used to drive the ribbon assembly and the label paper to perform paper feeding or paper return operations simultaneously, so as to position the label paper to a preset printing position for printing. The cutting component is used to cut the label paper after the printing operation is completed.

2. The printer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The ribbon assembly includes a ribbon for providing transfer material, which is used in sync with the label paper for paper output or return.

3. A method for controlling a printer, characterized in that, The control method is applied to the printer as described in any one of claims 1 or 2; The control method includes: Obtain preparation instructions for the printer; Based on the preparation command, the paper head positioning component is controlled to detect the label paper and obtain a detection result; wherein, the detection result is used to determine whether the paper head of the label paper is located between the rubber roller printing component and the cutting component; Based on the detection results, the paper head positioning component is controlled to position the paper head of the label paper between the rubber roller printing component and the cutting component; The printing roller assembly is controlled to perform a paper feeding or paper return operation so that the label paper is positioned at the preset printing position.

4. The printer control method as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The paper head positioning assembly includes a first sensor and a second sensor, with the first sensor located downstream of the second sensor along the paper output direction; The process of controlling the paper head positioning component to detect the label paper and obtain the detection result includes: The second sensor is controlled to perform detection to obtain a first detection result; The first detection result includes whether the label is present or not.

5. The printer control method as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The process of controlling the second sensor to perform detection to obtain a first detection result includes: If the first detection result indicates the presence of a label, then the first sensor is controlled to perform a second detection result; the second detection result includes the presence of a label and the absence of a label. If the first detection result indicates that no label paper exists, the paper head positioning component is controlled to position the paper head between the rubber roller printing component and the cutting component.

6. The printer control method as described in claim 5, characterized in that, Also includes: If the first detection result indicates that no label paper exists, a prompt message is sent to the user.

7. The printer control method as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The control of the paper head positioning component to position the paper head of the label paper between the glue roller printing component and the cutting component includes: Get the first preset length; Control the printing roller assembly to perform the paper output operation; During the process of the rubber roller printing assembly extending the paper to the first preset length and when the paper is extended to the first preset length by the rubber roller printing assembly, the second sensor is controlled to detect and obtain a third detection result. If the third detection result indicates the presence of label paper, then the rubber roller printing assembly is controlled to perform a paper output or return operation so that the label paper is positioned at a preset printing position. The first preset length is the distance between the rubber roller printing assembly and the second sensor.

8. The printer control method as described in claim 7, characterized in that, Also includes: When the paper is fed from the rubber roller printing assembly to the first preset length, if the third detection result indicates that there is no label paper, the rubber roller printing assembly is controlled to return the paper to the first preset length and a prompt message is sent to the user.

9. The printer control method as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The step of controlling the first sensor to perform detection to obtain a second detection result includes: If the second detection result indicates the presence of a label, then obtain the second preset length; Control the printing roller assembly to perform a paper return operation; During the process of the rubber roller printing assembly returning the paper to the second preset length and when the rubber roller printing assembly returns the paper to the second preset length, the first sensor is controlled to detect and obtain a fourth detection result. If the fourth detection result is that there is no label paper, then the rubber roller printing assembly is controlled to perform a paper feeding operation or a paper return operation so that the label paper is in the preset printing position; Wherein, the second preset length is the distance between the first sensor and the cutting component.

10. The printer control method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, Also includes: When the rubber roller printing assembly returns the paper to the second preset length, if the fourth detection result indicates the presence of label paper, the rubber roller printing assembly is controlled to perform the operation of outputting the paper to the second preset length, and a prompt message is sent to the user.

11. The printer control method as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The step of controlling the first sensor to perform detection to obtain the second detection result further includes: If the second detection result indicates that no label paper exists, the printing roller assembly is controlled to perform a paper feeding or paper return operation so that the label paper is positioned at a preset printing position.

12. The printer control method according to any one of claims 7, 9, or 11, characterized in that, The control of the printing roller assembly to perform paper feeding or paper return operations, so that the label paper is in a preset printing position, includes: The system controls the printing roller assembly to perform a paper feeding operation. When the first sensor detects the edge of the label paper, the system controls the printing roller assembly to stop performing the paper feeding operation. Get the third preset length; The printing roller assembly is controlled to perform the operation of returning the paper to the third preset length, so that the label paper is positioned at the preset printing position; The third preset length is the difference between the distance between the printing roller assembly and the first sensor and the distance between the preset cutting position of two adjacent labels in the label paper and the distance of the previous label.

13. The printer control method according to any one of claims 7, 9, or 11, characterized in that, The control of the printing roller assembly to perform paper feeding or paper return operations, so that the label paper is in a preset printing position, includes: The system controls the printing roller assembly to perform a paper return operation. When the second sensor detects the edge of the label paper, the system controls the printing roller assembly to stop performing the paper return operation. Get the fourth preset length; The printing roller assembly is controlled to perform the fourth preset length paper return operation so that the label paper is positioned at the preset printing position. The fourth preset length is the difference between the distance between the printing roller assembly and the second sensor and the distance between the preset cutting position of two adjacent labels in the label paper and the distance of the previous label.

14. The printer control method as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The paper head positioning assembly includes a third sensor; The process of controlling the paper head positioning component to detect the label paper and obtain the detection result includes: The third sensor is controlled to perform detection to obtain a fifth detection result; the fifth detection result includes the presence of a label and the absence of a label.

15. The printer control method as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The process of controlling the third sensor to perform detection to obtain a fifth detection result includes: If the fifth detection result indicates the presence of a label, the step of controlling the paper head positioning component to position the paper head between the rubber roller printing component and the cutting component includes: Get the fifth preset length; Control the printing roller assembly to perform a paper return operation; During the process of the rubber roller printing assembly returning the paper to the fifth preset length and when the rubber roller printing assembly returns the paper to the fifth preset length, the third sensor is controlled to detect and obtain a sixth detection result; the sixth detection result includes the presence of label paper and the absence of label paper; The fifth preset length is the distance between the third sensor and the cutting component.

16. The printer control method as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The process of controlling the third sensor to perform detection to obtain a sixth detection result includes: If the sixth detection result is that there is no label paper, then the rubber roller printing assembly is controlled to perform a paper output operation or a paper return operation so that the label paper is located in the preset printing position; When the rubber roller printing assembly returns the paper to the fifth preset length, if the sixth detection result indicates the presence of label paper, the rubber roller printing assembly is controlled to perform the operation of outputting the paper to the fifth preset length, and a prompt message is sent to the user.

17. The printer control method as described in claim 16, characterized in that, The control of the printing roller assembly to perform paper feeding or paper return operations, so that the label paper is in a preset printing position, includes: Get the sixth preset length; The printing roller assembly is controlled to perform the sixth preset length paper return operation so that the label paper is positioned at the preset printing position. The sixth preset length is the difference between the distance between the printing roller assembly and the third sensor and the distance between the preset cutting position of two adjacent labels in the label paper and the distance of the previous label.

18. The printer control method as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The method of controlling the third sensor to perform detection to obtain the fifth detection result also includes: If the fifth detection result is that no label paper exists, the step of controlling the paper head positioning component to position the paper head between the rubber roller printing component and the cutting component includes: Get the seventh preset length; Control the printing roller assembly to perform the paper output operation; During the process of the rubber roller printing assembly extending the paper to the seventh preset length, and when the rubber roller printing assembly extends the paper to the seventh preset length, the third sensor is controlled to detect and obtain a seventh detection result; the seventh detection result includes the presence of label paper and the absence of label paper; The seventh preset length is the distance between the rubber roller printing assembly and the third sensor.

19. The printer control method as described in claim 18, characterized in that, The process of controlling the third sensor to perform detection to obtain a seventh detection result includes: If the seventh detection result indicates the presence of label paper, then the rubber roller printing assembly is controlled to perform a paper output or return operation so that the label paper is positioned at a preset printing position. When the paper is fed from the rubber roller printing assembly to the seventh preset length, if the seventh detection result indicates that there is no label paper, the rubber roller printing assembly is controlled to perform the operation of returning the paper to the seventh preset length and a prompt message is sent to the user.

20. The printer control method as described in claim 19, characterized in that, The control of the printing roller assembly to perform paper feeding or paper return operations, so that the label paper is in a preset printing position, includes: Get the eighth preset length; The printing roller assembly is controlled to perform the eighth preset length paper return operation so that the label paper is positioned at the preset printing position. The eighth preset length is the difference between the distance between the printing roller assembly and the third sensor and the distance between the preset cutting position of two adjacent labels in the label paper and the distance of the previous label.

21. A control device for a printer, characterized in that, The printer includes a ribbon assembly and a printing roller assembly, a paper head positioning assembly, and a cutting assembly arranged sequentially along the paper output direction; the control device includes: The judgment module is used to determine the position of the label paper head based on the detection result of the paper head positioning component; The control module is used to control the rubber roller printing component to perform paper feeding or paper return operations based on the detection results of the paper head positioning component. A storage module is used to store the size data of the printer; and The prompting module is used to issue prompting information based on the detection results of the paper head positioning component.

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