Printing device, program and control method

Abstract

To enable a platen roller to operate appropriately as instructed by a user on the basis of a state of a printing device.SOLUTION: A printing device comprises: an operating part; a thermal head that performs printing on a medium to be printed; a platen roller that can convey the medium to be printed by rotating while holding the medium to be printed between the thermal head and the roller; a cartridge storing part that stores the medium to be printed (a tape cartridge) that is to be printed; a cover that is opened and closed when the cartridge storing part stores the medium to be printed; and a control part. When receiving a rotation instruction for instructing operation of rotating the platen roller from the operating part (a step S11: YES), the control part rotates the platen roller (a step S14) when the cover is opened (a step S2: YES) and when the medium to be printed is not stored in the cartridge storing part (a step S12: NO).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing apparatus, a program, and a control method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, printing devices that use a thermal head to print on a print medium have been used. For example, there is a technology in which the thermal head is pressed against a platen roller and the thermal head prints on a recording paper sandwiched between the platen roller and the thermal head (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] In such thermal printers, it is inevitable that dust and dirt will adhere to the thermal head and platen roller, and periodic cleaning is required. For this reason, a cleaning method is used in which the thermal head and platen roller are wiped with, for example, a cotton swab soaked in alcohol. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-291385 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when cleaning the platen roller, it is necessary to clean not only the portion of the platen roller exposed on the thermal head side, but the entire circumference of the platen roller, so it is preferable that the platen roller can be rotated when cleaning the platen roller.

[0006] Furthermore, to apply a cleaning member such as a cotton swab to the platen roller, it is necessary to ensure that there is enough space to reach the platen roller. In a printing device, whether or not the cleaning member can contact the platen roller depends on whether or not the cover (lid portion) is open and whether or not a print medium is set. If there is no space to the platen roller, cleaning cannot be performed even if the platen roller is rotated. Currently, it is not possible to operate the platen roller appropriately in response to a user instruction (an instruction to rotate the platen roller) based on the state of the printing device.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems in the conventional technology, and an object of the present invention is to perform an appropriate operation of the platen roller in response to an instruction from a user based on the state of the printing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the printing device of the present invention comprises: An operation unit; A thermal head that prints on a print medium; a roller capable of conveying the print medium by rotating while sandwiching the print medium between the roller and the thermal head; a storage section that stores the print medium before printing by the thermal head; a cover that is opened and closed when the print medium is accommodated in the accommodation portion; A control unit, when the control unit receives a rotation instruction from the operation unit to rotate the roller, the control unit rotates the roller if the cover is open and the print medium is not accommodated in the accommodation unit. It is characterized by: Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to perform an appropriate operation of the platen roller in response to an instruction from a user, based on the state of the printing device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view illustrating an external appearance of a printing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the printing device with the cover open and no tape cartridge housed therein. [Diagram 3] 1 is a perspective view showing a printing device with the cover open and a tape cartridge housed therein; [Figure 4A] 4 is a plan view showing a schematic diagram of a thermal head, a platen roller, and a cartridge receiving section, illustrating a state in which the platen roller is separated from the thermal head. FIG. [Figure 4B] 4 is a plan view showing a thermal head, a platen roller, and a cartridge housing section, illustrating a state in which the platen roller is pressed against the thermal head. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the printing apparatus. [Figure 6] 5 is a flowchart showing a platen roller control process executed by the printing apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, the printing device, the program, and the control method according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments are subject to various technically preferable limitations for implementing the present invention, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples.

[0012] [Printing device configuration] First, the configuration of a printing device 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the exterior of a printing device 1. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the printing device 1 with the cover 2 open and without a tape cartridge 70 housed therein. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the printing device 1 with the cover 2 open and with a tape cartridge 70 housed therein.

[0013] Inside the tape cartridge 70, a long tape serving as a print medium is wound in advance in a roll. In this embodiment, the direction in which the tape (hereinafter referred to as the print tape) supplied from the tape cartridge 70 is transported is referred to as the "transport direction X," the width direction of the print tape perpendicular to this transport direction X is referred to as the "width direction Y," and the thickness direction of the print tape is referred to as the "thickness direction Z." These X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are perpendicular to one another.

[0014] The printing device 1 is a label printer that heats a printing tape to print images such as characters, symbols, marks, and figures. The printing device 1 has a function of cutting the printed printing tape, a function of communicating with external devices via a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), and the like.

[0015] The printing tape has a tape body having an adhesive layer, and a release paper removably attached to cover the adhesive layer of the tape body.

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the printing device 1 is provided with a cover 2 and a number of buttons (a power button 31, a wireless LAN switch button 32, a feed button 33, a cut button 34, and an open button 35) on the top surface of a box-shaped housing 3.

[0017] The power button 31 is a button that receives an instruction to turn the printer 1 on or off.

[0018] The wireless LAN switching button 32 is a button that accepts an operational instruction to switch between an access point mode and a client mode as the wireless LAN communication mode of the printing device 1. The access point mode is a mode in which the printing device 1 functions as an access point of the wireless LAN and performs wireless LAN communication directly with an external device. The client mode is a mode in which the printing device 1 performs wireless LAN communication with an external device via an access point of the wireless LAN.

[0019] The feed button 33 is a button that accepts an instruction to operate the feeding of the print tape supplied from the tape cartridge 70. "Feed" refers to the sending out of the print tape, and means "idle feeding" as distinguished from the transport of the print tape during printing.

[0020] The cut button 34 is a button for receiving an instruction to cut the print tape supplied from the tape cartridge 70 .

[0021] The open button 35 is a button for opening the cover 2. When closing the cover 2, the user closes the cover 2 manually.

[0022] The cover 2 is disposed so as to cover an opening formed on the upper surface side of the housing 3 and can be opened and closed freely. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the cover 2 includes an upper surface portion 21, a side surface portion 22, a window portion 23, a protrusion portion 24, and a locking claw 25. As shown in FIG.

[0023] The upper surface portion 21 is a portion that covers an opening formed on the upper surface side of the housing 3, and has a shape (substantially rectangular) that corresponds to the opening. The upper surface portion 21 has a window portion 23 provided therein. The side surface portion 22 is connected to an end portion of the top surface portion 21 and is a portion that covers an opening formed in a side surface of the housing 3.

[0024] The window portion 23 allows visual confirmation as to whether or not a tape cartridge 70 is accommodated inside the housing 3 (cartridge accommodating portion 60) even when the cover 2 is closed.

[0025] The protrusion 24 is provided so as to engage with a cover state detection unit 36 ​​(see FIGS. 2 and 3) provided on the housing 3 when the cover 2 is closed. When the protrusion 24 engages with the cover state detection unit 36, the cover state detection unit 36 ​​electrically detects the closed state of the cover 2.

[0026] The locking claw 25 is provided so as to lock into a locking recess 37 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) provided in the housing 3 when the cover 2 is closed. The locking claw 25 locks into the locking recess 37, preventing the cover 2 from being opened accidentally.

[0027] 2 and 3, the housing 3 includes a cartridge storage section 60 in addition to the above-mentioned multiple buttons, cover state detection section 36, and locking recess 37. The cartridge storage section 60 detachably stores a tape cartridge 70 (print medium). The tape cartridge 70 stores a wound print tape prior to printing by the thermal head 40. When the tape cartridge 70 is stored in the cartridge storage section 60, the cover 2 is opened and closed.

[0028] An outlet 38 is formed on the side of the housing 3 at a portion located downstream in the "transport direction X" of the print tape supplied from the tape cartridge 70. After printing by the thermal head 40 in the printing device 1 is completed, the print tape is discharged from the outlet 38 to the outside of the device.

[0029] A platen roller 50 is provided at a position facing the thermal head 40 with the printing tape supplied from the tape cartridge 70 sandwiched therebetween.

[0030] 4A and 4B are plan views that diagrammatically show the thermal head 40, the platen roller 50, and the cartridge receiving portion 60. FIG.

[0031] The cartridge storage section 60 of this embodiment is capable of storing both a first tape cartridge 70A and a second tape cartridge 70B. The first tape cartridge 70A is a tape cartridge 70 having relatively large external dimensions in the XZ plane defined by the "transport direction X" and the "thickness direction Z". The second tape cartridge 70B has smaller external dimensions in the XZ plane than the first tape cartridge 70A.

[0032] In the following, when there is no need to distinguish between the first tape cartridge 70A and the second tape cartridge 70B, they will be described as a tape cartridge 70 that includes them.

[0033] The platen roller 50 can be in a state in which it is separated from the thermal head 40 (see FIG. 4A) or in a state in which it is pressed against the thermal head 40 (see FIG. 4B). 4A and 4B, in order to make the positional relationship easier to understand, a tape cartridge 70 is illustrated, but there are cases in which the tape cartridge 70 is not housed in the cartridge housing portion 60.

[0034] The thermal head 40 is a print head that prints on the print tape (print medium) supplied from the tape cartridge 70. The thermal head 40 prints on the print tape while the print tape is sandwiched between the thermal head 40 and the platen roller 50. The thermal head 40 has multiple heating elements (not shown) whose energized states are independently controlled.

[0035] The platen roller 50 is a transport roller that transports the print tape by rotating with the print tape sandwiched between it and the thermal head 40. The platen roller 50 transports the print tape in the “transport direction X” toward the discharge port 38.

[0036] Furthermore, a cartridge detection section 61 (see FIG. 5) is provided in the cartridge storage section 60. The cartridge detection section 61 has a plurality of detection switches 61A to 61E (see FIGS. 4A and 4B).

[0037] The cartridge detection section 61 detects whether or not the tape cartridge 70 is accommodated in the cartridge accommodation section 60 . The cartridge detection unit 61 detects the type (size / tape width) of the tape cartridge 70 based on the shape of the tape cartridge 70 housed in the cartridge housing unit 60. Different types of tape cartridges 70 are configured to press a plurality of detection switches 61A-61E in different combinations. The cartridge detection unit 61 identifies the size of the tape cartridge 70 from the combination of pressed detection switches 61A-61E and detects the width of the print tape (tape width).

[0038] In this embodiment, the detection switches 61A-61E can detect five different tape widths, for example, 6 mm, 9 mm, 12 mm, 18 mm, and 24 mm, in the case of the first tape cartridge 70A, and eight different tape widths, for example, 3.5 mm, 6 mm, 9 mm, 12 mm, 18 mm, 24 mm, 36 mm, and 46 mm, in the case of the second tape cartridge 70B.

[0039] 2 and 3, the cartridge storage section 60 is provided with an ink ribbon take-up shaft 62. The ink ribbon take-up shaft 62 is a drive shaft for engaging with an ink ribbon take-up core 71 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B) of the tape cartridge 70. When the tape cartridge 70 is stored in the cartridge storage section 60, the ink ribbon take-up shaft 62 rotates, thereby eliminating slack in the ink ribbon in the tape cartridge 70.

[0040] Although not shown, the housing 3 is provided with a power cord connection terminal, an external device connection terminal, a storage medium insertion port, etc. If the printing device 1 is powered by an internal power source such as a battery, the power cord connection terminal may not be provided.

[0041] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the printing device 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the printing device 1 includes a control unit 10, an input unit 11, a display unit 12, a memory unit 13, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 14, a communication unit 15, a power supply circuit 16, a thermal head 40, a head drive circuit 41, a platen roller 50, a rotation drive motor 51, a pressing motor 52, a cutter 80, a cutter drive circuit 81, a cover state detection unit 36, and a cartridge detection unit 61.

[0042] The control unit 10 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 10 reads out a program stored in the storage unit 13, loads the program into the RAM 14, and cooperates with the program to realize various functions for the printing device 1 to perform printing.

[0043] The input unit 11 (operation unit) includes buttons such as a power button 31, a wireless LAN switching button 32, a feed button 33, a cut button 34, and an open button 35, and accepts various operation instructions from a user. The input unit 11 outputs operation signals to the control unit 10 in response to the various operation instructions. The input unit 11 has various keys such as character input keys, conversion keys, and decision keys, and accepts various operation instructions from the user regarding the generation of print data. When the user inputs or selects characters, symbols, marks, figures, etc. for creating a label from the input unit 11 and issues a print instruction, the print data is generated by the control unit 10. The control unit 10 may obtain print data generated in an external device such as a PC via the communication unit 15. The input unit 11 may have a touch panel that is integrally provided on the surface of the display unit 12. In this case, the input unit 11 allows various input / setting and other operations to be performed by touching the touch panel.

[0044] The display unit 12 is configured with an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like, and displays various display screens according to the control of the control unit 10. The display unit 12 also includes an LED (Light Emitting Diode) and the like, and notifies the user of the status of the printing device 1, errors, and the like by lighting up the LED.

[0045] The storage unit 13 stores programs executed by the control unit 10, various setting data, and the like. The programs are stored in the form of computer-readable program codes in the storage unit 13. The storage unit 13 includes storage devices such as a Read Only Memory (ROM) and a Hard Disk Drive (HDD). The RAM 14 provides working memory space for the control unit 10 and stores temporary data.

[0046] The communication unit 15 is configured with a network interface or the like, and performs data communication with an external device connected via a wireless LAN, a wired LAN, a dedicated cable, or the like.

[0047] The power supply circuit 16 supplies power to each component of the printing device 1. The power supply may be an internal battery or the like, or an external power supply connected via a cable or the like.

[0048] The head driving circuit 41 drives the thermal head 40 based on the control signal and print data supplied from the control unit 10 . The head drive circuit 41 selectively passes current through a plurality of heating elements of the thermal head 40 in accordance with print data, causing the heating elements to generate heat and heat the ink ribbon. As a result, the thermal head 40 prints on the print tape by thermal transfer. The printing device 1 may be a thermal type printing device in which the tape body of the printing tape uses thermal paper having a color-developing layer that develops color when heated.

[0049] The rotary drive motor 51 rotates the platen roller 50 . The pressing motor 52 is a motor for changing the position (distance) of the platen roller 50 relative to the thermal head 40. The pressing motor 52 is a state changing unit that can change between a pressed state in which the platen roller 50 and the thermal head 40 are pressed against each other, and a separated state in which the platen roller 50 and the thermal head 40 are separated from each other. The pressed state may be a state in which at least one of the platen roller 50 and the thermal head 40 is pressed against the other, thereby causing the platen roller 50 and the thermal head 40 to be pressed against each other.

[0050] In the printing device 1, the pressing and separating of the platen roller 50 and the thermal head 40 is controlled by a motor (pressing motor 52) that is separate from the rotation drive motor 51. This allows the platen roller 50 to rotate even when it is not in close contact with the thermal head 40.

[0051] The cutter 80 is provided downstream of the thermal head 40 in the "transport direction X" of the print tape and upstream of the discharge port 38. The cutter 80 cuts the print tape along the "width direction Y". The cutter driving circuit 81 drives the cutter 80 .

[0052] The cover state detection unit 36 ​​detects whether the cover 2 is open or closed, and outputs the detection result to the control unit 10. When the tape cartridge 70 is accommodated in the cartridge accommodating portion 60, when the tape cartridge 70 is removed from the cartridge accommodating portion 60, etc., the cover 2 is opened and closed.

[0053] The cartridge detection unit 61 detects whether or not the tape cartridge 70 is accommodated in the cartridge accommodation unit 60, and outputs the detection result to the control unit . In addition, the cartridge detection unit 61 detects the type (size, tape width) of the tape cartridge 70 housed in the cartridge housing unit 60 .

[0054] When the control unit 10 receives a rotation instruction from the input unit 11 (operation unit) to rotate the platen roller 50, if the cover 2 is open and no print tape (print medium) is stored in the cartridge storage unit 60, the control unit 10 rotates the platen roller 50. In this embodiment, pressing the feed button 33 is considered to be the rotation instruction to rotate the platen roller 50. Also, in this embodiment, storing (attaching) the tape cartridge 70 in the cartridge storage unit 60 corresponds to storing the print tape in the cartridge storage unit 60.

[0055] When the control unit 10 receives a rotation instruction from the input unit 11 to instruct the rotation operation of the platen roller 50, if the cover 2 is open and no print tape is housed in the cartridge housing unit 60, the control unit 10 rotates the platen roller 50 for a predetermined time. The predetermined time is stored in advance in the storage unit 13. The time for which the platen roller 50 is rotated in response to one print tape feed instruction (instruction to rotate the platen roller 50) may be set by the user, for example. Alternatively, the control unit 10 may rotate the platen roller 50 in response to pressing of the feed button 33, and continue to rotate the platen roller 50 until the feed button 33 is pressed again.

[0056] When the control unit 10 receives a rotation instruction from the input unit 11 to rotate the platen roller 50, if the cover 2 is open and a print tape is stored in the cartridge storage unit 60, the control unit 10 does not rotate the platen roller 50.

[0057] When the cover 2 is opened, the control unit 10 separates the platen roller 50 from the thermal head 40. Specifically, the control unit 10 controls the pressing motor 52 to separate the platen roller 50 from the thermal head 40.

[0058] When the control unit 10 receives a rotation instruction from the input unit 11 to rotate the platen roller 50, if the cover 2 is open and no printing tape is stored in the cartridge storage unit 60, the control unit 10 rotates the platen roller 50 while maintaining a spaced-apart state between the platen roller 50 and the thermal head 40.

[0059] When the control unit 10 receives a rotation instruction from the input unit 11 to rotate the platen roller 50, if the cover 2 is open and a print tape is stored in the cartridge storage unit 60, the control unit 10 notifies the user of a predetermined error message. The predetermined error message is, for example, a message to notify the user that the cover 2 is open.

[0060] [Printing device operation] Next, the operation of the printing device 1 will be described. 6 is a flowchart showing the platen roller control process executed by the printing apparatus 1. At the start of the platen roller control process, the platen roller 50 and the thermal head 40 are assumed to be in a separated state (see FIG. 4A).

[0061] First, the control unit 10 judges whether or not the power is turned on (step S1). When the power is on (step S1; YES), the control unit 10 determines whether the cover 2 is open or not (step S2). Specifically, the control unit 10 acquires a detection result from the cover state detection unit 36, and determines whether the cover 2 is open or closed based on the detection result.

[0062] If the cover 2 is not open (step S2; NO), the control unit 10 determines whether or not the tape cartridge 70 is attached to the cartridge storage unit 60 (step S3). Specifically, the control unit 10 acquires a detection result from the cartridge detection unit 61, and determines whether or not the tape cartridge 70 (print tape) is stored in the cartridge storage unit 60 based on the detection result.

[0063] When the tape cartridge 70 is installed in the cartridge storage section 60 (step S3; YES), the control section 10 controls the pressing motor 52 to press the platen roller 50 against the thermal head 40 (step S4). That is, when the power is ON, the cover 2 is closed, and the tape cartridge 70 is installed, the control section 10 brings the platen roller 50 into close contact with the thermal head 40 (see FIG. 4B). If the determination in step S3 is YES, and the platen roller 50 and the thermal head 40 are already in a pressed state, the control unit 10 maintains the current position of the platen roller 50.

[0064] Next, the control unit 10 determines whether or not a feed instruction (an instruction to rotate the platen roller 50) has been given by the user via the input unit 11 (step S5). Specifically, it determines whether or not the feed button 33 has been pressed by the user.

[0065] If a feed command is received (step S5; YES), the control unit 10 controls the rotary drive motor 51 to rotate the platen roller 50 for a predetermined time, thereby feeding the print tape a certain amount (step S6). That is, when the control unit 10 receives a feed command from the input unit 11, if the cover 2 is closed and the tape cartridge 70 is installed, the control unit 10 feeds the print tape a certain amount.

[0066] After step S6 or if there is no feed instruction in step S5 (step S5; NO), the control unit 10 determines whether the cover 2 is open or closed (step S7). Specifically, the control unit 10 obtains a detection result from the cover state detection unit 36, and determines whether the cover 2 is open or closed based on the detection result. When the open button 35 is pressed while the cover 2 is closed, the control unit 10 moves the locking recess 37 so as to disengage from the locking claw 25. As a result, the cover 2 opens, and the cover state detection unit 36 ​​detects that the cover 2 is open.

[0067] Note that a process such as a printing operation may be performed between steps S6 and S7, or between the time when NO is determined in step S5 and step S7.

[0068] In step S7, if the cover 2 is open (step S7; YES), that is, if the cover 2 has changed from a closed state to an open state, the control unit 10 controls the pressing motor 52 to separate the platen roller 50 from the thermal head 40 (step S8). That is, the platen roller 50 and the thermal head 40 are in a separated state (see FIG. 4A). After step S8, the process returns to step S2.

[0069] In step S7, if the cover 2 is not open (step S7; NO), that is, if the cover 2 remains closed, the process returns to step S1.

[0070] In step S3, if the tape cartridge 70 is not installed in the cartridge storage section 60 (step S3; NO), the control section 10 judges whether or not a feed command has been issued by the user from the input section 11 (step S9). Specifically, it judges whether or not the feed button 33 has been pressed by the user.

[0071] If a feed command is received (step S9; YES), the control unit 10 notifies an error that the tape cartridge 70 is not installed in the cartridge storage unit 60 (step S10). For example, the control unit 10 lights up a predetermined LED provided on the display unit 12, or displays a message on the display unit 12 that the tape cartridge 70 is not installed. The control unit 10 may also notify an error by generating a predetermined sound. That is, when the control unit 10 obtains a feed command from the input unit 11, if the cover 2 is closed and the tape cartridge 70 is not installed, the control unit 10 notifies an error indicating that the tape cartridge 70 is not installed. After step S10, or in step S9, if there is no feed instruction (step S9; NO), the process returns to step S3.

[0072] In step S2, if the cover 2 is open (step S2; YES), the control unit 10 determines whether or not a feed command has been issued by the user from the input unit 11 (step S11). Specifically, it determines whether or not the feed button 33 has been pressed by the user.

[0073] When a feed command is received (step S11; YES), the control unit 10 judges whether or not the tape cartridge 70 is attached to the cartridge storage unit 60 (step S12). Specifically, the control unit 10 acquires a detection result from the cartridge detection unit 61, and judges whether or not the tape cartridge 70 (print tape) is stored based on the detection result.

[0074] When the tape cartridge 70 is attached to the cartridge storage section 60 (step S12; YES), the control section 10 notifies an error that the cover 2 is open (step S13). For example, the control section 10 lights up a predetermined LED provided on the display section 12, or displays a message on the display section 12 that the cover 2 is open. The control section 10 may also notify an error by generating a predetermined sound. That is, when the control section 10 acquires a feed instruction from the input section 11, if the cover 2 is open and the tape cartridge 70 is attached, the control section 10 notifies an error that the cover 2 is open. At this time, the platen roller 50 and the thermal head 40 are separated from each other, and the control section 10 does not rotate the platen roller 50.

[0075] In step S12, if the tape cartridge 70 is not installed in the cartridge storage unit 60 (step S12; NO), the control unit 10 controls the rotation drive motor 51 to idle the platen roller 50 for a predetermined time for cleaning (step S14). That is, when the control unit 10 acquires a feed command from the input unit 11, if the cover 2 is open and the tape cartridge 70 is not installed, the control unit 10 rotates the platen roller 50 by the rotation drive motor 51 while maintaining the separation between the platen roller 50 and the thermal head 40. The predetermined time is set to a time sufficient to clean the entire circumference of the platen roller 50. The user wipes the surfaces of the thermal head 40 and the platen roller 50 with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol.

[0076] After step S13, after step S14, or in step S11, if there is no feed instruction (step S11; NO), the process returns to step S2.

[0077] In step S1, if the power is no longer on (step S1; NO), that is, if the power button 31 is pressed while the power is on, the process proceeds to step S15. In step S15, the control unit 10 controls the pressure motor 52 to separate the platen roller 50 from the thermal head 40. Then, the control unit 10 turns off the power to the printing device 1. This completes the platen roller control process.

[0078] The amount of rotation (rotation time) of the platen roller 50 based on the feed command does not necessarily have to be the same during normal tape transport (step S6) and during cleaning (step S14). That is, the rotation time of the platen roller 50 during cleaning may be a time set for cleaning, may be the same as the feed time during normal tape transport, or may be different. For example, the control unit 10 may rotate the platen roller 50 longer during cleaning than during normal tape transport to make it easier for the user to wipe the platen roller 50 with a cotton swab. Alternatively, the control unit 10 may continue to rotate the platen roller 50 during cleaning until some operation (for example, pressing the feed button 33 again) is performed again after starting the rotation of the platen roller 50.

[0079] As described above, according to the printing device 1 of this embodiment, when the control unit 10 receives a rotation instruction from the input unit 11 (operation unit) to rotate the platen roller 50, if the cover 2 is open and the tape cartridge 70 (printing tape) is not housed in the cartridge housing unit 60, the control unit 10 rotates the platen roller 50 in an appropriate manner in response to the user's instruction (rotation instruction), based on the state of the printing device 1, such as whether the cover 2 is open or closed, and whether the tape cartridge 70 is installed or not. The control unit 10 rotates the platen roller 50 with the cover 2 open and with the tape cartridge 70 not yet installed, so that a space can be secured up to the platen roller 50, making it easy to clean the platen roller 50. The user can clean the entire circumference of the platen roller 50 using a cotton swab or the like soaked in alcohol. In this embodiment, the control unit 10 allows the platen roller 50 to rotate idly on the condition that the cover 2 is open and the tape cartridge 70 is not installed.

[0080] Furthermore, when the above conditions are satisfied, the control unit 10 rotates the platen roller 50 for a predetermined period of time, so that the user can easily clean the entire circumference of the platen roller 50.

[0081] When the control unit 10 receives a rotation instruction from the input unit 11 to rotate the platen roller 50, if the cover 2 is open and a tape cartridge 70 is housed in the cartridge housing unit 60, the control unit 10 does not rotate the platen roller 50. In this case, even if there is a rotation instruction from the user, the control unit 10 does not rotate the platen roller 50 because this is not suitable for cleaning the thermal head 40.

[0082] Furthermore, when the cover 2 is opened, the control unit 10 controls the pressing motor 52 to separate the platen roller 50 from the thermal head 40. Therefore, when the cover 2 is open, the control unit 10 does not print on the print tape or feed the print tape.

[0083] On the other hand, when the cover 2 is closed and the tape cartridge 70 is installed, the control unit 10 controls the pressing motor 52 to press the platen roller 50 against the thermal head 40. In this way, the control unit 10 can put the printing device 1 into a state in which it can print on the print tape and transport the print tape.

[0084] When the control unit 10 receives a rotation instruction from the input unit 11 to rotate the platen roller 50, if the cover 2 is open and no tape cartridge 70 is housed in the cartridge housing unit 60, the control unit 10 rotates the platen roller 50 while maintaining a separation between the platen roller 50 and the thermal head 40. By the control unit 10 rotating the platen roller 50 while keeping it separated from the thermal head 40, a space can be secured for the user to insert a cotton swab or the like. This makes it easy to clean the entire circumference of the platen roller 50. The control unit 10 can separately control the rotation drive motor 51 that rotates the platen roller 50 and the pressing motor 52 that changes the position of the platen roller 50 relative to the thermal head 40. Thus, the control unit 10 can rotate the platen roller 50 while keeping the platen roller 50 separated from the thermal head 40.

[0085] When the control unit 10 receives a rotation instruction to rotate the platen roller 50 from the input unit 11, if the cover 2 is open and a tape cartridge 70 is housed in the cartridge housing unit 60, the control unit 10 notifies the user of a predetermined error message. For example, the control unit 10 can urge the user to close the cover 2 by notifying an error message that the cover 2 is open.

[0086] The above-described embodiment is merely an example of the printing device, the program, and the control method according to the present invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The detailed configuration and operation of each part of the device may be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0087] In the above embodiment, a description has been given of a printing device 1 having a structure in which the platen roller 50 side changes its position relative to the thermal head 40, but the same explanation basically applies to a printing device having a structure in which the thermal head 40 side changes its position relative to the platen roller 50. In other words, the state in which the thermal head 40 is pressed against / separated from the platen roller 50 and the rotation of the platen roller 50 may be controlled depending on the state of the printing device, such as the open / closed state of the cover 2 and whether or not the tape cartridge 70 is installed.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the button for instructing the rotation operation of the platen roller 50 is the same button (feed button 33) as the button for instructing the transport of the print tape (feed instruction). Alternatively, a rotation instruction button for cleaning the platen roller 50 may be provided separately. Alternatively, an existing button may be used for both purposes, and the instruction content may be differentiated by pressing and holding it for a long time, for example. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1 Printing device 2 Cover 3. Chassis 10 Control section 11 Input section 12 Display section 13 Storage section 31 Power button 32 Wireless LAN switch button 33 Feed button 34 Cut button 35 Open Button 36 Cover status detector 38 Outlet 40 Thermal Head 41 Head drive circuit 50 Platen roller 51 Rotational drive motor 52 Pressing motor 60 Cartridge storage section 61 Cartridge detection unit 70 Tape Cartridge 80 Cutter

Claims

1. An operation unit; A thermal head that prints on a print medium; a roller capable of conveying the print medium by rotating while sandwiching the print medium between the roller and the thermal head; a storage section that stores the print medium before printing by the thermal head; a cover that is opened and closed when the print medium is accommodated in the accommodation portion; A control unit, when the control unit receives a rotation instruction from the operation unit to rotate the roller, the control unit rotates the roller if the cover is open and the print medium is not contained in the container. A printing device comprising:

2. when the control unit receives the rotation instruction from the operation unit, if the cover is open and the print medium is accommodated in the accommodation unit, the control unit does not rotate the roller.

2. The printing device according to claim 1.

3. a state changing unit that can change between a pressed state in which the roller and the thermal head are pressed against each other and a separated state in which the roller and the thermal head are separated from each other, the control unit controls the state change unit to place the roller and the thermal head in a separated state when the cover is opened.

3. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second printing units are arranged in a first direction.

4. when the control unit receives the rotation instruction from the operation unit, if the cover is open and the print medium is not accommodated in the accommodation unit, the control unit rotates the roller while maintaining a spaced state between the roller and the thermal head.

4. The printing device according to claim 3.

5. when the control unit receives the rotation instruction from the operation unit, if the cover is open and the print medium is not accommodated in the accommodation unit, the control unit rotates the roller for a predetermined time.

3. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second printing units are arranged in a first direction.

6. when the control unit receives the rotation instruction from the operation unit, if the cover is open and the print medium is stored in the storage unit, the control unit notifies a predetermined error message.

3. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second printing units are arranged in a first direction.

7. A computer of a printing device including an operation unit, a thermal head that prints on a print medium, a roller that can transport the print medium by rotating while holding the print medium between the thermal head and the roller, a storage unit that stores the print medium before printing by the thermal head, and a cover that is opened and closed when storing the print medium in the storage unit, A program for executing a process to rotate the roller when a rotation instruction to rotate the roller is received from the operation unit, if the cover is open and the printing medium is not contained in the storage unit.

8. A control method for a printing device including an operation unit, a thermal head that prints on a print medium, a roller that can transport the print medium by rotating while holding the print medium between the operation unit and the thermal head, a storage unit that stores the print medium before printing by the thermal head, and a cover that is opened and closed when storing the print medium in the storage unit, and rotating the roller when the cover is open and the print medium is not accommodated in the accommodation unit when a rotation instruction for instructing a rotation operation of the roller is received from the operation unit. A control method comprising:

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