Printing device, control method and program

Abstract

To increase a degree of freedom of a shape of a fragmented medium to be printed that is obtained by being cut off from a tape-like medium to be printed.SOLUTION: A printing device (1) is provided with: a conveying part (140) that conveys a medium to be printed (13); a plurality of cutters (800 and 810) that forms an incision, in a predetermined direction different from a conveying direction of the medium to be printed by the conveying part, on the medium to be printed; and a control part (100) that receives designations of a length of an incision to be formed on the medium to be printed and of a position on which the incision is formed in the medium to be printed, and controls operation of conveying the medium to be printed by the conveying part and operation of forming the incision on the medium to be printed by the plurality of cutters, on the basis of the received designations of the length of the incision and of the position on which the incision is formed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Printing devices capable of printing on a tape-like member formed by laminating release paper and print tape include those equipped with a half-cut mechanism that cuts either the release paper or the print tape, and a full-cut mechanism that cuts both the release paper and the print tape. A half-cut mechanism for this type of printing device is known to have a cutting blade that cuts either the release paper or the print tape, and a blade receiving member that receives the cutting blade, and the cutting blade has a wavy shape (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-96366 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Each of the full-cut mechanism and the half-cut mechanism in the above-mentioned printing device performs a single operation when cutting the tape-shaped print medium, including the above-mentioned tape-shaped member. Therefore, the shape of the individual pieces of print medium obtained by cutting the tape-shaped print medium is uniform.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to increase the degree of freedom in the shape of individual pieces of print-receiving media obtained by cutting from a tape-shaped print-receiving medium. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A printing device according to one aspect of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises a transport unit that transports a printed medium, a plurality of cutters that make cuts in the printed medium in a predetermined direction different from the direction in which the printed medium is transported by the transport unit, and a control unit that accepts specifications of the length of the cuts to be made in the printed medium and the position at which the cuts are to be made in the printed medium, and controls the transport operation of the printed medium by the transport unit and the operation of the plurality of cutters to make the cuts in the printed medium based on the accepted length of the cut and the position at which the cuts are to be made. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the above aspect, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in the shape of the individual pieces of print-receiving medium obtained by cutting the tape-shaped print-receiving medium. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view illustrating an example of an external configuration of a printing device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 is a partial plan view of the printing device of FIG. 1 with the cover open. [Diagram 3] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of a transport path for a print medium. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a cutter arrangement in a printing device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a full cut. [Figure 6] 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating an example of a procedure for making incisions. [Figure 7] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating examples of shapes of individual pieces of print-receiving media having cuts. [Figure 8] 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating an example of a full-cut operation of the cutter. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a first example of the cutting operation of the cutter. [Figure 10] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating a second example of the cutting operation of the cutter. [Figure 11]1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of a method for setting a cut. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a cutting control process performed by a printing device according to an embodiment. [Figure 14] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating another example of a procedure for making incisions. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating another example of a cut pattern. [Figure 16] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating a modified example of the operation of the cutter. [Figure 17] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating modified examples of the cut pattern. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, as an example of a printing device according to the present invention, a printing device called a label printer or the like that can perform thermal printing on a tape-shaped print medium and cut the print medium with a cutter will be given. In this specification, detailed descriptions of the known configurations, functions, operations, etc. of the exemplified printing device and similar printing devices will be omitted.

[0010] Fig. 1 is a plan view showing an example of the external configuration of a printing device according to an embodiment of the present invention Fig. 2 is a partial plan view of the printing device of Fig. 1 with the cover open.

[0011] The printing device 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 has a device housing 2 and a cover 4 attached to the device housing 2. The device housing 2 is provided with a concave adapter mounting section 201 to which the tape adapter 11 can be attached and detached. The tape adapter 11 is a container that stores a tape-shaped print medium 13 wound into a roll (hereinafter referred to as a "tape roll 12") and supplies the print medium 13 to the printing device 1. The underlined number "9" in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 indicates that the width of the print medium 13 stored in the tape adapter 11 is 9 mm. The width of the print medium 13 is not limited to 9 mm. The printing device 1 is configured to be capable of printing and cutting each of a plurality of types of print media 13 having different widths. The terms "cut" and "sever" in this specification include separating (dividing) a member to be cut (cut) into two separate members and making a cut in the member to be cut.

[0012] The adapter mounting section 201 of the device housing 2 communicates with an outlet 202 provided on a side surface of the device housing 2. The printing device 1 can transport the print medium 13 pulled out from the tape adapter 11 mounted in the adapter mounting section 201 along a transport path provided in the device housing 2 and discharge the print medium 13 from the outlet 202. In the device housing 2, a platen roller (transport roller) 6 that transports the print medium 13 pulled out from the tape adapter 11, a printing unit 7 that prints on the print medium 13, and a cutting unit 8 that cuts the print medium 13 are arranged.

[0013] The lid 4 is attached to the device housing 2 so that the adapter mounting portion 201 in the device housing 2 can be opened and closed (in other words, the lid 4 can be moved between a closed position that covers the adapter mounting portion 201 and an open position that opens the adapter mounting portion 201 to enable the attachment and detachment of the tape adapter 11).

[0014] 1 and 2, a keyboard 3 is provided in an area of ​​the device housing 2 that does not interfere with the lid 4 in the closed position, and a display 5 is provided on the surface of the lid 4 (the surface that faces upward when in the closed position). The keyboard 3 is an input device having a number of keys for inputting and selecting various pieces of information related to the operation of the printing device 1. The display 5 is a display device that displays various pieces of information input or selected using the keyboard 3.

[0015] It should be noted that the printing device to which the present invention can be applied is not limited to the one with the external configuration exemplified in Figures 1 and 2. The printing device 1 may be one in which the keyboard 3 is omitted, for example.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of a transport path of the print medium. FIG. 4 is a perspective view for explaining an example of the arrangement of a cutter in a printing device according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a transport path of the print medium 13 in the printing device 1 as a straight path. In this specification, for convenience, the direction indicated by the arrows with the terms "upstream" and "downstream" in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 is defined as the transport direction of the print medium 13. In addition, in this specification, for convenience, the direction indicated by the arrows with the terms "up" and "down" in FIG. 4 is defined as the width direction of the print medium 13. The terms "up" and "down" in this specification are associated with the up-down direction when the printing device 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 is placed on a desk or the like and printing is performed on the print medium 13. In another type of printing device, the up-down direction illustrated in FIG. 4 may be the left-right direction.

[0017] The print medium 13 that is unwound from the tape roll 12 and supplied to the printing device 1 includes, for example, an adhesive tape having a heat-sensitive material layer that develops or changes color when heated, and a release paper that protects the adhesive layer of the adhesive tape. The print medium 13 passes between the platen roller 6 and the thermal head 701 of the printing unit 7 (see FIG. 2) with the print surface 1300 facing (contacting) the thermal head 701, and is transported along a transport path that leads to the discharge port 202 of the device housing 2 (see FIG. 2). For example, the print medium 13 is sandwiched between the peripheral surface of the platen roller 6 and the thermal head 701 when the lid 4 moves to the closed position, and is transported along the transport path by the rotation of the platen roller 6. The platen roller 6 of the printing device 1 can be rotated by the power of a motor (not shown) in a first rotation direction that sends the print medium 13 toward the discharge port 202, and in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction. In the following description, rotation of the platen roller 6 in the first rotation direction is referred to as forward rotation, and rotating the platen roller 6 in the forward direction to transport the print medium 13 is referred to as forward feed. In the following description, rotation of the platen roller 6 in the second rotation direction is referred to as reverse rotation, and rotating the platen roller 6 in the reverse direction to transport the print medium 13 is referred to as reverse feed.

[0018] The printer 1 applies heat from the thermal head 701 to the print medium 13 that is fed sequentially, thereby printing on the print medium 13. In the following description, the position on the transport path where the print medium 13 and the thermal head 701 come into contact with each other is referred to as the printing position.

[0019] A first cutting position and a second cutting position are provided between the printing position and the discharge position (a position corresponding to the discharge port 202 of the device housing 2) on the transport path. The first cutting position is provided downstream from the printing position by a distance L1, and is a position where the print medium 13 is cut by a first cutter 800 included in the cutting unit 8. The second cutting position is provided downstream from the first cutting position by a distance L2, and is a position where the print medium 13 is cut by a second cutter 810 included in the cutting unit 8.

[0020] The first cutter 800 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 is a scissors-like cutter having a first blade 801 and a second blade 802, and is operated by a motor and a mechanical mechanism (not shown) to change the angle of the second blade 802 relative to the first blade 801. The first cutter 800 is disposed in a direction to make a cut in the print medium 13 from the first edge 1301 to the second edge 1302 of edges 1301 and 1302 in a direction different from the conveying direction on the print surface 1300 of the print medium 13 on the conveying path. The second cutter 810 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 is a scissors-like cutter having a first blade 811 and a second blade 812, and is operated by a motor and a mechanical mechanism (not shown) to change the angle of the second blade 812 relative to the first blade 811. The second cutter 810 is disposed in such a direction that the cut is made in the print medium 13 from the second edge 1302 to the first edge 1301 on the print surface 1300 of the print medium 13. In the following description, the extension direction of the cut made in the print surface 1300 by the scissors-shaped cutter may be described as the direction in which the cut advances, the advancement direction of the cut, etc. The advancement direction of the cut made in the print medium 13 by the first cutter 800 may be the direction from the first edge 1301 to the second edge 1302, and the advancement direction of the cut made in the print medium 13 by the second cutter 810 may be the direction from the second edge 1302 to the first edge 1301. The advancement direction of the cut is not limited to the direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the print medium 13, and may be a predetermined direction different from the direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the print medium 13, as described later.

[0021] The first cutter 800 and the second cutter 810 illustrated in FIG. 4 are arranged in such a direction that the cut of the print medium 13 proceeds in the width direction perpendicular to the transport direction within the print surface 1300. The printing device 1 described above with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 is placed on a desk or the like so that the illustrated surface of the device housing 2 faces upward when printing on the print medium 13 or cutting the print medium 13. Therefore, when cutting the print medium 13, the print medium 13 exists on the transport path in such an orientation that the first end side 1301 is the upper end and the second end side 1302 is the lower end (the width direction is the up-down direction) as illustrated in FIG. 4. Note that the transport path in the printing device may be configured so that printing on the print medium 13 or cutting the print medium 13 is performed in such an orientation that the width direction of the print medium 13 is different from the up-down direction, such as the left-right direction.

[0022] In the printing device 1 according to the present embodiment, the first cutter 800 can be operated as a cutter that makes a cut progressing from the first edge 1301 to the second edge 1302 in all material layers constituting the print medium 13. In addition, the second cutter 810 can be operated as a cutter that makes a cut progressing from the second edge 1302 to the first edge 1301 in all material layers constituting the print medium 13. For example, when the print medium 13 is a multi-layer medium in the thickness direction including the above-mentioned adhesive tape and release paper, the first cutter 800 and the second cutter 810 can make a cut in both the adhesive tape and the release paper. The term "thickness direction" in this specification refers to the normal direction of the print surface 1300 of the print medium 13. Furthermore, in the printing device 1 according to the present embodiment, at least one of the first cutter 800 and the second cutter 810 can be operated as a cutter that makes a cut in all material layers constituting the print medium 13 to separate (divide) it, which is sometimes called a full cutter.

[0023] Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of a full cut. Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of a procedure for making a cut. Fig. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of the shape of an individualized print medium having a cut.

[0024] FIG. 5 shows an example in which the first cutter 800 is operated as a full cutter to fully cut the print medium 13 on the transport path. The term "full cut" refers to cutting the material to be cut as a whole of the print medium 13 by the full cutter. When the print medium 13 includes the above-mentioned adhesive tape and release paper, the full cut separates the adhesive tape and the release paper. The individualized print medium 14 shown downstream of the first cut implementation position is a part that was continuous from the end edge 1310 on the downstream side of the transport path of the print medium 13 to the downstream side before full cutting, and is printed with "○×○×○×". When the area printed with "○×○×○×" on the print medium 13 is transported downstream of the first cut implementation position on the transport path and the position to be fully cut on the print medium 13 (full cut position) reaches the first cut implementation position, the printing device 1 fully cuts the print medium 13 by the first cutter 800. At this time, the first cutter 800 starts cutting into the print medium 13 from the first edge 1301 and progresses to the second edge 1302. When the cut reaches the second edge 1302, the print medium 13 downstream of the first cut execution position is separated from the print medium 13 upstream, and individual pieces of the print medium 14 are obtained, as illustrated in FIG.

[0025] Fig. 6 shows a first example of a procedure for making a cut in the print medium 13 on the transport path by operating the first cutter 800 and the second cutter 810 as cutters for making a cut. The thick arrows on the first cut 1321, the second cut 1322, and the third cut 1323 in Fig. 6 indicate the direction in which the cuts proceed.

[0026] For example, when the downstream edge 1310 of the print medium 13, which is conveyed forward along the conveying path, reaches a position that is a distance d downstream from the first cut execution position, the printing device 1 stops conveying the print medium 13 and makes a first cut 1321 in the print medium 13 by the first cutter 800. If the width dimension (tape width) of the print medium 13 is W, the first cutter 800 operates so that the first cut 1321, which has advanced in the width direction from the first edge 1301 by a distance Wp, is made in the print medium 13. The distance Wp may be called the cut amount or cut length. The value p at the distance Wp may be any value such that W>p>0. The value p may be, for example, a fixed value or a variable value.

[0027] After making the first cut 1321, the printing device 1 advances the print medium 13 by a distance L2+d, and the second cutter 810 makes a second cut 1322 in the print medium 13. The second cutter 810 operates so that the second cut 1322, which has advanced in the width direction by a distance Wp from the second end edge 1302, enters the print medium 13. After making the second cut 1322, the printing device 1 advances the print medium 13 by a distance -L2+d, and the first cutter 800 makes a third cut 1323 in the print medium 13. The first cutter 800 operates so that the third cut 1323, which has advanced in the width direction by a distance Wp from the first end edge 1301, enters the print medium 13.

[0028] In this way, the printing device 1 of the present embodiment can repeat the operation of making a cut from the first edge 1301 by the first cutter 800 and the operation of making a cut from the second edge 1302 by the second cutter 810 while feeding the print medium 13 in sequence. After repeating the cut-making operation, the print medium 13 is fully cut by the first cutter 800, and an individualized print medium 15 as illustrated in FIG. 7 is obtained. In the individualized print medium 15, the cuts made from the first edge 1501 and the cuts made from the second edge 1502 are alternately arranged along the extension direction of the first edge 1501 (and the second edge 1502). Such an individualized print medium 15 can be deformed into a zigzag shape by stretching it in the extension direction of the first edge 1501 (and the second edge 1502), for example.

[0029] The print medium 14, which is obtained by simply cutting the print medium 13 completely with the first cutter 800 described above with reference to FIG. 5, has a rectangular print surface, and has a simple shape in which the length along the transport direction changes depending on the combination of objects (characters and figures) to be printed on the print surface. In contrast, in the printing device 1 of this embodiment, the shape of the print surface can be deformed into a shape other than a rectangle by using cuts, as in the case of the print medium 15, which is obtained by cutting the print surface, described above with reference to FIG. 7. If the shape of the print surface can be deformed by making cuts in this way, the range of uses of the print medium 15, which has been singulated, can be expanded, for example, by utilizing the shape of the deformed print surface.

[0030] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of a full-cut operation of the cutter. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a first example of the incision operation of the cutter. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a second example of the incision operation of the cutter. FIGS. 8 to 10 illustrate a schematic example of the operation of the first blade 801 and the second blade 802 when the first cutter 800, in which the shapes of the first blade 801 and the second blade 802 are simplified, is viewed from the upstream side in the conveying direction. Although a detailed description with reference to the drawings is omitted, the operation of the second cutter 810 may be similar.

[0031] The first cutter 800 is a scissors-like cutter in which a first blade 801 and a second blade 802 are connected so as to be rotatable about a shaft 803 extending in a direction along the conveyance path. The shaft 803 of the first cutter 800 is located above the conveyance path of the print medium 13. When cutting the print medium 13 with the first cutter 800, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, with the blade line 802A of the second blade 802 in contact with the back surface of the print surface 1300 of the print medium 13, the first blade 801 is rotated about the shaft 803 as a fulcrum so that the angle between the blade line 802A of the second blade 802 and the blade line 801A of the first blade 801 becomes small. At this time, for example, by rotating the first blade 801 to a rotational position where the blade line 801A of the first blade 801 becomes parallel to the blade line 802A of the second blade 802, as shown by the dotted line in Figure 8, a cut is made throughout the entire print medium 13 from the first edge 1301 to the second edge 1302, and the print medium 13 is divided.

[0032] When the first cutter 800 operating in this manner cuts the printing medium 13, the intersection of the cutting edge 801A of the first blade 801 and the cutting edge 802A of the second blade 802 moves in the direction from the first edge 1301 to the second edge 1302 of the printing medium 13 as the angle between the cutting edge 802A of the second blade 802 and the cutting edge 801A of the first blade 801 becomes smaller. 9, for example, when the intersection Q between the blade line 801A of the first blade 801 and the blade line 802A of the second blade 802 is located at a distance Wp from the first edge 1301 of the print medium 13, the rotation of the first blade 801 is stopped, and the rotation position of the first blade 801 is returned in a direction in which the angle between the blade line 802A of the second blade 802 and the blade line 801A of the first blade 801 increases, thereby making it possible to make the above-mentioned cut. The angle between the blade line 802A of the second blade 802 and the blade line 801A of the first blade 801, at which the rotation of the first blade 801 is stopped, can be derived by a well-known arithmetic expression based on, for example, the relationship between the angle of the blade line 801A and the position of the intersection Q on the transport path, the width W of the print medium 13, the value p that determines the distance Wp, and the like.

[0033] The operation of the first cutter 800 when making a cut in the print medium 13 is not limited to the operation described above with reference to FIG. 9. When making a cut, the first cutter 800 may, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, cause the first blade 801 and the second blade 802 to perform the same operation as during full cutting, and instead, change the position of the first cutter 800 along the width direction of the print medium 13 so that only the section from the first edge 1301 to the position of the distance Wp in the rotation position of the first blade 801 at the time of cutting completion is cut. The change amount u of the position of the first cutter 800 can be derived by a well-known arithmetic expression based on, for example, the distance from the center position in the width direction of the print medium 13 to the farthest position where the first cutter 800 can make a cut, as viewed in the width direction of the print medium 13 on the conveying path, the width W of the print medium 13, the value p that determines the distance Wp, and the like. The operation of changing the position of the first cutter 800 by the change amount u is controlled, for example, by the control unit 100 controlling the rotation direction and rotation amount (rotation angle) of a motor connected via a gear to a support body connected to the second blade 802 of the first cutter 800 or the shaft 803.

[0034] The edge line 801A of the first blade 801 and the edge line 802A of the second blade 802 are not limited to being straight as illustrated in Figs. 8 to 10, and one or both of the edge lines may be curved.

[0035] FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a printing device according to an embodiment.

[0036] The printing device 1 illustrated in FIG. 11 includes a control unit 100, a storage unit 110, an input unit 120, a display unit 130, a conveyance unit 140, a printing unit 150, a cutting unit group 160, and a detection unit 170.

[0037] The control unit 100 controls the operation of the printing device 1. The control unit 100 controls the operation of the transport unit 140 that transports the print medium 13, the operation of the printing unit 150 that prints on the print medium 13, and the operation of the cutting unit group 160 that cuts the print medium 13. The functions of the control unit 100 are provided by a processor that executes an OS (Operation System) program and various programs related to controlling the operation of the transport unit 140, the printing unit 150, and the cutting unit group 160. The processor may be, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0038] The storage unit 110 stores programs to be executed by the processor, data to be referenced during execution of the programs, data generated during execution of the programs, etc. The functions of the storage unit 110 are provided by, for example, a read only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM). The functions of the storage unit 110 are not limited to a memory (storage device) built into the printing device 1, but may be, for example, a card-type storage device connected to a circuit in the printing device 1 using a card slot provided in the printing device 1 or a universal serial bus (USB) terminal, or other storage device.

[0039] The input unit 120 is an input device for inputting various information to the printing device 1, and includes, for example, the keyboard 3 described above with reference to Fig. 1. The display unit 130 is a display device for displaying various information to a user of the printing device 1, and includes, for example, the display 5 described above with reference to Fig. 1.

[0040] The conveying section 140 conveys the print medium 13 under the control of the control section 100. The conveying section 140 includes, for example, a platen roller 6 (see FIG. 3), a motor connected to the platen roller 6, a drive circuit for driving the motor, and an encoder for detecting the number of rotations (rotation angle) of the platen roller 6. The printing section 150 performs a printing operation on the print medium 13 under the control of the control section 100. The printing section 150 corresponds to the above-mentioned printing unit 7 (see FIG. 2), and includes, for example, a thermal head 701, a drive circuit for driving the heat generating elements of the thermal head 701, and a thermistor for detecting the temperature of the thermal head 701. The cutting section group 160 includes a first cutting section 161 and a second cutting section 162, each of which cuts the print medium 13 under the control of the control section 100. The cutting section group 160 corresponds to the above-mentioned cutting unit 8 (see FIG. 2). The first cutting unit 161 includes, for example, the first cutter 800 described above and an operating mechanism for operating the first cutter 800. The second cutting unit 162 includes, for example, the second cutter 810 described above and an operating mechanism for operating the second cutter 810. The operating mechanism for operating the first cutter 800 and the operating mechanism for operating the second cutter 810 each include a motor and a mechanical mechanism for converting the power of the motor into the operation of the cutter blade. The number of cutting units included in the cutting unit group 160 is not limited to two. The cutting unit group 160 may include a third cutting unit that may be called a half cutter. The third cutting unit may include a cutter that cuts the print medium 13 at the cut position in a manner different from the above-mentioned cut, such that the upstream portion and the downstream portion of the print medium 13 have a continuous section and a discontinuous section with respect to the cut position. For example, the third cutting unit, which is a half cutter, can cut only one of the adhesive tape and the release paper of the print medium 13, and make a cut across the entire width of only the adhesive tape or the release paper to be cut. In this case, only one of the adhesive tape and the release paper of the entire print medium 13 is cut off by a cut made across the entire width.

[0041] The detection unit 170 detects, for example, whether or not the tape adapter 11 is attached, the width W of the print medium 13 supplied from the attached tape adapter 11, and the presence or absence of the print medium 13 on the transport path.

[0042] In the printing device 1 of this embodiment, when a user operates the input unit 120 (keyboard 3) to create a print layout and set the margins, number of copies to be printed, cutting, etc., and then inputs an instruction to start printing, the printing device 1 creates print data and performs a process (operation) of printing the print content on the print medium 13 based on the print data, a process (operation) of cutting the print medium 13, etc. The control unit 100 of the printing device 1 and the first cutting unit 161 and second cutting unit 162 of the cutting unit group 160 control the process (operation) of cutting the print medium 13 based on the full cut (and half cut) setting and the above-mentioned setting related to the incision.

[0043] 12 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for setting the cutouts. In FIG. 12, an example of a cutout setting screen 180 displayed on the display unit 130 (display 5) of the printing device 1 is shown.

[0044] 12, a guide diagram 181 showing definitions of parameters associated with the cutting operation and designation areas 182-187 for designating the parameters are displayed. Each of the designation areas 182-187 allows the user to designate parameters, for example, by using a pull-down menu. The guide diagram 181 may be, for example, a preview diagram showing the cuts to be made in the singulated print medium, generated based on the parameters designated in the designation areas 182-187.

[0045] The tape width W designation area 182 can designate the width W of the print medium 13 used for printing. The width W of the designation area 182 may be automatically designated as the width W of the print medium 13 detected by the detection unit 170, for example.

[0046] The first cut direction specification area 183 allows the user to specify whether the first cut to be made will be from the first edge (side 1) or the second edge (side 2). The last cut direction specification area 184 allows the user to specify whether the last cut to be made will be from the first edge (side 1) or the second edge (side 2). The number of cuts specification area 185 allows the user to specify the number of cuts to be made.

[0047] The designation area 186 for the cutting interval d can specify the interval d (see FIG. 6) of the cuts in the printing direction (the transport direction of the print medium 13). The designation area 187 for the cutting amount Wp can specify, for example, the cut length (distance Wp; see FIG. 6). The cutting amount Wp in the designation area 187 can be automatically specified based on, for example, the width W of the designation area 182.

[0048] The cut setting screen 180 described above with reference to Fig. 12 is merely an example of a receiving means for receiving designation of the length Wp of the cut to be made in the print medium 13 and the position of the cut on the print medium 13. The screen for receiving the cut-related settings is not limited to the layout of the cut setting screen 180 illustrated in Fig. 12. The screen for receiving the cut-related settings may omit some of the designation areas 182 to 187 illustrated in Fig. 12. Furthermore, the screen for receiving the cut-related settings may allow more detailed settings (designation) of one or more of, for example, the number of cuts, the cut interval d, and the cut amount Wp.

[0049] Fig. 13 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a cutting control process performed by a printing device according to an embodiment. The process of each step included in the cutting control process illustrated in Fig. 13 is performed by the control unit 100 of the printing device 1 alone or in cooperation with each cutting unit of the cutting unit group 160, the conveying unit 140, the printing unit 150, etc. The cutting control process illustrated in Fig. 13 may be performed in parallel with the process of printing on the print medium 13, or may be performed alone.

[0050] In the cutting control process, the printer 1 first determines whether or not the settings related to cutting the print medium 13 include cut setting information (step S100). The cut setting information is, for example, information specifying parameter values ​​as described above with reference to Fig. 12 for performing a cut other than a full cut and a half cut. If the cut setting information is not included (step S100; NO), the printer 1 performs a full cut of the print medium 13 (step S105) and ends the cutting control process.

[0051] If the setting information for the cut is included (step S100; YES), the printing device 1 derives the cut position on the printing surface 1300 of the printing medium 13 based on the cutting interval and the number of cuts (step S101). The cut position is the position on the printing surface 1300 of the printing medium 13 where the first cutting unit 161 (first cutter 800) or the second cutting unit 162 (second cutter 810) makes a cut. The cut position may be, for example, the distance (number of printed lines) from the edge 1310 on the downstream side of the conveyance path of the printing medium 13. If one or more cut positions have been derived, the cut positions that have not yet been derived may be the distance (number of printed lines) from the derived cut positions.

[0052] After deriving the cut position, the printing device 1 judges whether or not to make a cut during printing of the print medium 13 (step S102). If the cut is not to be made during printing (step S102; NO), the printing device 1 makes a cut in the print medium 13 based on the cut position derived in step S101 (step S103). In step S103, the printing device 1 performs an operation of conveying the print medium 13 so that the cut position reaches a predetermined cut execution position (for example, the first cut execution position or the second cut execution position in FIG. 6) and an operation of making a cut in the cut position, according to the conditions set on the cut setting screen 180, for example. When the process of step S103 is completed, the printing device 1 performs a full cut of the print medium 13 (step S105) and ends the cut control process.

[0053] If the cut is to be made during printing (step S102; YES), the printer 1 makes a cut in the print medium 13 while interrupting the printing process on the print medium 13 based on the print data and the cut position (step S104). In step S104, the printer 1 interrupts the printing process at the timing when the cut position reaches the cutting position on the transport path based on, for example, the transport direction, transport speed, etc. of the print medium 13 in the printing process performed according to the print data, and makes a cut at the cut position. When the process of step S104 ends, the printer 1 makes a full cut in the print medium 13 (step S105) and ends the cutting control process.

[0054] The cutting control process performed by the printing device 1 of this embodiment is not limited to the procedure described above with reference to FIG. 13. The cutting control process may be modified, such as by adding or omitting a processing step, within a scope that does not contradict the gist of the present invention. For example, the full cutting process of step S105 may be omitted. If the full cutting of step S105 is omitted, after step S103 or S104, for example, by pressing an ejection button provided on the printing device 1 to advance the print medium 13 forward, the area in which the cut has been made in the print medium 13 can be ejected outside the device and the user can cut it off at a desired position.

[0055] Fig. 14 is a diagram for explaining another example of the procedure for making the cuts. Fig. 14 shows another example of the procedure for making the first cut 1321, the second cut 1322, and the third cut 1323 described above with reference to Fig. 6 in the print medium 13.

[0056] 14, the printing device 1 first transports the print medium 13 so that the cut position located on the upstream side of the transport path by a distance d from the end edge 1310 on the downstream side of the transport path of the print medium 13 reaches the first cut execution position, and the first cutter 800 (first cutting unit 161) makes a first cut 1321. Next, the printing device 1 forwards the print medium 13 by a transport amount corresponding to the distance 2d, and makes a third cut 1323 by the first cutter 800 (first cutting unit 161). Thereafter, the printing device 1 reverses the print medium 13 by a transport amount corresponding to the distance -L2+d, and makes a second cut 1322 by the second cutter 810 (second cutting unit 162). In this way, when at least one of the first cutter 800 and the second cutter 810 is performed multiple times, one cutter may perform multiple cuts in succession, and then the other cutter may perform the cut. Conversely, the cutter that performs the fewer number of cuts, out of the first cutter 800 and the second cutter 810, may perform the cut first.

[0057] FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining another example of the cut pattern.

[0058] The individualized print medium 16 illustrated in FIG. 15A has only five cuts 1621-1625 that proceed from the first end side 1601 to the second end side 1602. The print medium 16 illustrated in FIG. 15A can be deformed into a shape such that, for example, it is cylindrical and the cuts are made to separate the parts, and the parts are folded to form a radial shape. The print medium 16 illustrated in FIG. 15A can be deformed into a shape in which, for example, some of the cuts are made to separate the parts, and some of the parts are folded toward the front side of the paper, and the remaining parts are folded toward the back side of the paper. The above-mentioned deformation of the print medium 16 illustrated in FIG. 15A makes it possible to place the print medium 16 on a desk or the like so that the width direction of the print medium 16 is vertical.

[0059] The individualized print medium 17 illustrated in FIG. 15B has two cuts 1721 and 1725 proceeding from the first end 1701 to the second end 1702, and three cuts 1722 to 1724 proceeding from the second end 1702 to the first end 1701. The three cuts 1722 to 1724 made from the second end 1702 are between the two cuts 1721 and 1725 made from the first end 1701, and the cuts made from the first end 1701 and the cuts made from the second end 1702 do not alternate in the extension direction of the first end 1701 (and the second end 1702). The print medium 17 illustrated in FIG. 15B can be deformed into a shape different from the print media 15 and 16 described above.

[0060] 4 and other examples, the first cutter 800 and the second cutter 810 in the printing device 1 described above are arranged so that the cut progresses in a direction (width direction) perpendicular to the transport direction of the print medium 13 on the transport path. However, at least one of the first cutter 800 and the second cutter 810 may be able to change the blade direction so that the cut progresses in a direction different from the transport direction and the width direction.

[0061] Figure 16 is a diagram for explaining a modified example of the operation of the cutter, and Figure 17 is a diagram for explaining a modified example of the cutting pattern.

[0062] 16 is located above the print medium 13 on the transport path, and can rotate the extension directions of the blade lines of the first blade 801 and the second blade 802 within a predetermined angle range centered on the width direction of the print medium 13, using a shaft 804 as a fulcrum that is located above the print medium 13 on the transport path and whose axial core direction is the thickness direction of the print medium 13 (front-back direction on the paper). The second cutter 810 shown in FIG. 16 is located below the print medium 13 on the transport path, and can rotate the extension directions of the blade lines of the first blade 811 and the second blade 812 within a predetermined angle range centered on the width direction of the print medium 13, using a shaft 814 as a fulcrum that is located below the print medium 13 on the transport path and whose axial core direction is the thickness direction of the print medium 13 (front-back direction on the paper). In other words, each of the first cutter 800 and the second cutter 810 illustrated in FIG. 16 can rotate around a rotation axis (axis 804 and axis 814) extending in the thickness direction of the print medium 13 at a position where the direction of the cut to be made in the print medium 13 extends in a direction away from the print medium 13. In the printing device 1 equipped with such a first cutter 800 and a second cutter 810, the direction of the cut to be made in the print medium 13 by the first cutter 800 can be controlled by rotating the first cutter 800 around the axis 804, and the direction of the cut to be made in the print medium 13 by the second cutter 810 can be controlled by rotating the second cutter 810 around the axis 814. The rotation drive (rotation direction and rotation angle) of the first cutter 800 is controlled, for example, by controlling the rotation direction and rotation amount (rotation angle) of the motor connected to the axis 804 via a gear by the control unit 100. The same applies to the rotation drive of the second cutter 810.

[0063] The individualized print medium 18 illustrated in FIG. 17A has six cuts 1821-1826 cut in a direction inclined from a direction perpendicular to a first end side 1801 and a second end side 1802 by the first cutter 800 and the second cutter 810 illustrated in FIG. 16. In the print medium 18 illustrated in FIG. 17A, the six cuts 1821-1826 are parallel to each other, but the direction of each cut when multiple cuts are made may be set individually for each cut. For example, a single print medium 18 may be made with a cut that advances in a first direction (width direction) perpendicular to the first end side 1801, a cut that advances in a second direction inclined at a first angle counterclockwise from the first direction, and a cut that advances in a third direction inclined at a second angle clockwise from the first direction.

[0064] The individualized print medium 18 illustrated in Fig. 17B has a pentagonal shape in which the left end portions in the extension direction of the first edge 1901 and the second edge 1902 are cut off by the first cutter 800 and the second cutter 810 illustrated in Fig. 16. When forming the print medium 18 illustrated in Fig. 17B, for example, the first cutter 800 makes a cut 1921 proceeding in a direction inclined from the first edge 1901 to the left edge side (downstream side of the conveying path), and then the second cutter 820 makes a cut 1922 proceeding in a direction inclined from the second edge 1902 to the left edge side corresponding to the proceeding direction of the cut 1921. In this case, if the cut amount Wp (see Figure 12) is set so that the cuts 1921 and 1922 are inserted to a position closer to the other edge than the center of the width of the printing medium 18, the portion to the left of the cuts 1921 and 1922 is cut off, resulting in a pentagonal shape as shown in Figure 17B.

[0065] As described above, the printing device 1 of the present embodiment is provided with a plurality of cutting units 161, 162 (a plurality of cutters 800, 810) capable of cutting the print medium 13 in a predetermined direction different from the transport direction of the print medium 13, and at least one of the plurality of cutting units 161, 162 is capable of cutting (dividing) the entire print medium 13 into two separate media. Therefore, one or more cuts can be made in the individual print medium obtained by fully cutting the entire print medium 13, and the print medium can be deformed by using the cuts. Therefore, the printing device 1 of the present embodiment can increase the degree of freedom of the shape of the individual print medium obtained by cutting the tape-shaped print medium 13.

[0066] Furthermore, by allowing the user to set the length (distance Wp) of the cut when making a cut in the print medium 13, the position at which the cut is made, the interval d between the cuts, the number of times the cut is made, etc., the cut pattern can be changed, further increasing the degree of freedom in the shape of the individualized print medium. The length of the cut, the position at which the cut is made, etc. may be freely set by the user, or may be set by selecting one of a number of setting patterns prepared in advance.

[0067] Furthermore, by making it possible to change the angle of the cutter blade line (the direction of the incision) relative to the transport direction of the print medium 13, the incision patterns can be diversified, and the degree of freedom in the shape of the individual pieces of print medium can be further increased.

[0068] The above-described embodiment is a specific example shown to facilitate understanding of the invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The printing device, the control method, and the program can be modified and changed in various ways without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0069] For example, the printing device 1 may be a device in which some of the above-mentioned configurations and functions are omitted, or may be a device including other configurations and functions not illustrated. The printing device 1 may be a device in which the keyboard 3 is omitted and which receives print data created by an external device and performs printing on the print medium 13. The external device may be, for example, a computer such as a smartphone or tablet computer capable of executing an application program for generating print data to be sent to the printing device 1. The printing device 1 and the external device may be connected by wireless communication according to a wireless communication standard such as WiFi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark)), or may be connected by a transmission cable such as a USB cable. The cutter of the first cutting unit 161 in the printing device 1 and the cutter of the second cutting unit 162 are not limited to the scissors-shaped cutter illustrated in FIG. 4 and the like. The first cutter 800 and the second cutter 810 in the printing device 1 may be installed in the printing device 1 so that the distance L2 (see FIG. 3 and the like) can be changed, for example. The relationship between the interval d of the incisions and the interval L2 between the first cutter 800 and the second cutter 810 is not limited to the relationship d>L2 illustrated in FIG. 6 and FIG. 14. The printing device 1 may be a device equipped with a third cutter that half-cuts the print medium 13 as described above. Furthermore, the printing device 1 is not limited to a thermal printing method for the print medium 13, but may be a thermal transfer printing method, an inkjet printing method, or the like. The print medium 13 is not limited to a multi-layered one including the above-mentioned adhesive tape and release paper, but may be a single material layer such as paper tape, resin tape, magnetic tape, or cloth tape. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1 Printing device 2. Equipment casing 3. Keyboard 4 Lid 5. Display 6 Platen roller 7 Printing unit 8 Cutting Unit 11 Tape Adapter 13 Printing medium 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 Individually cut printing media 100 Control section 110 Storage section 120 Input section 130 Display section 140 Conveyor 150 Printing Department 160 Cutting section group 161, 162 cutting section 170 Detection unit 180 Cutting setting screen 701 Thermal head 800, 810 Cutter 801, 802, 811, 812 Blades 803, 804, 814 Axes 1301, 1302, 1310 Edge 1321, 1322, 1323 Notches 1601, 1602 Edge 1621, 1622, 1623, 1624, 1625 Notches 1701, 1702 Edge 1721, 1722, 1723, 1724, 1725 Cutouts 1801, 1802 Edge 1821, 1822, 1823, 1824, 1825, 1826 Cut 1901, 1902 Edge 1921, 1922 Cut

Claims

1. A conveying unit that conveys the print medium; a plurality of cutters that cut the print medium in a predetermined direction different from a conveying direction of the print medium by the conveying unit; a control unit that receives a designation of a length of a cut to be made in the print medium and a position to make the cut in the print medium, and controls an operation of conveying the print medium by the conveying unit and an operation of making the cut in the print medium by the multiple cutters based on the received length of the cut and the position to make the cut; A printing device comprising:

2. The plurality of cutters include a first cutter that makes a cut from one end side of the print surface of the print medium in the predetermined direction, and a second cutter that makes a cut from the other end side.

2. The printing device according to claim 1.

3. At least one of the plurality of cutters is capable of cutting the print medium by cutting a print surface of the print medium from one end edge to the other end edge in the predetermined direction, 2. The printing device according to claim 1.

4. At least one of the plurality of cutters is capable of changing an angle of a cutting direction with respect to the conveyance direction, The control unit receives a designation of an angle of the direction of the cut, and controls an operation of the at least one cutter based on the received angle of the direction of the cut.

2. The printing device according to claim 1.

5. The at least one cutter is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in a thickness direction of the print medium at a position where a direction of the cut to be made in the print medium extends in a direction away from the print medium, The control unit controls a direction of the cut by rotating the at least one cutter around the rotation axis.

5. The printing apparatus according to claim 4.

6. A printing device including a plurality of cutters capable of making cuts in a predetermined direction different from a transport direction of a print medium transported by a transport unit, receiving a specification of a length of a cut to be made in the print medium and a position to make the cut in the print medium, and controlling an operation of conveying the print medium by the conveying unit and an operation of making the cut in the print medium by the multiple cutters based on the received length of the cut and the position to make the cut. A control method comprising:

7. A computer of a printing device including a plurality of cutters capable of making cuts in a predetermined direction different from the transport direction of a print medium transported by a transport unit, receiving a specification of a length of a cut to be made in the print medium and a position to make the cut in the print medium, and controlling an operation of conveying the print medium by the conveying unit and an operation of making the cut in the print medium by the multiple cutters based on the received length of the cut and the position to make the cut. A program characterized by executing a process.

Images