Printer and method

Abstract

To improve accuracy in determining a deterioration state of a cutting part.SOLUTION: A printer comprises: a cutting part provided on a conveyance path of a printing medium, which has a first blade and a second blade that can move between a first position and a second position and cuts the printing medium while pinching the printing medium with the second blade until the second blade moves from the first position to the second position; a measuring part that measures a first time during which the second blade moves from the first position to the second position and a second time during which the second blade moves from the second position to the first position; and a determining part that determines a state of the cutting part on the basis of a first compared result of a comparison of the first time with a first threshold or a second compared result of a comparison of the second time with a second threshold.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printer and method. [Background technology]

[0002] In printers with cutting units that include fixed and movable blades, the cutting units can deteriorate due to several causes, including soiling or damage to the fixed and movable blades, and malfunctions in the drive mechanism and drive motor. In particular, when the printer uses linerless labels as printing media, causes of deterioration of the cutting units include adhesion of the label's adhesive to the fixed and / or movable blades. As described in Patent Document 1, a printer is known that has a fixed blade and a movable blade that reciprocates between a cutting position and an open position using a drive mechanism and a drive motor, measures the time it takes for the movable blade to make one round trip between the open position and the cutting position, compares the measured round trip time with a threshold value, and determines that it is time to clean the fixed blade and the movable blade when the measured round trip time exceeds the threshold value. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-183906 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when determining deterioration of the cutting portion based on the reciprocating time of the movable blade, as in Patent Document 1, it is not possible to determine whether only the forward movement time has increased, only the backward movement time has increased, or both the forward and backward movement times have increased. Therefore, when determining deterioration of the cutting portion based on the reciprocating time of the movable blade, it is necessary to identify the cause of deterioration of the cutting portion when the reciprocating time exceeds a threshold, which makes printer maintenance work inefficient.

[0005] The present invention aims to improve the accuracy of determining the deterioration state of a cut portion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a cutting unit provided on a transport path for a print medium, the cutting unit having a first blade and a second blade that is movable between a first position and a second position, and the cutting unit pinches and cuts the print medium between the first blade and the second blade while the second blade moves from the first position to the second position; a measuring unit that measures a first time period required for the second blade to move from the first position to the second position and a second time period required for the second blade to move from the second position to the first position; a determination unit that determines a state of the disconnection unit based on a first comparison result obtained by comparing the first time period with a first threshold value or a second comparison result obtained by comparing the second time period with a second threshold value; A printer having: [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to an aspect of the present invention, it is possible to improve the accuracy of determining the deterioration state of the cut portion. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a printer according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic layout diagram illustrating the internal structure of a printer according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a printer according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a side cross-sectional view of the discharge device and its surroundings of the printer when the movable blade according to the embodiment is in a first position. [Figure 5] 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the discharge device and its surroundings of the printer when the movable blade according to the embodiment has moved from a first position to a second position. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the discharge device and its surroundings of the printer when the movable blade according to the embodiment has moved from the second position to the first position. FIG. [Figure 7] 3 is a front view showing the configuration around the cutting section when the movable blade according to the embodiment is in a first position. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a front view showing the configuration around the cutting section when the movable blade according to the embodiment is in a second position. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a table diagram showing the contents of a database according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the printer according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart illustrating details of the operation of a determination unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the main configuration of a modified example of the cutting unit according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The embodiments described below are not limited to the drawings described by the brief description of the drawings.

[0010] A first aspect of the present invention is a cutting unit provided on a transport path of a print medium, the cutting unit having a first blade and a second blade movable between a first position and a second position, the cutting unit pinching and cutting the print medium between the first blade and the second blade while the second blade moves from the first position to the second position; a measuring unit that measures a first time period required for the second blade to move from the first position to the second position and a second time period required for the second blade to move from the second position to the first position; a determination unit that determines a state of the disconnection unit based on a first comparison result obtained by comparing the first time period with a first threshold value or a second comparison result obtained by comparing the second time period with a second threshold value; A printer having:

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to improve the accuracy of determining the deterioration state of the cut portion.

[0012] A second aspect of the present invention is a printer according to the first aspect, wherein the judgment unit issues an alert when at least one of the first time period is greater than the first threshold value and the second time period is greater than the second threshold value.

[0013] According to a second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to improve the efficiency of printer maintenance work.

[0014] In a third aspect of the present invention, the determination unit issues a first alert when the first time period is greater than the first threshold value; In the printer according to the first aspect or the second aspect, the first alert includes information regarding wear of the cutting portion.

[0015] According to a third aspect of the present invention, when performing maintenance work based on an alert, it is possible to determine whether or not replacement work for the first blade and the second blade is necessary based on whether or not the first alert has occurred.

[0016] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, the determination unit issues a second alert when the second time period is greater than the second threshold value; In the printer according to any one of the first to third aspects, the second alert includes information regarding adhesion of a foreign object to the cut portion.

[0017] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, when performing maintenance work based on an alert, it is possible to determine whether or not cleaning work is required for the first blade and the second blade based on whether or not a second alert has occurred.

[0018] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, the determination unit issues a third alert when the first time period is greater than the first threshold value and the second time period is greater than the second threshold value; In the printer according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the third alert includes information about a failure of the disconnecting unit.

[0019] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, when performing maintenance work based on an alert, it is possible to determine whether or not repair or replacement work is required for the cut section based on whether or not a third alert has occurred.

[0020] A sixth aspect of the present invention is a display device comprising: In the printer according to any one of the second to fifth aspects, the determination unit notifies the user by displaying the alert on the display unit.

[0021] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the determination result of the determination unit can be visually confirmed.

[0022] A seventh aspect of the present invention is a cutting tool including a first detection unit that outputs a signal when the second blade is at the first position, which is different from a signal when the second blade is not at the first position; a second detection unit that outputs a signal when the second blade is at the second position that is different from a signal that is output when the second blade is not at the second position; and The printer according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the measurement unit measures the first time and the second time based on signals output from the first detection unit and the second detection unit, respectively.

[0023] According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to improve the measurement accuracy of the first time and the second time.

[0024] In an eighth aspect of the present invention, a database is accessible in which a plurality of types of print media and the first threshold value and the second threshold value specific to each of the plurality of types of print media are associated and recorded, a storage section for storing a print medium; an acquisition unit that acquires medium information indicating the type of print medium contained in the container; and The printer is a printer described in any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the judgment unit refers to the database and identifies the first threshold value and the second threshold value associated with the printing medium indicated by the medium information acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0025] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, when printing is performed while changing the type of print medium, it is possible to improve the accuracy of determining the deterioration state of the cut portion.

[0026] A ninth aspect of the present invention is a database in which a plurality of combinations of a first blade and a second blade are associated with the first threshold value and the second threshold value specific to each of the combinations and are recorded, and an acquisition unit that acquires combination information indicating a combination of the first blade and the second blade of the cutting unit, The printer is one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the determination unit refers to the database and identifies the first threshold value and the second threshold value associated with the combination of the first blade and the second blade indicated by the combination information acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0027] According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, when cutting linerless labels while changing the combination of the first blade and the second blade, it is possible to improve the accuracy of determining the deterioration state of the cut portion.

[0028] A tenth aspect of the present invention is a printer described in any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the first blade is configured to be fixed in a predetermined position.

[0029] According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, when the first blade is provided in a fixed state, it is possible to improve the accuracy of determining the deterioration state of the cutting portion.

[0030] An eleventh aspect of the present invention is the printer according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein the second threshold value is different from the first threshold value.

[0031] According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to improve the accuracy of determining the deterioration state of the cut portion based on the first comparison result and the second comparison result.

[0032] A twelfth aspect of the present invention is a cutting unit provided on a transport path of a print medium, the cutting unit having a first blade and a second blade movable between a first position and a second position, the cutting unit pinching and cutting the print medium between the first blade and the second blade while the second blade moves from the first position to the second position; a measuring unit that measures a second time period required for the second blade to move from the second position to the first position; a determination unit that determines a state of the disconnection unit based on a second comparison result obtained by comparing the second time period with a second threshold value; A printer having:

[0033] According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, when the degradation state of the disconnected portion is determined based only on the second time, it is possible to improve the accuracy of determining the degradation state of the disconnected portion.

[0034] A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is a method applied to a printer having a cutting unit including a first blade and a second blade that moves between a first position and a second position, wherein the second blade pinches and cuts a print medium between the first blade and the second blade while the second blade moves between the first position and the second position, The method measures a first time taken for the second blade to move from the first position to the second position and a second time taken for the second blade to move from the second position to the first position, and determines the state of the cutting portion based on a first comparison result obtained by comparing the first time with the first threshold value and / or a second comparison result obtained by comparing the second time with the second threshold value.

[0035] According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to improve the accuracy of determining the deterioration state of the cut portion.

[0036] A fourteenth aspect of the present invention is a printer having a cutting unit including a first blade and a second blade that moves between a first position and a second position, and cutting a print medium by pinching it between the first blade and the second blade while the second blade moves between the first position and the second position; a server device accessible to the printer via a network; 1. A method for applying to a printing system having The server device measures a first time taken for the second blade to move from the first position to the second position and a second time taken for the second blade to move from the second position to the first position, and determines the state of the cutting portion based on a first comparison result obtained by comparing the first time with a first threshold value or a second comparison result obtained by comparing the second time with a second threshold value.

[0037] According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, when the degradation state of the disconnected portion is determined through the server device, it is possible to improve the accuracy of determining the degradation state of the disconnected portion.

[0038] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0039] In one embodiment, the printer prints printing information such as letters, symbols, figures, or barcodes on the printing surface of a rolled-up printing medium P, and then transports the printing medium P to the outside of the housing through a transport port provided in the housing. In the following description, the surface of the housing where the discharge port (discharge device) is located is referred to as the front, and the width direction (horizontal direction), depth direction (front-to-back direction), and up-down direction (height direction) when viewing the printer from the front are referred to as the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction, respectively. Furthermore, when it is necessary to distinguish between one side and the other in the width direction, depth direction, and up-down direction, the right side when viewing the printer from the front will be referred to as the -X side, the left side as the +X side, the back side as the -Y side, the front side as the +Y side, the upper side as the +Z side, and the lower side as the -Z side.

[0040] The print medium P is a linerless label consisting of a long label extending in one direction. That is, the print medium P has an adhesive surface on which an adhesive is applied opposite to the printing surface. Note that the print medium P according to the present invention is not limited to a linerless label.

[0041] 1 and 2, a printer 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention has a housing 11, a display panel 12, a storage section 13, a conveying section 14, a printing section 15, and an ejection device 16. As shown in FIG. 3, the printer 10 also has a control section 60, a memory section 62, and an operation section 64.

[0042] The housing 11 is a rectangular housing that functions to cover the inside of the printer 10 . 2, a transport opening 11a for the print medium P is provided on the front surface of the housing 11. The transport opening 11a forms part of the transport path for the print medium P.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 1, the display panel 12 is provided on the front side of the housing 11. The operation of the display panel 12 is controlled by the control unit 60. The display panel 12 is capable of displaying objects that show information related to the printer 10. The objects include at least one of characters, symbols, figures, icons, and images. The display panel 12 is an example of a display unit. The display panel 12 of this embodiment has a touch panel function. However, the display unit according to the present invention does not necessarily have to have a touch panel function.

[0044] As shown in Figure 2, the storage unit 13 is located at the rear inside the housing 11 and stores the print medium P wound in a roll. The storage unit 13 has a holding shaft 13a. The holding shaft 13a holds the print medium P in a state where it can be supplied to the conveying unit 14.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 2, the transport unit 14 is disposed inside the housing 11 and in front of the storage unit 13, and transports the print medium P supplied from the storage unit 13 toward the transport opening 11a of the housing 11. The transport unit 14 has a transport roller 14a and a roller drive means (not shown). The transport roller 14a transports the print medium P by rotating while sandwiching the print medium P between the print unit 15. The transport roller 14a comes into contact with the surface of the print medium P opposite the printing surface. The roller drive means includes a motor. The roller drive means is connected to the transport roller 14a, and rotates the transport roller 14a by driving the motor. The operation of the roller drive means is controlled by the control unit 60. As shown in FIG. 2, the printing unit 15 is disposed inside the housing 11 and above the conveying unit 14, and prints on the print medium P supplied from the storage unit 13. The transport unit 14 and the printing unit 15 form part of the transport path of the print medium P.

[0046] <Discharge device 16> 1 and 2, the discharge device 16 is provided to cover the transport opening 11a of the housing 11. The discharge device 16 has a main body 16a and a cutting unit 30. The main body 16a has a discharge opening 16b, a medium sensor 16c, and a sensor hole 16d.

[0047] The main body 16a accommodates the components of the discharge device 16. 1 and 2, the discharge port 16b is formed so as to be visible from the front of the main body 16a and is in communication with the transport port 11a. The discharge device 16 discharges the print medium P transported from the transport port 11a through the discharge port 16b. The discharge port 16b constitutes a part of the transport path of the print medium P.

[0048] As shown in Figure 4, the media sensor 16c is accommodated within the main body 16a. The media sensor 16c is connected to the control unit 60 and detects the presence or absence of print medium P at the discharge port 16b through a sensor hole 16d provided in the main body 16a. When the media sensor 16c detects print medium P through the sensor hole 16d, it outputs a media detection ON signal to the control unit 60. When the media detection ON signal is input, the control unit 60 recognizes that "print medium P is present at the discharge port 16b." When there is no print medium P at the discharge port 16b, the media sensor 16c outputs a media detection off signal to the control unit 60. When the media detection off signal is input, the control unit 60 recognizes that there is no print medium P at the discharge port 16b. In this way, when there is print medium P at the discharge port 16b, the media sensor 16c outputs a different signal than when there is no print medium P at the discharge port 16b. In other words, the media sensor 16c can switch the output state between the media detection on signal and the media detection off signal. The medium sensor 16c includes, for example, an infrared sensor, and detects the presence or absence of the print medium P without contacting the print medium P. The operation of the medium sensor 16c will be described in detail later.

[0049] <Cutting part 30> 4, the cutting unit 30 is disposed between the housing 11 and the discharge port 16b in the conveyance direction. That is, the cutting unit 30 is provided on the conveyance path of the print medium P. The cutting unit 30 has a function of cutting the print medium P transported from the transport opening 11a. That is, the cutting unit 30 cuts the print medium P downstream of the transport roller 14a in the transport direction of the print medium P. 7, the cutting unit 30 is a guillotine cutter including a fixed blade 31, a movable blade 32, a support plate 33, and an elevating means 40. The cutting unit 30 further includes a position sensor 50.

[0050] <Fixed blade 31> As shown in Fig. 4, the fixed blade 31 is a flat blade-shaped member that is arranged along the outer surface of the housing 11 at a position downstream of the housing 11 in the transport direction of the print medium P and above the transport path of the print medium P. The fixed blade 31 is arranged so that the cutting edge 31a of the fixed blade 31 protrudes downward from the upper edge of the transport opening 11a of the housing 11. The fixed blade 31 is provided so as to be fixed at a predetermined position in the discharge device 16. The fixed blade 31 is an example of a first blade.

[0051] <Movable blade 32> 4, the movable blade 32 is a flat blade-shaped member that is located downstream of the housing 11 in the transport direction of the print medium P and below the transport path of the print medium P. The movable blade 32 is located downstream of the fixed blade 31 in the transport direction so that the cutting edge 32a of the movable blade 32 faces the cutting edge 31a of the fixed blade 31. As shown in FIG. 7, cutting edge 32a of movable blade 32 is inclined so that its position in the vertical direction (Z direction) becomes higher as it approaches the +X side when viewed from the front side (+Y side). The movable blade 32 is connected to the lifting means 40 and is configured to be movable in the up and down direction by the lifting means 40 .

[0052] As shown in FIG. 7 , the support plate 33 is a plate-like member attached to support a portion of the movable blade 32 below the cutting edge 32a. Two types of elongated holes 34 and 36 are formed in the surface of the support plate 33. The elongated holes 34 are elongated holes that extend in the horizontal direction (X direction) across a center line of the surface of the support plate 33 that extends in the Z direction. Two elongated holes 36 are provided in pairs, one on either side of the elongated hole 34, and are elongated holes that extend in the vertical direction (Z direction). Each of the two elongated holes 36 is engaged with a cylindrical pin 46 provided on the main body 16a. In other words, the movable blade 32 is supported by the support plate 33 having the elongated holes 36 and the pin 46 so as to be able to move up and down. Furthermore, the movement of the movable blade 32 in the horizontal direction is restricted by the support plate 33 having the elongated holes 36 and the pin 46.

[0053] The lifting means 40 has a function of vertically moving the movable blade 32 supported by the support plate 33. The lifting means 40 has a gear 42, an eccentric pin 44, and a gear driving means (not shown). The gear driving means is configured to include other gears and a motor (not shown).

[0054] 7, the gear 42 is a spur gear having a central axis extending in the Y direction and is disposed so that a portion of the gear 42 overlaps with the elongated hole 34 of the support plate 33. The gear 42 is connected to a gear driving means and can be rotated around the central axis by the gear driving means.

[0055] 7, the eccentric pin 44 is provided integrally with the gear 42 on the end surface of the gear 42, and is a cylindrical member extending parallel to the central axis of the gear 42. The eccentric pin 44 engages with the elongated hole 34 of the support plate 33. The eccentric pin 44 is movable laterally inside the elongated hole 34.

[0056] When the gear 42 is rotated by the gear drive means, the eccentric pin 44 moves on a circular orbit centered on the central axis of the gear 42 in accordance with the rotation of the gear 42. At this time, the support plate 33 having the elongated hole 34 that engages with the eccentric pin 44 moves up and down in response to the movement of the eccentric pin 44 on the circular orbit. In this way, the lifting means 40 moves the movable blade 32, which is supported by the support plate 33 and whose lateral movement is restricted by the pin 46, up and down. When the eccentric pin 44 moves on the circular orbit, the eccentric pin 44 moves laterally inside the elongated hole 34 when viewed from the elongated hole 34 extending in the horizontal direction. The operation of the gear driving means is controlled by the control unit 60. That is, the operation of the movable blade 32 is controlled by the control unit 60.

[0057] The lifting means 40 is configured to position the cutting edge 32a of the movable blade 32 at position PH1, which is located on the adhesive surface side of the transport path of the print medium P in the vertical direction (Z direction) when the eccentric pin 44 is at the lowest position on the orbit (see FIG. 4). Position PH1 is an example of the first position. The lifting means 40 is configured to position the cutting edge 32a of the movable blade 32 at position PH2, which is located above the cutting edge 31a of the fixed blade 31 in the vertical direction, when the eccentric pin 44 is at the uppermost position on the orbit (see FIG. 5). In other words, position PH2 is located on the opposite side of the transport path of the print medium P from position PH1. The movable blade 32 can be moved between positions PH1 and PH2 by the lifting means 40. Position PH2 is an example of a second position.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the movable blade 32 is moved upward by the lifting device 40 from position PH1 to position PH2 along the flat portion of the front side (+Y side) of the fixed blade 31. During this upward movement, the movable blade 32 passes through the cutting position. The cutting position is a position where the cutting edge 32a of the movable blade 32 and the cutting edge 31a of the fixed blade 31 approach each other so as to come into contact. At the cutting position, the movable blade 32 and the fixed blade 31 clamp the print medium P transported from the transport opening 11a of the housing 11 downstream of the movable blade 32 in the transport direction, and then the movable blade 32 moves further upward to cut the print medium P. That is, while moving from position PH1 to position PH2, the movable blade 32 clamps and cuts the print medium P on the transport path with the fixed blade 31. In other words, the fixed blade 31 clamps and cuts the print medium P with the movable blade 32 at the cutting position between positions PH1 and PH2. The movable blade 32 is an example of a second blade.

[0059] <Position sensor 50> The position sensor 50 has a function of detecting the position of the movable blade 32. Specifically, the position sensor 50 detects whether the position of the movable blade 32 is at position PH1 or position PH2. The position sensor 50 is configured to output the detection result to the control unit 60. As shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the position sensor 50 has a detection unit 50a and a detection unit 50b.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 7, the detection unit 50a is a sensor provided around the eccentric pin 44 when the position of the movable blade 32 is at position PH1. When the position of the movable blade 32 is position PH1, the detection unit 50a detects the eccentric pin 44. When the detection unit 50a detects the eccentric pin 44, it outputs a first detection ON signal to the control unit 60. When the first detection ON signal is input, the control unit 60 recognizes that "the position of the movable blade 32 is position PH1." The detection unit 50a does not detect the eccentric pin 44 when the position of the movable blade 32 is not at position PH1. When the detection unit 50a does not detect the eccentric pin 44, it outputs a first detection-off signal to the control unit 60. When the first detection-off signal is input, the control unit 60 recognizes that "the position of the movable blade 32 is not at position PH1." In this way, when the position of the movable blade 32 is at position PH1, the detection unit 50a outputs a different signal from when the position of the movable blade 32 is not at position PH1. In other words, the detection unit 50a can switch the output state of the first detection-on signal and the first detection-off signal. The detection unit 50a is a contact sensor, but may be a non-contact sensor.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 8, the detection unit 50b is a sensor provided around the eccentric pin 44 when the position of the movable blade 32 is at position PH2. When the position of the movable blade 32 is position PH2, the detection unit 50b detects the eccentric pin 44. When the detection unit 50b detects the eccentric pin 44, it outputs a second detection ON signal to the control unit 60. When the second detection ON signal is input, the control unit 60 recognizes that "the position of the movable blade 32 is position PH2." When the position of the movable blade 32 is not at position PH2, the detection unit 50b does not detect the eccentric pin 44. When the detection unit 50b does not detect the eccentric pin 44, it outputs a second detection-off signal to the control unit 60. When the second detection-off signal is input, the control unit 60 recognizes that "the position of the movable blade 32 is not at position PH2." In this way, when the position of the movable blade 32 is at position PH2, the detection unit 50b outputs a different signal from when the position of the movable blade 32 is not at position PH2. In other words, the detection unit 50b can switch the output state of the second detection-on signal and the second detection-off signal. The detection unit 50b is a contact sensor, but may be a non-contact sensor.

[0062] <Storage section 62> The memory unit 62 is a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The memory unit 62 can store information related to the printer 10. The information related to the printer 10 includes medium information IP, combination information IC, and a database DB (see FIG. 3). In other words, the printer 10 can access the database DB. The medium information IP is information indicating the type of print medium P stored in the storage unit 13. The combination information IC is information indicating the combination of the fixed blade 31 and movable blade 32 of the cutting unit 30.

[0063] 9, the database DB contains information in which a plurality (N1) of medium information IPn (n=1, 2, ..., N1), a plurality (N2) of combination information ICn (n=1, 2, ..., N2), a plurality (N1 x N2) of reference times CT1, and a plurality (N1 x N2) of reference times CT2 are associated and recorded. Each of the plurality of medium information IPn is information indicating a different type of print medium P. Each of the plurality of combination information ICn is information indicating a different combination of fixed blade 31 and movable blade 32. The reference time CT1 is the time from when the movable blade 32 starts moving from position PH1 to when it cuts the print medium P and moves to position PH2, when the fixed blade 31 and the movable blade 32 are not deteriorated. The reference time CT1 is a unique numerical value for each of multiple types of print medium P. The reference time CT1 is a unique numerical value for each of multiple combinations of the fixed blade 31 and the movable blade 32. In this embodiment, the reference time CT1 is a unique numerical value for each combination of the type of print medium P and the combination of the fixed blade 31 and the movable blade 32. The reference time CT1 is an example of a first threshold value. The reference time CT2 is the time from when the movable blade 32 starts moving from position PH2 to when it moves to position PH1 when the fixed blade 31 and the movable blade 32 are not deteriorated. The reference time CT2 is a unique numerical value for each of the multiple types of print media P. The reference time CT2 is a unique numerical value for each of the multiple combinations of the fixed blade 31 and the movable blade 32. In this embodiment, the reference time CT2 is a unique numerical value for each combination of the type of print media P and the combination of the fixed blade 31 and the movable blade 32. The reference time CT2 is an example of a second threshold value. The reference time CT2 may be a numerical value different from the reference time CT1.

[0064] <Operation unit 64> The operation unit 64 accepts operation inputs from the user. The operation unit 64 is configured to include, for example, physical keys and / or a touch panel. The operation unit 64 may also include a mouse and / or a keyboard connected to the printer 10. A user of the printer 10 (not shown) operates the operation unit 64 to input medium information IP and combination information IC, which are then stored in the memory unit 62. The display panel 12, which is a touch panel, functions as an operation unit 64.

[0065] <Control unit 60> As shown in Fig. 3, the control unit 60 comprehensively controls the operation of each unit of the printer 10. The control unit 60 is configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and an interface. The ROM has a function of storing control programs and the like executed by the CPU. The RAM has a function of storing parameters and the like used in the control programs and the like executed by the CPU. The interface has a function of communicating with devices connected to the printer 10. The control unit 60 has the functions of an acquisition unit 60a, a measurement unit 60b, and a determination unit 60c as a result of the CPU executing a control program (see FIG. 3). The acquiring unit 60a acquires the medium information IP and the combination information IC stored in the storage unit 62.

[0066] <Measurement unit 60b> The measurement unit 60b measures times TS1 and TS2 based on the detection result of the position sensor 50. Time TS1 is the time it takes for the movable blade 32 to move from position PH1 to position PH2. Time TS2 is the time it takes for the movable blade 32 to move from position PH2 to position PH1. Details of the operation of the measurement unit 60b will be described later.

[0067] <Judgment part 60c> The determination unit 60c determines the state of the disconnection unit 30 based on the result of a comparison between the time TS1 measured by the measurement unit 60b and the reference time CT1 stored in the storage unit 62. The determination unit 60c determines the state of the disconnection unit 30 based on the result of a comparison between the time TS2 measured by the measurement unit 60b and the reference time CT2 stored in the storage unit 62. The determination unit 60c issues an alert on the display panel 12 in accordance with the determination based on the comparison result. Details of the operation of the determination unit 60c will be described later.

[0068] <Operation of Printer 10> Next, the operation of each part of the printer 10 will be described.

[0069] First, the printer 10 performs the following process when it is started. The user of the printer 10 confirms the type of print medium P stored in the storage unit 13 and the combination of the fixed blade 31 and movable blade 32 of the cutting unit 30. Then, by operating the operation unit 64, the user inputs medium information IP based on the confirmed print medium P and combination information IC based on the fixed blade 31 and movable blade 32, and stores them in the memory unit 62.

[0070] Next, the acquiring unit 60a refers to the storage unit 62 and acquires the medium information IP and the combination information IC stored in the storage unit 62. Next, the determination unit 60c refers to the database DB and compares the combination of medium information IP and combination information IC acquired by the acquisition unit 60a with the combination of medium information IPn and combination information ICn recorded in the database DB. The determination unit 60c reads and stores the reference times CT1 and CT2 associated with the combination of medium information IPn and combination information ICn that matches the combination of medium information IP and combination information IC acquired by the acquisition unit 60a. In other words, the determination unit 60c refers to the database DB and identifies the reference times CT1 and CT2 associated with the print medium P indicated by the medium information IP acquired by the acquisition unit 60a. The determination unit 60c refers to the database DB and identifies the reference times CT1 and CT2 associated with the combination of the fixed blade 31 and the movable blade 32 indicated by the combination information IC acquired by the acquisition unit 60a. In this embodiment, the determination unit 60c identifies the reference times CT1 and CT2 associated with the print medium P indicated by the medium information IP acquired by the acquisition unit 60a and the combination of the fixed blade 31 and the movable blade 32 indicated by the combination information IC.

[0071] Once startup is complete, printer 10 becomes operable, and further user operations on printer 10 cause transport unit 14 and printing unit 15 to transport and print on print medium P. Specifically, at this time, control unit 60 controls transport unit 14 and printing unit 15 based on print data received in response to further user operations to transport print medium P from storage unit 13 to printing unit 15 and print on print medium P. In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, control unit 60 further controls transport unit 14 to transport print medium P printed by printing unit 15 downstream in the transport direction from discharge outlet 16b.

[0072] When printing on the print medium P starts, the control unit 60 performs the following process. 10, the control unit 60 determines whether the movable blade 32 has started moving to position PH1 by recognizing that the output state of the detection unit 50a has switched from a first detection ON signal to a first detection OFF signal (step S30). Then, in order to cut the print medium P, the control unit 60 controls the cutting unit 30 to start moving the movable blade 32 from position PH1 to position PH2. That is, the control unit 60 controls the lifting means 40 to start rotating the gear 42 in order to move the movable blade 32 from position PH1 to position PH2. When the movable blade 32 starts moving from position PH1 to position PH2, the eccentric pin 44 moves in conjunction with the rotation of the gear 42, and the detection unit 50a no longer detects the eccentric pin 44, and the output state is switched from the first detection ON signal to the first detection OFF signal. At this time, the control unit 60 determines that the movable blade 32 has started moving to position PH1 (YES), and the measurement unit 60b records the time TA1 when the output state of the detection unit 50a switched from the first detection on signal to the first detection off signal (step S34).

[0073] Thereafter, the control unit 60 determines whether the movable blade 32 has reached position PH2 by recognizing that the output state of the detection unit 50b has switched from the second detection-off signal to the second detection-on signal (step S40). The movable blade 32 then moves toward position PH2 as the gear 42 rotates. When the movable blade 32 passes the cutting position, it sandwiches the print medium P between itself and the fixed blade 31 and cuts it. The movable blade 32 then reaches position PH2 as shown in FIG. 5. When the movable blade 32 reaches position PH2, the detection unit 50b detects the eccentric pin 44 and switches its output state from the second detection-off signal to the second detection-on signal. At this time, the control unit 60 determines that the movable blade 32 has reached position PH2 (YES), as shown in FIG. 10, and the measurement unit 60b records the time TB1 when the output state of the detection unit 50b switched from the second detection-off signal to the second detection-on signal (step S44). Furthermore, the control unit 60 controls the lifting means 40 in response to the switching of the output state of the detection unit 50b to stop the rotation of the gear 42, thereby maintaining the position of the movable blade 32 at position PH2.

[0074] The control unit 60 then determines whether the movable blade 32 has started moving to position PH1 by recognizing that the output state of the detection unit 50b has switched from the second detection ON signal to the second detection OFF signal (step S50). As shown in FIG. 5, when the print medium PL cut by the cutting unit 30 is present around the discharge opening 16b, the media sensor 16c detects the print medium PL and outputs a media detection ON signal. When the output state of the media sensor 16c is the media detection ON signal, the control unit 60 controls the operation of the conveyance unit 14 to convey the print medium P downstream in the conveyance direction and the operation of the cutting unit 30 to temporarily stop. In other words, the printer 10 controls the operation of the conveyance unit 14 and the cutting unit 30 depending on the presence or absence of the print medium P around the discharge opening 16b.

[0075] The print medium PL is removed from the discharge port 16b by the user picking up the print medium PL. The print medium PL may be removed from the discharge port 16b by falling due to gravity. When the print medium PL is removed from the discharge port 16b, the media sensor 16c does not detect the print medium PL and switches its output state from a media detection ON signal to a media detection OFF signal. In response to the output state of the media sensor 16c switching from a media detection ON signal to a media detection OFF signal, the control unit 60 controls the cutting unit 30 to start moving the movable blade 32 from position PH2 to position PH1. That is, the control unit 60 controls the elevator 40 to start rotating the gear 42 in order to move the movable blade 32 from position PH2 to position PH1. When the movable blade 32 starts moving from position PH2 to position PH1, the rotation of the gear 42 causes the eccentric pin 44 to move, and the detection unit 50b no longer detects the eccentric pin 44, and switches its output state from the second detection ON signal to the second detection OFF signal. At this time, the control unit 60 determines that the movable blade 32 has started moving to position PH1 (YES), as shown in FIG. 10, and the measurement unit 60b records the time TB2 when the output state of the detection unit 50b switched from the second detection ON signal to the second detection OFF signal (step S56).

[0076] Thereafter, the control unit 60 determines whether the movable blade 32 has reached position PH1 by recognizing that the output state of the detection unit 50a has switched from the first detection-off signal to the first detection-on signal (step S60). The movable blade 32 starts moving from position PH2 and reaches position PH1 as shown in FIG. 6. When the movable blade 32 reaches position PH1, the detection unit 50a detects the eccentric pin 44 and switches its output state from the first detection-off signal to the first detection-on signal. At this time, the control unit 60 determines that the movable blade 32 has reached position PH1 (YES), as shown in FIG. 10, and the measurement unit 60b records the time TA2 when the output state of the detection unit 50a switched from the first detection-off signal to the first detection-on signal (step S64). Furthermore, the control unit 60 controls the lifting means 40 in response to the switching of the output state of the detection unit 50a to stop the rotation of the gear 42, thereby maintaining the movable blade 32 at position PH1.

[0077] Next, the measurement unit 60b measures a time TS1 based on the recorded times TA1 and TB1. The measurement unit 60b measures a time TS2 based on the recorded times TB2 and TA2 (step S70). In this way, the measurement unit 60b measures the times TS1 and TS2 based on the signals output from the detection units 50a and 50b.

[0078] Next, the judgment unit 60c judges whether "time TS1 is greater than reference time CT1" and whether "time TS2 is greater than reference time CT2" (step S80). If it is determined that "time TS1 is greater than reference time CT1" or "time TS2 is greater than reference time CT2" (YES), the judgment unit 60c issues an alert (step S90). Steps S80 and S90 will be described in detail. Step S80 includes steps S82, S84, and S86, which will be described below. Step S90 includes steps S92, S94, and S96, which will be described below. First, as shown in FIG. 11, the determination unit 60c compares the time TS1 measured by the measurement unit 60b with the reference time CT1 stored when the printer 10 was started, and determines whether the time TS1 is greater than the reference time CT1 (step S82). If the time TS1 is greater than the reference time CT1 (YES), the determination unit 60c determines that "the cutting unit 30 may be in a state of case C1." Case C1 indicates that "the cutting unit 30 is in a worn state." The worn state of the cutting unit 30 includes "wear of the fixed blade and / or movable blade." Case C1 does not include "adhesion of adhesive or paper powder to the fixed blade and / or movable blade." At this time, the determination unit 60c notifies an alert AL1 (step S92). Specifically, the determination unit 60c displays an object indicating the alert AL1 on the display panel 12. The alert AL1 corresponds to the case C1 and includes information about wear on the cutting unit 30. The information about wear on the cutting unit 30 includes "the cutting unit 30 is in a worn state" and "recommended maintenance work when the cutting unit 30 is in a worn state." The "maintenance work when the cutting unit 30 is in a worn state" includes "replacement of the fixed blade and / or movable blade." The alert AL1 is an example of a first alert. In this way, the determination unit 60c determines the state of the cutting unit 30 based on the result of comparing the time TS1 with the reference time CT1. If the time TS1 is equal to or less than the reference time CT1 (NO), the decision unit 60c does nothing.

[0079] Next, as shown in FIG. 11, the determination unit 60c compares the time TS2 measured by the measurement unit 60b with the reference time CT2 stored when the printer 10 was started, and determines whether the time TS2 is greater than the reference time CT2 (step S84). If the time TS2 is greater than the reference time CT2 (YES), the determination unit 60c determines that "the cutting unit 30 may be in a state of case C2." Case C2 indicates that "the cutting unit 30 is in a state of foreign matter adhesion." The state of foreign matter adhesion to the cutting unit 30 includes "adhesion of adhesive or paper powder to the fixed blade and / or movable blade." Unlike case C1, case C2 does not include "wear of the fixed blade and / or movable blade."

[0080] At this time, the determination unit 60c determines whether the determination result in the above-mentioned step S82 was YES or NO (step S86). That is, the determination unit 60c determines whether the time TS1 was longer than the reference time CT1. If the time TS1 is shorter than the reference time CT1 (i.e., the determination result in step S82 is NO), the determination unit 60c issues an alert AL2 (step S94). Specifically, the determination unit 60c displays an object indicating the alert AL2 on the display panel 12. The alert AL2 corresponds to case C2, which includes "adhesion of adhesive or paper dust to the fixed blade and / or movable blade" but does not include "wear of the fixed blade and / or movable blade," and is different from the alert AL1. The alert AL2 includes information about foreign matter adhering to the cutting unit 30. The information about foreign matter adhering to the cutting unit 30 includes "the cutting unit 30 being in a state of foreign matter adhering" and "recommended maintenance work when the cutting unit 30 is in a state of foreign matter adhering." The "maintenance work when the cutting unit 30 is in a state of foreign matter adhering" includes "cleaning the adhesive or paper dust adhering to the fixed blade and / or movable blade." The alert AL2 is an example of a second alert.

[0081] On the other hand, if the time TS1 is greater than the reference time CT1 (i.e., the determination result in step S82 is YES), the determination unit 60c determines that "the cutting unit 30 may be in a state of case C3." Case C3 indicates that "the cutting unit 30 is in a malfunction state." Malfunction states of the cutting unit 30 include "breakage of the fixed blade and / or movable blade" and "a malfunction of the lifting means 40 including the gear and motor." When the cutting unit 30 is in the state of case C3, the times TS1 and TS2 are greater than the reference times CT1 and CT2, respectively. Furthermore, when the cutting unit 30 is in a state that includes both case C1 and case C2, the times TS1 and TS2 are greater than the reference times CT1 and CT2, respectively. If the results of both steps S82 and S84 are YES, the determination unit 60c issues an alert AL3 (step S96). Specifically, the determination unit 60c displays an object indicating the alert AL3 on the display panel 12. The alert AL3 corresponds to the case C3 and includes information about a malfunction of the cutting unit 30. The information about the malfunction of the cutting unit 30 includes "the cutting unit 30 is in a malfunction state" and "recommended maintenance work when the cutting unit 30 is in a malfunction state." The "maintenance work when the cutting unit 30 is in a malfunction state" includes "replacement of the fixed blade and / or movable blade" and "repair or replacement of the cutting unit, including the lifting means." The alert AL3 is an example of a third alert. If the results of both steps S82 and S84 are YES, the decision unit 60c may issue alerts AL1 and AL2 in step S96. In this way, the determining unit 60c determines the state of the cutting unit 30 based on the result of comparing the time TS2 with the reference time CT2. If the time TS1 is equal to or less than the reference time CT1 and the time TS2 is equal to or less than the reference time CT2, the decision unit 60c does nothing.

[0082] (Action and effect) Next, the operation and effects of the printer 10 of the embodiment will be described.

[0083] The multiple causes of deterioration of the cutting section 30 can be divided into those that increase only the time TS1 or the time TS2, and those that increase both the time TS1 and the time TS2. Specifically, "breakage of the fixed blade and / or the movable blade" and "malfunction of the lifting means" increase both the time TS1 and the time TS2. On the other hand, "wear of the fixed blade and / or the movable blade" increases only the time TS1. Furthermore, "adhesion of adhesive or paper powder to the fixed blade and / or the movable blade" increases only the time TS2. If deterioration of the cutting unit 30 were to be determined solely from the reciprocating time of the movable blade 32, it would be impossible to determine whether only time TS1 has increased, only time TS2 has increased, or both time TS1 and time TS2 have increased. Therefore, if deterioration of the cutting unit 30 were to be determined solely from the reciprocating time of the movable blade 32, it would be necessary to identify the cause of deterioration of the cutting unit when the reciprocating time exceeds a threshold, which would reduce the efficiency of printer maintenance work.

[0084] Meanwhile, the determination unit 60c of the printer 10 of this embodiment determines the state of the cutting unit 30 based on the comparison result between time TS1 and reference time CT1 or the comparison result between time TS2 and reference time CT2. Therefore, for example, if the determination unit 60c determines NO in step S82 and YES in step S84, it can determine that the cutting unit 30 is in a state of case C2, which does not include "wear of the fixed blade and / or movable blade." Also, for example, if the determination unit 60c determines YES in step S82 and NO in step S84, it can determine that the cutting unit 30 is in a state of case C1, which does not include "adhesion of adhesive or paper powder to the fixed blade and / or movable blade." Thus, the printer 10 of this embodiment, including the determination unit 60c, can determine signs of printer 10 failure. Therefore, the printer 10 of this embodiment can improve the accuracy of determining the deterioration state of the cutting unit 30.

[0085] The determination unit 60c issues at least one of alerts AL1 to AL3 when time TS1 is greater than reference time CT1 or when time TS2 is greater than reference time CT2. At this time, the user of the printer 10 performs maintenance work on the cutting unit 30 based on the contents of alerts AL1 to AL3. The maintenance work for the cutting unit 30 includes multiple tasks. Specifically, the maintenance work for the cutting unit 30 includes "cleaning adhesive or paper dust adhering to the fixed blade and / or movable blade," "checking for defects in the cutting unit, including the lifting mechanism, and repairing or replacing them," and "checking for wear or damage to the fixed blade and movable blade and replacing them." For example, if the determination unit 60c determines YES in step S82 and NO in step S84 and issues alert AL1, it is not necessary to consider "cleaning adhesive or paper dust adhering to the fixed blade and movable blade" in the maintenance work for the cutting unit 30. Therefore, the printer 10 of this embodiment can improve the efficiency of maintenance of the printer 10.

[0086] If the time TS1 is greater than the reference time CT1, the determination unit 60c issues an alert AL1 containing information about wear of the cutting unit 30. If the time TS2 is greater than the reference time CT2, the determination unit 60c issues an alert AL2 containing information about foreign matter adhering to the cutting unit 30. If the times TS1 and TS2 are greater than the reference times CT1 and CT2, respectively, the determination unit 60c issues an alert AL3 containing information about a malfunction of the cutting unit 30. Thus, according to the printer 10 of this embodiment, the user can determine whether maintenance work is required in accordance with the condition of the cutting unit 30 based on whether or not alerts AL1 to AL3 have been issued.

[0087] The determination unit 60c notifies the user by displaying the alerts AL1, AL2, and AL3 on the display panel 12. Therefore, according to the printer 10 of the embodiment, the user of the printer 10 can visually check the determination results of the determination unit 60c.

[0088] The measuring unit 60b measures the times TS1 and TS2 based on the first and second detection signals output from the detecting units 50a and 50b, respectively. Therefore, according to the printer 10 of this embodiment, the measurement accuracy of the times TS1 and TS2 can be improved.

[0089] The determination unit 60c refers to the database DB and identifies the reference times CT1 and CT2 associated with the print medium P indicated by the medium information IP acquired by the acquisition unit 60a. Therefore, according to the printer 10 of the embodiment, it is possible to improve the accuracy of determining the deterioration state of the cutting unit 30 when printing while changing the type of print medium.

[0090] The determination unit 60c refers to the database DB and identifies the reference times CT1 and CT2 associated with the combination of the fixed blade and the movable blade indicated by the combination information IC acquired by the acquisition unit 60a. Therefore, according to the printer 10 of this embodiment, the accuracy of determining the deterioration state of the cutting unit 30 can be improved when printing while changing the combination of the fixed blade and the movable blade.

[0091] As described above, an embodiment of the present invention has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications, changes, and improvements are possible within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0092] In the above-described embodiment, the alerts AL1, AL2, and AL3 are notified by being displayed on the display panel 12. However, the alerts AL1, AL2, and AL3 according to the present invention are not limited to being displayed on the display panel 12. The alerts according to the present invention may be notified using a patrol lamp connected to the printer 10. The alerts according to the present invention may be notified to a management information processing terminal connected to the printer 10 via a network.

[0093] The alert according to the present invention may include failure prediction. The failure prediction includes information indicating a predicted time until the fixed blade 31 and the movable blade 32 are damaged, based on a comparison result between time T1 and reference time CT1 and a comparison result between time T2 and reference time CT2. The failure prediction may include information indicating a predicted time until the lifting means 40 is damaged, based on a comparison result between time T1 and reference time CT1 and a comparison result between time T2 and reference time CT2.

[0094] In the above-described embodiment, the user of the printer 10 performs maintenance work, including "cleaning adhesive or paper dust from the fixed blade and / or movable blade," based on alert AL2. However, the printer according to the present invention may also include an automatic cleaning unit. The automatic cleaning unit has the function of automatically cleaning the fixed blade and movable blade in response to the alert notified by the determination unit.

[0095] The above-described method for determining the condition of the cutting unit 30 is applied to a printer 10 that controls the operation of the conveying unit 14 and the cutting unit 30 depending on the presence or absence of print medium P around the discharge opening 16b. However, the method for determining the condition of the cutting unit according to the present invention may also be applied to a printer that controls the conveying unit, printing unit, and cutting unit so as to continuously repeat conveying, printing, and cutting of the print medium multiple times. In this case, the printer of one embodiment may be controlled to adjust the print medium conveying speed of the conveying unit and / or the printing speed of the printing unit depending on the determination result of the deterioration state of the cutting unit by the determination unit. The determination result of the deterioration state of the cutting unit by the determination unit may include the results of measurement of the first time and the second time by the measurement unit.

[0096] In the above-described embodiment, the determination unit 60c references the database DB stored in the storage unit 62 of the printer 10. However, the database according to the present invention is not limited to being stored in the storage unit 62 of the printer 10. The database of one embodiment may be stored in a server device accessible to the printer via a network. In this case, the printer and the server device constitute a printing system using a network. In this case, the determination unit according to the present invention may be included in the server device. In this case, the display unit according to the present invention may be a display device such as a display panel provided in the server device.

[0097] In the above-described embodiment, the determination unit 60c issues alerts AL1, AL2, and AL3 as a result of determining the status of the cutting unit 30 based on the comparison result between time TS1 and reference time CT1 or the comparison result between time TS2 and reference time CT2. However, the determination unit according to the present invention is not limited to issuing alerts. For example, a printer according to one embodiment may be configured to accumulate records of maintenance performed on the printer and learn the characteristics of the cutting unit specific to each type of print medium from the statistical information. In this case, the determination unit is preferably configured to determine the status of the cutting unit based on a first comparison result between a first time and a first threshold value, a second comparison result between a second time and a second threshold value, and the learning results of the characteristics of the cutting unit, and then control the operation of the cutting unit. In this case, the operation of the cutting unit is preferably optimal for the type of print medium. In this case, the operation of the cutting unit is preferably optimal for the type of combination of the fixed blade and the movable blade.

[0098] In the above-described embodiment, the determination unit 60c determines whether the time TS1 is greater than the reference time CT1, and then determines whether the time TS2 is greater than the reference time CT2. However, the determination unit 60c according to the embodiment may determine whether the time TS2 is greater than the reference time CT2, and then determine whether the time TS1 is greater than the reference time CT1.

[0099] In the above-described embodiment, the determination unit 60c refers to the database DB between step S10 and step S80 to identify the reference times CT1 and CT2. However, the determination unit 60c according to the embodiment may be configured to refer to the database DB at the timing of step S80 to identify the reference times CT1 and CT2.

[0100] In the above-described embodiment, the detectors 50a and 50b detect the eccentric pin 44 engaging with the elongated hole 34 of the support plate 33. However, the detectors according to the embodiment are not limited to detecting the eccentric pin 44 engaging with the elongated hole 34 of the support plate 33. For example, the lifting means in one embodiment may include a gear train that transmits force between the gear 42 having the eccentric pin 44 and the gear drive means. The gear train includes multiple transmission gears. In this case, the detector may be configured to detect an eccentric pin provided on one of the multiple transmission gears, thereby recognizing that the position of the movable blade is the first position or the second position.

[0101] In the above-described embodiment, the cutting unit 30 is a guillotine-type cutter including a flat-blade-shaped fixed blade 31 and a movable blade 32. However, as shown in Fig. 12, a printer in one embodiment may employ a cutting unit 230 that is a rotary cutter that cuts the print medium P by sliding the movable blade in the lateral direction (X direction) relative to the print medium P being transported toward the front side (+Y side). Specifically, the cutting section 230 includes a fixed blade 231 , a movable blade 232 , and a sliding means 240 . The fixed blade 231 is a flat blade-shaped member that is positioned below a transport path (not shown) for the print medium P and stands along the XZ plane with the cutting edge facing the transport path. The movable blade 232 is a disk-shaped cutter positioned above the transport path of the print medium P, with its end face standing along the XZ plane. The movable blade 232 is configured to be movable by a sliding mechanism 240, described later, between position PW1, which is located at one end of the fixed blade 231 in the lateral direction relative to the transport path of the print medium P, and position PW2, which is located on the opposite side of the transport path from position PW1. The movable blade 232 cuts the print medium P by moving in the lateral direction (X direction) while sandwiching the print medium P on the transport path between the fixed blade 231. In other words, the fixed blade 231 sandwiches and cuts the print medium P between positions PW1 and PW2. The slide means 240 includes a carriage 241 and a pulley device 242. The carriage 241 is a member that rotatably supports the movable blade 232. The pulley device 242 is a device that is connected to the carriage 241 that supports the movable blade 232, and moves the carriage 241 and the movable blade 232 back and forth in the horizontal direction (X direction) by rotating an endless belt that is connected to the carriage 241 that supports the movable blade 232. The pulley device 242 is connected to a pulley drive means (not shown) that includes a motor (not shown). The operation of the pulley drive means is controlled by a control unit (not shown) of the printer. In other words, the operation of the movable blade 232 is controlled by the control unit. The same effects as those of the printer 10 can be achieved in a printer having the cutting unit 230, which is the rotary cutter, instead of the cutting unit 30, which is a guillotine cutter. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 10: Printer 12: Display panel (an example of a display section) 30: Cutting section 31: Fixed blade 32: Movable blade 50a: First detection unit 50b: Second detection unit 60a: Acquisition section 60b: Measuring section 60c: Judgment section CT1: Reference time (an example of the first threshold) CT2: Reference time (an example of the second threshold) DB: Database IP: Media information IC: Combination information P:Print medium PH1: First position PH2: Second position TS1: First Time TS2: Second Time

Claims

1. a cutting unit provided on a transport path of the print medium, the cutting unit having a first blade and a second blade movable between a first position and a second position, the cutting unit sandwiching the print medium between the first blade and the second blade while the second blade moves from the first position to the second position to cut the print medium; a measuring unit that measures a first time period required for the second blade to move from the first position to the second position and a second time period required for the second blade to move from the second position to the first position; a determination unit that determines a state of the disconnection unit based on a first comparison result obtained by comparing the first time period with a first threshold value or a second comparison result obtained by comparing the second time period with a second threshold value; A printer having

2. The printer according to claim 1 , wherein the determination unit issues an alert when the first time period is greater than the first threshold value and when the second time period is greater than the second threshold value.

3. the determination unit issues a first alert when the first time period is greater than the first threshold; The printer of claim 2 , wherein the first alert includes information regarding wear on the cutting portion.

4. the determination unit notifies a second alert when the second time period is greater than the second threshold; The printer according to claim 2 , wherein the second alert includes information regarding the attachment of a foreign object to the cut portion.

5. the determination unit notifies a third alert when the first time period is greater than the first threshold value and the second time period is greater than the second threshold value; The printer of claim 2 , wherein the third alert includes information about a failure of the disconnect.

6. It has a display unit, The printer according to claim 2 , wherein the determination unit notifies the user of the alert by displaying the alert on the display unit.

7. a first detection unit that outputs a signal when the second blade is at the first position that is different from a signal that is output when the second blade is not at the first position; a second detection unit that outputs a signal when the second blade is at the second position, which is different from a signal output when the second blade is not at the second position; and The printer according to claim 1 , wherein the measurement unit measures the first time period and the second time period based on signals output from the first detection unit and the second detection unit, respectively.

8. A database is accessible in which a plurality of types of print media and the first threshold value and the second threshold value specific to each of the plurality of types of print media are associated and recorded, a storage section for storing a print medium; an acquisition unit that acquires medium information indicating the type of print medium contained in the container; and The printer according to claim 1 , wherein the determination unit refers to the database and identifies the first threshold value and the second threshold value associated with the print medium indicated by the medium information acquired by the acquisition unit.

9. A database is accessible in which a plurality of combinations of a first blade and a second blade and the first threshold value and the second threshold value specific to each of the combinations are associated and recorded, an acquisition unit that acquires combination information indicating a combination of the first blade and the second blade of the cutting unit, The printer according to claim 1 , wherein the determination unit refers to the database and identifies the first threshold value and the second threshold value associated with the combination of the first blade and the second blade indicated by the combination information acquired by the acquisition unit.

10. The printer of claim 1 , wherein the first blade is provided so as to be fixed in a predetermined position.

11. The printer of claim 1 , wherein the second threshold value is different from the first threshold value.

12. a cutting unit provided on a transport path of the print medium, the cutting unit having a first blade and a second blade movable between a first position and a second position, the cutting unit sandwiching the print medium between the first blade and the second blade while the second blade moves from the first position to the second position to cut the print medium; a measuring unit that measures a second time period required for the second blade to move from the second position to the first position; a determination unit that determines a state of the disconnection unit based on a second comparison result obtained by comparing the second time period with a second threshold value; A printer having

13. A method applicable to a printer having a cutting unit including a first blade and a second blade that moves between a first position and a second position, wherein a print medium is pinched between the first blade and the second blade while the second blade moves between the first position and the second position, and the method comprises the steps of: A method for measuring a first time taken for the second blade to move from the first position to the second position and a second time taken for the second blade to move from the second position to the first position, and determining the state of the cutting portion based on a first comparison result obtained by comparing the first time with a first threshold value or a second comparison result obtained by comparing the second time with a second threshold value.

14. a printer having a cutting unit including a first blade and a second blade that moves between a first position and a second position, wherein the second blade pinches and cuts the print medium between the first blade and the second blade while the second blade moves between the first position and the second position; a server device accessible to the printer via a network; 1. A method for applying to a printing system having The server device measures a first time taken for the second blade to move from the first position to the second position and a second time taken for the second blade to move from the second position to the first position, and determines the state of the cutting portion based on a first comparison result obtained by comparing the first time with a first threshold value or a second comparison result obtained by comparing the second time with a second threshold value.

Images