Printing apparatus and method of removing insulating film

Abstract

To prevent the occurrence of contact failure of a contact due to the occurrence of an insulating film in a printer.SOLUTION: The printer performs printing by pulling out a wound printing medium. The printing apparatus includes a first cutting blade that can be disposed at a first cutting position at which the printing medium is cut and a first retreat position at which the first cutting blade does not come into contact with the printing medium, a cutting driving portion that moves the first cutting blade, and a mechanical switch that includes a first pair of contacts that take a contact state and a non-contact state in accordance with a state of the cutting driving portion and detects the state of the cutting driving portion. When a recovery condition that the mechanical switch does not detect that the cutting driver is in the first driving state while the cutting driver is controlled to be in the first driving state in which the first cutting blade is disposed at the first semi-cutting position or the first cutting position is satisfied, the cutting driver is controlled to be in the reference state in which the first cutting blade is disposed at the first withdrawal position, and then the cutting driver is controlled to be in each of the first driving state and the reference state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 18

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a printing device and a method for removing an insulating film. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, electronic devices equipped with contacts exist. In the technology of Patent Document 1, when a gas sensor detects sulfide gas at a concentration equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold in a CD changer, a motor is operated to slide a contact spring of a switch. As a result, the sulfide film formed on the surface of the contact spring and the fixed contact is scraped off. According to the technology of Patent Document 1, even in areas with severe air pollution, a cleaning operation can be performed regardless of the elapsed time before the sulfide film becomes thick enough to cause contact malfunction. This reduces the occurrence of contact malfunction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. WO2009 / 096009A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the technology of Patent Document 1 requires additional costs for installing a gas sensor in an electronic device. Furthermore, the formation of an insulating film on a contact point depends not only on the concentration of the reactive gas in the environment at that moment, but also on the environmental history of the device up to that point. For example, even if the concentration of the reactive gas in the environment at that moment is low, if the concentration of the reactive gas in the environment in which the device was placed immediately before that moment was high, poor contact at the contact point due to the formation of an insulating film may occur even after a very short time has passed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve at least part of the above-mentioned problems, and can be realized in the following aspects.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a printing device that unwinds a rolled print medium and performs printing. The printing device includes: a first cutting blade that can be positioned at a first cutting position that cuts the print medium and a first retracted position that does not contact the print medium; a cutting drive unit that moves the first cutting blade; a mechanical switch that includes a first pair of contacts that selectively assume a contact state or a non-contact state depending on the state of the cutting drive unit and detects the state of the cutting drive unit using the first pair of contacts; and a control unit that controls the printing device. When the control unit controls the cutting drive unit to assume a first drive state in which the first cutting blade is positioned at a first quasi-cutting position, which is a position between the first retraction position and the first cutting position, or at the first cutting position, and recovery conditions are satisfied, including the mechanical switch not detecting that the cutting drive unit is in the first drive state, the control unit executes a recovery process in which the cutting drive unit is controlled to assume a reference state in which the first cutting blade is positioned at the first retraction position, and then executes a recovery process in which the cutting drive unit is controlled to assume the first drive state and the reference state at least once each. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a printing device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] The printing device 1 is shown with the first blade unit 100 and the second blade unit 200 removed. [Figure 3] 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the movement of the first blade portion 100. FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the movement of the first blade portion 100. FIG. [Figure 5] 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the movement of the first blade portion 100. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the movement of the second blade portion 200. FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the movement of the second blade portion 200. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the movement of the second blade portion 200. FIG. [Figure 9] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between a first blade portion 100, a second blade portion 200, and a cutting drive portion 300. FIG. [Figure 10] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between a first blade portion 100, a second blade portion 200, and a cutting drive portion 300. FIG. [Figure 11] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between a first blade portion 100, a second blade portion 200, and a cutting drive portion 300. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the printing device 1 with a part of the cover removed. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the mechanical switch 400. [Figure 14] 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between contacts 410, 420, 430 and a brush 450. FIG. [Figure 15] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the brush 450 when the tip 460t of the lever 460 is tilted in the negative Z-axis direction. FIG. [Figure 16] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the brush 450 when the tip 460t of the lever 460 is tilted in the positive direction of the Z axis. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the printing device 1. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart showing a process executed prior to a printing process in the printing device 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] A. First embodiment: A1. Printing device configuration: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a printing device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The printing device 1 unwinds a tape TP wound around a cylindrical core and prints on the unwound portion of the tape TP. The printing device 1 is a portable printer that is typically stored in a rack or the like and removed and used when needed. FIG. 1 shows the printing device 1 with its cover 1L open. FIG. 1 illustrates mutually orthogonal X-, Y-, and Z-axes. The positive Z-axis is vertically upward. The positive X-axis is the direction in which the tape TP is ejected from the printing device 1 (see the lower left portion of FIG. 1). The X-, Y-, and Z-axes form a right-handed system. To facilitate understanding of the technology, FIGS. 2 to 16 illustrate the X-, Y-, and Z-axes corresponding to those shown in FIG. 1. The tape TP is an example of a "printing medium."

[0009] The printing device 1 includes a tape transport unit 20, a head unit 40, a tape outlet 60, an input unit 70, an output unit 80, a first blade unit 100, a second blade unit 200, a cutting drive unit 300, a mechanical switch 400, and a control unit 800.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the printing device 1 seen from a different direction than FIG. 1. FIG. 2 shows the printing device 1 in an exploded state with the first blade unit 100 and the second blade unit 200 removed. A cartridge containing a tape TP is attached to the tape transport unit 20 (see the lower center part of FIG. 2 and the lower right part of FIG. 1). The cartridge contains a wound tape TP. The tape transport unit 20 pulls out the tape TP from the cartridge and transports it toward the head unit 40 and the tape outlet 60. The tape transport unit 20 can also rewind the tape TP that has been pulled out of the cartridge back into the cartridge.

[0011] The tape TP has two layers L1 and L2 (see the lower left part of Figure 1). The first layer L1 is the layer on which characters, symbols, figures, etc. are printed by the head unit 40 of the printing device 1. The first layer L1 has an adhesive layer on the side opposite to the side on which printing is performed. The second layer L2 is attached to the adhesive layer of the first layer L1. The second layer L2 is a layer that supports the first layer L1. The second layer L2 is peeled off from the first layer L1 by the user after printing on the first layer L1 is completed. The first layer L1, on which characters, symbols, figures, etc. are printed, is attached to an object via the adhesive layer.

[0012] The head unit 40 can print on the tape TP being transported by the tape transport unit 20 (see the lower center part of FIG. 1). As described above, printing is performed on the surface of the first layer L1 of the tape TP. Specifically, the head unit 40 is a thermal transfer print head.

[0013] The tape discharge port 60 is an opening for sending out the tape TP, which has been printed by the head unit 40, to the outside of the printing device 1 (see the lower left part of FIG. 1).

[0014] The input unit 70 receives information input by the user and passes it to the control unit 800. Specifically, the input unit 70 is a keyboard. The input unit 70 is provided on the surface of the cover 1L of the printing device 1. To facilitate understanding of the technology, the input unit 70 is not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0015] The output unit 80 outputs the results of processing by the control unit 800. Specifically, the output unit 80 is a liquid crystal display capable of displaying characters and images. The output unit 80 is provided on the surface of the lid 1L of the printing device 1. To facilitate understanding of the technology, the output unit 80 is not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0016] The first blade portion 100 and the second blade portion 200 are arranged between the head portion 40 and the tape outlet 60 in the transport path of the tape TP (see the lower left part of FIG. 1). The first blade portion 100 is arranged between the head portion 40 and the second blade portion 200 in the transport path of the tape TP.

[0017] 3 to 5 are explanatory diagrams showing the movement of the first blade portion 100. The first blade portion 100 has a first unit 110 and a second unit 120. The first unit 110 is moved along the Y-axis direction by the cutting drive unit 300. FIG. 3 shows the first blade portion 100 in a state in which the first unit 110 is located farthest from the second unit 120. In FIG. 3, a gap is provided between the first unit 110 and the second unit 120. FIG. 5 shows the first blade portion 100 in a state in which the first unit 110 is located closest to the second unit 120. FIG. 4 shows the first blade portion 100 in an intermediate state between those shown in FIGS. 3 and 5.

[0018] The first unit 110 has a first cutting blade 111 (see the lower center part of FIG. 3). The first cutting blade 111 can be arranged at a first cutting position Pc1 and a first retracting position Pr1. The first cutting position Pc1 is the position where the first cutting blade 111 cuts the tape TP. The state shown in FIG. 5 is the state where the first cutting blade 111 is at the first cutting position Pc1. The first retracting position Pr1 is the position where the first cutting blade 111 does not contact the tape TP. The state shown in FIG. 3 is the state where the first cutting blade 111 is at the first retracting position Pr1.

[0019] The first cutting edge 111 can also take a first quasi-cutting position Pq1. The first quasi-cutting position Pq1 is a predetermined position between the first retraction position Pr1 and the first cutting position Pc1. In this embodiment, the first quasi-cutting position Pq1 is an intermediate position between the first retraction position Pr1 and the first cutting position Pc1. The state shown in FIG. 4 is the state in which the first cutting edge 111 is at the first quasi-cutting position Pq1.

[0020] 6 to 8 are explanatory diagrams showing the movement of the second blade portion 200. The second blade portion 200 has a first unit 210 and a second unit 220. The first unit 210 is moved along the Y-axis direction by the cutting drive unit 300. FIG. 6 shows the second blade portion 200 in a state in which the first unit 210 is located farthest from the second unit 220. In FIG. 6, a gap is provided between the first unit 210 and the second unit 220. FIG. 8 shows the second blade portion 200 in a state in which the first unit 210 is located closest to the second unit 220. FIG. 7 shows the second blade portion 200 in an intermediate state between those shown in FIGS. 6 and 8.

[0021] The first unit 210 has a second cutting blade 211. It can be arranged at a second cutting position Pc2 and a second retracting position Pr2. The second cutting position Pc2 is a position where the second cutting blade 211 cuts the first layer L1 of the two layers L1, L2 of the tape TP but does not cut the second layer L2. The state shown in FIG. 8 is a state where the second cutting blade 211 is at the second cutting position Pc2. The second retracting position Pr2 is a position where the second cutting blade 211 does not come into contact with the tape TP. The state shown in FIG. 6 is a state where the second cutting blade 211 is at the second retracting position Pr2.

[0022] The second cutting edge 211 can also take a second quasi-cutting position Pq2. The second quasi-cutting position Pq2 is a predetermined position between the second retraction position Pr2 and the second cutting position Pc2. In this embodiment, the second quasi-cutting position Pq2 is an intermediate position between the second retraction position Pr2 and the second cutting position Pc2. The state shown in FIG. 7 is the state in which the second cutting edge 211 is at the second quasi-cutting position Pq2.

[0023] 9 to 11 are explanatory diagrams showing the relationship between the first blade portion 100, the second blade portion 200, and the cutting drive unit 300. The cutting drive unit 300 moves the first cutting blade 111 (see the bottom part of FIG. 9). The cutting drive unit 300 also moves the second cutting blade 211. The cutting drive unit 300 includes a stepping motor 310, a gear group 320, a first arm 330, and a second arm 340.

[0024] Stepping motor 310 receives a pulse signal from control unit 800 and rotates its output shaft by an angle corresponding to the pulse signal (see the lower right part of FIG. 9). The output shaft of stepping motor 310 can rotate in both directions under the control of control unit 800. Gear group 320 transmits the rotation of the output shaft of stepping motor 310 to first arm 330 and second arm 340 (see the lower left part of FIG. 9, the lower part of FIG. 10, and the lower part of FIG. 11).

[0025] The first arm 330 converts the rotation transmitted from the gear group 320 into reciprocating motion and transmits it to the first unit 110 of the first cutting portion 100 (see the lower left part of FIG. 9 and the lower part of FIG. 11). As a result, the first unit 110 of the first cutting portion 100 reciprocates in response to the movement of the stepping motor 310 (see FIGS. 3 to 5).

[0026] The second arm 340 converts the rotation transmitted from the gear group 320 into reciprocating motion and transmits it to the first unit 210 of the second cutting blade 200 (see the lower part of FIG. 10). As a result, the first unit 210 of the second cutting blade 200 reciprocates in accordance with the movement of the stepping motor 310 (see FIGS. 6 to 8).

[0027] The cutting drive unit 300 can selectively take a reference state DS0, a first drive state DS1, and a second drive state DS2.

[0028] In the reference state DS0, the first cutting blade 111 is disposed in the first retracted position Pr1 (see FIG. 3). At the same time, in the reference state DS0, the second cutting blade 211 is disposed in the second retracted position Pr2 (see FIG. 6). In the reference state DS0, the lever 460 of the mechanical switch 400 faces in the positive direction of the Y-axis. The lever 460 of the mechanical switch 400 rotates according to the angular position of the gear 324 of the cutting drive unit 300. The lever 460 of the mechanical switch 400 will be described later.

[0029] The cutting drive unit 300 transitions from the reference state DS0 to a first drive state DS1 by rotating the output shaft of the stepping motor 310 in the forward direction by a predetermined number of pulses. The cutting drive unit 300 transitions from the first drive state DS1 to the reference state DS0 by rotating the output shaft of the stepping motor 310 in the reverse direction by a predetermined number of pulses. In the first drive state DS1, the first cutting blade 111 is located at a first quasi-cutting position Pq1 (see FIG. 4). In the first drive state DS1, the lever 460 of the mechanical switch 400 is tilted toward the negative Z-axis direction with respect to the positive Y-axis direction.

[0030] The cutting drive unit 300 transitions from the reference state DS0 to the second drive state DS2 by rotating the output shaft of the stepping motor 310 in the reverse direction by a predetermined number of pulses. The cutting drive unit 300 transitions from the second drive state DS2 to the reference state DS0 by rotating the output shaft of the stepping motor 310 in the forward direction by a predetermined number of pulses. In the second drive state DS2, the second cutting blade 211 is located at the second quasi-cutting position Pq2 (see FIG. 7). In the second drive state DS2, the lever 460 of the mechanical switch 400 is tilted toward the positive Z-axis direction with respect to the positive Y-axis direction.

[0031] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the printing apparatus 1 with part of the cover removed. One gear 324 of the gear group 320 of the cutting drive unit 300 has a flange 324F (see the lower left part of Figure 12). The flange 324F has a recess 324Fc on the outer periphery of the flange 324F. The recess 324Fc is recessed on the outer periphery of the flange 324F towards the center of rotation of the gear 324F. The function of the flange 324F will be explained later.

[0032] The mechanical switch 400 detects the state of the cutting drive unit 300 (see the lower left part of FIG. 12). In this specification, a "mechanical switch" is a switch that has contacts and can be in a contact state where the contacts are in contact with each other, and a non-contact state where the contacts are separated from each other. The mechanical switch 400 changes its state depending on the angular position of one gear 324 of the gear group 320 of the cutting drive unit 300. The mechanical switch 400 includes contacts 410, 420, and 430, a frame 440, a brush 450, and a lever 460.

[0033] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing mechanical switch 400. Lever 460 is supported by frame 440 so as to be rotatable within a predetermined angular range (see arrow Ads in FIG. 13). A central axis of rotation RC of lever 460 is parallel to the X-axis direction. Lever 460 has a portion extending in both directions along the Z-axis from the central axis of rotation RC, and a portion extending in the positive direction of the Y-axis from the center of rotation (see the center portion in the upper part of FIG. 13). A tip 460t of the portion of lever 460 extending in the positive direction of the Y-axis is positioned within recess 324Fc of flange 324F of gear 324 (see the left portion in the lower part of FIG. 12). As a result, depending on the angular position of gear 324, side walls defining both ends of recess 324Fc push tip 460t of lever 460 in the positive direction of the Z-axis or the negative direction of the Z-axis, thereby rotating lever 460 (see arrow Ads in FIG. 13).

[0034] 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the contacts 410, 420, and 430 and the brush 450. The contacts 410, 420, and 430 are arranged in the negative direction of the Z axis in the order of contact 410, contact 430, and contact 420 (see the lower part of FIG. 14). The contacts 410, 430, and 420 each have a copper body and a silver plating layer disposed on the surface of the body.

[0035] Brush 450 is disposed on the positive Y-axis direction side of contacts 410, 420, and 430 (see the upper part of FIG. 14). Brush 450 brings contacts 410 and 430 into a conductive state or brings contacts 410 and 430 into a non-conductive state via brush 450 itself. Brush 450 brings contacts 420 and 430 into a conductive state or brings contacts 420 and 430 into a non-conductive state via brush 450 itself. In FIG. 14, contacts 410 and 430 are in a non-conductive state. In FIG. 14, contacts 420 and 430 are in a non-conductive state.

[0036] The brush 450 is a plate-like conductive member bent into a triangular shape so that both ends 451 and 452 intersect. The brush 450 includes a copper body and a silver-plated layer disposed on the surface of the body. Both ends 451 and 452 of the brush 450 function as contact points. Both ends 451 and 452 are also referred to as contact points 451 and 452.

[0037] When the cutting drive unit 300 is in the reference state DS0, the tip 460t of the lever 460 is not in contact with the side walls that define both ends of the recess 324Fc in the flange 324F (see the lower left part of FIG. 12, FIGS. 3, and 6). In this state, the tip 460t extends in the positive direction of the Y-axis (see FIG. 13). In this state, the contact points 451 and 452 are in contact only with the contact point 430 (see the lower center part of FIG. 13 and the lower center part of FIG. 14).

[0038] 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the brush 450 when the tip 460t of the lever 460 is tilted toward the negative Z-axis direction by the recess 324Fc of the flange 324F. When the cutting drive unit 300 is in the first drive state DS1, the tip 460t of the lever 460 is in contact with one of the side walls defining both ends of the recess 324Fc of the flange 324F and is tilted toward the negative Z-axis direction (see the lower left part of FIG. 12, the arrow Ads in FIG. 13, and FIG. 5). In this state, the contact 451 is in contact with the contact 410 (see the lower left part of FIG. 15). The contact 452 is in contact with the contact 430. As a result, the contact 410 and the contact 430 are in a conductive state via the brush 450.

[0039] The contacts 410 and 451, which selectively assume a contact state Sc1 or a non-contact state Sn1 depending on the state of the cutting drive unit 300, are also referred to as the "first pair of contacts." That is, the first pair of contacts 410, 451 assume the contact state Sc1 when the cutting drive unit 300 is in the first drive state DS1 (see FIGS. 15 and 5). The first pair of contacts 410, 451 assume the non-contact state Sn1 when the cutting drive unit 300 is in the reference state DS0 (see FIGS. 14 and 3). The mechanical switch 400 detects whether the state of the cutting drive unit 300 is the contact state Sc1 or the non-contact state Sn1 using the first pair of contacts 410, 451.

[0040] 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the brush 450 when the tip 460t of the lever 460 is tilted toward the positive direction of the Z axis by the recess 324Fc of the flange 324F. When the cutting drive unit 300 is in the second drive state DS2, the tip 460t of the lever 460 is in contact with the other of the side walls defining both ends of the recess 324Fc of the flange 324F and is tilted toward the positive direction of the Z axis (see the lower left part of FIG. 12, the arrow Ads in FIG. 13, and FIG. 8). In this state, the contact 452 is in contact with the contact 420 (see the lower right part of FIG. 16). The contact 451 is in contact with the contact 430. As a result, the contacts 420 and 430 are in a conductive state via the brush 450.

[0041] The contacts 420 and 452, which selectively assume the contact state Sc2 or the non-contact state Sn2 depending on the state of the cutting drive unit 300, are also referred to as a "second pair of contacts." That is, the second pair of contacts 420, 452 assume the contact state Sc2 when the cutting drive unit 300 is in the second drive state DS2 (see FIGS. 16 and 8). The second pair of contacts 420, 452 assume the non-contact state Sn2 when the cutting drive unit 300 is in the reference state DS0 (see FIGS. 14 and 6). In addition to detection by the first pair of contacts 410, 451, the mechanical switch 400 also detects whether the state of the cutting drive unit 300 is the contact state Sc2 or the non-contact state Sn2 by the second pair of contacts 420, 452.

[0042] FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the printing device 1. A control unit 800 controls the printing device 1 (see the center of FIG. 17). The control unit 800 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 810, which is a processor, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 820, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 830. The RAM 820 includes a main memory, which is a semiconductor memory. The ROM 830 includes a flash memory. The CPU 810 realizes various functions by loading computer programs stored in the ROM 820 into the main memory and executing them.

[0043] A2. Printing device operation: Fig. 18 is a flowchart showing the processing executed prior to the printing processing in the printing device 1. The processing in Fig. 18 is executed by the control unit 800. The processing in Fig. 18 realizes a method for removing an insulating film formed on a contact point in the printing device 1.

[0044] In step S100, the user turns on the power of the printing device 1. The power of the printing device 1 is turned on by operating the power switch of the printing device 1. To facilitate understanding of the technology, the power switch of the printing device 1 is not shown in the drawings.

[0045] In step S200, the control unit 800 performs an initialization process. In the initialization process, the control unit 800 controls the cutting drive unit 300 to assume a first driving state DS1 and then a reference state DS0. The control unit 800 further controls the cutting drive unit 300 to assume a second driving state DS2 and then a reference state DS0. Note that a pause of 50 msec is provided between the forward and reverse rotations of the stepping motor 310. The control unit 800 performs such a control combination N times, where N is a positive integer. In this embodiment, N is 1.

[0046] By performing this process, when the printer 1 is turned on, the first pair of contacts 410, 451 of the mechanical switch 400 automatically transitions between a contact state Sc1 and a non-contact state Sn1 (see FIGS. 15 and 14). As a result, if an insulating coating has formed on one or both of the contacts 410, 451, the contacts 410 and 451 rub against each other, thereby removing the coating. Similarly, the second pair of contacts 420, 452 of the mechanical switch 400 automatically transitions between a contact state Sc2 and a non-contact state Sn2 (see FIGS. 16 and 14). As a result, if an insulating coating has formed on one or both of the contacts 420, 452, the contacts 420 and 452 rub against each other, thereby removing the coating. This reduces the possibility that the mechanical switch 400 will malfunction and cause the tape TP to be improperly cut after the printer 1 has printed on the tape TP.

[0047] The insulating films that may form on the contacts include, for example, oxide films formed when the materials constituting each contact react with oxygen in the air, and sulfide films formed when the materials react with hydrogen sulfide in the air. If the printing device 1 is placed in a high-temperature, high-humidity environment, the contact material is likely to react with oxygen in the air to form an oxide film. Furthermore, if the printing device 1 is placed near a hot spring or near a road with heavy traffic of automobiles powered by internal combustion engines, the contact material is likely to react with hydrogen sulfide in the air to form a sulfide film. In this embodiment, the surfaces of the contacts are silver-plated. Therefore, the oxide is silver oxide, and the sulfide is silver sulfide.

[0048] In step S300, the control unit 800 determines whether or not a non-detection condition is satisfied. The non-detection condition is that at least one of the following conditions is satisfied: (Cr1) When the cutting drive unit 300 is controlled to take the first drive state DS1 by step S200, the mechanical switch 400 does not detect that the cutting drive unit 300 is in the first drive state DS1 (see Figures 13 and 15). (Cr2) When the cutting drive unit 300 is controlled to take the second drive state DS2 by step S200, the mechanical switch 400 does not detect that the cutting drive unit 300 is in the second drive state DS2 (see Figures 13 and 16).

[0049] If the above sub-condition (Cr1) is satisfied, an insulating film may be formed on the surface of one or more of the first pair of contacts 410, 451 and contacts 430, 452, which may cause a lack of electrical continuity between contacts 410 and 430 (see FIG. 15). If the above sub-condition (Cr2) is satisfied, an insulating film may be formed on the surface of one or more of the second pair of contacts 420, 452 and contacts 430, 451, which may cause a lack of electrical continuity between contacts 420 and 430 (see FIG. 16).

[0050] If the non-detection condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S400. The non-detection condition is not satisfied when the first drive state DS1 and the second drive state DS2 of the cutting drive unit 300 are properly detected by the mechanical switch 400. If the non-detection condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S500. The non-detection condition is satisfied when the mechanical switch 400 cannot detect at least one of the first drive state DS1 and the second drive state DS2 of the cutting drive unit 300.

[0051] In step S400, the control unit 800 executes the printing process. More specifically, the control unit 800 controls the tape transport unit 20 to pull out and transport the tape TP inside the cartridge, while controlling the head unit 40 to print on the tape TP. The control unit 800 then controls the first blade unit 100 to cut the tape TP with the first cutting blade 111, or controls the second blade unit 200 to cut the first layer L1 of the tape TP with the second cutting blade 211. The cutting by the first blade unit 100 or the second blade unit 200 is performed according to settings made in advance via the input unit 70.

[0052] In step S500, the control unit 800 determines whether or not the termination conditions are met. The termination conditions include the following. (Ce) The recovery process in step S700 has been performed Rmax times or more. Rmax is an integer equal to or greater than 2. In this embodiment, Rmax is 4, for example.

[0053] If the termination condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S800. If the termination condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to steps S600 and S700. The conditions under which the process proceeds to steps S600 and S700 are called "recovery conditions." The recovery conditions include the non-detection condition being satisfied and the termination condition not being satisfied (see the middle right part of FIG. 18).

[0054] In step S600, the control unit 800 executes a return process. In the return process, the control unit 800 controls the cutting drive unit 300 to the reference state DS0 (see FIGS. 13 and 14). As a result, the first cutting edge 111 of the first blade unit 100 is positioned at the first retracted position Pr1, and the second cutting edge 211 of the second blade unit 200 is positioned at the second retracted position Pr2 (see FIGS. 3 and 6).

[0055] The fact that the non-detection condition is satisfied means that at least one of the first drive state DS1 and the second drive state DS2 of the disconnection drive unit 300 has not been correctly detected by the mechanical switch 400. Therefore, when the processing of step S200 is completed, even though the disconnection drive unit 300 is not in the reference state DS0, in the mechanical switch 400, the contacts 410 and 430 are in a non-conductive state and / or the contacts 420 and 430 are in a non-conductive state (see FIGS. 15 and 16). However, by performing the processing of step S600 prior to step S700, the processing of step S700 and subsequent steps can be started from the reference state DS0 (see FIGS. 13 and 14).

[0056] In step S700, the control unit 800 executes recovery processing. In the recovery processing, the control unit 800 controls the cutting drive unit 300 so that the combination of the first driving state DS1 and the subsequent reference state DS0 and the combination of the second driving state DS2 and the subsequent reference state DS0 are each performed M times (see FIGS. 15, 14, and 16). M is a positive integer. In this embodiment, for example, M is 5. Thereafter, the processing returns to step S300. That is, a determination is made as to whether the non-detection condition is satisfied. If the non-detection condition is satisfied for the recovery processing and the termination condition is not satisfied in step S500, the return processing is executed again in step S600, and then the recovery processing is executed in step S700.

[0057] In steps S300, S500, S600, and S700, the control unit 800 performs the following process when a malfunction actually occurs in the mechanical switch 400. That is, the control unit 800 controls the disconnection drive unit 300 to alternate between the first drive state DS1 and the reference state DS0 (see S700 in FIG. 18). As a result, the first pair of contacts 410 and 451 of the mechanical switch 400 alternate between the contact state Sc1 and the non-contact state Sn1 (see FIGS. 15 and 14). The control unit 800 also controls the disconnection drive unit 300 to alternate between the second drive state DS2 and the reference state DS0. As a result, the second pair of contacts 420 and 452 of the mechanical switch 400 alternate between the contact state Sc2 and the non-contact state Sn2 (see FIGS. 16 and 14). The same applies to the contacts 430, 451, and 452.

[0058] Therefore, when the mechanical switch 400 malfunctions due to the formation of an insulating coating on the contacts, the insulating coating can be removed by repeating the contact states Sc1, Sc2 and the non-contact states Sn1, Sn2, thereby eliminating the malfunction of the mechanical switch 400. Furthermore, the malfunction of the mechanical switch 400 caused by the insulating coating can be eliminated without using a gas sensor.

[0059] In step S800, the control unit 800 executes abnormality processing. In the abnormality processing, the control unit 800 causes the output unit 80 to display a message indicating that there is an abnormality in the function of cutting the tape TP.

[0060] In step S900, the control unit 800 turns off the power to the printing device 1.

[0061] By adopting such an embodiment, when the recovery conditions are met for reasons other than an insulating coating formed on either the first pair of contacts 410, 451 or the second pair of contacts 420, 452, it is possible to prevent wear due to unnecessary operation of the first pair of contacts 410, 451 and the second pair of contacts 420, 452, as well as unnecessary consumption of power.

[0062] In this embodiment, steps S200 and S700 are also referred to as steps (a). In this embodiment, steps S600 and S700 are also collectively referred to as step (b). In steps S200 and S700, the step of controlling the cutting drive unit 300 to assume the first drive state DS1 is also referred to as step (a1). In steps S200 and S700, the step of controlling the cutting drive unit 300 to assume the second drive state DS2 is also referred to as step (a2).

[0063] B. Other Embodiments: B1. Alternative Embodiment 1: (1) In the above embodiment, brush 450 includes a copper body and a silver-plated layer disposed on the surface of the body. However, brush 450 may have other configurations, such as a copper alloy body and a nickel-plated layer disposed on the surface of the body, as long as it can be configured as a conductor.

[0064] (2) In the above embodiment, it is preferable to provide irregularities on the surfaces of both end portions 451, 452 of brush 450 that come into contact with contact points 410, 420, 430. By adopting such an embodiment, it is possible to increase the pressure at the contact portions between both end portions 451, 452 of brush 450 and the surfaces of contact points 410, 420, 430. As a result, even if an insulating coating is formed on either one of both end portions 451, 452 or contact points 410, 420, 430, the insulating coating can be efficiently removed.

[0065] (3) In the above embodiment, the head unit 40 is a thermal transfer print head. However, the printing device may be equipped with a head for other printing methods, such as inkjet printing or thermal printing, as long as it is equipped with a cutting blade for cutting the rolled print medium, a cutting drive unit, and a mechanical switch for detecting the state of the cutting drive unit. Furthermore, the tape TP is not limited to a two-layer structure consisting of a first layer L1 and a second layer L2, but may have a single-layer structure or a structure with three or more layers. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the printing device 1 pulls out the tape TP wound around a cylindrical core and prints on the pulled-out portion of the tape TP (see FIG. 1). However, the printing device may also print on print media other than those commonly referred to as tape, such as roll paper or wallpaper.

[0066] (4) In the above embodiment, in the first driving state DS1, the first cutting blade 111 is disposed at the first sub-cutting position Pq1 (see S200 and S700 in FIG. 18 and FIG. 4). However, in the first driving state DS1, the first cutting blade 111 may be disposed at the first cutting position Pc1 (see FIG. 5).

[0067] In the above embodiment, in the second driving state DS2, the second cutting blade 211 is disposed at the second sub-cutting position Pq2 (see S200 and S700 in FIG. 18 and FIG. 7). However, in the second driving state DS2, the second cutting blade 211 may be disposed at the second cutting position Pc2 (see FIG. 8).

[0068] (5) In step S200 of the above embodiment, the control unit 800 controls the cutting drive unit 300 to assume the first drive state DS1 and then the reference state DS0 (see FIG. 18 and FIGS. 14 to 16). The control unit 800 further controls the cutting drive unit 300 to assume the second drive state DS2 and then the reference state DS0. The control unit 800 performs this control combination once in the initial processing of step S200. However, this control combination may be performed multiple times, such as two, three, or five times.

[0069] By performing this process, when the printer 1 is powered on, the first pair of contacts 410, 451 of the mechanical switch 400 automatically alternate between a contact state Sc1 and a non-contact state Sn1. The second pair of contacts 420, 452 automatically alternate between a contact state Sc2 and a non-contact state Sn2. As a result, if an insulating coating forms on the contacts, the likelihood of removing it is higher than in a configuration where the control combination is performed only once. This further reduces the likelihood of the mechanical switch 400 malfunctioning after the printer 1 prints on the tape TP.

[0070] The number N of control combinations in the initial process may be equal to the number M of control combinations in the recovery process, or may be different from M. However, it is preferable that N is smaller than M.

[0071] (6) In the above embodiment, in the recovery process of step S700, the control unit 800 controls the cutting drive unit 300 to perform the combination of the first driving state DS1 and the subsequent reference state DS0 five times, and the combination of the second driving state DS2 and the subsequent reference state DS0 five times (see FIG. 18 and FIGS. 14 to 16). However, such control combinations may be performed one, three, seven, ten, or other times.

[0072] (7) In the above embodiment, the termination condition includes condition (Ce). Rmax included in condition (Ce) is 4. However, Rmax may be other numbers such as 2, 3, 5, 10, 25, 40, etc. The termination condition may also include other conditions, such as "the user has issued an instruction via the input unit 70 to check for non-detection conditions and to perform recovery processing according to the check results prior to printing."

[0073] (8) In the above embodiment, if the recovery condition is satisfied, the restoration process is performed prior to the recovery process. However, for example, if the cutting drive unit 300 is controlled to assume the reference state DS0 at the end of the initialization process and at the end of the recovery process, as in the above embodiment, an independent restoration process prior to the recovery process does not need to be performed.

[0074] (9) In the above embodiment, the recovery conditions include the non-detection condition being satisfied and the termination condition not being satisfied (see S300 and S500 in FIG. 18). However, the recovery conditions may be configured not to include the termination condition not being satisfied. In such an embodiment, the return process and recovery process are performed when the non-detection condition is satisfied. In such an embodiment, when the recovery process is being repeated after the non-detection condition has been determined to be satisfied, the user can instruct the end of the recovery process via the input unit 70.

[0075] (10) In the above embodiment, in step S100, the printer 1 is powered on, and then step S200 and subsequent steps are executed. However, the printer 1 can also be configured to execute step S200 and subsequent steps when a command to start printing is input via the input unit 70. In such a configuration, even if the insulating coating causes a contact failure for some reason after the power is turned on, the recovery process can remove the insulating coating and resolve the malfunction of the mechanical switch 400.

[0076] B2. Alternative Embodiment 2: In the above embodiment, when the printer 1 is powered on in step S100, the control unit 800 performs an initial process in step S200 (see FIG. 18). However, when the printer 1 is powered on in step S100, the control unit 800 may perform a recovery process without performing the initial process (see S700 in FIG. 18). Even in such an embodiment, the control unit 800 can determine whether the non-detection condition is met in step S300, which is executed after step S700, and execute the processes from step S300 onwards.

[0077] B3. Alternative Embodiment 3: In the initial processing of step S200 in the above embodiment, the control unit 800 controls the cutting drive unit 300 to assume the first drive state DS1 and then the reference state DS0 (see FIG. 18). The control unit 800 further controls the cutting drive unit 300 to assume the second drive state DS2 and then the reference state DS0. The control unit 800 performs such a control combination once. However, such a control combination may be performed two, three, five, eight, or other times.

[0078] B4. Alternative Embodiment 4: In the above embodiment, the printing device 1 includes the first blade portion 100 and the second blade portion 200 (see the upper left part of FIG. 2). However, the printing device 1 can also be configured to include the first blade portion 100 but not the second blade portion 200. In such a configuration, the processing related to the second blade portion 200 is not performed in the processing of S300, S700, and S800 in FIG. 18.

[0079] B5. Alternative Embodiment 5: In the above embodiment, if the termination condition is met in step S500, the control unit 800 displays on the output unit 80 that there is an abnormality in the function of cutting the tape TP and turns off the power to the printing device 1 (see S800 and S900 in FIG. 18). However, an embodiment can also be adopted in which at least one of abnormality processing and turning off the power is not performed when the termination condition is met. Also, an embodiment can be adopted in which the termination condition is not determined in the processing of FIG. 18. In such an embodiment, after the non-detection condition is determined, either a printing process, a return process, or a recovery process is executed. In such an embodiment, when the recovery process is repeated after the non-detection condition is determined, the user can instruct the end of the recovery process via the input unit 70.

[0080] C. Other forms: The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be realized in various forms without departing from the spirit thereof. For example, the present disclosure can also be realized in the following forms. The technical features in the above embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each form described below can be appropriately replaced or combined to solve some or all of the problems of the present disclosure or to achieve some or all of the effects of the present disclosure. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted.

[0081] (1) According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a printing device that pulls out a rolled print medium and performs printing. The printing device includes: a first cutting blade that can be positioned at a first cutting position that cuts the print medium and a first retracted position that does not contact the print medium; a cutting drive unit that moves the first cutting blade; a mechanical switch that includes a first pair of contacts that selectively assume a contact state or a non-contact state depending on the state of the cutting drive unit and detects the state of the cutting drive unit using the first pair of contacts; and a control unit that controls the printing device. When the control unit controls the cutting drive unit to assume a first drive state in which the first cutting blade is positioned at a first quasi-cutting position, which is a position between the first retraction position and the first cutting position, or at the first cutting position, and recovery conditions are satisfied, including the mechanical switch not detecting that the cutting drive unit is in the first drive state, the control unit executes a recovery process in which the cutting drive unit is controlled to assume a reference state in which the first cutting blade is positioned at the first retraction position, and then executes a recovery process in which the cutting drive unit is controlled to assume the first drive state and the reference state at least once each. In this embodiment, when the mechanical switch is actually malfunctioning, the control unit controls the disconnection drive unit to alternate between the first drive state and the reference state. As a result, the first pair of contacts of the mechanical switch alternate between a contact state and a non-contact state. Therefore, when the mechanical switch is malfunctioning due to an insulating coating formed on the contacts, the insulating coating can be removed by repeatedly switching between the contact state and the non-contact state, thereby eliminating the malfunction of the mechanical switch. Furthermore, the malfunction of the mechanical switch due to the insulating coating can be eliminated without using a gas sensor.

[0082] (2) The printing device of the above embodiment may be configured such that, when the power supply of the printing device is turned on, the control unit performs an initial process of controlling the cutting drive unit to assume the first drive state and then assume the reference state. In this embodiment, when the printer is turned on, the first pair of contacts of the mechanical switch automatically alternate between contact and non-contact states. As a result, even if an insulating coating has formed on the contacts, it is highly likely that it can be removed. This reduces the possibility of the mechanical switch malfunctioning after the printer prints on the print medium.

[0083] (3) The printing device of the above aspect may be configured such that, in the initial process, the control unit controls the cutting drive unit so that the cutting drive unit assumes the first drive state two or more times. In this embodiment, when the printing device is turned on, the first pair of contacts of the mechanical switch automatically alternate between contact and non-contact states. As a result, even if an insulating coating has formed on the contacts, it is more likely that it can be removed. This further reduces the possibility of the mechanical switch malfunctioning after the printing device has printed on the print medium.

[0084] (4) In the printing device of the above aspect, the printing medium has two layers, and the printing device further includes a second cutting blade that can be positioned at a second cutting position where one of the two layers of the printing medium is cut but the other layer is not cut, and a second retracted position where the second cutting blade does not come into contact with the printing medium, the cutting drive unit further moves the second cutting blade, and the cutting drive unit can take a second drive state in which the second cutting blade is positioned at a second quasi-cutting position that is a position between the second retracted position and the second cutting position, or at the second cutting position, and in the reference state, the second cutting blade is further positioned at the second retracted position, and the mechanical switch further includes a second pair of contacts that selectively take a contact state or a non-contact state depending on the state of the cutting drive unit, and the state of the cutting drive unit is detected by the first pair of contacts and the second pair of contacts, and the first pair of contacts are in a contact state when the cutting drive unit is in the first drive state, and the cutting drive unit The control unit may be configured such that the first pair of contacts are in a non-contact state when the cutting drive unit is in the reference state, the second pair of contacts are in a contact state when the cutting drive unit is in the second drive state and in a non-contact state when the cutting drive unit is in the reference state, and the control unit executes the recovery process when the recovery conditions are satisfied, including at least one of the following: when the cutting drive unit is controlled to assume the first drive state, the mechanical switch does not detect that the cutting drive unit is in the first drive state, and when the cutting drive unit is controlled to assume the second drive state, the mechanical switch does not detect that the cutting drive unit is in the second drive state, and then executes the recovery process to control the cutting drive unit to assume a combination of the first drive state and the subsequent reference state, and a combination of the second drive state and the subsequent reference state, each at least once. By adopting this configuration, in a printing device equipped with a first cutting blade, a second cutting blade, and a mechanical switch that can detect their status, it is possible to properly remove the insulating coating from the contacts of the mechanical switch, thereby eliminating malfunction of the mechanical switch.

[0085] (5) The printing device of the above embodiment may be configured such that, when the recovery conditions are met during the recovery process, the control unit executes the return process, and then executes the recovery process, and when a termination condition is met, including that the recovery process has been performed Rmax times or more (Rmax is an integer greater than or equal to 2), the control unit turns off the power of the printing device. By adopting such an embodiment, when the recovery conditions are met for reasons other than an insulating coating formed on either the first pair of contacts or the second pair of contacts, it is possible to prevent wear due to unnecessary operation of the first pair of contacts and the second pair of contacts, as well as unnecessary consumption of power.

[0086] (6) According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for removing an insulating film formed on a contact in a printing device that unwinds a wound print medium and performs printing. The printing device includes: a first cutting blade that can be positioned at a first cutting position that cuts the print medium and a first retracted position that does not contact the print medium; a cutting drive unit that moves the first cutting blade; and a mechanical switch that includes a first pair of contacts that selectively assume a contact state or a non-contact state depending on the state of the cutting drive unit and detects the state of the cutting drive unit using the first pair of contacts. The method includes: (a) a step of controlling the cutting drive unit to assume a first drive state in which the first cutting blade is positioned at a first quasi-cutting position, which is a position between the first retraction position and the first cutting position, or at the first cutting position; and (b) a step of executing a recovery process in which, when a recovery condition is satisfied in a state in which the step (a) is executed, the cutting drive unit is controlled to a reference state in which the first cutting blade is positioned at the first retraction position, and then a recovery process in which the cutting drive unit is controlled to assume the first drive state and the reference state at least once each.

[0087] (7) In the method of the above aspect, the step (a) may include a step of performing an initial processing to control the cutting drive unit so that, when the power of the printing device is turned on, the cutting drive unit assumes the first drive state and then assumes the reference state.

[0088] (8) In the method of the above aspect, the initial process may be such that the cutting drive unit is controlled to assume the first drive state two or more times.

[0089] (9) In the method of the above aspect, the printing medium has two layers, and the printing device further has a second cutting blade that can be positioned at a second cutting position where one of the two layers of the printing medium is cut but the other layer is not cut, and a second retracted position where the second cutting blade does not contact the printing medium, and the cutting drive unit further moves the second cutting blade, and the cutting drive unit can take a second drive state in which the second cutting blade is positioned at a second quasi-cutting position, which is a position between the second retracted position and the second cutting position, or at the second cutting position. In the reference state, the second cutting blade is further disposed at the second retracted position, and the mechanical switch further comprises a second pair of contacts selectively taking a contact state or a non-contact state according to the state of the cutting drive unit, and the state of the cutting drive unit is detected by the first pair of contacts and the second pair of contacts, and the first pair of contacts are in a contact state when the cutting drive unit is in the first drive state and in a non-contact state when the cutting drive unit is in the reference state, and the second pair of contacts are in a non-contact state when the cutting drive unit is in the forward drive state. The cutting drive unit is in a contact state when in the second drive state and in a non-contact state when in the reference state, and step (a) includes (a1) controlling the cutting drive unit to assume the first drive state and (a2) controlling the cutting drive unit to assume the second drive state, and step (b) includes a step of executing the recovery process when the recovery condition is satisfied, which includes at least one of the following being satisfied: when the cutting drive unit is controlled to assume the first drive state, the mechanical switch does not detect that the cutting drive unit is in the first drive state, and when the cutting drive unit is controlled to assume the second drive state, the mechanical switch does not detect that the cutting drive unit is in the second drive state, and then executing the recovery process to control the cutting drive unit to assume a combination of the first drive state and the subsequent reference state, and a combination of the second drive state and the subsequent reference state, each at least once.

[0090] (10) In the method of the above aspect, step (b) may include a step of executing the restoration process when the recovery condition is satisfied in the recovery process, and then executing the recovery process, and a step of turning off the power of the printing device when a termination condition is satisfied, including that the recovery process has been performed Rmax times or more (Rmax is an integer greater than or equal to 2).

[0091] The present disclosure can be realized in various forms other than the printing device and the method for removing an insulating film formed on a contact point, such as a control method for a printing device, a printing method, a computer program for implementing those methods, or a non-transitory recording medium on which that computer program is recorded. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1...printing device, 1L...lid portion, 20...tape transport portion, 40...head portion, 60...tape discharge port, 70...input portion, 80...output portion, 100...first blade portion, 110...first unit, 111...first cutting blade, 120...second unit, 200...second blade portion, 210...first unit, 211...second cutting blade, 220...second unit, 300...cutting drive portion, 310...stepping motor, 320...gear group, 324...gear, 324F...flange, 324Fc...recess, 330...first arm, 340...second arm, 400...mechanical switch, 410...contact, 420...contact, 430...contact, 440...frame , 450...brush, 451...contact, 452...contact, 460...lever, 460t...tip, 800...control unit, 810...CPU, 820...RAM, 830...ROM, Ads...arrow indicating lever movement, DS0...reference state, DS1...first driving state, DS2...second driving state, L1...first layer, L2...second layer, Pc1...first cutting position, Pc2...second cutting position, Pq1...first quasi-cutting position, Pq2...second quasi-cutting position, Pr1...first exit position, Pr2...second exit position, RC...center axis, Sc1...contact state, Sc2...contact state, Sn1...non-contact state, Sn2...non-contact state, TP...tape.

Claims

1. A printing device that pulls out a rolled up printing medium and prints on it, a first cutting blade that can be positioned at a first cutting position that cuts the print medium and a first retracted position that does not contact the print medium; a cutting drive unit that moves the first cutting blade; a mechanical switch including a first pair of contacts that selectively assume a contact state or a non-contact state depending on the state of the cutting drive unit, and that detects the state of the cutting drive unit using the first pair of contacts; a control unit that controls the printing device, The control unit A printing device that, when a recovery condition is satisfied in a state in which the cutting drive unit is controlled to assume a first drive state in which the first cutting blade is located at a first quasi-cutting position, which is a position between the first retraction position and the first cutting position, or at the first cutting position, including the mechanical switch not detecting that the cutting drive unit is in the first drive state, executes a recovery process in which the cutting drive unit is controlled to assume a reference state in which the first cutting blade is located at the first retraction position, and then executes a recovery process in which the cutting drive unit is controlled to assume the first drive state and the reference state at least once each.

2. 2. The printing device according to claim 1, The control unit A printing device that performs an initial process to control the cutting drive unit to assume the first drive state when the printing device is powered on, and then assume the reference state.

3. 3. The printing device according to claim 2, The control unit In the initial process, the printing device controls the cutting drive unit so that the first drive state is attained two or more times.

4. 4. The printing device according to claim 3, the print medium comprises two layers; The printing device further comprises: a second cutting blade that can be positioned at a second cutting position where it cuts one of the two layers of the print medium but not the other layer, and a second exit position where it does not contact the print medium; The cutting drive unit further moves the second cutting blade, The cutting drive unit is a second drive state in which the second cutting blade is disposed at a second sub-cutting position, which is a position between the second retracted position and the second cutting position, or at the second cutting position; In the reference state, the second cutting edge is further disposed at the second retreat position, the mechanical switch further includes a second pair of contacts that selectively assume a contact state or a non-contact state depending on the state of the disconnection drive unit, and detects the state of the disconnection drive unit using the first pair of contacts and the second pair of contacts; The first pair of contacts When the cutting drive unit is in the first drive state, the cutting drive unit is in a contact state, When the cutting drive unit is in the reference state, the cutting drive unit is in a non-contact state, The second pair of contacts When the cutting drive unit is in the second drive state, the cutting drive unit is in a contact state, When the cutting drive unit is in the reference state, the cutting drive unit is in a non-contact state, The control unit When the cutting drive unit is controlled to assume the first drive state, the mechanical switch does not detect that the cutting drive unit is in the first drive state; and When the cutting drive unit is controlled to assume the second drive state, the mechanical switch does not detect that the cutting drive unit is in the second drive state. When the recovery conditions are met, the recovery conditions include the satisfaction of at least one of the following: Execute the recovery process, and then: A printing device that executes the recovery process by controlling the cutting drive unit so that a combination of the first drive state and the subsequent reference state, and a combination of the second drive state and the subsequent reference state are each achieved at least once.

5. 5. The printing device according to claim 4, The control unit When the recovery condition is satisfied in the recovery process, the restoration process is executed, and then the recovery process is executed; The printing device turns off the power supply of the printing device when a termination condition is satisfied, which includes the recovery process being performed Rmax times (Rmax is an integer equal to or greater than 2).

6. A method for removing an insulating film formed on a contact point in a printing device that prints by pulling out a wound printing medium, comprising: The printing device a first cutting blade that can be positioned at a first cutting position that cuts the print medium and a first retracted position that does not contact the print medium; a cutting drive unit that moves the first cutting blade; a mechanical switch having a first pair of contacts that selectively assume a contact state or a non-contact state depending on the state of the cutting drive unit, and detecting the state of the cutting drive unit by the first pair of contacts; The method comprises: (a) controlling the cutting drive unit to assume a first drive state in which the first cutting blade is disposed at a first sub-cutting position, which is a position between the first retracted position and the first cutting position, or at the first cutting position; (b) when a recovery condition is satisfied in a state in which the step (a) is executed, the recovery condition including the mechanical switch not detecting that the disconnection drive unit is in the first drive state, A return process is performed to control the cutting drive unit to a reference state in which the first cutting blade is disposed at the first retracted position, and thereafter, and executing a recovery process for controlling the cutting drive unit to assume the first drive state and the reference state at least once each.

7. 7. The method of claim 6, The method, wherein step (a) includes a step of performing an initial process to control the cutting drive unit to assume the first drive state and then the reference state when the printing device is powered on.

8. 8. The method of claim 7, A method in which the cutting drive unit is controlled to assume the first drive state two or more times in the initial process.

9. 9. The method of claim 8, the print medium comprises two layers; The printing device further comprises: a second cutting blade that can be positioned at a second cutting position where it cuts one of the two layers of the print medium but not the other layer, and a second exit position where it does not contact the print medium; The cutting drive unit further moves the second cutting blade, The cutting drive unit is a second drive state in which the second cutting blade is disposed at a second sub-cutting position, which is a position between the second retracted position and the second cutting position, or at the second cutting position; In the reference state, the second cutting edge is further disposed at the second retreat position, the mechanical switch further includes a second pair of contacts that selectively assume a contact state or a non-contact state depending on the state of the disconnection drive unit, and detects the state of the disconnection drive unit using the first pair of contacts and the second pair of contacts; The first pair of contacts When the cutting drive unit is in the first drive state, the cutting drive unit is in a contact state, When the cutting drive unit is in the reference state, the cutting drive unit is in a non-contact state, The second pair of contacts When the cutting drive unit is in the second drive state, the cutting drive unit is in a contact state, When the cutting drive unit is in the reference state, the cutting drive unit is in a non-contact state, The step (a) (a1) controlling the cutting drive unit to assume the first drive state; (a2) controlling the cutting drive unit to assume the second drive state; The step (b) When the cutting drive unit is controlled to assume the first drive state, the mechanical switch does not detect that the cutting drive unit is in the first drive state; and When the cutting drive unit is controlled to assume the second drive state, the mechanical switch does not detect that the cutting drive unit is in the second drive state. When the recovery conditions are met, the recovery conditions include the satisfaction of at least one of the following: Execute the recovery process, and then: The method includes a step of executing the recovery process to control the cutting drive unit to achieve a combination of the first drive state and the subsequent reference state, and a combination of the second drive state and the subsequent reference state, each at least once.

10. 10. The method of claim 9, The step (b) a step of executing the restoration process when the recovery condition is satisfied in the recovery process, and then executing the recovery process; and turning off the power supply to the printing device when a termination condition is met, the termination condition including that the recovery process has been performed Rmax times (Rmax is an integer equal to or greater than 2).

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