Printers and programs

Abstract

To provide a printer that allows for easy removal of the cut portion when the printer is powered on. [Solution] The printer of this embodiment includes a paper detection unit, a transport mechanism, a cutter, and a cover detection unit. The paper detection unit detects paper when the power is turned on. The transport mechanism transports the paper towards the paper discharge port in response to the detection of the paper, and discharges a first specified amount from the paper discharge port. The cutter cuts the leading edge of the paper discharged from the paper discharge port. The cover detection unit detects when the cover provided on the paper discharge port transitions from an open state to a closed state. The transport mechanism transports the paper towards the paper discharge port in response to the detection that the cover has transitioned from the open state to the closed state, and discharges a second specified amount, which is shorter than the first specified amount, from the paper discharge port.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to printers and programs. [[Background Art]]

[0002] Conventionally, printers that print receipts and coupons are connected to or mounted on POS (Point Of Sales) terminals, self-checkout devices, accounting devices for semi-self checkout systems, and the like for use. Some such printers, after setting a roll paper (hereinafter also referred to simply as paper) and when the cover of the printer is closed, perform an operation (auto-feed and cut) of feeding a specified amount of the paper and then cutting the leading end portion of the paper.

[0003] By the aforementioned auto-feed and cut operation, the leading end position of the paper after cutting can be adjusted to a predetermined position. In addition, the leading end of the paper after cutting can be neatly aligned. The leading end portion cut by auto-feed and cut is fed such that it protrudes from the paper discharge port when the cover of the printer is closed. Therefore, a user can grip the protruding gripping margin from the paper discharge port and easily remove the cut portion.

[0004] There are also printers that perform auto-feed and cut when the power is turned on, that is, when the power is switched from an OFF state to an ON state. However, when the printer is powered on, the state of the paper before power-on is unclear. Therefore, if auto-feed and cut is performed in the same manner as when opening and closing the printer cover, there is a possibility that the cut portion cannot be easily removed. [[Summary of the Invention]] [[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]]

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a printer that allows a cut portion to be easily removed when the power of the printer is turned on. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The printer of this embodiment includes a paper detection unit, a transport mechanism, a cutter, and a cover detection unit. The paper detection unit detects paper when the power is turned on. The transport mechanism, in response to the detection of paper, transports the paper toward the paper discharge port and discharges a first specified amount from the paper discharge port. The cutter cuts the leading edge of the paper discharged from the paper discharge port. The cover detection unit detects when the cover provided on the paper discharge port transitions from an open state to a closed state. In response to the detection that the cover has transitioned from the open state to the closed state, the transport mechanism transports the paper toward the paper discharge port and discharges a second specified amount, which is shorter than the first specified amount, from the paper discharge port. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of a printer according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a printer according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the appearance of a printer according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the printer shown in Figure 3 with the cover open, relating to an embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a top view of the printer in a closed state according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 relates to an embodiment and is an enlarged view of the CC arrow-shaped cross-section of the printer in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a top view of the printer in an open state, relating to an embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 relates to an embodiment and is an enlarged view of the DD arrow-shaped cross-section of the printer in Figure 7. [Figure 9] Figure 9 relates to an embodiment and is an enlarged view of the printer as seen through the EE arrow in Figure 5. [Figure 10] Figure 10 relates to an embodiment and is an enlarged view of the cross-section of the printer in the direction of the FF arrow in Figure 5. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the auto-feed and cut operation performed by the printer according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows an example of an embodiment in which paper is transported after the printer is turned on and then cut by a cutter. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows an example of an embodiment in which the paper is transported after the roll paper is fed in and then cut by the cutter. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0009] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of printer 1 according to an embodiment. The overview of printer 1 will be described below using Figure 1. Printer 1 is a thermal printer. Printer 1 is used, for example, as a receipt printer for printing receipts.

[0010] Printer 1 houses a roll of paper LR, which is an example of printable paper LP wound into a roll. Printer 1 prints on paper LP while pulling it out from the roll of paper LR. Printer 1 is equipped with a paper output port 11, a platen roller 17, a print head 19, and a cutter 23. The paper output port 11 discharges the paper LP that has been cut by the cutter 23.

[0011] The print head 19 is an example of a printing unit. The print head 19 in this embodiment is a thermal head having a structure in which multiple heating elements are aligned. The print head 19 prints on the paper LP sandwiched between the platen roller 17 and the print head 19 by heating the heating elements corresponding to the printing pattern. The print head 19 is biased against the platen roller 17 by a biasing mechanism (not shown). As a result, in the printer 1, the print head 19 comes into contact with the platen roller 17.

[0012] The cutter 23 is positioned between the paper output port 11 and the print head 19, specifically directly in front of the paper output port 11 in the paper transport direction. The cutter 23 cuts the leading edge of the paper output port discharged from the paper output port 11. The cutter 23 cuts the paper output port as it is transported by a transport mechanism such as a platen roller 17. Specifically, the cutter 23 has a movable blade 231 and a fixed blade 233.

[0013] The movable blade 231 is a blade that can move in the thickness direction of the paper. The movable blade 231 moves up and down under the control of the control unit 100 (see Figure 2), which is mounted on the printer 1 and will be described later, by a moving mechanism that moves the blade. The fixed blade 233 is positioned opposite the movable blade 231. When printing on the paper LP is finished, the movable blade 231 moves from the back side of the paper to the front side of the paper, and the paper LP is cut by being sandwiched between the moved movable blade 231 and the fixed blade 233. The front side of the paper LP corresponds to, for example, the printing side of the paper. The back side of the paper LP corresponds to the side opposite to the printing side of the paper (the non-printing side).

[0014] The cutter 23 is not limited to cutting (full-cut) paper LPs. For example, the cutter 23 can also perform partial cuts, which cut only a portion of the paper LP. Full cuts and partial cuts are pre-set via an operation unit (not shown) according to user instructions.

[0015] A leading edge detection sensor that detects the leading edge position of the paper LP may be provided between the paper discharge port 11 and the print head 19. The leading edge detection sensor may also be referred to as a paper end sensor. The leading edge detection sensor is an optical sensor or the like provided near the paper discharge port 11 inside the main body 20, and detects the edge of the paper.

[0016] Next, the hardware configuration of the printer 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the printer 1.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, the printer 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103.

[0018] The CPU 101 is an example of a processor and serves as the main control component of the printer 1. The ROM 102 stores various programs. The RAM 103 loads programs and various types of data. The CPU 101, the ROM 102, and the RAM 103 are connected via a bus or the like. The CPU 101, the ROM 102, and the RAM 103 constitute a control unit 100. That is, the control unit 100 executes control processing related to the operation of the printer 1 by the CPU 101 operating in accordance with a control program 1041 stored in the ROM 102 or a storage unit 104 described later and loaded into the RAM 103.

[0019] The storage unit 104 is configured of a non-volatile memory such as an HDD (Hard Disc Drive) or a flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The storage unit 104 stores a control program 1041 for controlling the operation of the printer 1. The storage unit 104 also stores various setting information related to the operation of the printer 1.

[0020] The memory unit 104 stores a first specified amount and a second specified amount. The first specified amount is, for example, longer than the thickness of the cover 13. Specifically, if a support member 21 is provided at the paper output port 11 of the cover 13, the first specified amount is the length that allows the user to grasp the paper LP with respect to the support member 21 (see Figure 3, also referred to as a table), and is longer than the length along the direction in which the paper LP is discharged with respect to the support member 21 (hereinafter referred to as the support member length). That is, the first specified amount is the length that allows the user to grasp the leading edge of the cut paper LP, and is longer than the length of the support member 21 along the direction in which the paper LP is discharged. The first specified amount may be set appropriately depending on the type of support member 21. The first specified amount may also be stored in the memory unit 104 as a correspondence table of support member lengths corresponding to the type of support member 21.

[0021] The second specified amount is shorter than the first specified amount. The second specified amount is, for example, longer than the length along the direction in which the paper is ejected from the cover 13 (hereinafter referred to as the cover length). The second specified amount is set appropriately according to the cover length. From these, the first specified amount and the second specified amount correspond to the length of the paper LP (specifically, the leading edge of the paper after cutting) that can be grasped by the user after being cut by the cutter 23.

[0022] The control unit 100 is connected to a controller 105 that controls data input and output via a bus or the like. The controller 105 is connected to the aforementioned print head 19, first drive motor 106, second drive motor 107, etc.

[0023] The first drive motor 106 is the drive source for the platen roller 17. The first drive motor 106 is an example of the first drive unit. The first drive motor 106 is implemented, for example, by a DC motor (Direct-current motor). Here, the first drive motor 106 functions together with the platen roller 17 described above as an example of a transport mechanism (transport unit) that transports the paper LP in the feed direction (forward direction).

[0024] The second drive motor 107 is the drive source for the cutter 23. The second drive motor 107 is provided in the moving mechanism that moves the movable blade 231 in the cutter 23. The second drive motor 107 is an example of a second drive unit. The second drive motor 107 is implemented, for example, by a DC motor.

[0025] The controller 105 receives instructions from the control unit 100 and controls the operation of each part of the printer 1. For example, the controller 105 controls the operation of the first drive motor 106 to feed the paper LP at a predetermined transport speed.

[0026] Furthermore, the control unit 100 is connected to the communication unit 108 via a bus or the like. The communication unit 108 communicates with external devices such as information processing devices via a communication line (not shown). For example, the communication unit 108 can acquire print data to be printed on paper LP from an external device, or acquire print instructions. The communication line may be a wired communication line or a wireless communication line.

[0027] The control unit 100 is connected to the cover detection unit 110 via a bus or the like. The control unit 100 outputs instructions to the controller 105 to operate the transport mechanism, such as the platen roller 17, and the cutter 23, in response to the signal output from the cover detection unit 110.

[0028] Note that the hardware configuration of printer 1 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 2. For example, printer 1 may include an operation unit for receiving operations from the user, a display unit for displaying various information, etc.

[0029] Furthermore, the control unit 100 is connected to the paper detection unit 112 via a bus or the like. For example, if a signal indicating that no paper LP has been detected is output from the paper detection unit 112, the control unit 100 may, for example, cause a display unit (not shown) to display that no paper LP has been detected. At this time, the control unit 100 may also output a predetermined sound from a speaker (not shown). Alternatively, if a signal indicating that paper LP has been detected is output from the paper detection unit 112, the control unit 100 may, for example, cause a display unit (not shown) to display that paper has been detected.

[0030] The control unit 100 can disable the ejection operation that ejects a first predetermined amount of paper LP loaded in the printer 1 in response to power being supplied to the printer 1. In other words, the control unit 100 enables or disables the ejection operation that ejects a first predetermined amount of paper LP from the paper output port 11, according to the user's instructions. The control unit 100 that enables or disables the ejection operation corresponds to the setting unit.

[0031] For example, if printer 1 is installed in a 24-hour convenience store, the power to printer 1 may remain ON at all times. In this case, the control unit 100 may, at the user's instruction, set the ejection operation to be disabled. If the ejection operation is disabled, the transport mechanism (e.g., platen roller 17) will not eject the first specified amount of paper LP.

[0032] The cover detection unit 110 is located inside the main body 20. The cover detection unit 110 detects the open / closed state of the cover 13 of the printer 1. For example, the cover detection unit 110 is a sensor (also called a cover open sensor) that detects the opening and closing of the cover 13 of the printer 1 when paper is inserted, etc.

[0033] The cover detection unit 110 is implemented by, for example, a photodetector or a contact sensor. When the cover detection unit 110 detects that the cover 13 is blocked, it outputs a signal related to the detection of the blockage (hereinafter referred to as the cover blockage detection signal) to the control unit 100.

[0034] The paper detection unit 112 is a sensor that detects the presence or absence of paper LP. The paper detection unit 112 is implemented by, for example, a contact sensor or a photodetector. For example, the paper detection unit 112 detects paper LP when the end of an arm that can rotate in response to contact with paper LP (hereinafter referred to as the paper sensor arm) contacts the contact sensor or blocks light in the photodetector. When paper is detected, the paper detection unit 112 outputs a signal related to the detection of the paper (hereinafter referred to as the paper detection signal) to the control unit 100.

[0035] Next, the appearance and configuration of printer 1 will be described with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 shows an example of the appearance of printer 1 when the paper output slot 11, from which the paper cut by the cutter 23 is ejected, is oriented horizontally. In Figure 3, the printed paper LP is ejected horizontally from printer 1.

[0036] Figure 4 shows an example of the printer 1 with the cover 13 shown in Figure 3 open. As shown in Figure 4, the printer 1 stores roll paper LP, which is made by rolling up paper LP. The cover 13 is equipped with a platen roller 17. At this time, the print head 19 is located on the main body (casing) 20 side of the printer 1. Note that the positional relationship between the platen roller 17 and the print head 19 is not limited to Figure 4; the print head 19 may be mounted on the cover 13 and the platen roller 17 may be located on the main body 20 of the printer 1.

[0037] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, when the printer 1 is installed, the front side may be represented as the top and the back side as the bottom. Note that the printer 1 is not limited to Figure 1, and may be installed, for example, so that the paper output slot 11 faces upward in the vertical direction. To make the explanation more specific, the following description will focus on the case where the printer 1 is installed so that the paper output slot 11 is in the horizontal direction.

[0038] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, a support member 21 is provided at the paper output port 11 of the printer cover 13. The support member 21 supports the paper being ejected from the paper output port 11 from the back. The support member 21 is detachably attached to the paper output port 11. That is, the support member 21 is detachably attached to the cover 13. The support member 21 that supports the paper from the back may also be called a table.

[0039] Figure 5 is a top view of printer 1 with cover 13 closed. Figure 6 is an enlarged view of the printer 1 in the CC direction in Figure 5. Figure 7 is a top view of printer 1 with cover 13 open. Figure 8 is an enlarged view of the printer 1 in the DD direction in Figure 7.

[0040] As shown in Figures 6 and 8, the cover detection unit 110 is implemented, for example, by a mechanical switch. The cover detection unit 110 is activated when, for example, the cover 13 is closed relative to the bottom of the main body 20, causing the switch to be pressed and the unit to turn on. This allows the cover detection unit 110 to detect that the cover 13 is closed relative to the bottom of the main body 20.

[0041] Figure 9 is an enlarged view of the printer 1 in the line of arrow EE in Figure 5. Figure 10 is an enlarged view of the printer 1 in the line of arrow FF in Figure 5. As shown in Figure 9, the paper sensor arm 1121 is connected to the main body 20 of the printer 1 via a rotation axis 1122. That is, the paper sensor arm 1121 is mounted on the main body 20 so as to be rotatable around the rotation axis 1122. As shown in Figure 9, one end of the paper sensor arm 1121 is not in contact with the paper LP.

[0042] Therefore, the other end of the paper sensor arm 1121 does not reach the sensor 1123. In other words, the other end of the paper sensor arm 1121 is not in contact with the contact sensor or blocking the light at the photodetector. At this time, the paper detection unit 112 outputs a signal to the control unit 100 indicating that it does not detect the paper LP (hereinafter referred to as the paper not detected signal).

[0043] As shown in Figure 10, one end of the paper sensor arm 1121 is in contact with the paper LP. Due to the contact between one end of the paper sensor arm 1121 and the paper LP, the paper sensor arm 1121 rotates around the rotation axis 1122. As a result, the other end of the paper sensor arm 1121 reaches the sensor 1123. That is, the other end of the paper sensor arm 1121 contacts the contact sensor or blocks the light at the photodetector. As a result, the paper detection unit 112 outputs the paper detection signal to the control unit 100.

[0044] Next, an example of the operation of printer 1 related to auto-feed and cut will be described with reference to Figure 11. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the auto-feed and cut operation performed by printer 1. In the auto-feed and cut operation in this embodiment, the power to printer 1 is assumed to be turned off beforehand, i.e., in the power-off state.

[0045] (Auto-feed and cut) (Step S1) The power to printer 1 is turned on by user operation. For example, the power to printer 1 is turned on by switching the power switch located on the printer's main body 2 from OFF to ON.

[0046] (Step S2) The paper detection unit 112 detects whether or not there is paper loaded in the printer 1. If the paper detection unit 112 detects paper (Yes in step S2), the process in step S3 is executed. If the paper detection unit 112 does not detect paper (No in step S2), the process in step S6 is executed.

[0047] (Step S3) The control unit 100 determines whether an ejection operation that ejects a first predetermined amount of paper LP in response to power-on is set. If the ejection operation that ejects a first predetermined amount of paper LP is enabled (Yes in step S3), the process in step S4 is executed. If the ejection operation that ejects a first predetermined amount of paper LP is not enabled, that is, if the ejection operation is disabled (No in step S3), the auto-feed and cut process ends.

[0048] (Step S4) The control unit 100 outputs an instruction (signal) to the controller 105 to discharge a first specified amount of paper from the paper discharge port 11. The controller 105 then drives the first drive motor 106. As a result, the platen roller 17 rotates with a rotation amount corresponding to the first specified amount, and the paper LP is discharged from the paper discharge port 11 toward the paper discharge port 11 by the first specified amount. In this way, the transport mechanism discharges the paper LP from the paper discharge port 11 by the first specified amount. The discharge of the paper LP over the first specified amount can be detected, for example, by a tip detection sensor.

[0049] (Step S5) When a first predetermined amount of paper LP is transported toward the paper output port 11, the control unit 100 outputs an instruction (signal) to the controller 105 to cut the paper LP. Next, the controller 105 drives the second drive motor 107. The second drive motor 107 drives the cutter 23, which cuts the paper LP. As a result, the cutter 23 cuts the leading edge of the paper LP discharged from the paper output port 11. The cut paper is then grasped by the user and removed from the printer 1.

[0050] Figure 12 shows an example of how, after the printer 1 is powered on, a paper LP is transported at a first specified amount 150 and cut by the cutter 23. As shown in Figure 12, the paper LP is discharged at a first specified amount from the paper output port 11. As shown in Figure 12, the paper LP is transported at a first specified amount 150 and cut by the cutter 23. As shown in Figure 12, the user can easily remove the cut paper from the printer 1. For example, if the distance from the cutter 23 to the tip of the cover 13 is 10 mm and the length of the support member is 15 mm, the first specified amount 150 is set to 40 mm. In this case, according to this embodiment, a gripping area of ​​15 mm can be secured.

[0051] After step S5, the paper LP is rewound (reverse transported) in the opposite direction to the paper LP ejection direction. For example, if the print position is 4 mm from the leading edge of the paper LP, the transport mechanism transports the paper LP so that the print head 19 is positioned 4 mm from the leading edge of the paper LP.

[0052] (Step S6) The user opens the cover 13 and inserts the roll paper LR into the printer 1. At this time, the leading edge of the roll paper LR is caught between the platen roller 17 and the print head 19, and the leading edge of the paper protrudes from the printer 1. This causes the cover 13 to close.

[0053] (Step S7) When cover 13 is closed, cover detection unit 110 detects that cover 13 is closed. At this time, cover detection unit 110 outputs a cover closure detection signal to control unit 100. Also, paper detection unit 112 detects paper LP. Paper detection unit 112 outputs a paper detection signal to control unit 100.

[0054] (Step S8) The control unit 100 outputs an instruction (signal) to the controller 105 to transport paper from the paper output port 11 in a second specified amount. The controller 105 then drives the first drive motor 106. As a result, the platen roller 17 rotates with a rotation amount corresponding to the second specified amount, and the paper LP is transported toward the paper output port 11 by the second specified amount.

[0055] Figure 13 shows an example of how the paper LP is transported at a second specified amount 160 after the roll paper LR is fed in, and how the paper LP is cut by the cutter 23. As shown in Figure 13, the paper LP is discharged at a second specified amount from the paper output port 11. Figure 13 shows an example where the support member 21 is not installed. As shown in Figure 13, when the cover 13 is closed, the paper LP is transported at a second specified amount 160 and cut by the cutter 23. The second specified amount 160 is, for example, 10 mm. As a result, as shown in Figure 13, the user can easily remove the cut paper from the printer 1.

[0056] As described above, the printer 1 according to this embodiment detects paper LP when power is turned on, transports the paper LP toward the paper discharge port 11 where the paper LP is discharged, discharges a first specified amount 150 from the paper discharge port 11, cuts the leading edge of the paper LP discharged from the paper discharge port 11, detects that the cover 13 provided on the paper discharge port 11 has transitioned from an open state to a closed state, transports the paper LP toward the paper discharge port 11 in response to the detection that the cover 13 has transitioned from an open state to a closed state, and discharges a second specified amount 160, which is shorter than the first specified amount 150, from the paper discharge port 11.

[0057] As a result, according to the printer 1 of this embodiment, when the power is turned ON, the paper LP can be transported and cut with a first specified amount 150 which is longer than the second specified amount 160, and the paper LP can be transported and cut with a second specified amount 160 as the cover 13 moves from an open state to a closed state. Therefore, according to the printer 1 of this embodiment, the leading edge of the paper LP can be cut and the cut paper removed in both cases, whether the cover 13 is closed or the power is turned ON.

[0058] Furthermore, the second specified amount 160 in the printer 1 according to this embodiment is longer than the length of the cover 13 in the direction from which the paper LP is ejected. As a result, with the printer 1 according to this embodiment, when the cover 13 is closed, the leading edge of the paper LP is cut, and the cut paper can be easily removed.

[0059] Furthermore, the printer 1 according to this embodiment is further provided with a support member 21 that is located at the paper output port 11 and supports the paper LP discharged from the paper output port 11 from the back side. The first specified amount 150 in the printer 1 according to this embodiment is a length that can grasp the leading edge of the paper LP and is longer than the length of the support member 21 in the direction in which the paper LP is discharged. As a result, with the printer 1 according to this embodiment, when the power of the printer 1 to which the support member 21 is attached is turned ON, the leading edge of the paper LP can be cut and the cut paper can be easily removed.

[0060] Furthermore, the printer 1 according to this embodiment allows discharging of a first specified amount 150 units of paper LP in response to power-on. When this discharging operation is disabled, the printer does not dispense the first specified amount 150 units of paper LP. As a result, the printer 1 according to this embodiment can disable the auto-feed-and-cut operation when the power is turned on, thereby reducing the power consumption of the printer 1 in stores and other places where the power is always on.

[0061] Furthermore, in the printer 1 according to this embodiment, the first specified amount 150 and the second specified amount 160 have a length that allows the cut paper to be grasped by the cutter 23. This makes it possible to cut the leading edge of the paper LP and easily remove the cut paper, whether the cover 13 is closed or the power is turned on.

[0062] From the above, the printer 1 according to this embodiment can avoid printing problems after power-on. In addition, the printer 1 according to this embodiment can reduce the margin (top margin) during printing by backfeeding the cut paper roll, thereby saving paper rolls (eco-friendly). Furthermore, the printer 1 according to this embodiment can confirm that the roll paper roll is loaded into the printer 1 without opening or closing the cover 13 when the printer 1 is powered on, thereby improving the user's work efficiency.

[0063] (modified version) The auto-feed and cut function implemented in the printer 1 according to this embodiment may be implemented by a program. The program causes a computer to perform a process to detect paper LP in response to power being turned on, to transport the paper LP toward the paper discharge port 11 from which the paper LP is discharged in response to the detection of the paper LP, to perform a process to discharge a first specified amount 150 from the paper discharge port 11, to perform a process to cut the leading edge of the paper LP discharged from the paper discharge port 11, to perform a process to detect that the cover 13 provided on the paper discharge port 11 has transitioned from an open state to a closed state, and in response to the detection that the cover 13 has transitioned from an open state to a closed state, to transport the paper LP toward the paper discharge port 11 and to discharge a second specified amount 160, which is shorter than the first specified amount 150, from the paper discharge port 11.

[0064] For example, auto-feed-and-cut processing can be achieved by installing a program on an existing POS terminal and then loading that program into memory. In this case, the program that allows the computer to execute this processing can also be stored and distributed on non-temporary recording media such as magnetic disks (hard disks, etc.), optical disks (CD-ROMs, DVDs, etc.), and semiconductor memory.

[0065] Furthermore, the distribution of the program is not limited to non-temporary recording media, but may also be distributed using telecommunications functions, such as downloading via the Internet. The processing procedure in the program conforms to the auto-feed and cut method described in the embodiment. The effects of the program are also the same as those in the embodiment. For these reasons, a detailed explanation of the auto-feed and cut processing procedure and effects in the program will be omitted.

[0066] According to the embodiments described above, it is possible to provide a printer 1 that can easily remove the cut portion when the printer 1 is powered on.

[0067] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0068] 1. Printer 11 Paper outlet 13 Cover 17 Platen Roller 19 Print head 20 Main unit 21 Support member 23 Cutter 100 Control Unit 101 CPU 102 ROM 103 RAM 104 Storage section 105 Controller 106 First drive motor 107 Second drive motor 108 Communications Department 110 Cover detection unit 112 Paper detection unit 150 1st specified amount 160 Second specified amount 1121 Paper Sensor Arm 1122 Rotation axis 1123 Sensor 1041 Control Program [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0069] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-49708

Claims

1. A paper detection unit detects paper when the power is turned on, A transport mechanism that, upon detection of the aforementioned paper, transports the paper toward a paper discharge port from which the paper is discharged, and discharges a first predetermined amount from the paper discharge port, A cutter for cutting the leading edge of the paper discharged from the paper output port, A cover detection unit that detects when the cover provided on the paper output port transitions from an open state to a closed state, Equipped with, The transport mechanism, upon detecting that the cover has transitioned from the open state to the closed state, transports the paper toward the paper discharge port and discharges a second specified amount, which is shorter than the first specified amount, from the paper discharge port. Printer.

2. The second specified amount is longer than the length of the cover in the direction from which the paper is ejected. The printer according to claim 1.

3. The paper output port is further provided with a support member that supports the paper being discharged from the paper output port from the back side, The first specified amount is The length is such that the leading edge of the aforementioned paper can be grasped, A length longer than the length of the support member in the direction in which the paper is ejected, The printer according to claim 1.

4. The system further includes a setting unit that can disable the ejection operation that ejects a first predetermined amount of paper in response to the power being turned on, If the discharging operation is disabled, the transport mechanism will not perform the discharging of the paper in the first specified amount. The printer according to claim 1.

5. The first specified amount and the second specified amount correspond to a length that can grip the paper cut by the cutter, The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. On the computer, The system will execute a process to detect paper when the power is turned on. Upon detection of the aforementioned paper, the process is executed to transport the paper toward the paper discharge port from which the paper is ejected, and to eject a first predetermined amount from the paper discharge port. The process of cutting the leading edge of the paper discharged from the paper output port is performed. The process is executed to detect when the cover provided on the paper output port changes from an open state to a closed state. Upon detection that the cover has transitioned from the open state to the closed state, the process of transporting the paper toward the paper discharge port and discharging a second specified amount, which is shorter than the first specified amount, from the paper discharge port is executed. program.

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